How do you get to Theth and the start of the Peaks of the Balkans?
Short answer
Fly to Tirana or Podgorica, travel to Shkodër, then take the daily minibus to Theth (about 2–3 hours, around €10 in 2026). If you start in Valbonë instead, take the Komani Lake ferry from Koman to Fierzë and a minibus on to Valbonë. Starting in Plav or Vusanje is easiest from Podgorica; starting in Kosovo works from Pristina via Peja.
The Peaks of the Balkans is a loop, so where you start depends on where you fly in. Theth is the classic start, but it is not the only option.
Airports
| Airport | Best for | Distance to trail |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana (TIA), Albania | Theth, Valbonë | ± 4–5 h to Theth via Shkodër |
| Podgorica (TGD), Montenegro | Plav, Vusanje, or Theth via Shkodër | ± 3 h to Plav |
| Pristina (PRN), Kosovo | Drelaj, Rekë e Allagës via Peja | ± 2 h to Peja |
Shkodër → Theth by minibus
- Departures: usually around 07:00 from Shkodër, with a second run in the afternoon in high season (around 14:00 in 2026).
- Time: 2–3 hours; the road was asphalted to Theth in recent years.
- Price: about €10 per person (2026).
- Booking: ask your guesthouse in Shkodër or Theth; most can reserve a seat and pick you up at your hotel.
Komani Lake ferry → Valbonë
The ferry over Komani Lake is one of the most scenic boat trips in the Balkans, and the classic way to reach Valbonë.
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Departure Koman | 09:00 |
| Departure Fierzë | 13:00 |
| Crossing time | ± 2.5 h |
| Price | about €9 online, €10 cash |
From Shkodër, a minibus brings you to the Koman pier early in the morning; at Fierzë, minibuses wait to drive you to Valbonë. Times are seasonal: check them before you travel.
Starting from Montenegro or Kosovo
- Plav / Vusanje: bus from Podgorica to Plav (around 3 hours), then taxi or local transfer to Vusanje.
- Peja / Rugova: bus from Pristina to Peja, then taxi to Drelaj or Rekë e Allagës.
Getting back
On a loop, you finish where you started. If you walk only part of the route, arrange a transfer back in advance: taxis between valleys can be expensive because roads go all the way around the mountains. The Balkan Trail includes the local transfers during the trek and offers transfers from and to Tirana.
Sources
Peaks of the Balkans – official site, Zbulo – getting there.
