Ferries to Albania

Should you take the ferry?

Short answer: Only if you’re bringing a car or you’re already in Corfu.

Reality check:

• Flights are faster: Tirana from Rome? 1.5 hours. Ferry from Bari to Durrës? 9 hours.
• Flights are often cheaper: Ryanair/Wizz Air to Tirana: €30-80 roundtrip. Ferry from Italy: €60-100 one-way (plus €90-150 for your car).
• Ferries are for specific situations: You have a car you want to bring. You’re doing a multi-country road trip (Italy → Albania → Greece). You’re island-hopping from Corfu and Sarandë is right there. You hate flying.

If you’re flying in, renting a car in Albania is cheaper than ferrying yours from Italy.

When ferries make sense

You should take the ferry if:

1. You’re bringing your own car (rental car cross-border fees Italy → Albania are insane, often €200-500)
2. You’re already in Corfu (Corfu → Sarandë is 30 minutes and €15-25)
3. You’re doing an overland trip across multiple countries
4. You genuinely prefer overnight sea travel to flying
5. You’re bringing a campervan or motorcycle

You should probably fly if:

• You’re coming from anywhere that requires a connecting flight to reach an Italian ferry port
• You’re traveling solo or as a couple without a vehicle
• You value time over the “experience”

Book your ferry tickets

Compare prices, check timetables, and book online across all Albanian ferry routes:

Pro tips for booking:

• Book 2-4 weeks ahead in summer (July-Aug). Last-minute bookings can sell out or cost 30-50% more.
• Book 3-7 days ahead in shoulder season (May-June, Sept). Usually available, but prices creep up.
• Winter (Nov-March): Book a few days ahead or even same-day. Ferries run less frequently and rarely fill up.
• Vehicle bookings: Always book ahead if bringing a car, van, or motorcycle. Vehicle space is limited.

All Ferry Routes At A Glance

Routes from Italy

Italy has the most ferry connections to Albania. Three main ports: Durrës (busiest), Vlorë (southern coast), and Sarandë (only from Brindisi, infrequent).

Bari to Durrës — the main route

What to know:

• This is the workhorse route. Most reliable, most frequent, best for bringing vehicles.
• Overnight ferries save you a hotel night. Day ferries exist but are less common.
• Durrës port is 35 km from Tirana (40-minute drive). If you’re heading to Tirana or the north, this is your route.
• Cabins available (€20-50 extra for a 2-4 berth cabin). Worth it for overnight crossings.
• Deck passage (no cabin) is cheapest but uncomfortable for 9 hours. Bring a blanket.

Real prices (summer 2024/2025):

• Solo traveler, no cabin: €60-70
• Solo traveler with cabin: €85-110
• Car + driver: €140-180
• Car + driver + cabin: €160-220

Ancona to Durrës — longer, less frequent

What to know:

• Longer crossing, fewer departures than Bari.
• Useful if you’re in northern Italy (Venice, Bologna, Florence area) and don’t want to drive to Bari.
• Overnight crossing means you save one hotel night but spend most of the next day on the ferry.
• Cabins recommended for this length.

Brindisi to Vlorë — southern coast entry

What to know:

• Shortest Italy-Albania route time-wise.
• Vlorë is on the southern coast. Perfect if you’re heading to the Albanian Riviera (Dhërmi, Himara, Ksamil, Sarandë).
• Vlorë is 2.5 hours from Tirana by car (not ideal if Tirana is your destination—use Durrës instead).
• Day crossings, not overnight. Good if you don’t want to sleep on a ferry.
• Less reliable in winter (rougher seas, more cancellations).

Trieste to Durrës — northernmost option

What to know:

• Longest crossing, least frequent.
• Only useful if you’re in Slovenia, Austria, or northern Italy and don’t want to drive to Bari.
• Full day + night on the ferry.
• Scenic but slow.

Which Italy route should you actually book?

Bari to Durrës: Most frequent, most reliable, cheapest per hour of travel. Default choice for most travelers.

