Dajti Ekspres Cable Car, Tirana

Cable Car in Tirana

CC BY-SA 4.0 / TorbjørnS

The Dajti Express Cable Car is one of Tirana's most popular attractions, offering visitors a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty that surrounds Albania's bustling capital. Stretching over one kilometre, it is the longest cable car in the Balkans and connects the city to the breathtaking Dajti Mountain National Park. The 15-minute journey glides smoothly above forests and rolling hills, providing spectacular views of Tirana and the Adriatic plain beyond. It's one of the best places to visit in Tirana for families and anyone wanting a fun, refreshing escape from the city.

The experience doesn't end when you reach the summit. At an altitude of around 1,100 meters, Dajti Mountain offers a cool climate and a wide range of activities year-round. Whether you're visiting for hiking, horseback riding, or winter skiing, the mountain provides the perfect backdrop for both adventure and relaxation. The site is also home to a traditional-style restaurant and a hotel with a rotating bar, where guests can enjoy local food and drinks while taking in panoramic views—making it a highlight of any walking tour of Tirana that ventures into nature.

History and Significance of the Dajti Express Cable Car
Things to See and Do at Dajti Mountain National Park
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting the Dajti Express Cable Car
Is the Dajti Express Cable Car Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Dajti Express Cable Car
Nearby Attractions to the Dajti Express Cable Car

History and Significance of the Dajti Express Cable Car

Opened in 2005, the Dajti Express was built to make Dajti Mountain National Park more accessible to both locals and tourists. The project was inspired by European alpine cable cars and designed to promote sustainable tourism in Albania. Before its construction, reaching the mountain's upper slopes required a long and winding road journey, but today the gondola provides a scenic, efficient, and environmentally friendly route straight from the city's edge to the mountain plateau.

Over the years, the Dajti Express has become a symbol of Tirana’s growing tourism infrastructure, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience the fusion of urban energy and natural tranquility. The cable car is also a point of pride for locals, representing how Albania has embraced modern tourism while preserving its stunning landscapes.

Things to See and Do at Dajti Mountain National Park

Once you step off the cable car, a world of adventure awaits. The Dajti Mountain National Park offers hiking trails that wind through dense pine forests and lead to spectacular lookout points. For those seeking a bit of excitement, horseback riding, paragliding, and mountain biking are available in summer, while in winter, parts of the mountain transform into a small but enjoyable ski area.

Families can visit the mini-golf course, adventure park, or enjoy a relaxed picnic in one of the scenic meadows. The Dajti Tower Hotel is a popular stop for refreshments, particularly its revolving bar, which offers 360-degree views of Tirana and the surrounding valleys. Photographers will find endless opportunities here, from sunrise over the peaks to the city lights twinkling below at dusk.

How to Get There

Reaching the Dajti Express is straightforward. From the city center, take the public bus to Porcelan (fare 40 lekë) from outside the Clock Tower of Tirana. From the bus stop, it's about a 1.5 km uphill walk to the cable car terminal, or visitors can use the free shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes and takes around five minutes. Alternatively, taxis from central Tirana charge approximately 600 lekë to the Dajti Express base station. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

The ride up the mountain takes around 15 minutes, and return tickets can be purchased directly at the station or online through the Dajti Express website.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Dajti Express Cable Car

Best time to visit Dajti Express Cable Car: Spring and autumn for mild weather and clear views; winter for snow activities.
Entrance fee in Euros: Round-trip ticket approximately €8 for adults, €5 for children.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
Official website: www.dajti-ekspres.com
How long to spend: 2–4 hours for the full experience.
Accessibility: The gondolas are wheelchair accessible; terrain at the top can be uneven.
Facilities: Restaurants, restrooms, children’s play areas, and souvenir shops available at the summit.
Photography tip: Capture Tirana’s skyline from the rotating bar just before sunset.
Guided tours: Offered by local operators combining the Dajti Express with city or hiking tours.
Nearby food options: The mountaintop restaurant offers traditional Albanian dishes with spectacular views.

Is the Dajti Express Cable Car Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Dajti Express is one of the must-see places in Tirana for its combination of natural beauty, adventure, and accessibility. It's ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking to experience a different side of Albania's capital. The breathtaking scenery and variety of activities make it a highlight for visitors of all ages.

FAQs for Visiting the Dajti Express Cable Car

How long is the cable car ride?
The journey lasts about 15 minutes each way.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it’s very family-friendly, with attractions for kids at the summit.

Can I hike down instead of taking the gondola back?
Yes, there are several marked trails, but ensure you’re equipped for steep terrain.

Is it open year-round?
Yes, though operations may pause temporarily during severe weather.

Can I buy tickets online?
Yes, tickets can be purchased on the official Dajti Express website or at the terminal.

Nearby Attractions to the Dajti Express Cable Car

Skanderbeg Square – Tirana's central hub and home to major museums and monuments.
Bunk'Art 1 – An underground Cold War bunker turned museum near the cable car station.
Rinia Park – A popular green space for relaxation in the city center.
Grand Park of Tirana – A vast urban park with a lake, walking trails, and open-air cafés.
Et'hem Bey Mosque – One of Tirana's oldest and most beautiful Ottoman-era landmarks.

The Dajti Ekspres Cable Car appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tirana!

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