How To Get From Corfu To Saranda (& Saranda To Corfu)

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Post author Drita

Written by our local expert Drita

Drita is a shy Albanian girl. Her Mom is from Kosovo, her Dad from Serbia. She loves to travel & share travel trips to help first-time travelers exploring Albania & the Balkans.

This detailed transportation guide has all the useful information on how to get the ferry from Corfu to Saranda. We also cover how to travel from the city of Saranda to Corfu.

Balkans Travel Blog_How To Get From Corfu To Saranda

The Greek island of Corfu is only 43km away from Saranda, the glistening seaside town on the Albanian Riviera. Many people choose to visit both spots during one holiday, with a connection via ferry. In fact, many people fly to Corfu island, then get the ferry and head to Albania for a twin-country break.

Good idea, right?

Corfu is a large island just off the northwest coast of Greece, and it’s a super-popular spot during the summer months. Corfu Town, in particular, is very busy at this time, with vibrant nightlife, fantastic gastronomy, and plenty of history to check out. There are two huge fortresses dating back to Venetian times, the Palace of St Michael & St George, and the cobbled streets of Corfu Old Town.

Of course, there are plenty of beautiful beaches on Corfu too!

However, Saranda boasts plenty to see and do, too! Located in the south of Albania, Saranda is extremely popular amongst local and international visitors, and when you see how beautiful it is, you’ll know why.

The bay is shaped like a horseshoe, and olive groves and the impossible blue of the Ionian Sea surround it. There is history to check out here: a synagogue dating back to the 5th century, a 16th-century castle with amazing views, and a beachside promenade that many people enjoy walking along. You won’t miss out on modern-day activities.

So, if you want to visit both spots during one break, how do you do it?

By ferry, basically.

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Ferry From Corfu To Saranda

Best beaches on Corfu - Amazing view at Agios Georgios Pagon beach in Corfu island

Four companies offer ferries from Corfu to Saranda. Namely:

  • Sarris Cruises & Lines
  • Finikas Lines
  • Joy Lines
  • Ionian Seaways.

All four ferry companies offer both foot passenger tickets and the option to take your car. The ferry ride takes just under 1 hour at the most, with some faster thirty-minute high-speed ferry routes available depending upon the time of year and day.

This route is served all year round, although there are far fewer services during the winter, and they can be canceled at the last minute due to adverse weather conditions. For that reason, always double-check the exact times online before you choose to travel.

However, during the summer months, you’ll find services countless times per day, with Sarris Cruises & Lines offering three services and Finikas Lines offering nine journeys. Joy Lines and Ionian Seaways offer services 14 and 17 times weekly, respectively.

During the winter months, Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways offer services once daily, with the other companies offering summer crossings only.

The same information applies to your ferry from Saranda to Corfu.

Get Ticket Prices To Saranda From Corfu

Things To Do In The Albanian Riviera - Ksamil Beach

You can book your ferry ticket online or buy it from the port of Corfu. In Corfu Town, head to the International Ferry Terminal. You can take a taxi or bus from Corfu Airport to Corfu’s port if you do not have your own car. The journey takes only 20 minutes, and you’ll need the number 15 bus.

Tickets to Saranda from Corfu start at 19 euros and go up to 25 euros, depending upon the service you choose.

You will arrive at a ferry terminal in Rruga Mitat Hoxha, which is very close to the center of Saranda. This is where you will book your one-way ticket back to Corfu or book it online to avoid waiting in line.

Taxis and buses run from the ferry port of Saranda into the center of Saranda and back again to the port and do not need to be pre-booked. Taxi drivers know the ferry schedule, and the drivers wait for passengers. 

Corfu Saranda Ferry FAQ Guide

What ferry lines travel from Corfu to Saranda?

Several ferry lines operate between the beautiful island of Corfu and Saranda, including Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines, and Joy Lines.

Where can I purchase tickets for the ferry from Corfu to Saranda?

You can purchase your tickets online in advance from websites like Direct Ferries or directly from the ferry operators at the port ticket office. It is recommended to buy them a few days before the scheduled ferry departure.

How long is the ferry journey from Corfu to Saranda?

The ferry journey duration can vary between 35 minutes on the fast ferry and over 2 hours, depending on the ferry boat you choose.

How much does the ferry from Corfu to Saranda cost?

The cost of a one-way ticket for the ferry from Corfu to Saranda is approximately €20-40, depending on the ferry line and type of boat.

How does passport control operate on the ferry from Corfu to Saranda?

Passports are required to cross the border between Greece and Albania for non-EU citizens and EU citizens alike. You need to arrive at customs an hour prior to your scheduled ferry departure. Be prepared for potential waiting times and hot weather during the customs process.

How many times per day does the ferry travel from Corfu to Saranda?

During the high season, there are multiple ferry connections per day, typically operated by Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines, and Joy Lines. The frequency of crossings may be reduced during the off-season.

Is there food available at the ports in Corfu or Saranda?

Both the Port of Corfu and the Port of Saranda have a small cafe outside of passport control where you can purchase drinks, snacks, pastries, and sandwiches.

Can I bring my car on the ferry from Corfu to Saranda?

Yes, you can bring your vehicle on the ferry. Still, it’s important to check with the rental agency beforehand regarding any restrictions for taking the vehicle into a non-EU country like Albania.

Can I bring my pet on the ferry from Corfu to Saranda?

Yes, you can bring your pet on the ferry. Some ferry lines, such as Finikas Lines, do not charge pet fees. Make sure to specify this when booking your ticket.

 

Comments (3)

  1. Very helpful, thank you so much! Are these large ferries or more like catamarans? I get very seasick so hoping to book the bigger more stable boats…

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