Brindisi to Vlorë: Best if heading to the Riviera, shortest crossing.

Ancona to Durrës: Good if you’re in northern Italy and don’t want to drive south.

Trieste to Durrës: Only if geography forces it.

Routes from Greece

Greece-Albania ferries are simpler. One main route: Corfu to Sarandë.

Corfu to Sarandë — the quick hop

What to know:

• This is barely a ferry—it’s a water taxi.
• Fastest international entry to Albania.
• Sarandë is in the far south, perfect for the Riviera (Ksamil 20 min, Himarë 1.5 hrs).
• Terrible for Tirana (4+ hours driving, winding mountain roads).
• Tickets often available same-day in shoulder seasons. Book ahead in July-August.
• Passport control on both sides. Factor 30-45 min waiting/processing.

Real prices (2024/2025):

• Foot passenger: €15-25
• Car + driver: €55-75
• Motorcycle + rider: €30-40

Corfu to Himarë — summer only

What to know:

• Seasonal service, summer only.
• Drops you right on the Riviera (Himarë is in the heart of the coast).
• Saves you driving from Sarandë.
• Less frequent than Corfu-Sarandë.

Albanian ferry ports: what to expect

Durrës Port

Location: 35 km west of Tirana (40 min drive) Facilities: Basic. Café, small shop, ATM, taxis. What to know:

• Largest port, most organized.
• Expect 30-60 min to disembark with a vehicle (customs, passport checks).
• Taxis to Tirana: €25-35 (negotiate before getting in). Buses run hourly to Tirana (€2-3, leaves from outside port).
• Car rental available at Tirana airport (35 min from port), not at the port itself.

Pro tip: If arriving without a vehicle, take the airport shuttle bus from Durrës city center (€2, 20 min walk from port) to Tirana Airport, then bus/taxi to Tirana. Cheaper than taxis.

Vlorë Port

Location: Vlorë city center Facilities: Minimal. Small waiting area, limited food options. What to know:

• Smaller, less busy than Durrës.
• Walk to Vlorë city center (10 min).
• Buses to Tirana leave from Vlorë bus station (€5-7, 2.5 hours).
• Perfect if heading to the Riviera—Dhërmi is 45 min south, Himarë 1 hour, Sarandë 2 hours.

Sarandë Port

Location: Sarandë waterfront (city center) Facilities: Very basic. Passport control hut, small kiosk. What to know:

• Tiny port, quick disembarkation (15-30 min).
• Walking distance to Sarandë hotels/restaurants (5-10 min).
• Buses to Tirana (€10-12, 4-5 hours) leave from Sarandë bus station (10 min walk).
• Ksamil (famous beaches) is 20 min drive south.

What to expect on the ferry

Overnight ferries (Italy routes)

Cabins:

• 2-4 berth cabins available on most routes (€20-50 extra per person).
• Basic: bunk beds, small bathroom, no frills.
• Worth it for overnight crossings unless you’re very budget-conscious.

Deck passage:

• Cheapest option.
• You get a seat (airline-style reclining seats), no bed.
• Bring a blanket, neck pillow, eye mask. It’s not comfortable for 9 hours.
• Some people sleep on deck benches (technically not allowed but tolerated).

Onboard:

• Small café/bar (coffee €2-3, sandwiches €5-7, beer €3-5).
• Bring snacks if you want to save money.
• Wi-Fi exists but is terrible (slow, unreliable).
• Showers available (some ferries, not all).

Sea conditions:

• Adriatic (Italy routes): Usually calm May-September. Can be rough October-April (delays/cancellations possible).
• Ionian (Corfu route): Generally calmer, even in winter.

Pro tip: Overnight ferries from Bari depart around 10-11 PM, arrive 7-8 AM. You save a hotel night. Day ferries are rare and less convenient.

Day ferries (short routes)

Corfu to Sarandë is quick (30-40 min). No cabins needed.

