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Trying to figure out how to get from Corfu to Saranda (or the other way around)? If so, this is the only guide you need! I’ve included all the steps to take, what to expect, and how to book tickets in advance.
I’m guessing you’re here because you’re either travelling to Saranda or Ksamil via Corfu Airport, or you’re looking to take a day trip from Corfu to Albania.
All of which can only be done by travelling on the ferry between Corfu and Saranda, which takes between 30 and 115 minutes depending on which operator and type of ferry you choose.
Well, you’re in the right place as after a few visits to Saranda, including once via Corfu Airport and a day trip to Corfu from Saranda, I know a thing or two about getting the ferry between Corfu and Albania!
It’s actually quite an easy journey once you have all the details about the ferries, the ports, and tickets, so my aim with this article is to get you completely clued up on this route – no details skipped!
Only Here To Find Out Where To Get Tickets?
> Click Here To Book Tickets Online
How to Get To Saranda From Corfu
As I mentioned, there’s only one way to get from Corfu to Albania’s bustling seaside town of Saranda, and that’s by taking a ferry.
There are three main companies that operate this route which are Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, and Albania Luxury Ferries. The first two offer various options with high-speed passenger ferries taking only 30 minutes as well as passenger and car ferries which take up to 115 minutes.
All ferries depart from the international terminal of Corfu Port (Kerkyra Ferry Port), arrive at the Port of Saranda, and have similar prices. However, my favourite is definitely the quick and easy high-speed Finikas Lines ferry!
Below is a quick outline of the trip, but I’ll go through each section in more detail in the sections following.
Step 1: Book Your Tickets online so your seat is secure – very important in the summer!
Step 2: Make your way to Corfu Port by public bus or taxi.
Step 3: Pass through passport control, board the ferry, and enjoy the cruise to Saranda.
Step 4: Disembark at Saranda Ferry Terminal and travel onwards to your hotel in Saranda or Ksamil by walking, taxi, or public bus.
Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your ferry tickets!
> Click here to secure your tickets in advance
Where Is Corfu Port?
Google Maps Pin: Corfu Port Authority Company
Located 2.5km west of Corfu Old Town and 4km from Corfu International Airport, Corfu Port is in the middle of the island and close to the main areas.
The Port has two terminals, domestic and international, and it’s the latter where all ferries to Saranda depart from.
The easiest way to get to Corfu Port is from the old town, where you can either catch the public bus (Line 2B or 15) from Saroko Square or take a taxi.
The bus conveniently stops within the port, a short walk from the International Terminal entrance, and with the price of the short trip less than two euros, it’s a great option.
Within the ferry terminal, you’ll find a cafe, toilets, and a small duty-free shop once you’re through passport control.
Important things to note:
– Ferries to Saranda depart from Corfu Port’s international terminal, not the domestic port.
– Bring your passport with you, even if you’re only on a day trip.
– It’s advised to arrive at the terminal at least one hour before your departure so you have plenty of time to get through passport control.
How To Get To Corfu Ferry Port From Corfu Airport
Flying into Corfu to get to the south of Albania is a popular option as the 30 minute ferry ride is more convenient than the 3.5+ hour drive to Saranda from Tirana International Airport.
But the last piece of the puzzle is working out how to get from the airport to the ferry port.
Well, Corfu have made this cheap and easy for us with the Line 15 public bus which runs from the airport to the ferry port via Saroko Square in the town centre. Some departures go all the way from the airport to the ferry port, but some will end in Saroko Square, where you’ll need to catch a Line 2B or another Line 15 bus from here to the port.
But this is laid out in the online timetable available on Corfu Airport’s website.
Tickets are still less than two euros for each trip and the journey takes around 30 minutes. There’s also a kiosk opposite the bus stops in Saroko Square where you can buy your tickets for slightly cheaper than on the bus itself, with cash and card accepted.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi which will cost around 20-30 EUR. I’d recommend using Get Transfer as you can book a driver in advance and means you don’t need to try and haggle!
Next Read: Saranda Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, Day Trips, And More!
Where To Buy Ferry Tickets
It’s important to be aware that while the ferries depart from the International Ferry Terminal, the ticket offices are not in this building. They’re located outside the domestic ferry port, which is about 1km away towards the old town.
The bus does stop here but once you’ve picked up tickets, you’ll then have to wait for the next bus or walk the rest of the way to get to the International Terminal.
We saw two girls rushing to catch our ferry expecting to buy tickets in the ferry terminal, but they had to catch a taxi to the ticket office and rush back to catch the ferry!
Therefore, I’d recommend avoiding this by booking tickets easily online. This means you can head straight to the terminal, and you won’t have to worry about tickets being sold out.
If you’re travelling from Saranda to Corfu, tickets can be bought on the same street as the Port at either the official Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways offices or from one of the travel agencies.
But again, it’s much easier just to get them online.
> Click To Reserve Your Ferry Tickets Online
What Ferries Operate Between Corfu and Saranda?
There are three main companies that travel between Saranda and Corfu.
Finikas Lines has a high-speed (30 minute) hydrofoil ‘flying dolphin’ ferry which is passenger only with up to six departures per day in high season. They also have another high speed ferry which takes 45 minutes and larger car ferry which takes about 115 minutes.
