Taxi from Tirana to Kukës
Kukës is a northern Albanian city near the Kosovo border, connected to Tirana via the modern A2 motorway through stunning mountain scenery. Toska Go Taxi offers a flat fare of 9,000 ALL (~€100) for this 155 km journey.
Kukës is a city with a dramatic origin story: the original town was entirely submerged in 1978 when the communist government flooded the Drin river valley to create the Fierza reservoir, one of the largest artificial lakes in the Balkans. Residents were resettled in a new city built on the hillside above the rising waters, where the Drini Bardhë (White Drin) and Drini i Zi (Black Drin) rivers meet the Fierza Lake. The submerged old city — mosques, houses, cemeteries — is occasionally visible when water levels drop, lending Kukës an eerie, ghostly undertow beneath its modern surface.
Kukës became internationally known during the 1998–99 Kosovo War, when the city and surrounding area received hundreds of thousands of Kosovo Albanian refugees fleeing Serbian military operations — earning Kukës the nickname 'City of Kindness' and a formal Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2000. The A2 motorway connecting Tirana to Kukës (the 'Rruga e Kombit' — Road of the Nation) is one of Albania's most spectacular drives: it passes through the Drin gorges and over mountain ridges at altitudes of up to 1,500 metres, with views of a genuinely wild Albanian interior. The Accursed Mountains above the city give access to the Valbona and Theth trekking routes.
| Fixed fare | 9,000 ALL (~€100) |
|---|
| Distance | 155 km |
|---|
| Journey time | ~2h 10 min |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Tirana to Kukës?
The fixed fare is 9,000 ALL (approx. €100) in both directions between Tirana and Kukës.
How long does the drive from Tirana to Kukës take?
Approximately 130 minutes via the A2 motorway (Nation Road) through the northern mountains.
Is the road to Kukës good?
Yes — the A2 (Rruga e Kombit) is a modern motorway through spectacular scenery. It is one of Albania's best roads.
Do you continue to Kosovo from Kukës?
We serve the Albanian side. For cross-border arrangements, contact us via WhatsApp to discuss options.
How should I plan a pickup outside Tirana when travelling toward the city?
Vehicles usually operate from Tirana, so a pickup outside Tirana needs an approach buffer approximately equal to the travel time from Tirana to your pickup location. Send the exact pickup location and requested time so we can plan the approach and confirm availability.