If you are wondering how to plan your car trip to Greece through Albania, a detailed guide is in front of you. Discover routes, distances, and travel tips. The routes to Greece from Montenegro and North Macedonia - Ohrid are covered.
The route to Greece through Albania is suitable for travelers from southwestern Serbia and Montenegro who want to reach the western parts of Greece and the Ionian Sea islands - Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia - as well as places in Epirus such as Parga, Sivota, and Vrachos. This route also easily connects to other parts of Greece, which is why we have prepared three detailed routes that will help you plan your trip well.

Overview of all routes and border crossings

Route Length Average Driving Time Main Points
Podgorica – Božaj / Hani i Hotit – Skadar – Lezha – Fushe-Kruje – Vore – Durres – Lushnje – Fier – Tepelene – Gjirokaster – Kakavia – Ioannina ~451 km 7:30–8h Durres, Fushe-Kruje, Tepelene, Gjirokaster, Kakavia
Podgorica – Durres – Vlora – Saranda – Ksamil – Qafe Bote / Mavromati – Igoumenitsa ~480 km 8–9h Vlora, Saranda, Ksamil
Podgorica – Durres – Vlora – Saranda – Ksamil - Saranda - Kakavia – Ioannina ~553km ~10h Durres, Fier, Saranda
Ohrid - Qafe Tane/Kafsan border crossing - Elbasan - Rogozhine - Fier - Tepelene- Qafe Bote/Mavromati - Igoumenitsa 390km 6 - 6,30h Elbasan - Rogozhine- Fier - Tepelene - Qafe Bote/Mavromati
Ohrid - Qafe Tane/Kafsan border crossing - Elbasan - Rogozhine - Fier - Tepelene- Gjirokaster - Kakavia – Ioannina 387km 6 - 6,30h Elbasan - Rogozhine - Fier - Tepelene- Gjirokaster - Kakavia

Working hours of border crossings:

Border crossing between Albania and Greece:

  • Kakavia (near Ioannina in Greece) - open 24 hours 7 days a week.
  • Qafe Bote (AL) - Mavromati (Gr) - near Igoumenitsa in Greece - operates every day from 8:00 to 22:30. The first place on the Greek side is Sagiada, so the border crossing is often called that.

Border crossing between North Macedonia and Greece
Qafe Tane/Kafsan - Ohrid border crossing - open 24 hours

To avoid worrying about the internet and navigation, we recommend the Nikana eSIM card for Albania and Greece, if at least one phone in your family supports eSIM. If not, we recommend getting a local SIM card in Albania and then in Greece.

Route 1 - continental - Podgorica to Ioannina

Podgorica – Božaj / Hani i Hotit – Skadar (Shkodër) – Lezha (Lezhë) – Fushe-Kruje – Vore – Durres (Durrës) – Lushnje – Fier – Tepelene (Tepelenë) – Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër) – Kakavia (Kakavië) – Ioannina (Ioannina)

If you are traveling by car from Montenegro to western or central Greece (e.g. Parga, Lefkada, Corfu, or the Ionian islands), this land route leads through Albania, passing through Durres and Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër), to the Kakavia border crossing, from where you can easily reach Ioannina and the Egnatia Odos highway (A2) where you can go to both the Ionian and Aegean coasts.

Total length and duration of the trip

  • Total: about 451km
  • Average driving time: 7:30–8 hours (without long breaks and border queues)

The road is a combination of modern highways and main roads through the mountainous landscapes of southern Albania, so it is advisable to drive during the day.

Key loops and separations:

  1. Podgorica – Tuški Put/E762 roundabout, continuing towards Božaj.
  2. Božaj – border crossing and continuation of E762 towards Skadar.
  3. Skadar (Shkodër) – 13 Dhjetori / Bulevardi Zogu I roundabout, continuing E762 towards Lezha.
  4. Lezha (Lezhë) – Qender Lezhe roundabout, continuing E762/SH1 towards Fushe-Kruje.
  5. Fushe-Kruje – exit from E762/SH1 to SH38 towards Vore.
  6. Vore – connection to SH2, continuing towards Durres (Durrës).
  7. Durres (Durrës) – exit from SH2 to local streets (Rruga Martin Camaj/Rruga Unazes) towards Lushnje.
  8. Lushnje – continuation of SH4 towards Fier.
  9. Fier – merging onto E853/SH4, continuing towards Kakavia (border crossing).
  10. Tepelene (Tepelenë) – passing through the city center, continuing on E853/SH4 towards Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër).
  11. Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër) – continuing on E853/SH4 towards Kakavia border crossing (Kakavië).
  12. Kakavia (Kakavië) – border crossing, joining EO Kalpakiou Sinoron, continuing towards Ioannina.
  13. Ioannina (Ioannina / Janjina) – final point on E92/EO6 and local streets of Meg. Alexandrou.

