Your Backpacking Guide: Bari to Fier
How to Travel from Bari to Fier?
Backpackers typically travel from Bari, Italy, to Fier, Albania, by combining an international ferry or flight with local Albanian ground transport. There are no direct train or bus services for the entire international journey.
What are the Budget Options from Bari to Albania?
The most common budget options involve either an overnight ferry or a budget airline flight.
- Ferry to Albania: Direct ferries operate from Bari’s port to Albanian ports like Durres or Vlorë.
- Estimated Duration: Ferry crossings typically take 8-11 hours, often overnight.
- Estimated Cost: For a deck passage or recliner seat, expect to pay approximately €30-60. Prices vary significantly by season and how far in advance you book.
- Flight to Tirana: Budget airlines offer flights from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) to Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).
- Estimated Duration: The flight itself is roughly 1 hour.
- Estimated Cost: Budget airline tickets typically range from €20-80, with the best prices found by booking ahead.
How to Get from Albanian Ports/Airport to Fier?
Once in Albania, local buses or minibuses (known as furgons) are the primary budget travel method to Fier.
- From Durres Port to Fier: Take a furgon or bus from near the port or Durres bus station.
- Estimated Duration: Approximately 1.5-2 hours.
- Estimated Cost: Around 500-800 ALL (~€4-7), typically paid directly to the driver.
- From Vlorë Port to Fier: Furgons or buses are usually available near the port or main bus station.
- Estimated Duration: Roughly 30-45 minutes.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately 200-400 ALL (~€2-4), paid onboard.
- From Tirana Airport (TIA) to Fier: First, take an airport express shuttle bus to Tirana city center (estimated cost €3-4). From Tirana’s South Bus Terminal, find a bus or furgon to Fier.
- Estimated Duration (Tirana-Fier): Approximately 2 hours.
- Estimated Cost (Tirana-Fier): Around 600-1000 ALL (~€5-9), paid onboard.
What are General Booking Tips for Bari to Fier?
For international ferries and flights, booking 2-4 weeks in advance typically secures better prices, potentially saving 20-30% compared to last-minute fares. Local Albanian buses and furgons generally do not require advance booking; tickets are usually purchased directly from the driver upon boarding.
Remember to utilize resources like AllInMap to discover free amenities and points of interest in both Bari and Fier.