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IN BRIEF
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Want to head to the Balkans? Albania is the booming destination, long kept secret, now on everyone’s lips. This guide tells you how to get there from France, whether you choose the plane to the only international airport in Tirana (increasingly served by low cost airlines), for a clever arrival via Italy, Corfu, or Montenegro, or for the adventure by road, rail, and ferries. Ready to turn the trip into part of the journey?
Want to join Albania without stress? This practical guide reveals the simplest (and often cheapest) ways to reach Tirana and the rest of the country: direct flights and low cost connections, options via regular hubs, clever routes through neighboring countries, as well as alternatives by road, rail, and sea. As a bonus, seasonal advice and itinerary ideas to extend your journey between mountains and Adriatic shores.
Long kept confidential, Albania is now one of the rising stars of the Balkans. The country still has only one international airport, that of Tirana, but access is improving rapidly, driven by the surge of low cost airlines and connections via major European hubs. In parallel, maritime connections with Italy and the proximity of well-served neighbors open clever routes to arrive without stress and sometimes at low prices.
By plane: the fastest and often the most economical option
Head to Tirana for landing. The capital’s airport handles most of the international traffic and attracts more and more operators. Cherry on the baklava: Ryanair has announced the opening of a base in Tirana with, from 2026, a large network (around thirty destinations and hundreds of flights per week), which will make the country even more accessible from France and the rest of Europe.
The low-cost champions
For a ticket as light as a roasted lamb, head to the specialists of low cost: easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia, and Wizz Air. There are direct flights to Tirana from Beauvais (Ryanair, Wizz Air), Bordeaux (Transavia), Charleroi (Ryanair, Wizz Air), Geneva (easyJet), Lyon (Transavia, Wizz Air), Marseille (Ryanair), Mulhouse (Wizz Air), Paris-Orly (Transavia), Nantes (Transavia), and Nice (Wizz Air). If your departure city is not directly connected, a simple transfer via these same airports or through Italy often allows for a smooth and advantageous trip.
Regular airlines and European hubs
On the traditional airlines side, the offer is more limited as low cost dominates the market. Air France operates seasonal links from Roissy, while British Airways (via Heathrow) and Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) serve Tirana year-round with good connections from many French cities. A comfortable solution if you prioritize schedule flexibility and miles accumulation.
Another advantage of Albania: its position at the heart of ultra-well-connected destinations. By playing the “multi-country” card, you can arrive in neighboring countries and then reach Albania by road, bus, or boat. It’s often quick, sometimes more picturesque… and regularly more economical.
Arriving via the neighbors of the Balkans
Montenegro is a practical entry point: Podgorica and Tivat are well connected, and a bus or car trip easily drops you on the Albanian side. The same logic applies to Dubrovnik in Croatia, with a breathtaking coastal route before crossing the border.
Head to Greece and Italy for a clever combination
In Greece, the island of Corfu is just a stone’s throw from Albania: fast connections reach Sarandë in about one to two hours, with several daily rotations depending on the season. On the Italy side, arrive at Bari or Brindisi to link to Albania by ferry; these Adriatic ports are very often served and provide a chic alternative for landing on the Albanian Riviera.
The road and sea offer another way of traveling: slower, more contemplative, ideal for enhancing your arrival with gastronomic stops and large-format landscapes. Perfect if you have time and the desire to turn your journey into a little epic.
By road: the road trip option
A Paris–Tirana trip by road is a little over 2,000 km. The route crosses some of the most beautiful regions of Central Europe and the Balkans. The ideal is to divide the journey into several stages, especially in summer. Think vineyards, mountains, lakes, and charming hotels to punctuate the adventure.
By rail (with a multimodal touch)
The rail network in Europe does not yet go directly to Albania. Winning tip: train to Italy (for example, Bari), then ferry to cross the Adriatic; or train to Montenegro (Podgorica), then bus to cross the border. It’s the kind of journey that turns transfers into memories.
By sea: the Adriatic route
Ferries regularly connect Italy to Albania, with departures notably from Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, or Trieste. The crossing to/from Sarandë via Corfu is particularly quick, often between one and two hours. A pleasant way to combine Italian city breaks, Greek islands, and Albanian coast all in one trip.
Once there, the reward is at hand: Ottoman cities, limestone peaks, turquoise beaches, and perched villages. To prepare for the “chapter 2” of your journey (after the logistics), draw from these inspiring and practical resources.
Travel inspiration and itinerary ideas
For an overview of must-sees, let this invitation guide you to discover the treasures of Albania. Hikers will be in paradise in the Dinaric Alps: head to this guide dedicated to high-altitude hiking, between glacial valleys and dizzying panoramas. And for a more nature-focused journey, explore the mountains and valleys of Albania, a dream terrain for contemplative road trips.
When to go and what to plan
The growing popularity of the country has made some summers a time of heavy crowds. A look at this feedback on the summer 2023 in tourism will help you anticipate the busiest periods and the little logistical challenges that come with it. Before packing your bags, check out these tips for a summer in Albania to optimize itineraries, accommodations, and local transport.
The good plan at a glance
For an express and economical trip: favor low cost with direct flights to Tirana or opt for a transfer via a nearby hub. For an original arrival: aim for Corfu, Podgorica, Tivat, or Dubrovnik, then switch to the Albanian side by road, bus, or ferry. And if you have time, turn the access into a mini-Adriatic odyssey via Bari or Brindisi… the dolce vita as an appetizer before the grand Albanian feast.
