Durres and Tirana Day Trip: A Guide For Exploring Albania’s Capital and Historical Coastal Town

Visiting Durres and Tirana on a day trip is a great way for travelers to experience the best of both worlds – Albania’s past and present – in one day. The small country of Albania is teeming with history, culture, and cuisine, making it a popular destination for international tourists. Durres, located on the Adriatic Coast of the country, is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once the capital of the Roman province of Dyrrachium. It is also home to stunning ancient ruins, stunning beaches for summertime swimming, as well as delicious seafood and local dishes unique to the region. Tirana, the capital of Albania, is a fast-paced and exciting city of culture and nightlife.

Whether you are visiting Durres and Tirana separately or on a day trip, you can make the most of your visit by planning ahead and knowing a few main tips. This guide will cover the main things to know when planning your Durres and Tirana day trip, and will provide helpful information such as travel by train, car or bus; sights to see; and local activities to do.

Getting To and From Durres and Tirana

If you’re planning on traveling from Durres to Tirana and back in one day, there are multiple options for transportation. Depending on the way you’d like to travel, and what activities you plan on doing on your Durres and Tirana day trip, you may choose one over the other options.

The three main options for transport from Durres to Tirana are: traveling by train, car or bus.

Traveling by Train

The easiest way to travel from Durres to Tirana is by taking the Hekurudha Shqiptare train. The train departs from both the Durres station (stationi i Durresit) and Tirana station (stationi i Tiranes) every two hours, beginning at 4am in both locations. The train takes approximately one hour to reach its destination, allowing for plenty of time to explore both cities. The cost for an adult ticket is about €4 ($4.50).

Traveling by Car or Bus

It is also possible to travel from Durres to Tirana by car or bus if you prefer a more direct route. To get to Tirana by car, it takes approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. The route consists of primarily open highway, aside from a few winding mountain roads. To get to Tirana by bus, take Bus 50, which departs every 20-30 minutes from the main bus station in Durres (stationi i autobuseve). This ride takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs only 300 Lek (about $3 USD).

Things to Do and See in Durres

When traveling to Durres on a day trip from Tirana, it’s important to plan ahead of time so you can make the most of what this historical Mediterranean city has to offer. Depending on your interests, there are plenty of activities available to enjoy your time in Dures.

Take in the Views at Durres Beach

The Albanian Riviera is rightfully famous for its stunning beaches, which stretch from Ksamil down to Durres. Tourists often flock to the beach for a few hours of rest and relaxation. The beach is easily accessible from the centre of town and packed full of restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite (or a drink!) after you’ve been soaking in the Mediterranean sun.

Visit Durres Historical Museum

The Durres Historical Museum is located at the center of town near the Roman Amphitheater and offers visitors an insightful view into both the city’s past and present. The museum features a variety of exhibits focused on history, art, culture and more. It’s a great place to get a sense of the local culture before you make your way back to Tirana.

Stroll Around The Durres city Center

The centre of Dures is easily walkable – it only takes about 15-20 minutes to make it around – so it’s a great place for some leisurely sightseeing. There are plenty of churches, cafes and restaurants to relax in as well as some interesting street art that has been popping up around the city recently. It’s also worth taking a trip up the hill for a great view over the city from above.

Things to Do and See in Tirana

Tirana is a vibrant city full of culture and history as well as plenty of shopping opportunities and great nightlife. It’s overflowing with modern cafés, picturesque parks and monuments dedicated to Albania’s history, making it a great destination for visitors. If you’re visiting Tirana by way of a Durres day trip, here are some things you should be sure to check out!

Browse Through The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Tirana is one of the largest open air markets in Albania. Located near Skanderbeg Square, it’s full of vendors selling everything from fresh produce- fruit & vegetables-to souvenirs and local handicrafts. It’s definitely worth exploring if you have time for souvenir shopping!

Tour Et’hem Bey Mosque

Et’hem Bey Mosque is located at one end of Skanderbeg Square and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tirana that stands out among other buildings due its impressive pink exterior. It was built between 1789-1823 during Ottoman rule in Albania and was initially used for worship but later transformed into Albania’s first library in 1929. Nowadays it houses an exhibition dedicated to Albanian religious artifacts.

See Victory Of Socialist Realism Statue

This tall monument stands at one end of Skanderbeg square and symbolizes Albanian Communism after WWII. It features two tall figures-man & woman- standing tall with clenched fists ahead. It was built in 1985 but was removed in 1991 after movements towards democracy rose up in Albania though some people still view it as a symbol of those tumultuous years that ripped apart the former Yugoslavia. It’s a must-see if you’re interested in learning about Albanian history or want some great photo opportunities!

Conclusion

The cities of Durres and Tirana are both wonderful places to visit during your time in Albania – whether separately or together on a day trip! Both cities offer plenty of attractions, historical sights, stunning landscapes, delicious food and great culture that ensure an unforgettable experience on your vacation! Plan your visit ahead so you can make sure to get the best out of both cities during your time there! And be sure to book an activity on GetYourGuide – like this Durres – Tirana transfer – so you don’t miss any attractions or spend your time waiting in queues!