Brindisi to Vlorë takes 4-7 hours depending on vessel. Comfortable enough without a cabin—bring a book, enjoy the Adriatic views.

Costs: what you’ll actually pay

Solo traveler, no vehicle:

• Corfu → Sarandë: €15-25
• Bari → Durrës: €50-90 (add €20-50 for a cabin)
• Brindisi → Vlorë: €35-60

Bringing a car:

• Corfu → Sarandë: €55-75 (car + driver)
• Bari → Durrës: €140-220 (car + driver + cabin)
• Brindisi → Vlorë: €100-150 (car + driver)

Motorcycles: Roughly 40-50% of car price.

Campervans/RVs: Priced by length. Expect €150-300 from Italy.

Foot passengers with cabin (overnight Italy routes): €70-130 depending on route and season.

When to book

July-August (peak season):

• Book 3-4 weeks ahead for vehicles.
• Book 1-2 weeks ahead as foot passenger.
• Prices highest, availability tightest.

June and September (shoulder season):

• Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
• Prices moderate, good availability.

October-May (off-season):

• Book a few days ahead, sometimes same-day works.
• Fewer crossings, but rarely sold out.
• Cheaper prices (20-30% less than summer).

Last-minute bookings:

• Possible in off-season.
• Risky in summer (higher prices or sold out).
• Vehicle space often gone if booking last-minute in July-August.

Practical tips

At the port

Arrive early: 90 minutes before departure with a vehicle, 60 minutes as foot passenger.

Documents needed:

• Passport (valid 3+ months)
• Vehicle registration (if bringing a car)
• International insurance (Green Card) for vehicles entering Albania

Boarding process:

• Check-in at ferry company desk.
• Passport control.
• Vehicle inspection (if applicable).
• Board and find your cabin/seat.

Customs in Albania:

• Usually quick (10-30 min).
• Occasionally they check vehicles (random inspections).
• Bringing alcohol? Limit is 1L spirits + 2L wine per person.

Seasickness

Rough crossings: Adriatic can get choppy October-April. Ionian (Corfu route) is calmer.

Medications: Bring Dramamine/ginger tablets if prone to seasickness.

Cabins help: Interior cabins (no windows) reduce motion sickness for some people.

Alternatives to consider

Flying is often cheaper and faster:

• Ryanair/Wizz Air to Tirana: €30-80 roundtrip from most European cities.
• Flight time: 1-2 hours vs 9+ hours on ferry.

Rent a car in Albania instead of bringing yours:

• Rental cars in Albania: €20-40/day.
• Ferry cost for your car: €80-150 one-way.
• Math: Unless you’re staying 2+ weeks or doing a multi-country road trip, renting in Albania is cheaper.

Combine fly + ferry:

• Fly to Corfu (cheap from many European cities), then 30-min ferry to Sarandë.
• Often cheaper than direct Italy ferries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry cheaper than flying?

For foot passengers: Usually no. Flights to Tirana often cost €30-80 roundtrip. Ferries from Italy cost €50-100 one-way.

With a vehicle: It depends. If you’re bringing a car you already own and staying 2+ weeks, the ferry can make sense. If renting, you’re better off flying and renting in Albania.

Can I book ferry tickets at the port?

Summer (July-Aug): Risky. Popular routes sell out, especially for vehicles. Book ahead.

Shoulder season (May-June, Sept): Usually fine 1-3 days before, sometimes same-day.

Winter: Yes, usually same-day works. Fewer crossings but also fewer travelers.

What if the ferry is canceled?

Weather cancellations happen, especially October-March on Adriatic routes.

Your options:

• Rescheduled on next available ferry (usually next day).
• Full refund if you cancel.
• Sometimes ferry companies put you on a partner company’s ferry.

Pro tip: Buy travel insurance if booking in winter. Weather cancellations aren’t uncommon.

Do ferries run in winter?

Yes, but less frequently.

