There is no airport in Durres, the easiest way to reach the city is by flying into Tirana which is located 21 miles west. Take highway SH56 by car or take a regular bus that travels from the Tirana Southern Bus Station, departing every 30 minutes, costing around 130 leks. Furgon’s (minibusses) also travels to Durres, they are a type of mini-bus and leave when they are full, they can be found at the airport or the Dogana Roundabout. Taxis are available at the airport.

There are public buses found in Durres with different colors for different lines, eg: blue, yellow, red-white. The buses can be slow but are a good, cheap option for traveling around the city. There are plenty of taxis and walking around is easily done.

Durres is the train hub of the country and offers connections to other major cities. However, train travel can be slow, unreliable, and pretty outdated.

Renting a car while visiting Durres is a great idea if you plan to travel around and visit other areas. The SH2 road connects Durres to Tirana and takes around a half-hour. Having a car in Durres allows you to visit other places such as Spille Beach and the historical sights in Kruje. Staying in the city itself does not require a vehicle as many of the sights and attractions are all found in the heart of the city.

There are many taxis available in the city of Durres and a great way to get around and visit the city’s sights and attractions. Taking a taxi is easy and they can be found outside major tourist attractions, hotels, and by the beach with a taxi symbol on top of the car. Hotels can also call and order taxis over the phone for their guests.

Durres is a walking city with a compact center where many of the ancient attractions are found. The beach and promenade are a great place for a stroll and are especially enchanting in the evening time with plenty of restaurants and bars for dinner and drinks by the sea. The Roman Amphitheater and many of the other historical sites can be found right in the city center with plenty of Museums, shops, and other attractions to visit.

Riding a bike along the boardwalk by the beach is a great way to explore the beauty of Durre’s waterfront attractions. Also riding a bike in the city is possible, however, it can be very crowded.

Durres is a very safe place to visit, with a low crime in the city and rarely directed towards foreigners. Petty theft and certain scams do exist, but no different to any other major city. Practice safe street smarts when out exploring and keep your valuables close when in crowded areas. Don’t wander into unlit areas at night, stick to the crowded streets, and take a taxi from your destination back to your hotel to stay safe.

There are a few shopping malls located in Durres, and little shops located along the promenade down by the beach.

The official language spoken in Durres is Albanian, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants, and many locals speak Italian. We recommend you get a good English-Albanian guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Durres enjoys a Mediterranean climate with lots of rain during the wet winter months between November to March, and hot, humid, dry summers from June to September. The temperatures vary throughout the year with average temperatures in January 44 degrees and mid to upper 70’s in July, the spring and summer months are very warm with sunshine-filled days. The best time to visit is April to October when the weather is warm and stable without too much rain, and nice enough to enjoy the outdoors. The peak season in the city is still very manageable compared to other European cities.

The currency of Albania is the Albania lek (LEK). You will need to exchange your currency for the Albanian Lek which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or at most banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus.

The seaside city of Durres offers visitors many excellent and inexpensive restaurants to visit many serving traditional Albanian cuisine and other international dishes. Albanian is known for excellent coffee, pastries, and good gelato found around the city in the up and coming cafe scene. In 2016 Albania surpassed Spain by becoming the country with the most coffee houses per capita in the world, featuring 654 coffee houses. There are many excellent restaurants down by the beach serving up fresh delicious seafood and fish along with European, and Italian cuisine. Many of the establishments offer outdoor seating which is great in the summertime with the warm weather and sea views. Kasat is traditional Albanian ice cream, layers of ice cream, and jam almost like a cake, it can be found in Durres at Kasate Bllaca which has been in business since 1930. Sufllaqe or souvlaki are tasty snacks that can be found on the streets of Durres.

Durres is known for a lively nightlife offering great restaurants, bars, and nightclubs throughout the city. There are many hip beach clubs situated on the coast with beach parties and live DJ’s jamming out through the summer months. Cinco Cavalli Summer Club is a popular place during the summer months, one of the largest clubs in Albania with good music, and great cocktails. The city streets are bustling with activity at night and things don’t get started in the city until it turns midnight and continues into the wee hours of the morning!

In case of Emergency dial 119 for a general emergency, 129 for police, 127 for an ambulance, or 128 for a fire.

Hospitals: Durres Regional Hospital tel. 355-52-222-222