Tirana to Podgorica by Bus: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning to travel from Tirana to Podgorica, you’ve probably already realized there are no direct flights or trains between Albania and Montenegro. That means your only real option is to go by road.

In August 2024, after spending three amazing months in Tirana, my family of four hopped on a bus for the 3.5-hour ride to Podgorica, Montenegro. When planning the trip, I couldn’t find much clear information online, which made me a little nervous. So, in this post, I’m sharing our experience to help you feel more confident and prepared for your journey.

We Took the Albania to Montenegro Bus!

With no flights or trains between Albania and Montenegro, we decided the bus was our best option—much cheaper than a taxi and way easier than dealing with a rental car. I booked our tickets for the 164 km journey about two weeks in advance through GetByBus. If you’re planning to do the same, definitely book ahead—our 6 am bus was fully booked!

I’ll be honest: after reading some not-so-great reviews, I was a bit nervous about the trip. Traveling with two kids in 35°C heat didn’t exactly scream “fun family outing,” but we didn’t have many alternatives. So, I crossed my fingers, took a deep breath, and hoped for the best.

How To Reach Podgorica from Tirana

If you’re planning to take the bus from Tirana to Podgorica, you have two main booking platforms to choose from: FlixBus and GetByBus. Four buses run this route daily, with journey duration ranging from 3 to 5 hours.

Here’s a breakdown of the current schedule (as of November 2024):

• 06:00 – Drita Travel

Departs: Tirana East Gate Arrives: Podgorica Main Bus Station Duration: 3 hr 30 min Price: From 17 EUR (Book via FlixBus or GetByBus)

• 08:00 – Old Town Travel

Departs: Tirana East Gate Arrives: Podgorica Main Bus Station Duration: 4 hr Price: From 22 EUR (Book via GetByBus)

• 10:15 – Jadran Ekspres Kotor

Departs: Tirana East Gate Arrives: Podgorica Main Bus Station Duration: 5 hr 15 min Price: From 20 EUR (Book via FlixBus or GetByBus)

• 14:30 – Diamant Travel

Departs: Tirana East Gate Arrives: Podgorica Main Bus Station Duration: 3 hr Price: From 20 EUR (Book via GetByBus)

With several daily options available, you can choose the time and price that best fits your schedule.

Service Overview

The Vehicle

Although you’ll book your tickets through the FlixBus or GetByBus platforms, the buses themselves are operated by local service providers. So, don’t expect the all-singing-all-dancing FlixBus-branded vehicles you might have seen online.

We traveled on the 6 a.m. bus run by Drita Travel, a small but comfortable Mercedes bus with seating arranged in rows of 2 x 1. The seats were reasonably comfy, and the air conditioning worked—most of the time. It did struggle a bit while we waited at the border, but overall, it kept things bearable, even in the August heat. The bus left Tirana with a few empty seats, but these were quickly filled during a stop in Shkodër to pick up more passengers.

Luggage

You’re can bring one suitcase to be stowed in the luggage compartment (for an extra 2 EUR fee) and a smaller carry-on that fits under your seat. Make sure to carry some cash for the luggage fee—it’s collected on the spot and can catch you out if you’re unaware!

The Journey

Our trip was straightforward and surprisingly smooth. If you’ve ever driven on Albanian roads, you’ll know why we were so relieved to have a competent and cautious driver.

The scenery was the highlight: a mix of rugged mountains and countryside, made even more breathtaking at sunrise. It was a refreshing change after three bustling months in the built-up city of Tirana.

We made a brief stop in Shkodër, but there were no restroom or refreshment breaks during the 3.5-hour ride. If you’re taking a longer service, this might vary, but it’s best to come prepared.

The Border Crossing

Crossing from Albania into Montenegro was relatively painless. Here’s what to expect:

• Step 1: Albanian Border
  Everyone gets off the bus to present their passports at the border control office. For us, this process was quick and efficient. Then it’s back onto the bus.
• Step 2: Montenegro Border
  A very short distance later (we’re talking a few meters at most!), it’s time to disembark again for the Montenegro border. The officers were friendly enough, and the entire process took about 30 minutes from start to finish.

While waiting in the summer heat was a bit uncomfortable (thanks to the inconsistent air conditioning), we had no major complaints—especially after reading stories of longer delays from other travelers.

