Tirana Airport to Ksamil by Car: Which Route to Take

Ksamil is where a lot of our customers are heading the moment they land. It is right at the bottom of the country, near Sarandë and Butrint, so from Tirana Airport it is a proper drive. There are two good ways to do it and which one you pick depends on whether you want to get there fast or enjoy the road.

The quick way: inland through Gjirokastër

Take the motorway south past Durrës towards Fier, then continue to Tepelenë and Gjirokastër, and cross the hills down to Sarandë and Ksamil. Plan on 4.5 to 5 hours without long stops. The road is wider and easier, which makes it the better choice if you land in the afternoon or have kids who get car-sick.

Two stops are worth it on this route. Gjirokastër, the old stone town with a castle on top, needs an hour or two. And the Blue Eye, a deep blue spring a few minutes off the road between Gjirokastër and Sarandë. In July and August go early in the day, it gets busy.

The scenic way: along the coast via Llogara

Drive to Vlorë, then follow the coast road up and over the Llogara Pass and down the Riviera through Dhërmi, Himarë and Borsh to Sarandë. Count on 5.5 to 6 hours, and longer once you start stopping for swims, which you will.

The view from the top of the Llogara Pass is one of the best in the country. Below it are Dhërmi, Jale and Gjipe beach, and further south the little castle at Porto Palermo.

Our tip: take the coast road one way and the inland road back. You see both, and you get the faster road on the day you need to catch a flight.

A few practical things

• The coast road has a lot of bends. Fine for most people, but not great for anyone who gets car-sick.
• Parking in Ksamil is tight in July and August. Book a place to stay with parking and walk or take a short taxi to the beach.
• Fill up before the mountain sections and keep some cash for small petrol stations.
• Don’t want to drive all the way back? You can choose a different drop-off place when you book. Have a look at our guide to one-way rentals.

Pick up the car when you land

Book your car with pick-up at Tirana International Airport and you can be on the road half an hour after landing. Cars start from €15 per day. First time driving here? Read our tips for driving in Albania.