Detailed route description

1. Podgorica – Božaj / Hani i Hotit (Montenegro – Albania border)

This is the main and most organized border crossing between Montenegro and Albania. It is often busy during the summer months, but the passage is relatively quick.

2. Hani i Hotit – Skadar (Shkodër)

A busy, well-maintained road leading to Skadar (Shkodër), the largest city in northern Albania, about 30km long. Near Skadar Lake and Rozafa Fortress - a nice place for a short break.

3. Skadar (Shkodër) – Lezha (Lezhë) – Durres

  • Road: Highway A1 (Rruga e Kombit) to Fushe Kruje, then SH2 towards Durres

This section is wide and modern, with parts resembling a highway. It bypasses Tirana, avoiding city traffic.

4. Durres – Fier (Apollonia archeological site)

This section is about 80km long. The road is good, with multiple lanes and new gas stations and rest areas. Near Fier is the very beautiful and significant archaeological site of Apollonia, which we recommend visiting and using as a break on the journey. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see well-preserved remains of a city from the Greek - Roman era.

5. Fier (Apollonia archeological site) – Tepelene – Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër)

  • Road: E853/SH4
  • Distance: about 112km
  • Separation point for continental and coastal routes

The road passes through green valleys and mountainous areas of southern Albania. The road is good but with more curves and ascents, requiring concentration while driving. We recommend making a stop in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-protected city. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture that you will notice as soon as you arrive. Also, it is known as the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, but that is not the reason it is on the UNESCO list.

6. Gjirokaster – Kakavia (Albania – Greece border crossing)

  • Distance: Gjirokaster - Kakavia - about 36km

The Kakavia border crossing is open 24 hours. The border is modern and usually without major delays. From there, you enter the Greek region of Epirus.

7. Kakavia – Ioannina (Greece)

  • Road: E853
  • Distance: Border crossing - Janjina - about 60 km

From the border to Ioannina, there is an excellent A2 highway, which then continues towards Igoumenitsa, Metsovo, Trikala, and Thessaloniki, depending on your destination.

Key points on the route

Podgorica – Božaj / Hani i Hotit – Skadar – Lezha – Durres– Fier / Apollonia archeological site (recommended break) – Tepelene – Gjirokaster (recommended break) – Kakavia – Ioannina

Route 2: Coastal - Adriatic

Podgorica (Montenegro) - Božaj / Hani i Hotit border crossing - Skadar - Durres - Vlora - Saranda - Ksamil- Qafe Bote/Mavromati - Igoumenitsa

The total length of the route is about 480 kilometers, and the average driving time is about 9 hours (without breaks and delays). If you plan to visit Durres or Vlora and Saranda but also the significant archaeological site of Apollonia, add extra time for rest and sightseeing.
Map link

Key loops and separations

  1. Podgorica – departure from the center, continue on E762 towards Albania.
  2. Božaj (CG) / Hani i Hotit (AL) – Montenegro - Albania border crossing.
  3. Durres (Durrës) – arrival after driving on highways E762, A1, and SH2; exit from SH2 to Rruga Martin Camaj / Rruga Unazes.
  4. Vlora (Vlorë) – continue on SH4 and A2 to the center of Vlora.
  5. Vlora – Kaninë – drive towards the suburb/village on the hill near Vlora, where you have a bypass on SH8.
  6. Saranda (Sarandë) – continue on SH8 to the city center (Rruga Lefter Talo – Rruga Flamurit – Rruga Skënderbeu).
  7. Ksamil – continue on SH81 and Rruga Riviera.
  8. Qafë Botë (Albania-Greece border) – continue on SH98 and SH97 to the border.
  9. Nea Selefkia (Greece) – enter Greece, continue on local roads.
  10. Igoumenitsa (Igoumenitsa) – final point on E92/EO6 (streets Dionysiou Skylosofou and Xenofontos).

Route description

We will not repeat the descriptions of sections that are the same as for the continental route but will only add to it the description of the further route, from Vlora. The loop near Levan is in route number 5 in the continental route.

1. IMPORTANT – Levan loop - where you choose the route along the coast or the inland route

Immediately after the city of Fier and the Apollonia archaeological site, at 268th kilometer near Levan, there is a roundabout where you can choose between:

  1. Continental, mountain route – leading through the interior of Albania towards Saranda and beyond, shorter and faster.
  2. Coastal route – passing through Vlora, Saranda, and Ksamil, a longer route, but a beautiful drive along the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The journey will take 2–3 hours longer than the continental route.

2. Vlora (Vlorë) – Saranda – Ksamil

Vlora (Vlorë) is a city dating back to the 6th century BC (it was called Avlon, Αυλών back then). The city is known as the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It is the third most important tourist destination in Albania and the second-largest port after Durres.

