Traveling Truly

Landing in Kosovo

The Airport

The Adem Jashari airport is very small, and the people very friendly, so you will have no problems finding your way out. Once you get your suitcase and head out the door, you have three options to leave the airport (provided you don’t have someone picking you up.

Option #1: Taxi

If you will be staying in Prishtina, you can take a taxi into the city center. There is a fixed price of 25 euros for a ride into the city center. (It used to be 15, but inflation has hit Kosovo just as much as anywhere else.) The drivers should not try to charge you more than this, but just clear the price with them before getting in the taxi to make sure. The price is listed on the taxi services page on the airport website, so you can look for yourself to ensure that you have the current correct fare.

If you are staying in another city, you can taxi all the way there (I do not recommend this unless you are in a group). Each city also has a fixed price listed on the airport website, so you can click the link above to get that info and make sure you get a fair price. If you are solo or a couple on a budget, taxi to the bus station and take the bus to your destination. You will save a lot of money this way, although it will cost you more time.

Option #2: Airport shuttle

This is a newer option in Kosovo, and only has existed for a few years. You can find the shuttle info and schedule here. It only runs every two hours, so this may not be an option if it does not coincide with your schedule. I pretty much only recommend this if you are a solo traveler or couple staying in Prishtina and the times work out well. The fare is only 3 euros, so you save a significant amount of money, but it takes way longer.

Of course, don’t exchange money at the aiport unless you have to, and then do the minimal amount possible. Wait to exchange cash or make a withdrawal once you are in the city. There is wifi available for free at the airport, so if you need to contact someone when you land you will be able to do that.

Option #3: Rental Car

I think that renting a vehicle is a great option for your visit to Kosovo! More info on this below.

Getting Around

Taxis

When getting around the cities, taxis are a great option. They are not expensive, although prices are increasing. In Prishtina, you will be able to find a taxi on the street and pay by the meter. In other cities, you may need to have your concierge/host/waiter call a taxi for you. You can ask have them ask for the fare on the phone so that you know you are getting a fair price.

Taking the Bus

Taking the bus in Kosovo is easy and cheap, but you need to know what’s going on first. You can use Gjirafa to check the bus schedule and fare, but no need to buy tickets online. Once you arrive at the bus station, find the bus with your destination posted in the front window. If you don’t see it, ask! Anyone will be glad to help you.

You do not need a ticket to board the bus. Just get on and have your cash on hand. A few minutes down the road, someone will come to collect your fare. Tell them your destination and they will tell you your fare. It should be very close if not exact to what you see on Gjirafa.

If you need to get off the bus before the main station in the bus’s final destination, alert the bus driver to where you are going and they will make sure you know when to get off!

Renting a Car

This is my suggested way of getting around Kosovo if you are confident in your driving abilities! Renting a car is cheap and easy compared to most places. There are plenty of rental places so you should have many options. Personally, I would suggest searching on Google for smaller places with good reviews and contacting them via WhatsApp. Their prices will be better than the bigger places that you can rent from online. I have rented a car in Kosovo three times with no problems. My guess for this summer is that you will pay about 25 euros per day, plus the (rather expensive) gas and the (rather small) fees. Driving in Kosovo is definitely a bit more hectic and very different from America, but it is by no means the craziest. Drive with both caution and confidence and be hyper-aware of pedestrians, bicyclists, and of course other vehicles. Having a car will give you so much freedom to explore!

Tip: If you are driving in Kosovo, keep in mind that it is legally required to have your lights on even during the day! I have been stopped for violating this rule before.

Other Options

Foot – As far as exploring cities, things will be very walkable. As long as you stay in or near the center, you will be able to do a lot of exploring, eating, museums, events, coffee shops, etc., by foot. Definitely take advantage of getting around this way in Kosovo!

Train – I have personally never taken the train in Kosovo. I have just never felt the need, and none of my local friends were using it. However, there is a train that connects the main cities. It is definitely a budget option. Trainkos.com is the website if you want some more information.