Tirane (or Tirana) is the beautiful capital city of Albania. Due to the rapid growth of the city, it experiences power outages on a daily basis, resulting in a slight sense of chaos on the roads as a result of the lack of traffic and road lights. Many remnants of the previous communist control are still visible, although the city is slowly starting to be rejuvinated.
Within the city, regular bus services operate, although walking around the city is just as easy and pleasant.
The city has no international train connections, although national connections are available to Durres (a one hour journey), Shkodra (three and a half hours), Elbasan,Vlore and Progradec. These services are comfortable, but certainly not luxurious!
International bus services to the city are available from countries including Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, and Greece. Various national services also operate.
The most effective way to reach Tirana from western Europe is via Bari in Italy. A ferry service from Bari to Durres operates regularly, with onward rail journeys between Durres and Tirana relatively frequent.