  • Recommendation: Take a walk through the Old Town, known as the neighborhood of colorful buildings.
  • Above the city is the Kanine Castle - the view of the bay from there is truly impressive.

Road from Vlora to Saranda:

  • Distance: about 196 km
  • Driving time: about 4–5 hours
  • The road is winding, with many curves, but offers beautiful coastal landscapes.

3. Saranda and Ksamil:

  • Distance Saranda – Ksamil: about 15 km, 20 minutes drive.
  • These resorts are popular and developed, right across from Corfu.
  • Ideal for a rest, relaxation, or overnight stay. In the season, it is recommended to book in advance.
  • The coast is full of restaurants, bars, and tourist facilities.
  • From Saranda, you can also choose the road that leads to another 24-hour border crossing - Kakavia, which we described below.

4. A. Crossing the Albania – Greece border (Qafe Bote / Mavromati)

The road then gently turns east and winds through mountainous terrain.
At the 433rd kilometer of the road, you will reach the Qafe Bote (Albanian side) / Mavromati (Greek side) border crossing.
On the Greek side, there is a free shop, so this is a usual place for a short break.

4. B. Crossing the second border - Kakavia - Ioannina from Saranda

To reach the second border, Kakavia, you need to return from Ksamil to Saranda. Then follow the road (northeast direction) Rruga Skenderbeu SH99. You will then reach a roundabout at the Joni service station, keep going straight and turn slightly right onto SH99. You will pass through places: Vrion, Crilim, Mesopotam, you will come across a lake, Muzine, where there is a sharp turn and after it a tavern Mouzina next to the road. Then the place Jogurcat, and after that Kakavia border crossing.
On the Greek side, there is a free shop, so this is a usual place for a short break.

5. Continuing towards Igoumenitsa

After crossing the border, the road partly runs along the coast and through hilly terrain.
At the 460th kilometer, you will arrive in Igoumenitsa (Igoumenitsa) - an important port with ferry lines to Corfu and other Ionian islands and to Italy.
Timetable and ticket purchase for Corfu

Igoumenitsa is located opposite the southern part of the island of Corfu, just about 15 kilometers away by sea.
The modern Egnatia Odos highway, the second most important in Greece, connects Igoumenitsa to the far east of the country and the 650 kilometers distant Alexandroupolis, located near the border with Turkey. So, if you are coming from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can choose the Aegean coast for your vacation from Igoumenitsa, as it is well connected by a good highway.
From Igoumenitsa, you can also continue towards Ioannina (Janjina) on the E853, and from there further towards central or western Greece.

3. Route Ohrid (North Macedonia) - Igoumenitsa or Ioannina

Ohrid - Elbasan - Rrogozhinë - Fier - Tepelene - Qafe Bota/Mavromati border crossing - Igoumenitsa

If you live near Ohrid or want to take a break there on your way to the Ionian coast, you can also use the route through Albania. The length of this route is about 387km to Igoumenitsa or

Key loops and separations

  1. Ohrid – A3/E65
    Exit from Ohrid via R1301 / A3 / E65 towards the Albanian border.
  2. Border crossing Qafe Thane / Kafasan – SH3 (E852)
    Entry into Albania and continuation on E852/SH3 towards Elbasan.
  3. Elbasan – Rrogozhinë (SH7)
    From Elbasan, the road switches to SH7, where at Rrogozhinë there is a large bend and a turn towards the south.
  4. Rrogozhinë – Fier (SH4 / E853)
    Continue on the highway SH4 (E853) towards the south. In Fier, there is an important loop - here the road divides towards Vlora (Vlorë) and towards Tepelene, so pay attention to the signs.
  5. Fier – Tepelenë (E853 / SH4)
    From the Levan interchange, continue straight on the E853/SH4, following the signs for Tepelenë.

Exits from Tepelena

6. A. To Saranda – Qafe Bote / Mavromati (Sagiada) (SH97)

  • In Tepelena, at the southern exit of the city, turn right onto the SH97 road, which leads through Gjirokastra and further towards the Qafë Botë border crossing.
  • This route is used if your destination is Saranda, Ksamil or the southern Ionian coast.

6. B. To Ioannina – Kakavia (SH4 → SH78 → SH4)

  • From Tepelena, you can also continue straight on the SH4 road, passing through Gjirokastra.
  • After Gjirokastra, follow the SH4 road all the way to the Kakavia border crossing, which leads to Ioannina in Greece.

Detailed Route Description

Ohrid – Qafe Thane / Kafsan Border Crossing

A short and easy section through Ohrid and its surroundings leads to the E65 motorway, a well-marked and modern road.
The Qafe Thane / Kafsan border crossing operates 24 hours a day.