Ionian Seaways also has a high-speed hydrofoil ferry which takes 30 minutes, as well as a high-speed catamaran and two slower car ferries which take up to 90 minutes.
Albania Luxury Ferries has one ferry for passengers and vehicles which takes 50 minutes and has multiple daily departures.
The ferry departure times and frequencies depend on the season, but you can find links to the online Corfu to Saranda ferry timetables below:
While there are a few options, we recommend the Finikas high-speed hydrofoil ferry as it was quick and easy and only a couple of euros more expensive than the slower options.
Arriving Into Saranda
Whichever ferry you choose, you’ll arrive at the Port of Saranda, which is located in the western side of town in the Koddra neighbourhood, close to the central promenade.
There are many hotels and apartments located nearby, so yours may be within walking distance. However, if your accommodation is on the other side of town or too far to walk, then there are plenty of taxis around.
There’s also a city bus that starts close to the Port (next to the roundabout) with several bus stops along Ruga Butrinti, which is where many of Saranda’s hotels are located. A ticket costs 100 ALL (1 EUR) with buses running every 30 minutes in the peak summer season.
If you’re visiting Saranda from Corfu for the day, it’s just a short walk from the port to the start of the promenade.
How To Travel Onwards To Ksamil From Saranda Ferry Terminal
If you’re looking to get from Corfu to the stunning beaches of Ksamil, then you’ll still have to catch the ferry to Saranda first. You can then make your way along the coast from Saranda to Ksamil.
To get to Ksamil, you can catch the city bus I mentioned above as it runs between the Port of Saranda and Butrint National Park via Ksamil.
Tickets cost 150 ALL (1.5 EUR) per person and there are a couple of stops in Ksamil that you can get off, depending on where your hotel is.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi which you can either find on the street or book online in advance through Get Transfer.
Read The Full Guide: How To Get From Saranda To Ksamil
Return Journey – Saranda To Corfu
To make the return journey (or if Saranda is your starting point), you can just follow the steps above in reverse.
Again, you can easily book online ferry tickets from Saranda to Corfu with all departures from the Port of Saranda.
Once you have arrived in Corfu, you’ll find taxi drivers waiting outside the terminal touting for business. Or you can turn left and walk past the taxis to find the bus stop with lines heading into Old Town – including the Line 15 bus which goes to the airport.
Be Aware: When waiting for the bus, we had a taxi driver come over and tell us that no buses were running that day. We continued to wait anyway, and lo and behold, a bus soon turned up!
Taking The Ferry For A Day Trip
Many people travel from Corfu to Albania for the day (and vice versa) as the 30 minute sea crossing presents a great opportunity to see a different country on your trip.
Below, I’ll give you my advice on how best to do this for both directions, depending on what you want to get out of your day trip.
Corfu To Saranda DayTrip – Should You Book A Tour?
You might be wondering if a trip to Saranda for the day is worth it and if you should go it alone or book a tour.
Well, for the first part, I’d say Saranda is definitely worth a day trip as it has a great central promenade lined with shops, bars, restaurants and beaches to explore.
And this is all within walking distance to the Port of Saranda, so there’s no need to book a tour if you just want to hang out and wander around Saranda for the day.
However, if you want to explore further afield and see the famous ancient ruins in Butrint, then it makes sense logistically (and financially) to book a day tour from Corfu. I’d recommend this one which includes all transport, Butrint entrance fees, a guide, and lunch – it’s the best way to see Saranda and Butrint in one day from Corfu!
Many people want to tick off a trip to Butrint while in Corfu as it’s so close, and this tour is the best way to do that!
Book Your Saranda And Butrint Day Trip From Corfu Online!
Saranda To Corfu Day Trip
If you’re considering a day trip the other way around (from Saranda to Corfu), then my advice is similar.
If you’re happy just to hang out in Corfu Old Town, then you can easily just catch a morning ferry, take the public bus into town, and then return in the afternoon.
However, if you’d like to explore more of the island and get some beach time in addition to a guided tour of the old town, I’d recommend booking a tour.
We joined this tour with GetYourGuide which included return transport, a guided tour and free time in the Old Town, as well as transport to and free time at the beach in Palaiokastritsa. All of this only cost us a few euros more than a return ferry ticket would have!
We try to travel independently as much as possible but on this occasion, joining the tour was a no-brainer!
Check Availability For The Exact Tour We Loved!
Corfu To Saranda FAQs
Do You Need A Passport To Go From Corfu To Saranda?
Yes, you will need your passport to go from Corfu to Saranda (and the other way around) as you will need to pass through passport control in both ferry terminals.
Can You Travel From Corfu To Saranda By Car?
Yes, you can travel from Corfu to Saranda by car on one of the car ferries operated by Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, or Albania Luxury Ferries.
To Finish
Overall, travelling between Corfu and Saranda is pretty straightforward and with the fastest ferry getting you there in 30 minutes, it really doesn’t take that long either!
So, whether you’re using Corfu Airport to fly in and out from, or you’re day tripping, I hope you enjoy your journey and have a smooth sea crossing!
If you have any questions about this route, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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More Albania Travel Guides
Check out my other Albania posts to help plan your trip to this intriguing Balkan destination!
