How to get to Albania from Corfu?

When I was recently looking for plane tickets to Albania, I wondered if getting to Albania from Corfu is easy. I ended up flying to Corfu and taking the ferry from Corfu to Albania. But I could find little information online, so I decided to turn my experience into a blog post.

How to get to Albania from Corfu? You can get to Albania from Corfu by ferry. The ferry from Corfu to Albania takes 30 minutes by speed boat or 70 minutes by ferry boat. Depending on the season, there are between 2 – 13 ferry departures per day. A ferry ticket costs between €18.00 – €23.80 for one adult for a one way ticket.

There is a lot of information you need before taking the ferry boat. For instance, there is a time difference between Corfu and Albania. Moreover, the timetables vary by season. Plus, there are four different ferry companies and two different types of boats. Let’s dig a little deeper, so that you have all the right information for your boat trip.

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UPDATE 10 July 2021: Corfu Ferry is fully operational again

CORFU-SARANDA FERRY UPDATE 10 July 2021

On the 10th of July 2021, the Corfu-Saranda Ferry re-opened and it is fully operational.

Corfu-Saranda Ferry UPDATE 18 September 2021:

From September 2021, there will be 6 x ferries between Corfu and Saranda each day.

  • Ferry from Saranda to Corfu
    Finikas Lines: 8:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 16:00 PM (until 30 September);
    Finikas Lines: 10:30 AM and 16:00 PM (from 1-22 October)
    Ionian Seaways: 8:45 AM, 13:30 PM, 18:30 PM (until 27 September)
    Ionian Seaways: 10:00 AM and 14:00 PM (from 28 Sept – 22 October)
  • Ferry from Corfu to Saranda
    Finikas Lines: 9:00 AM, 13:00 PM, 19:00 PM (until 30 September)
    Finikas Lines: 9:00 AM and 19:00 PM (from 1-22 October)
    Ionian Seaways: 8:40 AM, 11:15 AM, 17:15 PM (until 27 September)
    Ionian Seaways: 8:40 AM and 12:30 PM (from 28 Sept – 22 October)

The ferry companies that are operating the ferries are Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways. You can book online up to 24 hours before departure, you can also reserve by email or you can pay for your ticket at the ticket office in the port of Saranda or the port of Corfu.

The condition​s​ to travel to Greece or the Greek Corfu island are:

1. One of these documents:

-Negative PCR test 72 hours
-Negative antigen 48 hours
-Certificate of vaccination
-Test or medical certificate that shows you recovered from COVID in the past 30-180 days is required to enter Greece

2. Complete the Passenger Locator Form to enter Greece at https://travel.gov.gr

IMPORTANT: The ferry timetable has been changing every week for the past two months, so make sure you check the timetable before you travel frequently!

If you enter your email address below, I will send you a weekly update about the Corfu-Saranda ferry. Because the timetables and ferry regulations are constantly changing.

Corfu to Albania ferry

The best way to get from Corfu to Albania is by ferry boat. Although Corfu is a Greek island, it is actually very close to the Albanian coastline. In fact, Corfu island is only 35 kilometres from the Albanian coast. I have written a complete Albanian Riviera itinerary here, with the best things to do in the Albanian Riviera.

There are several ferry boats between Corfu and Albania every day. The ferry brings you from the Port of Corfu to the Port of Saranda. Saranda is a big coastal city in the south of Albania, which is popular among tourists. Moreover, from Saranda you can travel to the beautiful Ksamil beach or Butrint UNESCO sight. I have written a full guide to the paradise-like Ksamil beach, which you can check out here.

For your trip, you can choose between two different types of boats: a speedboat or a ferry boat. With a speedboat, the trip from Corfu to Albania takes only 30 minutes. On the other hand, you can take the regular ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes. Some people prefer the slower ferry boat, because you have more time to take pictures and enjoy the view.

The ticket prices for the ferry boat are a bit higher in the summer season, than in the low season. The high season is from the 1st of July until the 10th of September. Then the low season, starts on the 11th of September until the 30th of June the next year.

In the high season, one adult will pay €20.00 – €23.80 for a one-way trip or €40.00 – €47.60 for a return trip. In the low season, one adult will pay €18.00 -€19.00 for a one-way ticket or €36.00 – €40.00 for a return ticket.

Children under the age of 12 years old, pay roughly half the price for the ferry boat. In the high season, a child pays €10.00 – €13.00 for a one-way ticket or €20.00 – €26.00 for a return ticket. In the low season, a child pays €8.00 – €10.00 for a one-way trip or €16.00 – €20.00 for a return trip.

