Tirana International Airport

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (Mother Teresa) is the main air gateway to Albania and one of the most dynamically developing transport hubs in the Balkans. Named after the great humanitarian figure, this modern aviation hub welcomes travellers with a cosy atmosphere and constantly updated infrastructure. Thanks to the terminal's compact size and excellent transport accessibility, the airport serves as an ideal starting point for both business visits to the capital and adventures on the picturesque beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

Features and advantages of the airport:

• Record growth: The airport is experiencing a real boom, having surpassed the 10 million passenger mark in 2024, which has stimulated significant terminal expansion and service quality improvements.
• Convenient logistics: The air harbour is located just 17 kilometres from the centre of Tirana. You can reach the heart of the capital in 20–30 minutes via round-the-clock shuttle buses or taxis.
• Modern service: For passenger comfort, renovated waiting areas, various cafés, Duty Free shops, and a business lounge are provided.
• Travel accessibility: The airport is a key hub for many budget airlines (such as Wizz Air), making flights to Albania affordable and convenient from numerous cities across Europe.

For your convenience, we have compiled key contact information for Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official website: www.tirana-airport.com. Here you will find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information desk phone: +355 4 2381 800.
• Airport address: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, Rinas, Albania.
• Email (general enquiries): info@tirana-airport.com.
• Lost & Found information: If your luggage has been lost, please contact the dedicated service via email at lost&found@tirana-airport.com or by phone at +355 69 70 82245.
• Social media: The airport maintains active pages on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), where you can follow the latest news and updates.
• Passenger support contacts: For general questions and support, you can contact the main information desk phone number.

Getting to Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) from the city centre is quite simple, with several convenient methods available. The most budget-friendly and popular option is the Rinas Express shuttle bus. It runs daily between the airport and the centre of Tirana, stopping behind the National History Museum, near Skanderbeg Square. Buses depart every hour, and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The ticket price is very reasonable, making this method ideal for economical travellers.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is an excellent choice. Official airport taxis are usually yellow and operate on a fixed fare to the city centre. The trip will cost more than the bus, but you will reach your destination faster and without unnecessary stops. This is particularly convenient if you are travelling with bulky luggage or a small group. You can also pre-book a private transfer — the driver will meet you at the designated location and assist with your bags, ensuring maximum convenience.

If you plan to travel extensively around Albania, it makes sense to rent a car. Many international and local rental agencies are located both at the airport and in Tirana itself. The road to the airport from the city centre is direct and takes about 20-30 minutes via the SH2 highway. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, paid parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays is available on the airport grounds.

It is worth noting that there is currently no direct rail or metro connection to the airport in Tirana, so the main modes of transport remain bus and car. The choice depends on your priorities: Rinas Express for savings, a taxi for speed and comfort, or a rental car for complete freedom of movement. In any case, we recommend allowing extra time for the journey, especially during peak hours, to avoid rushing before your flight.

Tirana International Airport (TIA) features a modern and well-thought-out structure that makes it very convenient for travellers. Contrary to expectations for a capital city airport, there is no complex system of multiple buildings here — all operations are handled by one passenger terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time spent moving within the building.

The terminal is logically divided into several levels to optimise passenger flow. The layout is quite standard and intuitive:

• The Arrivals area is located on the ground floor. Immediately after disembarking, passengers proceed to passport control, followed by the baggage claim hall and customs area. In the arrivals hall, there are car rental desks, currency exchange points, ATMs, and taxi counters.
• The Departures area is located on the first floor. Here you will find check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to security screening and passport control, after which they enter the secure zone with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is not relevant. All services, from check-in to boarding, are located within a single building and within walking distance of each other. After passing security control, passengers have access to Duty-Free shops, cafés, restaurants, and a business lounge.

Completing all formalities at Tirana Airport usually takes less time than in major European hubs. However, during peak hours and the height of the tourist season (summer), queues for check-in and screening can be longer. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before an international flight to complete all procedures without rushing.

Navigating the airport requires no special effort. Signs are in Albanian and English and are clearly visible. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible — you can walk from the building entrance to the boarding gate in 10-15 minutes (excluding time spent in queues).

