How to get to Përmet, Albania

Përmet is in the south of Albania, about 249 km from Tirana and about 60 km from Gjirokastër by road. There is no railway and no airport in town. Most visitors drive from Tirana, which takes about 3.5 hours, or arrive by bus, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. From Gjirokastër the drive is about an hour, from Sarandë on the coast it is about 2 to 2.5 hours, and Berat is about two hours away by bus. This guide covers the main routes, public transport, border crossings and how to get around once you are there.

Distances and journey times

From	Distance by road	Typical journey time
Tirana	About 249 km	About 3.5 hours by car; about 4 to 5 hours by bus
Gjirokastër	About 60 km	About 1 hour
Sarandë	About 110 km	About 2 to 2.5 hours by car
Benja thermal baths (from Përmet)	About 13 to 14 km	About 20 to 25 minutes
Frashër (from Përmet)	About 35 to 40 km	Allow more time than the distance suggests; the road is rough in places

Distances and times differ between sources and with traffic, weather and road works, so treat them as a guide.

By car

Driving gives the most freedom, because the best places to visit are spread out and some, such as the Sopot waterfall trailhead and Frashër, are easier by car. Visitor guides describe two main routes from Tirana: south via Lushnjë and Fier, or via Elbasan, Gramsh and Skrapar on the SH3. The drive takes about 3.5 hours in normal conditions. Këlcyrë lies between Tepelenë and Përmet along the river, so drivers coming from the Tepelenë side pass the Këlcyrë gorge on the way.

Mountain roads are slower than the map distance suggests. Allow extra time, fill up with fuel in a town before heading to villages such as Frashër, and ask locally about the condition of the road before you set out. The road to Frashër (the SH75) is described as rough in places.

By bus

Visitor guides report daily bus services to Përmet from Tirana, Gjirokastër and Berat, with the most departures in the morning, and a journey from Tirana of about 4 to 5 hours. Timetables, departure points and fares change often and are not published in one reliable place, so confirm them locally or ask your accommodation. There is no direct tourist bus from Sarandë on the coast. Travel via Gjirokastër instead.

By air

There is no airport in Përmet. The nearest international airport is Tirana, roughly 250 km away. From the airport you can continue by hire car, by bus or by a pre-arranged transfer.

From Sarandë and Gjirokastër

Many visitors arrive from the coast at Sarandë or from Gjirokastër, either for a day or to stay. Gjirokastër is about 60 km and an hour away by road, and Sarandë is about 110 km, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car, so a day trip is possible but leaves little time at the baths or on the river. There is no direct tourist bus from Sarandë, so by public transport travel via Gjirokastër. A hire car, a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer saves the connection. See the transport options.

From Greece

Albania and Greece are linked by several road border crossings. According to Wikipedia's list, the main crossing is Kakavijë (Greek side Ktismata). From there you drive on to Gjirokastër and then to Përmet. Kapshticë, near Korçë, is another major crossing. Wikipedia also lists a smaller crossing at Tre Urat in the Përmet municipality, which links with Melissopetra near Konitsa in Greece. Opening hours, the vehicles allowed and the rules for foreign visitors can change, so check the current status of any crossing before you plan your route around it.

Getting around once you are there

Hire car. Useful for Benja, Frashër, the Hotova–Dangëlli National Park and the Sopot waterfall trailhead.
Taxi or transfer. Ask your accommodation about a taxi or transfer to Benja or a trailhead, and agree the price and the return time in advance.
Organised trips. Rafting, kayaking and many guided hikes include transport from town, which is the simplest option if you do not have a car.
On foot. The town is small, and the Stone of the City and the village of Leusë are within walking distance.

Before you go

Check the best time to visit and the weather: snow can close mountain roads in winter.
Read the practical tips for money, language and safety.
Plan your stay with where to stay in Përmet.

Questions and answers

How far is Përmet from Tirana?

About 249 km by road. By car it takes about 3.5 hours in normal conditions, and by bus about 4 to 5 hours.

Is there a bus from Tirana to Përmet?

Visitor guides report daily buses from Tirana, mostly in the morning, taking about 4 to 5 hours. Schedules and departure points change, so confirm them locally.

Is there a train or an airport in Përmet?

No. There is no railway and no airport. The nearest international airport is Tirana, roughly 250 km away.

How far is Përmet from Gjirokastër?

About 60 km, roughly an hour by road.

Can I get to Përmet from Sarandë?

By car it is about 110 km and roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. There is no direct tourist bus from Sarandë, so by public transport travel via Gjirokastër.

How far is Përmet from Sarandë?

About 110 km, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car.

Which border crossing should I use from Greece?

Kakavijë is the main crossing between Greece and southern Albania, and from there you drive to Gjirokastër and on to Përmet. A smaller crossing exists at Tre Urat in the Përmet municipality, but check its current status and opening hours before relying on it.

Do I need a car in Përmet?

A car gives the most freedom, because the main sights are spread out. Without one you can join organised rafting, kayaking and hiking trips that include transport, or ask your accommodation about a taxi.