Albania
General train travel information for ALBANIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
A brief history
The history of railway transportation in Albania is a fascinating journey of development and transformation. Until the middle of the 20th century, the country had no standard railways, and it was not until 1947 that the first line was opened between Durres and Peqin, with a length of 44 km. Other lines followed, including one between Durres and Tirana. However, the real heyday of rail transport came during the reign of Enver Hoxha. By 1987, more than 670 kilometers of track had been built, connecting major cities and industrial centers. Railways became the main means of transportation until the fall of communism in 1990. With the collapse of the communist regime, the deterioration of the railway system began. Lack of investment and deteriorating maintenance led to a decline in the quality of the infrastructure. The mass introduction of cars and buses became the preferred means of transportation. The current state of rail transport in Albania leaves much to be desired. Most of the network is closed and passenger trains operate with limited capacity. However, despite the difficult situation, some sections are still used for freight transport.
General Information and Statistics
Railways in Albania are operated by the national railway company Hekurudha Shqiptare (HSH).
The Albanian railway network has in its use 420 km of single main railway line.
There are no electrified railway lines in Albania.
What are the connections with other countries?
There is only one international connection, with Montenegro, the Podgorica-Shkoder railway, which carries only freight and whose last station in Albania is Baize.
Are trains generally fast in Albania?
The speed of rail vehicles mobility does not exceed the speed limit of 55 km per hour for trains of passengers and 45 km per hour for trains of goods.
The journey from Elbasan to Kashar takes 3 hours and 44 minutes.
Which railroads are available?
Hekurudha Shqiptare (Albanian Railways) is the main and most important railway company in Albania.
What types of trains are available in Albania?
Albanian Railways (HSh) does not currently offer a wide variety of train types, so passengers traveling in Albania will mostly encounter only one type of train, the regular "trainit", without mandatory seat reservations.
Are there high speed trains?
Albania does not have a high speed rail network or high speed trains in operation. The country's railway infrastructure consists mainly of standard gauge tracks on which normal trains run.
Main train stations / hubs.
The main railway stations in Albania are Kashar, Durres.
Websites to buy train tickets for country?
At the moment it is not possible to buy Albanian train tickets online via HSh (or any other) website.
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Albania?
There are no mobile apps for buying train tickets in Albania.
Is it possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in the country?
Potential passengers will have to rely on buying tickets at the station, but this is not a big problem as Albanian trains (HSh) do not require seat reservations (tickets are always available).
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
It is not possible to buy a train ticket by phone in Albania.
Return the ticket.
Since the traveler is purchasing a ticket directly for the next departing train, the tickets cannot be canceled.
Train ticket prices.
Albanian Railways does not offer any discounts. Tickets are divided into two types: regular tickets and children's tickets from 6 to 14 years old.
It costs 0.68 € to travel from Kashar to Durres and 1.36 € to travel from Kashar to Elbasan.
Cheapest train to the nearest country?
There are no international trains to/from Albania.
Where to find schedules.
Find schedules at https://hekurudha.al/transporti-hekurudhor/?lang=en
Buying tickets in advance or on the train?
If you are traveling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.
Ticket Types.
Travelers can choose from two types of tickets: a regular ticket and a discount ticket for children ages 6 to 14.
Interrail/Eurail Pass in Albania
Interrail/Eurail pass not available.
Saver price.
"Saver price" tickets are not available on Albanian trains.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip tickets?
Buy one-way tickets, not round-trip tickets. This gives you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy round-trip tickets.
Flexible tickets.
Flexible tickets are not available on Albanian trains.
Boarding rules.
Passengers traveling on Albanian trains are usually required to show identification when purchasing tickets and boarding the train. The identification can be an identity card, a passport or any other official identification document.
Discounts for group travel.
There are no discounts for group travel by train.
Age groups and discounts.
A discount of approximately 50% is available for children ages 6 to 14.
Handicapped Passengers.
No information was found about assistance or discounts for handicapped passengers.
Seat reservations on national trains.
Albanian (HSh) trains do not require seat reservations.
Comfort classes on trains.
Albania trains have only 2nd class comfort.
Some trains have air conditioning.
Food and Beverages in Albanian Trains / Train Restaurant.
No information about food/catering/restaurant car was found.
Night trains in Albania?
There are no night trains in Albania at the moment.
Main railway lines in Albania.
AUGUST 2023
Durrës - Kashar / 0:43 hours / from 0.68 EUR / 2 trains a day (6:55, 16:05)
Kashar - Durrës / 0:43 hours / from 0.68 EUR / 2 trains a day (6:55, 8:35)
Durres - Elbasan / 2:41 hours / from 1.41 EUR / 2 trains a day (7:55, 13:55)
Elbasan - Durres / 3:33 hours / from 1,41 EUR / 2 trains a day (6:30, 13:05)
Kashar - Elbasan / 3:41 hours / from 1,84 EUR / 1 train a day (6:55)
Elbasan - Kashar / 3:44 hours / from 1,84 EUR / 1 train a day (13:05)
International train routes.
There are no international trains in Albania.
Tourist / Scenic routes in Albania.
Travel along the Adriatic coast:
DURRËS - KASHAR: Leave Durrës in the morning for Kashar and enjoy the view of the Adriatic coast. Arrive in Kashar and walk around this picturesque neighborhood.
Mysterious Elbasan:
ELBASAN - DURRES: Depart Elbasan in the morning, enjoying the panoramas along the way. Elbasan, rich in history and culture, awaits you. Visit its old town and monuments.
DURRES - ELBASAN: Return to Durres after spending the day in Elbasan, enjoying the sunset outside the window.
Mountain trip:
ELBASAN - KASHAR: Greet the morning with a drive from Elbasan to Kashar. This route will take you through picturesque mountains and forests, offering you breathtaking views.
KASHAR - ELBASAN: Return to Elbasan in the evening and continue to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
Baggage Information.
Items that do not qualify as carry-on baggage and do not weigh more than 50 kg are accepted as checked baggage.
Items must not be large enough to fit in a baggage car.
Bicycle on the train.
Railroads will allow travelers to transport their bicycles on trains in the baggage car for a fee.
baggage car for a fee if it is easy to operate, does not interfere with specific rail service, and the railroad's facilities permit the service.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
No information on skis and snowboards.
Luggage lockers at stations in the country.
There are no lockers at the train stations, but there are third party organizations that provide storage for belongings in Albania.
Lost and Found.
No information available.
Pets on trains.
Animals are generally not allowed in passenger cars to ensure passenger comfort.
Small pets may be allowed in a cage or other appropriate packaging if this does not violate veterinary and sanitary safety regulations.
Small dogs may be carried in the car without a cage if they are held on your lap. A dog is considered small if its height does not exceed 40 cm.
The passenger is responsible for any damage caused by the animal. Exceptions are made if the passenger can prove that the damage was caused by the fault of the carrier or a third party.
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