The history of Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) begins in the mid-20th century. Construction of the airfield started in 1955, and it was officially opened in 1957. Located near the village of Rinas, it initially served both military and civil purposes, although for decades its international connectivity was extremely limited, servicing a small number of flights.

A turning point in the airport's history came in the 1990s when Albania opened up to the world. There was an urgent need to modernise the country's main air harbour. In 2001, the airport was named after Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun of Albanian descent, symbolising a new era and humanitarian values. This event highlighted the country's aspiration to integrate into the global community.

The most significant transformation occurred in the 2000s. Thanks to foreign investment and the transfer of management to a private company, a radical reconstruction began. In March 2007, a completely new, modern passenger terminal was opened, designed to ensure a high level of comfort and safety. Later, in 2009, the terminal was expanded to cope with the growing passenger traffic.

Today, the airport of Tirana is a modern and dynamically developing transport hub. It constantly updates its infrastructure, expands its flight geography, and introduces new technologies to improve passenger service quality. From a modest airfield, it has turned into a full-fledged gateway to the country, annually welcoming millions of travellers wishing to discover the beauties of Albania.

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed to make your stay here as convenient as possible, regardless of the purpose of your trip.

Travellers can avail themselves of several cafés and restaurants where one can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. In the departures area, a Duty Free shop operates, offering a standard range of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and Albanian souvenirs. For those who value enhanced comfort, a business lounge is available with comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and press in a quiet atmosphere.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. The airport also has ATMs and currency exchange points where you can exchange money for Albanian Leks (ALL).

Baby care rooms are equipped for passengers with children, and travellers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if assistance is needed. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the first aid point.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, a hotel is located right on the airport grounds, and several other hotels are in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, the airport provides business centre services and meeting rooms, allowing efficient use of time before departure.

At Tirana International Airport (TIA), passengers will find several convenient options for a snack or a full lunch before departure. Although the airport is not vast in size, it has everything needed to pass the time comfortably. Catering establishments are located both in the public area before security control and in the departures area.

In the public zone (landside), open to all visitors, several cafés usually operate. This is an ideal place to have coffee with those seeing you off or to grab a bite immediately upon arrival. Here you can find both international chain outlets and local coffee shops offering espresso, cappuccino, and fresh pastries.

The majority of establishments are concentrated in the departures zone (airside), after passing passport and pre-flight control. Here the choice is wider: passengers have access to lounges with refreshments and light snacks, as well as a restaurant where one can have a full lunch. This is your last chance to enjoy the atmosphere of Albania by ordering, for example, a traditional layered pie byrek, if it is featured on the menu.

regarding the menu, it is mainly oriented towards international standards: sandwiches, salads, pizza, and pasta. For a quick snack, croissants and sandwiches are perfect. Travellers with specific dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, will be able to find salads or vegetable snacks. More specific requests (gluten-free, vegan dishes) might be harder to fulfill, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff.

Be prepared that prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. A cup of coffee and a pastry will cost a certain amount, while a hot dish with a drink in a restaurant will be more expensive. Most cafés and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the last plane departs, so you will always be able to find an open establishment.

To ensure your journey through Tirana airport goes smoothly, it is worth noting a few points. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially during the peak tourist season. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities, check in your luggage, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option offered by most airlines. Prepare for security control in advance: pack all liquids (up to 100 ml each) in one transparent bag, and be ready to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your bag for separate scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats offer beautiful views of the mountains of Albania during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to leave the cabin faster upon arrival.

Standard hand luggage rules apply here: sharp objects are prohibited, and liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Always check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight, follow the "Transit" or "Transfer" signs. Depending on your next destination, you may need to go through security control again. Ensure you have enough time between flights — for Tirana International Airport, 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient.

Customs control upon arrival is standard. Use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you are carrying goods subject to declaration or large sums of cash. If in doubt, it is better to consult a customs officer.

To save money, consider ordering a taxi via online apps or arranging a transfer in advance. Inside the airport, you can save on water by bringing an empty reusable bottle and filling it at drinking fountains after passing security control.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation from the airline or via travel insurance.