Bringing a car on board the ferry from Corfu to Albania will cost you between €40.00 – €42.00 for a one-way trip or €80.00 – €84.00 for a return trip.

There are four different ferry boat companies, that operate a ferry from Corfu to Albania. The companies are Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines, Sarris Lines and Cruises and Joy Lines. However, Ionian Seaways and Finikas Lines work together, so their timetable and price list are identical.

When you search for ferry companies online, you will also see the website of Direct Ferries. Direct Ferries does not operate any ferries, it is merely a price comparison website.

Corfu to Saranda ferry timetable

The ferry boat from Corfu to Saranda departs between 2 – 13 times a day. The number of boat departures per day, depends on the season. The winter is the slow period, therefore, there are only 2 boats per day. In July and August, it is high season in Albania, therefore there are 13 boats per day. In the spring and autumn, there are somewhere between 4 – 7 ferries a day.

If you are looking for inspiration on what to do in the Albanian Riviera, check out my perfect Albanian Riviera itinerary here.

***Insider tip***
There is a time difference between Corfu and Albania. Basically, Corfu island is 1 hour ahead in time of Albania. So, when you travel from Corfu to Albania, you win an extra hour. However, if you are travelling from Saranda to Corfu, bear in mind that you will lose 1 hour. This is especially important if you are catching a flight from Corfu airport.

Below, I have enclosed 3 x timetables for the ferry from Corfu to Saranda. Basically, there are three companies, that operate boats between Corfu and Saranda. These are Ionian Seaways & Finikas Lines, Sarris Cruises and Lines and Joy Lines.

Download the Albania Bus Timetable App

  • Search bus timetables for Albania.
  • Find direct and indirect bus routes.
  • Find bus terminals on Google Maps.
  • Ticket prices, departure times and bus operators.

Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines Corfu to Albania ferry time
1 January – 14 April 9:00
15 April – 15 May 9:00, 18:30
16 May – 30 June 9:00, 13:30, 19:00
1 July – 31 August 7:30, 9:00, 11:45, 13:30, 17:15, 19:00
1 September – 25 October 9:00, 13:00, 19:00
26 October – 31 December 9:00

Sarris Cruises and Lines Corfu to Saranda ferry timetable
1 June – 30 September Monday: 9:00, 14:00, 18:00
Tuesday: 10:00, 16:00
Wed – Fri: 9:00, 14:00
Saturday: 10:00, 16:00
Sunday: 14:00, 17:30, 23:45

Joy Lines Corfu to Albania ferry time
1 January – 1 May 8:30
2 May – 30 May Only Monday: 9:00, 16:30
Other days: 9:00, 9:30, 13:30
1 June – 30 June Only Monday: 9:00, 16:00
Other days: 9:00, 9:30, 13:30, 17:00
1 July – 10 September Only Monday: 9:00, 13:30, 19:30
Other days: 9:00, 9:30, 13:30, 17:15, 19:30
11 September – 20 October Only Monday: 9:00, 16:30
Other days: 9:00, 9:30, 13:30
21 October – 31 December 8:30

How much is the ferry from Corfu to Albania?

The ticket prices for the ferry from Corfu to Albania depend on the season. Moreover, there are small variances in price between the different ferry operators.

In the high season, an adult will pay between €20.00 – €23.80 for a one-way ticket. A return ticket for an adult is between €40.00 – €47.60 in the high season.

High Season ticket prices (1st of July – 10th of September)

Adult one-way ticket
€23.80 for Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines
€20.00 for Sarris Cruises and Lines
€23.00 for Joy Lines

Adult return ticket
€47.60 for Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines
€40.00 for Sarris Cruises and Lines
€44.00 for Joy Lines

Low Season ticket prices (11th of September – 30th of June)

Adult one-way ticket
€19.00 for Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines
€20.00 for Sarris Cruises and Lines
€18.00 for Joy Lines

Adult return ticket
€38.00 for Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines
€40.00 for Sarris Cruises and Lines
€36.00 for Joy Lines

In the low season, an adult will pay between €18.00 – €20.00 for a one-way trip. And between €36.00 – €40.00 for a return ticket.

Children (under the age of 12 years old) pay less for the ferry tickets from Corfu to Albania. In the high season, a child pays between €10.00 – €13.00 for a one-way ticket. Or between €20.00 – €26.00 for a return trip. In the low season, a child pays between €8.00 – €10.00 for a one-way ticket or €16.00 – €20.00 for a return ticket.

Where is the ferry port in Corfu?

To get on the ferry, you need to travel to the Port of Corfu. You can travel to the port, from the city center of Kerkyra or from the airport.