Bari-Durrës: Year-round, but 1 daily instead of 2-3.

Corfu-Sarandë: Year-round, reduced to 1-2 daily (vs 6+ in summer).

Brindisi-Vlorë: Reduced service, some weeks skip entirely.

Ancona/Trieste routes: Reduced to 1-2x weekly.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

Yes, most ferries allow pets.

Requirements:

• Pet passport (EU) or health certificate
• Rabies vaccination (valid)
• Microchip

Costs: €10-30 per pet depending on ferry company.

Onboard: Pets usually not allowed in cabins (exceptions for small pets in carriers). Designated pet areas on deck.

Is there food on the ferry?

Yes, all Italy-Albania ferries have a café/bar.

Prices: Coffee €2-3, sandwiches €5-8, pasta/hot meals €8-12, beer €3-5.

Quality: Basic. Not terrible, not great.

Pro tip: Bring snacks if you’re on a budget or picky.

How early should I arrive at the port?

With a vehicle: 90 minutes before departure.

Foot passenger: 60 minutes (sometimes 45 min is fine, but 60 min is safer).

Why so early? Check-in, passport control, vehicle inspection (if applicable), boarding process.

Can I take a campervan or RV?

Yes. All Italy routes accept campervans.

Costs: Priced by vehicle length. Small campervans (under 6m): €120-200. Large RVs (over 7m): €200-350.

Restrictions: Height limit usually 3.5-4m. Check with ferry company.

Booking: Always book ahead—vehicle space is limited and campervans take up more room than cars.

What’s the best route for the Albanian Riviera?

Brindisi to Vlorë or Corfu to Sarandë.

Brindisi-Vlorë: Puts you in Vlorë, 45 min north of the Riviera. Drive south to Dhërmi, Himarë, Ksamil.

Corfu-Sarandë: Puts you right in the south. Ksamil is 20 min, Himarë 1.5 hours north.

Which is better? Corfu-Sarandë is faster and cheaper if you’re already in Greece. Brindisi-Vlorë if coming from Italy.

What’s the best route for Tirana or the Albanian Alps?

Bari to Durrës. Durrës is 35 km from Tirana. From Tirana, it’s 3-4 hours to the Albanian Alps (Valbonë, Theth).

Can I use my car insurance in Albania?

You need international coverage (Green Card). Check with your insurer before you go.

Most EU car insurance: Covers Albania automatically. Check your policy or call your insurer.

Non-EU insurance: You may need to buy Albanian insurance at the border (€30-50 for short stays).

How do I get from Durrës Port to Tirana?

Taxi: €25-35 (40 min). Negotiate price before getting in.

Bus: €2-3. Walk 20 min to Durrës bus station, catch bus to Tirana (runs hourly, 45-60 min).

Rental car pickup: Most rental companies don’t have Durrës Port locations. Pick up at Tirana Airport (35 min from port) or Tirana city center.

Are overnight ferries safe?

Yes. Modern ferries from reputable companies (GNV, Ventouris, Adria Ferries) are safe and well-maintained.

Rough seas: Adriatic can be choppy in winter. Ferries operate unless conditions are dangerous (rare).

Security onboard: Lock valuables in your cabin. Don’t leave bags unattended in common areas.

Can I walk on the ferry or do I need a vehicle?

You can absolutely walk on as a foot passenger. No vehicle needed.

Booking: Select “foot passenger” when booking online.

Costs: €35-90 depending on route.

At the port: Check-in like anyone else, board without a vehicle, find your seat/cabin.

Is it worth getting a cabin for a 9-hour ferry?

Yes, if you can afford the extra €20-50. Sleeping in a reclining seat for 9 hours is uncomfortable.

Cabin benefits:

• Actual bed (bunk-style, but better than a seat).
• Privacy.
• Bathroom in the cabin.
• Place to store luggage securely.

Deck passage: Budget option, but you won’t sleep well. Fine if you’re young/flexible or on a tight budget.

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Last updated: October 2025