Shkoder, Albania

[sligoman]

Very unlikely, but anyone been? Will probably only be there for the day of the Rovers match but any tips on there would be good.

[OneRedArmy]

If you're travelling down from Dubrovnik don't underestimate the drive and the fact you have two non-Schengen borders to cross and a (short) ferry across the Bay of Kotor. I'd allow 6 hours from Dubrovnik at least.

The coastline is fantastic though, beautiful spot.

[sligoman]

Most are coming down through Dubrovnick alright, did you get a bus down? Is it a regular thing or what?

[OneRedArmy]

Most are coming down through Dubrovnick alright, did you get a bus down? Is it a regular thing or what?I hired a car in Dubrovnik. I was only going as far as Podgorica. I paid a supplement to drive it in Montenegro and it was fine other than having to remove the Croatian plates when it was parked (on the advice of a helpful policeman who reminded me thinks weren't quite back to normal between Croatia and Montenegro:D).

I wouldn't rely on public transport as there isn't likely to be much of it!

I've no idea what the rules are on bringing a hire cars into Albania.

[pineapple stu]

I wouldn't rely on public transport as there isn't likely to be much of it!
I think there's a bus once a day from Dubrovnik to Montenegro; don't recall any buses going from Podgorica to Shkoder. There's certainly no trains. And as ORA said, work out how long you think any trip will take, and then double it.

Harpo's been to Albania; was over for the Ireland game in 2003 (?). Anyone else who was over for the game will be able to give you some tips too.

[HarpoJoyce]

March 2003, there was only private transport between Podgorica and North Albania via the Han-i-Hoti border post, if any at all. I didn't investigate too much as I had plenty of time and went to Kosovo from Podgorica. I was suprised as Podgorica - Shkoder route seems a natural route. I think Montenegro/Crna Gora was trying to tighten Immigration northwards.
March 2003 was a different time to now and there may be better services between both towns.
For up-to-date border control information the Lonely Planet 'Thorntree' MB will get you a response, but ask how recent their trip was.
This appears to be another border post 'Bozay' recently opened.
http://www.welcomeurope.com/default.asp?id=1300&idnews=4844&genre=0

My recommendation fly into and out of Albania, unless you can spare a long wait getting out. The delays leaving by land or sea could be quite great. So you need to appreciate that time.
Albania had an Entrance and Exit fee as well ($/Euro each way). They should still do.

Durres is the port of Tirane and there are some passenger services to Italy.

Shkoder was where Albania beat Russia (4-1/4-2) 3 days before the Rep. of Irl game in March 2003. The match was played in Shkoder as punishment to the Russians because the Albanians had to play the first game several hours away from Moscow.

Give yourself extra time for everything, the national routes are very slow because of the mountains and road conditions. While the EU is spending money on infrastructure. I'm sure extra vechicles mean added delays

My routing Podgorica-Kosovo-Tirane (not suited to most fans going to Shkoder).
Because I had plenty of time I went to Kosovo (Pec and then Prizen) via Rozalje (Montenegro/Crna Gora).
Then the next day neg. a private taxi, shared it with a Kosovan aid worker to Tirane (Albania) crossing at the Morine/Morinas(?) border post. There was supposed to be an early morning bus Prishtina-Prizen-Tirane. I didn't come across them. The taxi was so private, that when we got stopped at a police checkpoint the driver got fined for carrying passengers.

Kosovo was run by UNMIC (blue uniforms, police, border control) and K-FOR (green, NATO troops) so border control from Montenegro- Kosovo and Kosovo - Albania was very easy. Montenegro has no beef with Kosovo.
Left Albania from the airport.

[sligoman]

My recommendation fly into and out of Albania, unless you can spare a long wait getting out. The delays leaving by land or sea could be quite great. So you need to appreciate that time.
Albania had an Entrance and Exit fee as well ($/Euro each way). They should still do.Well most of us have flights already booked into Dubrovnik so too late to fly into Albania now.

We fly out of Dubrovnik the day after the game at 8.20pm...so hopefully that's enough time to get back over the border and up to Dubrovnik. Looks like we'll definitely have to be hiring a mini-bus so.

[HarpoJoyce]

Well most of us have flights already booked into Dubrovnik so too late to fly into Albania now.

We fly out of Dubrovnik the day after the game at 8.20pm...so hopefully that's enough time to get back over the border and up to Dubrovnik. Looks like we'll definitely have to be hiring a mini-bus so.

Good luck to everyone travelling.
That Podgorica - Shkoder leg maybe the most difficult leg. A company from either town is more likely be familar with whats needed including documentation for the bus.
Maybe consider using a Podgorica/Montenegrian company for the whole trip. Or split it between Dubrovnik -Podgorica and then Podgorica-Shkoder.

There used to be a one a day 08:00am public service Dubrovnik bus station - Herceg Novi (Croatian-Montenegro border) and then change bus and pick-up another bus to coastal points further south.
There may be better services now.
http://www.visit-montenegro.com/transport-bus.htm

Always be moving towards your next connection.
Good luck with it.

[Closed Account 2]

Fly to Bari (Italy), I'm pretty sure there is a daily ferry to Durres from there also there might be ferries from Corfu (Greek Island).