Kerkyra is the main town of Corfu and it is close to the ferry port. The distance between the city center of Kerkyra and the port is only 1.5 kilometres. Therefore, you can walk from the old town to the port. It is a popular walking route. So, there is signage from city center all the way to the port.

It is also possible to get to the port of Corfu by bus. You can get on Bus Line No 15 at the airport or in the city center of Kerkyra. Bus line No 15, departs from Corfu airport. The bus drives to the intercity bus station, through the city center, by San Rocco Square and its final stop is at the Port of Corfu.

At the port, the bus makes two stops. Firstly, it stops behind the ferry ticket offices and finally it stops at the port itself. The bus ticket costs only €1.20. The bus trip from the airport to the port takes around 20 minutes.

And finally, you can travel from the airport to the port by taxi. There are always taxis at the airport, so it is a good option if you need to be quick. The trip from the airport to the port of Corfu takes roughly 12 minutes. The taxi journey will cost you between €15 – €20.

Where can you buy tickets for the ferry from Corfu to Albania?

You can buy a ferry ticket online or at the ticket office on site.

If you prefer to book your ferry ticket online, you can search for the websites of the ferry operators. These are:
-Ionian Seaways
-Finikas Lines
-Sarris Cruises & Lines
-Joy Lines

Alternatively, it is also possible to book on the website of Direct Ferries. Direct Ferries is a price comparison platform for ferry tickets. The platform will show you the availability and ticket prices for all the above operators.

Whereas flight ticket prices change every day, the prices of the ferry tickets only change by season. So, you can check the website once and to see the price for the month of your holiday.

It is also possible to book the ferry tickets at the port of Corfu. There is a ticket office across from the Domestic Terminal Building in the Port of Corfu. The ticket office is from “Ionian Cruises”, so look for that name. Moreover, during the high season they open an extra kiosk inside the New Port Entrance.

After buying your ticket at the ticket office, you need to walk to the main entrance of the Port of Corfu. The main entrance is about 400 meters to the north of the ticket office. Pass through the main gate and turn to the left. You need to go to the New Passenger Terminal, to get your passport and ticket checked.

In Saranda, there is a ticket office with the name “Finikas Lines” directly above the port of Saranda.

How close is Albania to Corfu?

Albania is very close to Corfu, because the distance is only 35 kilometres. Due to the close distance, you can see Corfu island from the beaches in Southern Albania. There are no bridges crossing the sea, so the ferry boat is the only option.

How long is the ferry from Corfu to Saranda?

The Corfu to Albania ferry time is 30 minutes by speed boat or 70 minutes by ferry boat.

For your boat trip from Corfu to Albania, you can choose between a Flying Dolphin speed boat or a classic ferry boat. The flying dolphin is faster, but it is not accessible with a car. A regular ferry boat is calmer and more relaxing.

How far is Albania from Corfu by boat?

Albania is 35 kilometres from Corfu by boat. The trip takes 30 minutes by Flying dolphin speed boat or 70 minutes by ferry boat.

What is the shortest distance from Corfu to Albania?

The shortest distance from Corfu to Albania is only 3,6 kilometres (or 2 miles). This is at the point were the Greek Corfu island and the Albanian coast are the nearest. The ferry between Corfu and Albania makes a longer trip, as it travels from the port of Corfu to the port of Saranda.

Is Corfu Greek or Albania?

Corfu is a Greek island in front of the Albanian coast. Although the island is Greek, it is closer to Albania. At the nearest point, the two are only 3.6 kilometres from each other. It is possible to see Corfu island from many beaches in the South of Albania. Corfu island and the Albanian coast are separated by the strait of Corfu, which is in the Ionian Sea.

Saranda to Corfu ferry times

The timetable for the ferry from Saranda to Corfu is very similar. Again, there are between 2 – 13 ferry boats per day, depending on the season.

Many people take a ferry to Corfu and then fly home from Corfu airport. If you are catching a flight from Corfu, here are some helpful tips:

  1. Book the faster flying dolphin boat. If you need to catch a flight, it is better to book the faster flying dolphin boat. With the faster flying dolphin, it takes only 30 minutes to reach Corfu. Whereas the regular ferry boat takes 70 minutes.
  2. Calculate the time difference. Corfu island is one hour ahead in time of Albania. Therefore, you will lose 1 hour, once your ferry boat arrives in Corfu. Make sure, you take this into consideration, when you book your ferry ticket and flight ticket.
  3. Plan your trip from the Port of Corfu to Corfu airport. It takes between 12 – 20 minutes to travel from the Port of Corfu to the airport. Although the trip is short, you will need a little time to find your taxi or bus after you arrive by ferry. So, make sure you plan a little extra time to arrange your transportation to the airport.
  4. You need to be at the airport at least 1 hour or 1,5 hours before your flight departure. It will take some time to check-in at the airport, go through security and to get to your gate.