Our Verdict

We were pleasantly surprised by the journey. Our kids slept most of the way (early departures do have their perks!), and we spent the time soaking in the views. The trip was simple, stress-free, and budget-friendly—perfect for our family of four.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Positives

Easy Booking: Booking through GetByBus or FlixBus was straightforward and hassle-free.
Digital Tickets: No need to print anything—the driver scanned the QR code from our phone.
Comfortable Ride: The journey was smooth and relatively comfortable.
Family-Friendly: Traveling with kids wasn’t an issue—seatbelts were available, which was a big plus.
Affordable: Significantly cheaper than a taxi, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Convenience: Four daily services all departing from the same station in Tirana make planning flexible and easy.

Things to Keep in Mind

Luggage Fee: There’s a small fee for checked luggage (2 EUR per item), so have some cash handy. It’s not expensive, but it’s good to know in advance.
No Amenities: These buses don’t have Wi-Fi, onboard toilets, or other amenities you might expect from FlixBus-branded vehicles.
No Breaks on Shorter Trips: If you’re taking the 3.5-hour service, don’t count on restroom or snack stops along the way—plan so you have time to use the restroom before departure and bring your own (odorless) snacks.
Border Stops: Getting on and off the bus twice at the border might be tricky for those with limited mobility.

A Bit About the Bus Terminals

Tirana East Bus Terminal

The Tirana East Bus Terminal, also called TEG or Terminali Lindor, is where all buses to Podgorica depart from. It’s located just below the Tirana East Gate Shopping Centre (TEG). Compared to other bus terminals in the city, like the North and South station, TEG feels more organized and easier to navigate. It’s certainly less overwhelming if you’re new to the area.

Getting There

TEG is not within walking distance of Tirana’s city center, so you’ll need to catch a cab or hop on one of two bus routes to get there:

Line 8A: This is the most direct route and takes about 35 minutes from the city center. Buses run every 15 minutes from the Dollari B stop.

Line 2 (Kopshti Zoologji): A more scenic option that passes landmarks like the old train station, Blloku, Tirana Park, the Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens. It takes about 45 minutes and runs every 20 minutes from the Dollari A stop.

Both options cost the standard fare (40 lek), payable to a ticket collector once onboard. These bus lines run from 6 am to 11 pm. So, if you’re taking the early 6 am Tirana to Podgorica bus, you’ll definitely need to grab a taxi to arrive on time.

Finding Your Tirana to Podgorica Bus

We would recommend arriving at least 15–20 minutes early to locate your bus. The terminal can feel a bit confusing at first, but don’t worry—staff are often on hand to help. An employee directed us to our bus, informed us it would be a bit late, and even described the vehicle’s color. While this may not happen every time, the assistance was reassuring.

If you haven’t pre-booked tickets, you’ll find different companies at the terminal offering times and prices for their services that day.

Amenities

TEG offers plenty of conveniences:

• Sheltered waiting areas to escape the sun or rain.
• Public toilets.
• Cafes and shops for snacks or drinks before your journey.

If you have extra time, you can also explore the TEG shopping mall, which has department stores and a cinema.

Podgorica Main Bus Station

At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive at Podgorica’s Main Bus Terminal—a small but functional station.

What to Do First

After a long ride, you may want to find the toilets right away. They’re located outside along the right-hand side of the station and cost 0.50 EUR to use, so make sure you’ve got some spare change (Albanian lek won’t work here).

SIM Cards

If you’re staying in Podgorica for a while, you might need a local SIM card. There’s a small newsagent inside the station where you can purchase one. Plans are displayed on posters, so you can pick one that suits your needs.

Tourist Tax

If you’re staying in Podgorica for more than a day, there’s a small tourist tax you’ll need to pay. Hotels usually handle this for you, but if you’re in an Airbnb, you’ll need to register at the Tourist Organisation Office.

The office is about 1.4 km from the bus station—a 20-minute walk if you’re feeling up for it, or a short (and cheap) taxi ride if you’d rather save your energy.

Opening Times are as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Closes early at 1 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed.

The cost is super reasonable: 1 EUR per day for the first 30 days of your trip. After that, you’re off the hook for payment but still need to register your stay. Kids under 12 are free!

If you arrive outside office hours, just make it your priority to visit on Monday. Skipping this step can cost you big time—some travelers have been fined a whopping 150 EUR for not having their pink slip. We didn’t get asked for ours when leaving the country, but it’s really not worth the gamble for just a couple of euros.

Conclusion

In the end, taking the bus from Tirana to Podgorica was surprisingly pleasant. From the breathtaking countryside to the reasonable fares, it’s a journey we’d recommend to anyone traveling between these neighboring countries.

Frequently Asked Questions