albania without a car?

hI there,

I%26#39;m planning to visit albania in august but was just wondering how hard it is to get around without a car? I know it is easy to get from Tirana to Durress but how easy is it to get to the more remote beaches or even other towns along the coast? Are there any buses at all?

Thanks,

Geoffrey

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Hi!

You will be surprised to find out how efficient the small minivan network works in Albania. You will find really low cost connections to every single corner of the country through them. Have a great trip in Albania!

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Thanks, I was worried for a while that having no car would mean i could not visit. Do you have any idea how much these vans are? and are they signposted well or at all?

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You should be able to find almost accurate details on departures and rates to most popular destinations on Tirana In Your Pocket web pages...

Sorry do not have the exact adress but if you google that...

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Hi,

I%26#39;m doing a similar thing in September so i thought this page might be useful as I asked a similar question on the Guardian the other week:

ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/knowledge-albani…

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I see that others have told you about the mini van system which is used by a significant number of Albanians, since there aren%26#39;t that many cars in the country (although you wouldn%26#39;t think so by spending an hour ion the streets of Tirana!)I travel by motorcycle, but have seen the vans in action and have met travelers who have taken them. Yes, you can get virtually anywhere, but I%26#39;d recommend them only for the most adventurous. On my two tours throughthe country (2006 and 2007)most of the %26quot;roads%26quot; were rubble and the interior roads could scarcely be negotiated without a four wheel drive. however, i noticed they were going crazy improving the roads to modern standards and each trip brought a new section of superb road. I heard a few weeks ago on CNN thatthe road system from north to south was finished and open, although i don%26#39;t know about the interior. i only mention this because it wil undoubtedly make van travel much more comfortable, so check that out. I think it would be great to see the country that way, but i am not into luxury, so my opinion maybe isn%26#39;t typical. the Albanians are warm and friendly people (contrary to what my Italian relatives say about them) and i think you wil find them very accommodating.I don%26#39;t know prices, but Albania is a very affordable country.

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As everyone else has pointed out the minibuses (furgons in Albanian as in %26quot;furgon ne Durres%26quot;) cover the country very well and inexpensively . In June we traveled to and from Tirana- Kruja , Tirana- Shkodera Shkodra-Komami and Fierza-Rragam with them. The one to Komani was jammed with people but all the others only fill up and leave . The bus system is less comprehendable and less comfortable and the railroad really not a option. Even if there isn%26#39;t a furgon to get you to a specific beach you can find some transport (taxi) or perhaps a local bus for a reasonable price in any large village along the coast and of course in any city. Nimrod