If you plan to mainly explore the Albanian Riviera, flying into Corfu instead of Tirana is your best option. That way you can skip 5-7 hours on a minibus and take the ferry instead.
Or maybe you’re already in Albania? In just about 30 minutes, you can hop from stunning Albanian beaches to the charming streets of Corfu Old Town —no flights, no stress, just sea breeze and adventure.
I recently took this ferry myself, so here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know before crossing the Ionian Sea – from tickets to what to expect on board.
Article overview
Taking the ferry from Saranda to Corfu
I chose to go with Finikas Lines because it was the first ticket office I saw. Ionian Seaways is the other main operator. There isn’t much difference between the two, other than a few euros in price, so I’d say go with the departure time that works best for you.
1. Passport & visa requirements
To buy the ticket at the ticket office, I had to show my ID or passport. Since Albania isn’t in the Schengen Zone, passport control is required on both sides, even for a short day trip.
The Schengen Zone is a group of 29 European countries that allow passport-free travel between them, making border crossings seamless. However, most non-EU visitors can only stay for 90 days within 180 days, so it’s important to track your days to avoid overstaying.
You can also enter Albania without a visa for up to 90 days. But make sure to double-check before you go as changes can happen.
2. Ferry schedule & duration
I was surprised by how frequent the ferries run, especially during peak season. The high-speed ferries take just 30-35 minutes, while the car ferries take between 1 and 1.15 hours.
Both Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways change their departures with the seasons, so click the links to check the most up-to-date timetables.
3. Ticket prices & booking
You can book tickets online in advance, which you should in summer, but I went into the ticket office since it was on my daily walking route. I paid €25 for a one-way ticket.
If you have a flight from Corfu on the same day, leave a lot of room for potential delays. Crossings can also be canceled if the weather is very bad. So check the weather forecast before booking, especially during late fall/winter/early spring.
Both ferry lines have a paragraph online that you need to print out your online booking, so if you want to be safe, ask the ferry booking office or your accommodation to print the ticket.
However, one of the girls on my ferry only had the PDF ticket and she didn’t have any problems.
4. Departure
I was told to be at the terminal for passport check 30 minutes before departure and that was more than enough time. In March the queue was short and moved quickly.
During the summer months, however, I highly recommend getting there an hour before for the mid-day ferries as the terminal gets busy.
Just locate the salmon-colored building and walk in the door with a yellow departure sign, then continue down the escalator. There is a cafe in the terminal, but it was closed when I was there.
After going through passport control, we went outside to a waiting area under a roof. Boarding started about 10 minutes before departure.
This is what the inside of the ferry looks like, there is very limited seating outside on the hydrofoils. Only one lady with a dog got to sit outside. It was at about 75% capacity even in March, so I can imagine they get very busy in summer. But then again there are many more crossing each day.
5. Arriving in Corfu
We got to Corfu about 10 minutes after schedule and it started pouring down the minute the doors opened. I was the last one off the ferry and therefore the last to go through the passport control. But it only took around 15 minutes.
There’s a stop for the Line 15 bus right outside, which connects the port with the Old Town and the airport. Just ask any local if you can’t find it.
You can also easily walk to the Old Town in 30 minutes which I had planned to if it weren’t for the heavy rain. So I got in a taxi which cost 15 Euros. I quickly realized that I probably should have asked for a better price, because it was a very short drive.
6. Currency & time difference
Keep in mind that Albania uses the Albanian LEK and Corfu uses the Euro. Albania is still very much a cash country, so you’ll need to withdraw some LEK if you plan to travel around. ATMs are available everywhere. If you’re only staying for the day, you can get by with Euros.
One thing that you might not be aware of is that there’s a one-hour time difference between Albania and Corfu. It feels weird that Albania is one hour behind Corfu since Albania is further east, but it is, of course, because Corfu is part of Greece.
Is a day trip to Albania from Corfu, or vice versa, worth it?
Yes, I highly recommend taking a day trip by ferry between Corfu and Saranda. The journey itself is quick and convenient and it’s an easy and affordable way to experience a different culture, even if just for a few hours.
Coming from Saranda which is basically a town of not so nice to look at apartment buildings, I was in awe of the gorgeous architecture in Corfu, influenced but the Venetians, French and British.
Attractions to explore
If visiting Corfu from Saranda:
Spending the day wandering Corfu’s Old Town is an experience in itself. The narrow, cobbled streets, the grand Liston promenade, the beautiful pastel colors and of course the majestic New and Old Forts.
As a lover of old-world architecture, especially Neoclassical, visiting the Achilleion Palace was one of the highlights for me. It was built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria and offers beautiful views and a fascinating glimpse into history.
And if you’re craving some beach time, Paleokastritsa Beach, with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, is just a 40-minute drive away. I also recommend stopping by Dolce Café for the most breathtaking views and Enotis – Olive Groves & Museum.
If visiting Saranda from Corfu:
If you’re heading to Saranda for the day, there’s plenty to explore. Butrint National Park is a must—this UNESCO-listed site is home to well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins and is only a 30-minute bus ride from the port.
Or if you just want to relax, the beaches of Ksamil, with their white sand and turquoise waters, are perfect. I especially love to visit Ksamil during the shoulder seasons.
You could also do a guided tour of the Blue Eye Spring, with its unbelievably clear, deep blue waters, and Gjrokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of my favorite towns in Albania
👀 Read next >> My complete guide to Ksamil (including transport from Saranda)
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