Railways in

Albania

Typical rural passenger train, seen between Elbasan and Mirakë in 2013,
hauled by T669-1059, a Czech built 1300hp Co-Co diesel electric locomotive.

Various narrow gauge military and industrial railways appeared in Albania from the early years of the 20th century, but none of these remains operational. The present day standard gauge system dates mainly from the period immediately following the Second World War. From the late 20th century the network suffered extensive degradation during periods of internal unrest and continued poor state of the economy. Repairs and extensions have been undertaken, but services remain prone to interruption owing to lack of resources.

Freight and passenger services are operated by the State railway company. The Albanian network is connected with the rest of Europe by a freight-only link with neighbouring Montenegro.

In 2018, a study was launched for a new 130km rail link between Pogradec and Florina in Greece, connecting the rail networks of the two countries.

In 2021, a contract was let for the rehabilitation of the 37km main line between Durrës and Tiranë, together with a new 5.7km branch serving Tiranë International Airport. The main line has been closed to traffic since 2016. Services on the new routes are planned to commence in 2026.

In 2023, a feasibility study commenced for a new international link with Kosovo. The precise route remains to be identified but the line would be approximately 130km in length.

In 2024, funding was approved for rehabilitation of the 120km line from Tiranë to Hani i Hotit on the border with Montenegro, where it will connect with Montenegran Railways. The line forms part of European TEN-T route 2. Reopening is envisged for 2030.

Also in 2024, funding was approved for improvements and electrification between Durrës and Rrogozhinë, on the main line to Elbasan.

In early 2026, it appears that the only passenger train operating is a once weekly return service between Shkodër and Gjormë. Services between Durrës and Elbasan, and on the branch from Rrogozhinë to Lushnjë, are decribed as being closed for maintenance. As far as can be ascertained, no commercial freight traffic is currently being carried.

• HSh Albanian Railways