Port information & tips for Durres
Durrës is Albania's most significant port city and fascinates as one of the oldest cultural centers on the sunny Adriatic. The city combines ancient history with modern vibrancy and offers an inviting Mediterranean atmosphere thanks to its location on the azure sea. Outstanding highlights in the immediate vicinity include the imposing Roman Amphitheatre, the historical Venetian Tower, and the ancient Byzantine city walls. Cruise ships dock at the central Durrës Cruise Terminal in the Port of Durrës, which is located directly next to the city center. From here, visitors can easily reach the lively city center with its charming cafés and cultural treasures in a short, approximately five-minute walk.
Durrës, Albania's most important cruise port, is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to Tirana International Airport and good road connections. The passenger terminal is centrally located and is an ideal starting point for exploring the ancient port city.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), which is located approximately 24 to 35 kilometers from Durrës. Numerous airlines, including Lufthansa with direct flights from Frankfurt/Main as well as low-cost carriers such as Wizzair and Ryanair, conveniently connect Tirana Airport with German-speaking countries. For a relaxed embarkation, it is advisable to arrive the day before.
Transfer from the Airport
From Tirana Airport (TIA), you can easily reach the port in Durrës by taxi or shuttle. Official yellow airport taxis will take you to your destination in about 30 to 40 minutes and cost approximately 25 to 30 Euro. A budget-friendly alternative is the Adis shpk shuttle bus, which runs several times a day directly to Durrës for about 5 to 6 Euro and has a travel time of about 35 to 45 minutes. Numerous private transfer services supplement the offer and ensure a comfortable door-to-door connection.
Car & Parking
The port of Durrës is excellently connected to the Albanian road network thanks to the four-lane SH2 highway, which leads directly from the capital Tirana to the port. From the city center, the signs "Porti i Durrësit – Terminal Tragete" lead you directly to the cruise terminal. Secured and video-monitored parking spaces for short- and long-term parkers are also available at the port area, offering flexible rates and representing an uncomplicated option for those arriving with their own vehicle.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
