Tirana Airport

The new airport is modern functional and efficient. On arrival passport control was quick and very friendly. (Beware the €10 arrival tax payable in cash only). Public transport is limited to an hourly bus into Tirana (250 lek/€2); otherwise you must take a taxi (€15-20). Taxi touts a slight annoyance but in a good-natured way and not nearly as bad as at many other airports worldwide. On departure both check-in and security were smooth and over in a matter of minutes. Airside is airy and spacious with plenty of seating for the number of passengers using the airport. The range of shops is small and predictable - a couple of overpriced "luxury" stores a tax-free store a news- stand stocking two-day-old foreign newspapers and an uninspiring cafe. ATMs in arrivals and departures areas - the one in the departures area dispenses euros as well as local currency. Overall a very pleasant airport.

The new terminal is more spacious and pleasant than the old one. There was a nice small play area for the kids as well. The new space alone made the stay at the counters and security more pleasant. Passport control is still relatively short.