Tirana To Berat: How To Reach + Activities
Are you planning a trip from Tirana to Berat?
It’s a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage-listed city in central Albania filled with cultural sites and stunning scenery. You can make the trip from Tirana in a single day or stay for two or three days if you have the time!
Berat was one of my favorite cities I visited while in Albania. Here’s what you need to know about getting from Tirana to Berat (bus, taxi, and rental car) and the activities that await you there. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems!
Going On A Trip To Berat? Check Out These Resources!
🛌 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com for my lodging.
🚘 Car Rentals: To find the best prices, I use Discover Cars!
✈️ Flights: To find great flight prices, I check on Expedia.
📍Tours: I use Viator to find memorable experiences.
How Do I Get from Tirana to Berat?
If you’re setting off from Tirana towards Berat, you have three options to get there.
- By bus: this takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs 500 LEK ($4.7) per person for a one-way ticket.
- By taxi: count on a 1hr 40min journey that will cost you around 8000 LEK ($75).
- By car: a rental car will cost at least 2300 LEK ($21.6) per day + extra insurance + petrol. But you get the freedom and flexibility of traveling at your own pace.
👉TRAVEL TIP: A search on Google may lead you to believe that train travel from Tirana to Berat is possible; unfortunately, this isn’t the case. There are no train connections between the cities at the moment. In fact, the train network in Albania, in general, is nearly non-existent.
Book an organized tour if you’re short on time and looking for the most convenient way to visit the city on a day trip. For $110-165 per person, you’ll get picked up from your hotel and spend a day exploring charming Berat. Lunch and a guided tour can be included.
Tirana to Berat: Bus
The bus is a great way to get from Tirana to Berat because it’s cheap and the service runs frequently.
Minibusses leave from Tirana’s bus terminal and take between 2 and 2.5 hours to reach their destination, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Additionally, the buses might stop multiple times along the way before they reach the terminal in Berat.
👉TRAVEL TIP: When traveling in Albania, it’s important to remember that bus rides are not always well-organized. If the buses are full, they may leave before their scheduled departure time.
What are the times for the Tirana to Berat Bus?
Buses from Tirana’s bus station Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut (or South and North Albania Bus Terminal) depart roughly every 30-40 minutes.
The first bus leaves as early as 5:40 AM, and the service runs until 5:30 PM. The last bus back to Tirana leaves at 3:40 PM, so catch that one if you’re on a DIY day trip.
👉TRAVEL TIP: The best website for searching the bus schedule within Albania is here.
Where does the bus for Tirana to Berat leave from?
Buses leave from the South and North Albania Bus Terminal in Tirana. This bus station is outside the city center, so you must catch a taxi or bus. Count on at least 20 minutes to get to the bus station.
This bus station can also take you to Saranda, Vlore, Dhermi, and other destinations within Albania.
You can grab a taxi on the street or book one online with one of Albania’s popular taxi companies (SpeedTaxi or GreenTaxi).
Alternatively, take the city bus from Skanderbeg Square in the direction of ‘Instituti’ and get off at the Tirana bus station. The bus leaves from the bus stop behind the National History Museum.
How much is the bus ticket for Tirana to Berat?
The bus ticket between the two destinations is 500 LEK (about $4.7). The price is fixed, so there’s no need to worry about tourist traps. But remember that you need to pay for the tickets in cash!
Be sure to arrive early at the bus station, as many buses are packed throughout the day!
Tirana to Berat: Taxi
If you prefer quick and easy, book a taxi to get from Tirana to Berat.
You won’t have to go through the hassle of getting to and from the bus stations, and you can cut back on waiting time. But obviously, a taxi will cost you a fair bit more than the bus. Even if there are 4 of you, you’ll still spend four times as much.
How much is a taxi from Tirana to Berat?
When arranging a taxi to Berat, the cost will vary depending on your chosen company. Fares range between 7000-9000 LEK ($65-85).
Speed Taxi and Merr Taxi are two of the area’s most popular and trustworthy taxi services.
How do you find a taxi in Tirana?
One of the easiest ways to find a taxi is by flagging one down in the street or going to a taxi stand. Additionally, you can choose to message a taxi directly through Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger. Another way is downloading the Speed Taxi app, which allows you to easily book a taxi with just a few taps on your phone.
In addition to the above options, an easy way is to ask your hotel’s reception to book a taxi.
Tirana to Berat: Rental Car
If you want to explore the stunning scenery between the two cities, rent a car! You’ll have full control over your journey times and can choose your own route, so pull over at that viewpoint. And the next one. And maybe the next one too.
A rental car in Albania is not too expensive but depends on the season, type, and rental company. Count on a minimum of $20 per day, but don’t forget that you’ll need to add full insurance if you want to be risk-free and have to pay for the petrol too.
Where can I find a rental car for Tirana to Berat?
Hertz, Europcar, and Avis all have offices in the city. However, I recommend renting a car at Tirana airport if you’re uncomfortable driving in a busy city.
A great car rental resource to book from is Discover Cars. You can view different ratings to choose the best quality vehicle that meets your demands. I have used this online company, which provides comparable rates between companies in your area.
This is what I used to search for rental cars in Albania:
➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️
Prices tend to be higher during peak season, and there may be fewer cars. However, if you plan ahead and book your vehicle early, you’ll be well on your way to a safe and fun journey from Tirana to Berat.
👉TRAVEL TIP: Driving in Albania can be an obstacle for foreigners. Albanians do not strictly follow their traffic laws. With this in mind, be sure to be very alert at all times if you choose to drive.
