bus from Shkoder, Albania to Budva or Kotor?

This trip is on my radar (so many trips, so little time!), so I'm bumping up your question. Unfortunately, I don't think many on the forum have explored this area, so getting answers about it can be challenging.

I'd love to know more about your trip. I'm kind of thinking about focusing more on northern Albania up into Montenegro and maybe even Croatia. I've read that transportation is somewhat sketchy in this area, which is one reason I've hesitated on this trip.

Do a forum search for Dijana. Tgen with the email addres you find, or whatsapp write her and ask. She will have all tge details i suspect.
Tell her you got her name on the forum and James says hello.

Oh, here isthe whatsapp number: +39 389 765 5935.

Dijana is a good idea and sometimes a private driver is your best bet in this area. But here is information I have found to help you search - but I have not tried it yet (it’s on my itinerary for June).

I plan to be in Ulcinj (not Budva) and head to Shkoder from there. So I am going the opposite direction. I have found two companies that drive (probably vans - typical Albania) for this 2 hr route and it looks like they go both directions.
https://dritatravel.com/?navigationEventId=r2r08--019949f1-4508-7117-a0dd-3b972b82f4dd
https://travel.gjirafa.com/en/bus-companies/candy-tours (Email [email protected])

I’d love to know what route you found, if you are willing to share.

I'm not the OP, but I appreciate the responses. One thing I like about the countries I've explored so far is they they've had great public transportation options, but I really do want to dig in and experience some other areas such as Albania and Montenegro, so helpful input from trusted sources is greatly appreciated.

I've bern to Montenegro four times, so I am an expert, right? It's not Italy where everything is in a guidebook or one of 969,476 RS posts. Yup, there are busses, but they Wizz right past things you gotta know someone to believe exist. Tourism in Montenegro and Albania is a lot more subtle and because of that, in a lot of ways more rewarding. Restaurants are good, the guide's mother is a better cook. Reading is wonderful, hearing the guides stories of life under communism, better. Remember, the cost of visiting Montenegro and Albania is so reasonable that if you throw in private transfers and guides it can still cost less than France or Italy on your own and on the bus.

I am still in touch with my Albanian guide from a few years ago. She runs a hotel on the coast now, but I'll ask if she has any recommendations for guides. I know the company Dijana sent my friends up with in Albania a few months ago did an excellent job for them. So that's a source.

My husband and I just returned from a 3 week Albania. + Peaks of the Balkans vacation. I would highly recommend this trip it was incredible. :). We used Vilma @ the travel agency Balkan Pearls to book our hotel, driver and guide. It was a bargain! She was super responsive and designed a travel itinerary that matched our travel style. Reminded me of Rick Steves only private.

The boutique hotels she recommended were in great locations and very nice. She was so helpful in planning our activities and suggesting locations. She also suggested a driver/guide. I would recommend a driver. There are no stop signs in Albania and the driving looks to be very challenging. I was very happy to have someone local behind the wheel.

I initially thought this would be a huge expense but it was very affordable and made the experience one of a lifetime. The Albanian people are SO hospitable and the country beautiful.

One additional advantage to using the travel agency is you can wire money ahead of time to pay for all of your hotels and drive transfers. this really cuts down on the amount of cash you have to carry.

*Bring lots of Ginger if you have troubles with motion sickness the roads are windy everywhere.

The Peaks of the Balkans trek I booked thru Emir at Balkan Mountain Adventure Company. If you are interested challenging hikes from one small village in the Balkans to another I would highly recommend. If you want more info you can respond to my message.