Practical advice for groups coming to Albania: the best time to travel, distances between cities, roads, money, internet and documents.
Albania has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the Balkans, especially for groups of friends, families and companies. But when you travel with a lot of people, the little details matter: how far apart cities are, what the roads are like, what you pay with and what documents you need. Here we have collected the things we explain most often to groups traveling with us.
Summer is the best time to enjoy the Albanian coast. The Ionian Riviera, Ksamil, Dhërmi and Himara have crystal clear waters, long sunny days and lively evenings. July and August are the months when the sea is warmest and the coastal towns are at their peak, with festivals, concerts and restaurants open until late.
To enjoy the summer months stress-free, book your hotels and transportation a few weeks in advance and leave early in the morning for long trips. An air-conditioned minibus and a driver who knows the roads make the trip south comfortable even on the hottest days.
If you prefer more peace and quiet, May, June, September and October have warm weather and cheaper beaches. In winter, the Alps and Thethi are covered in snow, while Tirana and Berat remain ideal for cultural visits.
Albania is small, but the terrain is mountainous and many roads pass through passes and curves. Therefore, travel times are longer than they appear on the map. Here are some approximate times from Tirana:
With a group, also factor in stops for coffee, lunch, and photos. A four-hour journey often becomes five. That's not a bad thing: some of the most beautiful views are right along the way.
The main roads between the major cities are in good condition, but the mountain roads are narrow and twisty. The driving style may seem rushed to those coming from outside, and in the villages you may find animals on the roads.
For a group, this means that the driver is as important as the vehicle. A local driver knows the roads, knows where to stop, and adjusts the pace to the group. For trips to Theth or Valbona, this experience is essential.
The official currency is the Albanian lek. In tourist areas, many places also accept euros, but change is usually converted to lek and the exchange rate is not always favorable. Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in cities, but in villages, on small beaches and in cafes along the way you often have to pay in cash.
Our tip: withdraw some money from an ATM as soon as you arrive and always carry a small amount with you. Tipping is not mandatory, but around 10% in restaurants is appreciated.
The mobile network covers cities and the coast well, while in some mountainous areas the signal can be weak. Tourist SIM cards are sold at the airport and in operator shops in the city, with reasonably priced internet packages. Many travelers also use eSIM, which is activated before you arrive.
For the group, it is practical to create a WhatsApp group with the driver and the organizer. This way, schedules and changes are shared immediately with everyone.
Albania is not part of the Schengen area, so documents are checked at the border. Citizens of many countries, including those of the European Union, the United States, and Israel, can enter without a visa for short stays. However, check the latest regulations for your country before traveling.
If you plan to move to Montenegro, Kosovo OR North Macedonia, have your passports ready and expect some waiting time at the border, especially in the summer. Also, make sure that the vehicle you are traveling in has permits to cross the border.
Before departure, send the transport organizer a list of passenger names and passport numbers. This will speed up border crossing and avoid delays.
With a group, regular buses and shared taxis complicate the trip: schedules don't match, suitcases don't fit, and the group gets split up. A minibus with a driver picks you up directly from the airport or hotel, stops where you want, and keeps the group together throughout the trip.
If you are planning a trip, check out transfers from Tirana Airport, our tours in the Balkans, or read the guide how to choose the right minibus and driver.
Albania rewards those who travel without haste. With a good plan and organized transportation, your group will enjoy every stop, not just the destination.
Summer, especially July and August, is the best season for the coast and the Ionian Riviera. May, June, September and October are ideal for those who want warm weather and more tranquility.
Citizens of many countries, including the European Union, the United States, and Israel, can enter without a visa for short stays. Always check the latest regulations for your country before traveling.
In tourist areas, many places accept euros, but the official currency is lek. It is a good idea to have some lek with you for the villages, small beaches, and cafes along the way.
About 4.5 to 5 hours non-stop. With a group, also allow time for breaks along the way.
The easiest way is a minibus with a driver that picks you up from the airport and accompanies you throughout the trip. Write us the dates, number of people and itinerary at Contact Us or on WhatsApp, and we will send you a no-obligation offer.
Minibus with driver for transfers and tours. We respond 24/7.
Leonard works every day with groups of travelers from all over the world visiting Albania and the Balkans. On the Minibus.al blog, he shares practical tips on transportation, routes and destinations, so that your trip is safe and stress-free.
Albanian Albanian 
English
Italian
German
Greek
Hebrew
French
Serbian
Turkish
Spanish
Polish
Maltese
Slovak
Hungarian
Swedish