Is Berat Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Berat is one of the most popular destinations in Albania, and it’s easy to understand why.
For starters, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site; but if that’s not reason enough for you, check out the winding cobblestone streets, the stunning castle ruins, and the views of the Osum River. All of these contribute to the city’s charm, and I would be surprised if you didn’t fall in love with it.
I’ve handpicked 7 must-do activities that should definitely be on your Berat itinerary.
Things to do in Berat
1. Old Town (Mangalem Quarter)
Explore the Mangalem Quarter, or Old Town, of Berat! This area is known for its Ottoman architecture and traditional houses with their characteristic “thousand windows.”
Stroll through the winding cobblestone streets to admire the neighborhood and peek into courtyards that transport you back in time. As this is the traditional Muslim part of Berat, the quarter is also home to three different mosques.
It’s especially worth visiting the Mangalem Quarter at sunset if you enjoy stunning views. And who isn’t, really?
2 .Berat Castle
Berat Castle, known as the “Castle of the Lords” or Kalaja, is one of Albania’s most impressive fortresses.
Operational since 300 AC and reconstructed in 1200 AC, the fortress stands majestically at the top of a hill. You’ll need to do some climbing to get to the top, but the views from above are worth every drop of sweat!
3. Church of the Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity Church is nestled in the historic Mangalem district on the southern side of Berat Castle.
This one-of-a-kind church was constructed in the 13th century and offered spectacular views of the Gorica neighborhood and the Osum River. Make sure to admire the Byzantine dome and the frescoes on the interior walls.
4. Ethnographic Museum
On your way to the top of the hill, you’ll come across an 18th-century house equipped as an ethnographic museum.
While on the ground floor, you’ll learn more about the Berati culture during Medieval times. Then, on the upper floor, you’ll get a good insight into the traditional lifestyle and customs of prominent families in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
It’s a small museum, so a visit will only take 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, thanks to the paper guide in English, it’s a nice experience and a must-see on your trip to Berat.
5. Gorica Quarter
On the left bank of the Osum river is the stunning Gorica quarter. This area became known as the Christian quarter and comes with lots of Medieval charm.
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring here. Take a few moments to admire the views over the Mangalem district and the surrounding mountains – it’s an unbeatable experience!
6. Cobo Winery
If you’re a fan of wine, then you cannot miss a visit to Cobo Winery in Berat. You can get there in only 15 minutes from the city center.
At Cobo Winery, you’ll find traditional Albanian wines and something special – the only sparkling wine produced in Albania!
7. Eat Delicious Albanian Cuisine
In addition to the incredible sights, foodies will also love the chance to sample some of the delicious local cuisine and excellent wines.
The food in Albania is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, so you can expect rich dishes that are full of flavor.
Be sure to try the local favorites when you’re visiting Berat, such as byrek (a pie filled with meat, cheese, or spinach), tavë kosi (baked lamb in yogurt), and baklava (a phyllo dessert with walnuts and syrup).
If you want to try out some yummy homemade Albanian food, we can recommend the restaurants Antigoni, Homemade Food Lili, and Friendly House – you won’t be disappointed!
How to Get to Berat from the Berat Bus Station?
The Berat bus station is located about 2 kilometers from town. Although you can technically walk to the center, you might want to take a taxi or bus instead, especially in summer when it’s hot.
The local bus from Berat station to the city center comes around frequently and takes about 15 minutes. There’s only one bus, and it should easily catch your attention because it’s blue and has the number 1 on it.
- A ticket costs 40 LEK ($0.37).
- The bus station is the last stop, so don’t worry about catching the bus in the right direction.
If you’re going for a day trip to Berat, you can take a taxi up to Berat castle. This will allow you to work yourself back down on foot to explore the rest of the town.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Berat?
You can visit Berat on a day trip from Tirana, but if you do, I recommend going on an organized tour because the last bus back to Tirana already leaves in the afternoon.
You can see all the sights in Berat in a single day, but it’s worth watching the sunset from Berat castle, and there’s plenty of beautiful nature to explore in the surrounding area. So I recommend staying in Berat for 2-3 days if you have the time!
Where to Stay in Berat
There are several options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Berat. The city center will be the most convenient place to stay, with options in Mangalem and Gorica quarter. Here, you can find plenty of guesthouses; however, if you prefer more amenities, you can also find modern hotels with more amenities to cater to your preference.
Lodging Options
📍Hotel Colombo ($$$)– For a more luxurious stay, the 5-star Hotel Colombo offers its guests a royal experience in an excellent location in the center. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, spa, bar, 24-hour reception, and on-site restaurant.
📍Hotel Republika ($$)– With a pristine location in Berat, the 4-star Hotel Republika is a great option for your stay in Berat. This ideal hotel has a bar, 24-hour reception, and breakfast room offering great views of the Berat Castle.
📍Bujtina Aspus ($)– Located underneath a family restaurant of the same name, Bujtina Aspus is a budget-friendly accommodation option. The family running this hotel is very kind and offers guests a great Albanian breakfast.
Together with the amazing hospitality, the location is nearly perfect, and it takes a 5-minute walk to reach Mangalem.
To Sum Up: Tirana to Berat
Berat is a beautiful city that cannot be missed on your Albania itinerary. With various transportation options from Tirana, visiting Berat for a day trip or exploring its stunning sights is easy.
Get there by bus if you’re thinking about your budget, hire a taxi if you want to do it most conveniently, or rent a car and drive there yourself if you’re looking for the journey with the most freedom.
Imagine Berat’s unique beauty, and explore one of Albania’s most beautiful destinations!
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