Ride an Infamous Albanian Train

This is a flexible day trip itinerary that allows you to ride one of Albania’s intriguingly derelict trains to an interesting destination. Photographers, rail buffs and lovers of the obscure, unite!

These trains go back to an era of communism in which the Chinese had an influence on the technology being used in Albania. They’re dreadfully slow and old by modern standards, but are truly a unique way to unwind and see parts of the country!

Departing from Durres (there is no train station in Tirana) we have several destinations to choose from that can be suited to your preferences – either involving hikes, architecture, food, culture or a combination!

Some examples:

• We can head east to Elbasan and enjoy the metallurgical history of this unique communist-era industrial town (and eat here, too); if you desire, we can continue on by car to Lake Ohrid, a gorgeous lake sharing a border with Macedonia
• We can head north to Shkodra, one of the biggest towns in the region, passing through lovely rolling hills; on the way, we can visit lesser-known places like Patok (it has a nice lagoon); Tale (a lovely seaside resort town); Lezha (a town with history and settlements going back thousands of years); and Mrizi i Zanave (a very special restaurant with a focus on agrotourism)

Depending on where you wish to go, we will plan the timing and itinerary according to train departures.

Price and Information:

This tour is offered only as a private tour (it’s a special one!)  Please use this contact form to sign up – it will provide us with all the information we need from you including your pick-up address, number of people, date and any special requirements. We will be in touch afterward to build the itinerary with you and we will quote you the price based on your individual booking.

Private tours are slightly more expensive and can be done any day of the year according to your needs.  For private tours we can offer pick-ups in Tirana or from another spot (the price will change if the pick-up is outside of Tirana.)

Payment Options: We accept bank transfers, PayPal and we have a debit terminal/POS available at our Castle Kiosk Tourist Office in order to accept Debit, VISA and Mastercard payments (please keep in mind that 5% of the total will be added for the latter option.)  We can also accept cash payments where applicable.

The price will include:

• All entrance fees.
• Transfer to train in comfortable AC car (and any onward car rides/ the car ride back to your hotel).
• Train ride.
• Lunch, if it is included as part of the itinerary destination (i.e. a visit to Mrizi i Zanave).
• VAT taxes.