In summary, make sure you allow a significant block of time between the ferry arrival and your flight departure time. So that, you do not have to stress and worry about missing your flight home.

Below, I have enclosed the Saranda to Corfu ferry timetable for Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines, Sarris Cruises & Lines and Joy Lines.

Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines Saranda to Corfu ferry timetable
1 January – 14 April 13:00
15 April – 15 May 10:30, 16:00
16 May – 30 June 8:45, 10:30, 16:00
1 July – 31 August 6:30, 8:45, 10:30, 14:00, 16:00, 19:30
1 September – 25 October 8:45, 10:30, 16:00
26 October – 31 December 13:00

Sarris Cruises and Lines Saranda to Corfu ferry times
1 June – 30 September Monday: 10:00, 15:00, 18:30
Tuesday: 11:00, 17:00
Wed – Fri: 10:00, 15:00
Saturday: 11:30, 17:30
Sunday: 14:30, 18:00

Joy Lines Saranda to Corfu ferry time
1 January – 1 May 10:30
2 May – 30 May Only Monday: 10:15, 17:30
Other days: 10:15, 16:30, 17:15
1 June – 30 June Only Monday: 10:15, 17:15
Other days: 9:00, 10:15, 16:30, 17:15
1 July – 10 September Only Monday: 6:00, 9:45, 16:15
Other days: 6:00, 9:15, 10:15, 16:15, 17:15
11 September – 20 October Only Monday: 10:15, 17:30
Other days: 10:15, 16:30, 17:15
21 October – 31 December 10:30

Which airlines fly direct to Corfu?

The airlines that fly direct to Corfu are; Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Belavia Belarusian Airlines, Blue Air, Blue Panorama Airlines, Braathens Regional Aviation, British Airways, Condor, Corendon Airlines, Easy Jet, Edelweiss Air, Ellinair, Enter Air, Eurowings, Finnair, Israir, Jet Time, Jet2.com, Lauda Motion, Lufthansa, Luxair, Norwegian Air International, Novair, Olympic Air, Rossiya Airlines, Royal Flight, Ryanair, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Sky Express, SmartLynx Estonia, Smartwings, Tarom, Transavia, Tui Airlines Belgium, Utair, Volotea, Vueling, Wings of Lebanon and Wizz Air.

If you cannot find an affordable direct flight to Corfu airport, check out my full guide to flying to Albania.

How far is Ksamil from Saranda?

Ksamil is a paradise-like beach with four little islands, close to Saranda. Make sure you check out, the article I wrote about the stunning Ksamil beach. Ksamil is 18 kilometres to the south of Saranda. You can travel to Ksamil by taxi, by bus or by car. By taxi, it will only take 10 minutes and it will cost you roughly 10 euros. By bus, it takes 30 minutes and it costs only 1 euro. By car, drive from Saranda in the direction of Butrint. The Ksamil village is located along the road.

How do you get to Butrint from Saranda?

You can get to Butrint from Saranda by bus. The bus departs in the centre of Saranda at Nene Theresa Square. The bus departs once an hour between 6:30am and 17:10pm. A bus ticket costs 100 LEK (€0.80). And you can buy your ticket from the bus driver. The distance between Butrint and Saranda is 18 kilometres.

***Insider Tip***
There are many beautiful attractions close to Saranda, like Butrint (UNESCO sight), Ksamil beach, the Blue Eye of Albania and Gjirokaster (UNESCO sight). If you would like to visit these stunning sights in 1-2 days, you can visit my transportation page here. 

***Insider Tip***
In the morning, take the bus from Saranda to Butrint. Since Butrint is a famous UNESCO sight, you want to get there early, to avoid any crowds. Then after your visit to Butrint, take the same bus back, but get out in Ksamil beach. This way you can combine both amazing attractions in one day.

Related Questions

How do you get to Saranda Albania? You can get to Saranda by bus, by taxi or by car from the mainland or by ferry from Corfu. If you fly to Tirana airport, you can take a bus, a taxi or a car to Saranda. The journey from Tirana to Saranda takes 5 hours. If you fly to Corfu airport, you can take the ferry to Saranda for 30 – 70 min.

 

About me

About me

I am an Albania Tour Guide, who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania. I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania!
Kind regards, Manon

Welcome to Albania!

I am a Tour Guide in Albania

I am an Albania Tour Guide, who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania.