Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, Albania’s primary gateway, offers a modern and manageable experience for travellers exploring the Balkan nation or connecting to European destinations. Located 17 kilometres northwest of Tirana’s city centre in Rinas, the airport is easily accessible via several transport options. The Rinas Express bus, operated by LU-NA, runs hourly from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, connecting the airport to the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in about 30 minutes for £3.30. Adis Travel and Tours provides services to Durrës for £5, and public buses link to other regional destinations, though schedules can be less frequent.
Taxis outside the arrivals hall reach the city in 20–25 minutes for £20–£25, with licensed operators displaying the airport logo. Car rentals from Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt are available in the arrivals hall, with advance booking recommended during summer. Passengers with reduced mobility can access wheelchair-friendly buses and dedicated assistance if booked 48 hours in advance.
The airport’s single terminal, expanded in 2021, is compact and efficient, with arrivals and departures on the ground floor and a commercial area airside. The check-in area features 29 counters, and seven gates serve both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Clear signage aids navigation, though security queues can reach 30 minutes during peak summer months, particularly July and August. Non-Schengen arrivals may face passport control delays of up to 45 minutes, so travellers should arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. Bus-boarding for all flights involves a short outdoor walk, which can be uncomfortable in extreme heat or rain.
On-time performance is rated at 3.6/5 based on recent data, with real-time updates available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Delays may occur due to summer crowds or weather, such as fog in winter. The airport serves 122 destinations across 33 countries, with airlines like Wizz Air, Air Albania, Ryanair, and Lufthansa offering flights to Milan, London, and Istanbul. Minimum connection times are around 30–45 minutes, facilitating smooth transfers, though non-Schengen passengers should account for border checks.
Dining and retail options provide a taste of Albania alongside international fare. Airside, Café Rosin and a fast-food outlet serve byrek and local sweets from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, while a landside KFC operates near the entrance. Duty-free shops offer perfumes, alcohol, and Albanian products, and a small Conad supermarket in arrivals sells snacks and drinks. A Vodafone store provides SIM cards, and a newsstand stocks English-language books. Prices can be high, so budget travellers may prefer to bring snacks.
Facilities cater to diverse needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though connectivity can be unreliable during peak times, with some users reporting difficulties. Charging stations are limited, so a portable charger is useful. A children’s play area and mother-and-child room are available, alongside a smoking room and first aid facility. The Air Lounge, located airside above the duty-free shop, offers seating and snacks for £30 for economy passengers.
Baggage services include lockers and a lost property desk, and 490 parking spaces, including short- and long-term options, start at £4 per hour, with the first seven minutes free. The airport operates 24/7, but shops and eateries close after 10:00 pm, and no rest zones are available, making nearby hotels like the Best Western Premier Ark a practical choice for layovers. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility includes ramps and wheelchairs.