Qafe Thane / Kafsan Border – Elbasan – Rrogozhinë

The route continues through hilly and mountainous areas, passing the Mother Teresa Monument, several roundabouts, and local intersections.
From the border to Rrogozhinë, the road is relatively flat. In the town of Rrogozhinë, there is a large curve where the road sharply turns south.

Rrogozhinë – Fier

Fier is an important junction; drivers should be careful not to miss the exit and head toward Vlorë by mistake.
Near Fier lies the Apollonia archaeological site, a great place to take a break.

Fier – Tepelenë

From the Levan interchange (in the Fier area), continue straight on the E853, following signs for Tepelenë.
The road passes through the flat region of central Albania and follows the valley of the Vjosa River. Along the way, you’ll pass through the villages of Kafaraj, Sheq Musalala, Varibop, Floq, Gjonc, then along the scenic Vjosa River and its sandy banks, followed by Fratar (Dames), Malas, Krahes, Memaliaj Fshat, and finally reach the town of Tepelenë.
In Tepelenë, you can visit Ali Pasha’s Bridge over the river — a cultural and historical monument.

Tepelenë – Important Junction

At Tepelene, you can choose between two routes:

  1. Kakavie border crossing toward Ioannina, or
  2. Qafe Bote / Mavromati border crossing toward Igoumenitsa.

Make your decision based on your final seaside destination — below we describe both options.

1. Tepelenë – Gjirokastra – Kakavia Border Crossing – Ioannina

From Tepelenë, continue straight toward Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-protected historical town worth visiting for a short break.
After Gjirokastër, the Greek border is very close.
The Kakavia border crossing operates 24 hours a day, giving you time to rest or explore nearby towns.
It’s important to follow the signs carefully and not take a wrong turn toward Gjirokastër itself.

2. Tepelenë – Qafe Bote / Mavromati – Igoumenitsa

The second option takes you to the Qafe Bote / Mavromati border crossing, which is very close to Igoumenitsa.
After Tepelenë, continue toward Humelicë, and about 1 km past the local Zaj market, turn right (westward) toward the coast and take the Rruga Kardhiq – Sarandë road.
The route follows the meanders of the river, and near Senicë, expect several sharp curves.

Blerimas Junction

At Blerimas, you can choose to take the road toward Saranda, visit this famous seaside resort, and then continue toward the border — or stay on the main road and slightly turn left to head directly toward the border.
If you skip Sarandë, you will pass through the villages of Fliriq, Çlirim, Krane, Fitore, Dermish, Kuluricë, Livadhja, and Vagalat, pass an olive oil factory, and then reach the Qafe Bote border crossing.
On the Greek side, you’ll find a duty-free shop, and the first town you’ll enter is Sagiada, which is why this border crossing is sometimes referred to by that name.
IMPORTANT: The border crossing operates daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

Travel Documents for Crossing Albania to Greece

  • Before departure, make sure your passport is valid and that you have a Green Card (mandatory for Albania, according to the official website Albisig.

  • An international driver’s license is not required.

  • For children traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent from the other parent may be required (recommended by EU standards).

Travel Tips for Driving Through Albania

Most roads have been modernized, but speed limits and local traffic restrictions still apply.
Typical limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 80–90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 110 km/h on highways.
There are no tolls on Albanian highways, but speed restrictions vary due to curves, towns, or ongoing roadworks.
Gas stations are frequent, and card payments are widely accepted, though in rural areas it’s advisable to carry some cash.
No matter which route you choose, the drive through Albania to Greece is scenic and diverse, with roads significantly improved in recent years.
Plan your breaks, check border operating hours, and make sure to have a mobile internet connection — it will make your journey much easier.

Plan Your Trip to Greece

Find more useful travel information in our detailed guides:

Also, read our article
Driving to Greece: How to Best Plan Your Road Trip to the Sea
for detailed information about routes through North Macedonia and Bulgaria, so you can compare your travel options.

We are always here to help you explore Greece! Follow us for the latest information, useful tips, and authentic experiences to make your holiday in Greece unforgettable!

We offer over 3,000 accommodations. Choose the one that suits you and your family by clicking HERE.

+

Internet as soon as you cross the border

You can have Internet as soon as you cross the border by purchasing our Nikana eSIM card here: https://nikana-esim.com/
Setting up is very simple, via a barcode in a few seconds you will have internet on your phone for any country in the world.
Detailed instructions, how to check if your phone supports eSIM and answers to all questions can be found here: Nikana ESIM internet

Follow us on social media where we regularly share exclusive offers, discounts, and special holiday packages for Greece, as well as information, tips, and useful news.
Facebook: Nikana.gr
Instagram: @nikana.gr
Tiktok: nikana.gr
Facebook group: Live from Greece
YouTube channel @NikanaTravel
Email us at: nikana@nikana.gr
Visit our website nikana.gr, the leading source of information about Greece in the Balkans.