Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa
Rinas, Albania
Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa
Albania's primary international gateway serving the Adriatic region.
- ›Named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa, who was of Albanian heritage.
- ›Located approximately 17 km northwest of Tirana in the municipality of Rinas.
- ›A new terminal opened in 2007 following a major modernization project.
- ›Operated under a long-term concession agreement; the Albanian government reacquired full control in 2023.
- ›It is the only civilian international airport currently operational in Albania.
Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa, located in Rinas about 17 kilometres northwest of Tirana, is Albania's only international airport and the primary hub connecting the country to Europe and beyond. Opened in 1957 during the communist era, it has undergone significant modernisation since the 1990s, including a major terminal expansion completed in 2021. It serves as the main entry point for the Albanian diaspora, tourists, and business travellers discovering the Balkans.
- Main Terminal — A single modern terminal handling all domestic and international departures and arrivals, with updated retail, dining, and passenger facilities.
- Taxi services from licensed operators outside the arrivals hall
- Ride-hailing apps including Bolt operating in the Tirana area
- Public bus service (line Rinas–Tirana) connecting airport to the city centre
- Private shuttle and transfer services bookable online
- Car rental desks from international brands including Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt
- Bel Air Airport Hotel Tirana
- Holiday Inn Express Tirana
- Square Hotel Tirana
- Sheraton Tirana Hotel
- Rogner Hotel Tirana
Inside the terminal, passengers will find a modest selection of cafés, a bar, and snack outlets serving both international and local Albanian fare. Airside options expand after security with coffee shops and casual dining. For a broader dining experience, the city of Tirana — just 20 minutes away — offers excellent traditional Albanian cuisine including tavë kosi and byrek.
- Always agree on a fare or insist on the meter before boarding a taxi from the airport to avoid overcharging.
- The Albanian lek (ALL) is the local currency; exchange booths are available in the arrivals hall but rates may vary.
- Check-in queues can be slow during peak summer months and around major Albanian holidays — arrive at least two hours before departure.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal free of charge, useful for booking onward transport upon landing.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
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Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, also known as Rinas International Airport, is an international airport serving Tirana, the capital of Albania. The airport is named after the Albanian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, Mother Teresa (1910–1997). It is located 6 nautical miles northwest of Tirana, in the municipality of Krujë, Durrës County.
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