Elbasan Travel Forum

I would like to visit Albania next summer. What options are there for travel besides air? I will be travelling from Romania (Bucharest). Is there a train or bus line that makes this trip? Any ideas would be helpful. The cost of air travel is too high for me. The only way I can visit Albania is if I can find an economical solution- bus, train, or maxi-taxi.

You will need to piece this journey together in several stages and it will most likely take about two nights and two days one way.

You would probably start by taking the overnight train from Bucharest to Belgrade. From the context I suspect you will be returning to Bucharest. Romanian Railways currently advertises a "special" return to Belgrade for 52 euro, not including couchette/sleeper supplements:
http://www.cfr.ro/calatori/engleza/swf/oferte_international.swf

From Belgrade you can get either a bus or train to Bar in Montenegro. Both take 8-9 hours, cost around 20 euro one way, the train ride is very scenic but subject to delays. From Bar it is a short bus/minibus ride to Ulcinj on the border. You will probably need to stay overnight in either Bar or Ulcinj.

From Ulcinj there are 2-4 minibuses daily to Shkodra, just across the border, 5 euro one way. From Shkodra there are frequent buses and minibuses to Tirana, and the same from Tirana to Elbasan. Transport within Albania is very cheap.

An alterative route might be to go through Kosovo from Belgrade. I haven't done this and don't have the details, and I am not sure if it would work out quicker.

Useful websites:
www.bahn.de for times for all trains mentioned above (but next summer's timetable may not be in the system yet)
www.bas.co.yu for buses from Belgrade
www.inyourpocket.com for transport details in Albania - see both their Tirana and especially Shkodra city guides.

It occurred to me that there is a completely different route that involves fewer connections. There is a direct daily train from Bucharest to Thessaloniki. Scheduled time is 18 hours but don't be surprised if it is late. Return ticket about 80 euro, again sleeper or couchette is extra.

From Thessaloniki there are bus services to Albania, but I don't know if there is any information online.

Thank you for your help. My trip is postponed until next year at least, but your info will be a helpful starting point when I begin detailed planning.