Corfu and Albania pair surprisingly well on one trip: the direct Corfu Town–Sarandë ferry is short (often under an hour door-to-door once you include border checks), and it’s one of the quickest international hop-offs you can do from a Greek island.
I’ve traveled this route multiple times, and the details that most often trip people up are seasonal ferry schedules, local-time timetables, and border control at the port.
Below is the up-to-date, traveler-first breakdown of ferries, tickets, and the flight backup option if you’d rather avoid the sea.
Most travelers use the Corfu Town (New Port) ↔ Sarandë route.
Corfu is typically 1 hour ahead of Albania (check local time when you book).
Ferry frequency is seasonal: fewer sailings in winter, more in late spring/summer.
Bring a passport; visa rules depend on nationality; border checks happen at the port.
Ticket prices and car spaces depend on the operator and date.
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Common Mistakes To Avoid On A Corfu–Sarandë Trip
| Key Fact | What To Expect Right Now |
|---|---|
| Main route | Corfu Town (New Port) ↔ Sarandë (Albania) |
| Typical crossing time | About 30–50 minutes (fastest sometimes ~25–30 minutes) |
| Frequency | Seasonal: fewer sailings in winter; multiple per day in peak season |
| Adult ticket price | Often ~€19 off-peak; ~€23–€25 peak (operator-dependent) |
| Car on the ferry | Usually possible; often ~€42 each way; limited space and operator rules apply |
| Time difference | Corfu (Greece) is typically 1 hour ahead of Albania |
| Documents | Passport required; visa depends on nationality; border checks at ports |
Is Albania Worth Visiting From Corfu?
Yes—especially if you’re curious to see something different without committing to a long journey. The Corfu–Sarandë ferry is short, affordable, and easy to fit into a Greek island itinerary, and Sarandë offers a noticeably different pace, lower prices, and a less polished feel compared to Corfu. For many travelers, that contrast is exactly the appeal, whether for a quick day trip or a longer stay along the Albanian Riviera.
Best Option Based On Your Travel Style
- Day trip from Corfu: Morning ferry to Sarandë with an evening return (most common).
- Overnight or longer: Ferry to Sarandë, then continue along the Albanian Riviera.
- Avoiding boats: Connecting flight to Tirana (longer, but possible).
What A Typical Corfu–Sarandë Day Trip Looks Like
Most day trips involve an early-morning ferry from Corfu Town, arrival in Sarandë mid-morning after border checks, several hours to explore the town or nearby beaches, and a late-afternoon or evening return to Corfu. Exact timing depends on the day’s ferry schedule and border-control queues.
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The primary route between Corfu and Albania is the direct ferry from Corfu Town to Sarandë. Flights are possible via a connection, but they add significant time and are mainly useful if you want to avoid traveling by sea.
Ferry and flight schedules are published in local time, so always double-check whether times are listed in Greece time (Corfu) or Albania time (Sarandë).
Taking The Ferry From Corfu To Albania
Using the ferry is the fastest and most practical way to travel between Corfu and Albania, particularly on the Corfu-Sarandë route.
Where Is The Ferry Port In Corfu
The Port of Corfu is located in Corfu Town and is 30 minutes from the Old Town on foot. However, you may also opt to take a taxi or one of the city bus lines that go directly there.
Once at the port, follow the signs for your ferry operator and border control/passport checks, then wait in the designated departure area.
Corfu–Sarandë Ferry Operators (What Actually Runs)
There are several ferries every day, with more during the high season. Several ferry companies serve this route, but Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways are the main two.
The Corfu–Sarandë ferry crossing typically takes 30–50 minutes, with the fastest sailings sometimes as short as 25–30 minutes, depending on the operator and conditions. You should always check times online before traveling, as these occasionally change.
Operators and timetables change by season, so confirm your exact sailing on the ferry company site or a live timetable aggregator the week you travel.
Where The Ferry Arrives In Sarandë
Saranda’s ferry port is located on the west side of the city. You will find bars, restaurants, hotels, and most of the main attractions in Saranda, all within walking distance of the port.
