Let’s face it: you want to see the Albanian Alps.
And for good reason! These towering peaks are gorgeous, covered with snow even in the summer and absolutely breathtaking. There’s no paucity of hikes and natural wonders to admire when you arrive in Theth, and the infamous Theth-Valbona hiking trail beckons with its incredible vistas over the luscious green valleys and soaring mountain summits.
The only issue is getting there. Information online about how to get to Theth from Tirana is confusing and at times contradictory, and the road conditions to Theth in the past left plenty to be desired, with many portions of the road following unpaved cliffside stone paths in the past. We compiled this guide to help our guests and intrepid tourists who want to understand how to get to Theth from Tirana.
Way #1 To Get to Theth From Tirana: Bus
The first option for getting to Theth from Tirana is to take the bus. This may seem like an attractive and affordable option at first. You will need to first take the bus to Shkodër from the bus terminal behind Skanderbeg Square in Tirana. This will cost just 500 ALL (about 5 Euros) and will take around 90 minutes to two hours.
The only issue is that the earliest bus leaving from Tirana to get to Shkodër leaves at 6:30 AM, and the first and only bus from Shkodër to Theth departs at 07:00 AM (it costs 15 Euros). You will have to stay overnight in Shkodër – not an ordeal by any stretch of the imagination since this city is home to plenty of beautiful natural sights and historical points of interest. But it will mean you need to plan one night in the city many call the gateway to the North; and one day is probably all you need.
(See our blog post about affordable day trips to get inspiration for what to do in Shkodër if you want to take this route.)
The bus from Shkodër to Theth takes approximately two and a half to three hours. You will arrive in Theth at around 10:00 AM and will have plenty of time to visit the picturesque village that’s gained so much international renown. You can spend the day exploring the nearby church and waterfall and head to the Blue Eye by taking a shuttle from the village to Nderlysaj.
The only bus from Theth back to Shkodër leaves at 12 PM, so you would need to make plans to stay in Theth that night. This is a great way to explore the valley, though we recommend spending at least 2-3 nights in Theth so you can take your time hiking and enjoying the gorgeous natural treasures.
Fortunately, as of 2024, you can now consult Gjirrafa Travel to find accurate timetables and prices for taking buses all over Albania, so check online as you plan your bus trip.
Way #2 to Get to Theth from Tirana: Renting a Car
You can most certainly rent a car in Tirana and head north at your own pace. This is a great option, since car rentals in Tirana are relatively affordable, with some places renting cars for as little as $7 a day. Taking your own vehicle from the airport or Tirana gives you the flexibility to explore different areas of Albania at your own pace and allows you to set your own timetable.
Just be careful – if you are planning to go in the winter time, stay up to date with weather advisories. It’s recommended to go with a 4 wheel drive vehicle to Theth when there’s snow and/or to have chains on your tires. Consult with your car rental agency before you make the decision to drive to the North in the winter!
Otherwise, it’s an extremely pleasant and easygoing drive. Due to the opening of a new toll road, the route from the Tirana Airport to Theth is now extremely easy and fast, taking just under three hours on an entirely new and asphalted road that’s pretty much pothole free. You can still opt to sleep in Shkodër on your way there, or to just stop for a coffee.
Within the village of Theth itself, the road is still mostly an unpaved stone path. This can be navigated easily by driving slowly even with a regular vehicle, though the drive from Theth to other areas of the valley can be treacherous and isn’t recommended unless you’ve rent a 4×4 or four wheel drive vehicle.
Way #3 to Get to Theth from Tirana: Organized Tour
The easiest way to get to Theth is to hire a local guide to help you get there. Local guides are knowledgeable and have the necessary equipment to take you to Theth without a hitch. A trusted local tourism company or guide can take care of all of the logistics for you, taking you as part of a small or large organized group and also booking accommodations so that you spend your time snapping beautiful pictures of the snow-capped mountains and roaring waterfalls that make Theth so special.
There are many tour agencies that can take you to the North. If you want a recommendation for reputable guides who have experience taking customers to the Theth, reach out to us on WhatsApp.
So, what’s the best way to get to Theth from Tirana? It’ll depend on your time, budget and desired level of comfort.
Those who want to get to Theth on a budget can get there comfortably by doing an overnight stay in Shkodër and taking two buses to get to the North.
Otherwise, renting a car from a reputable agency is an attractive option that gives you the power to set your own pace and arrive at Theth whenever you want.
And getting a guide who has knowledge and experience taking visitors to the North gives you a hands-off experience that allows you to leave the worrying about logistics to others.
Either way you get to Theth from Tirana, you will fall in love with Northern Albania’s mountain passes and charming natural sights.
