Sarandë to Corfu Ferry — Schedule, Prices and Tips (2026)

The narrow strip of the Ionian between Corfu and Sarandë is one of the busiest and most useful little sea crossings in the Balkans. For most travellers heading to the Albanian Riviera, flying to Corfu and taking this ferry is faster and cheaper than the long road down from Tirana. Here's how it works.

The crossing at a glance

• Route: Corfu (Greece) ⇄ Sarandë (Albania)
• Duration: 30 minutes on the fast catamaran, up to 70 minutes on the slower conventional ferry
• Frequency: three to four crossings a day in summer (roughly May–October), far fewer in winter
• Price: around €21 one way for a foot passenger; slightly more for the fast boat
• Passport: required — this is an international border crossing between the EU (Greece) and non-EU Albania. Allow time for passport control on both sides.

Fast boat or slow boat?

Two kinds of vessel run the route. The fast catamaran (about 30 minutes) is worth the small premium if you're prone to seasickness or short on time. The conventional ferry is slower but cheaper and can carry vehicles — the option if you're bringing a rental car across. In choppy weather the fast boat is sometimes cancelled while the larger ferry still sails.

Buying tickets

Buy ahead in July and August, when sailings sell out — especially the popular morning and late-afternoon departures. Tickets are available from the operators' counters at both ports and through online booking platforms. Turn up at the port at least 45 minutes before departure to clear passport control; in peak season, an hour is safer.

What to do on each side

On the Corfu side you're in the old town, well connected to the airport (CFU) by taxi in 15 minutes. On the Sarandë side you step straight onto the Lungomare promenade, with taxis, furgon minibuses and car-rental desks a few steps away. From Sarandë it's a 30-minute run to the turquoise beaches of Ksamil, 20 minutes to the UNESCO ruins of Butrint, and an hour up the valley to the stone city of Gjirokastër.

Combining the ferry with your trip

The classic plan: fly into Corfu, ferry to Sarandë, base yourself on the Riviera for a week, then ferry back. If you want to explore beyond Sarandë, arrange a transfer or rent a car on the Albanian side — book either below. Then read our complete Sarandë guide for where to stay and the four day trips that make the trip.