Getting Around Sarandë After You Arrive
Sarandë is compact and walkable, and most hotels, restaurants, cafés, and the main promenade are within a 10–15 minute walk of the ferry terminal. Taxis are available outside the port if you’re heading further along the coast or up to viewpoints, but for a short visit or day trip, most people get around entirely on foot.
Corfu–Sarandë Ferry Schedule By Season
Overall, ferry frequency is seasonal: in the winter months (roughly November to March), there are usually fewer sailings (often 1–2 per day when operating), while late spring through summer can have multiple departures per day in each direction.
In peak season (late spring through summer), there may be multiple departures per day in each direction, but exact times vary by operator and date (listed in each company’s local time).
On busy summer days, border control in Sarandë can add 20–40 minutes on arrival, which is worth factoring in if you’re planning a same-day return to Corfu.
Can You Take A Car On The Corfu–Sarandë Ferry
Yes, cars are allowed on the ferries, but if you are renting a car, you will need to check with the rental agency, as not all agencies allow cars to cross borders.
Bringing a car typically costs around €42 each way on this route, but vehicle pricing and availability can vary by operator and date.
Corfu–Sarandë Ferry Tickets (Prices And Booking)
In the lower-demand season, adult tickets are often around €19 each way (operator-dependent).
During the peak summer season, adult tickets are typically around €23–€25 each way (operator-dependent).
You can usually book online in advance (cut-off times vary by operator), or buy tickets in person at the port.
During peak summer weekends, popular return ferries can sell out first, so booking your return leg early matters more than the outbound.
Corfu To Tirana Flights (Routes And Typical Times)
Flying is possible if you prefer not to travel by sea, but it adds significant time because there are no direct flights between Corfu and Albania.
You can fly from Corfu to Tirana via another airport (connections are commonly via Athens and other hubs), and the total travel time is usually 4+ hours, depending on the connection. Airlines and routings vary by season and date.
Regardless of how you travel, remember that you’re crossing international borders, and you should have all your paperwork organized before you go.
How do you get from Corfu to Albania?
The main way is the direct ferry from Corfu Town (New Port) to Sarandë in southern Albania.
How long is the Corfu to Sarandë ferry?
Most sailings take 30–50 minutes; the fastest services sometimes take 25–30 minutes, depending on the operator and sea conditions.
How often do ferries run between Corfu and Sarandë?
It’s seasonal: winter typically has fewer sailings (often 1–2 per day when operating), while late spring and summer can have multiple departures per day in each direction.
Do you need a passport to take the ferry from Corfu to Albania?
Yes. You are crossing an international border, so you’ll go through passport control and border control at the port.
Do you need a visa to visit Albania from Corfu?
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Check the latest passport rules before you travel.
Is Corfu one hour ahead of Albania?
Yes. Corfu follows Greek Standard Time (EET/EEST), and Albania follows Central European Time (CET/CEST), so Corfu is typically 1 hour ahead.
Can you do a day trip from Corfu to Albania?
Yes. Many travelers take a morning ferry to Sarandë and return the same day, but the best plan depends on the day’s sailing times and border-control queues.
Do you need to book Corfu–Sarandë ferry tickets in advance?
In peak season, booking ahead is recommended because popular departures can sell out. In quieter months, same-day or short-notice tickets may be available, depending on demand.
Can you take a car on the Corfu–Sarandë ferry?
Often, yes, but vehicle space is limited, and pricing/availability depend on the operator and date. If you’re renting, you usually need written permission and the correct insurance coverage to cross the border.
What is a good Sarandë day-trip itinerary from Corfu?
Most travelers arrive mid-morning, have lunch along the promenade, spend time walking the seafront or swimming at a nearby beach, then return to the port in time for an evening ferry back to Corfu.
Do ferries from Corfu go to Vlorë?
The main direct ferry route from Corfu is to Sarandë. If you want to reach Vlorë, it’s typically done by overland travel in Albania or via connections to mainland Greece, depending on the season and operator.
Are ferry timetables shown in Greek Standard Time (EET) or Albanian Standard Time (ALMT)?
Operators publish schedules in local time, so always confirm whether the departure and arrival are listed in Greece time (Corfu) or Albania time (Sarandë) before you plan connections.
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