Corfu to Sarandë: Greece to Albania by sea.
The quickest way onto the Albanian Riviera: half an hour by hydrofoil, or about an hour by ferry, from Corfu town to Sarandë’s waterfront. Summer and winter timetables, 2026 fares, the border, the time change and the bus on to Ksamil, from the operators’ own pages.
A short strait, an international border.
Corfu town and Sarandë face each other across a narrow strait at the southern end of the Albanian coast. Boats leave from the international terminal at Corfu’s New Port and land on Sarandë’s central seafront, a few minutes’ walk from most hotels and from the bus to Ksamil and Butrint.
Two companies run the route all year, Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways, with hydrofoils and conventional ferries. A third operator has sailed only in high summer. It is a Schengen external border, so expect passport control on both sides.
Albania is one hour behind Greece. Timetables always use local time, so a boat that leaves Sarandë at 18:00 arrives in Corfu after 19:30 Greek time.
Two kinds of boat
Fast and with a car don’t go together on this route.
Hydrofoil
The “Flying Dolphin” boats are quickest but enclosed, with seats indoors and no outside deck. They carry no vehicles and can be uncomfortable in a swell.
Ferry
Conventional passenger and car ferries take longer but have deck space and ride rough seas better. The only option with a car, motorbike or bicycle.
Taking a car
Ionian Seaways states that rental cars from Corfu may not be taken to Albania. Hire a car in Albania instead. Private cars need the right insurance for Albania.
When the boats run
From the operators’ published 2026 timetables. Times are local: Greek time in Corfu, Albanian time in Sarandë.
Summer: up to about a dozen a day
Ionian Seaways’ June 2026 timetable had departures from Corfu roughly every hour from 08:30 to 22:30, and from Sarandë from 06:00 to 20:00. Finikas Lines ran a similar summer pattern. Together the two companies gave plenty of choice for a day trip.
Autumn: eight, then four a day
From 16 to 31 October 2026, Ionian Seaways listed eight departures a day each way, the first at 09:00 from both ports. From 1 to 10 November its timetable drops to four from Corfu, at 09:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 17:00.
Winter: one a day each way
From 11 November to 31 December 2026, the published timetables show one crossing a day: 09:00 from Corfu and a morning return from Sarandë. The return time differs slightly between operators’ listings, so confirm it when you book. A day trip from Corfu is not realistic in this period.
What it costs
Finikas Lines’ 2026 price list, as published on the Greek ferry portal Ferries.gr, in euros per person or vehicle, one way unless stated. Prices in the booking engines can be higher, and booking sites add their own fees.
| Ticket | Low season (1 Jan – 15 Jun) | High season (16 Jun – 31 Dec) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, ferry | €19 | €22 |
| Adult, hydrofoil | €20 | €24 |
| Adult, same-day return | €35 ferry / €38 hydrofoil | €38 ferry / €42 hydrofoil |
| Child 5–12, one way | €9 / €10 | €10 / €13 |
| Car, one way | €45 | €45 |
Ionian Seaways doesn’t publish a fare table; its prices show only in its booking engine. Check both companies for your date.
Passports, EES and the time change
Leaving Greece means leaving the Schengen area, and coming back means entering it again.
Check in early
Ionian Seaways asks passengers to be at the international terminal at least an hour before departure. Finikas asks for 40 minutes with a ticket already bought, and an hour with a vehicle or to buy at the port.
Entry/Exit System
Since 10 April 2026 the EU’s EES has replaced passport stamps for non-EU visitors at Schengen external borders, including Corfu port. Expect fingerprints and a photo the first time you are registered.
Visas
US, UK and Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for Albania. If you need a Schengen visa, a day trip to Sarandë uses two Schengen crossings, so you need a multiple-entry visa to get back into Greece.
One hour behind
Set your watch back an hour on arrival in Albania and forward again on the way back. Missed return boats are usually down to this.
From the port to Ksamil, Butrint and beyond
The ferry terminal is on Sarandë’s seafront. Local buses for Ksamil and Butrint leave from near the terminal; the ride to Ksamil takes about 20 to 25 minutes and cost about 200 lek in 2026. Ask the driver when the last bus back leaves.
Butrint, the UNESCO-listed ancient city in a lagoon national park, cost 1,000 lek per adult in 2026, with last entry at 18:00 from April to October.
Intercity coaches to Himarë, Vlorë, Gjirokastër and Tirana moved to a new terminal at Qafë Gjashtë, on the edge of town, in July 2026, so allow time for a taxi. There is no regular ferry from Corfu to Himarë; go via Sarandë by road. Our Albanian Riviera guide covers where to stay.
Planning tips
Day trip from Corfu
Works well from about May to mid-October: take an early boat, visit Ksamil or Butrint, and come back on an evening sailing. Leave at least an hour for the border on the way back in August.
Book direct
Booking through the operators is usually cheaper than through resellers, which add service fees. Check the cancellation rules: they differ between the two companies.
Money
Albania uses the lek. Cards work in many hotels and restaurants in Sarandë, but carry cash for buses and beach sunbeds.
Staying in Corfu?
Our sister site Greek Island Holidays covers the Greek islands.
Questions people ask
How long is the ferry from Corfu to Sarandë?
30 to 45 minutes by hydrofoil and 55 to 70 minutes by conventional ferry, according to Ionian Seaways’ 2026 timetable. Allow extra time for check-in and passport control.
Does the Corfu to Sarandë ferry run in winter?
Yes, but much less often. From 11 November to 31 December 2026 the published timetables show one crossing a day each way, leaving Corfu at 09:00. No 2027 timetable had been published by 28 October 2026.
How much is the ferry from Corfu to Albania?
Finikas Lines’ 2026 price list started at €19 one way for an adult on the ferry and €20 on the hydrofoil in low season, and €22 and €24 from 16 June. Booking-site prices are often higher.
Can I take a rental car from Corfu to Albania?
No. Ionian Seaways states that rental cars from Corfu are not allowed on the crossing. Hire a car in Albania instead.
Is Albania in a different time zone from Corfu?
Yes. Albania is one hour behind Greece. Ferry times are always local, so check which clock your return time is on.
Hydrofoil, border, bus to the beach. Your crossing is planned.
Next, choose where to stay on the Riviera.
Albanian Riviera guide →Explore another country: the Montenegro travel guide → or the Croatia travel guide →