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Wondering how to get from Corfu to Albania? I’ve got you covered!
As someone who has enjoyed exploring both Corfu and Albania, I can attest to the exciting adventure that awaits those looking to explore these two amazing places!
Whether you’re an adventurous traveller seeking a unique journey or just want to know how to take a day trip from Corfu to Albania – I have all the answers.
Corfu is one of my favourite Greek islands and Albania is one of the best hidden gems in Europe!
I loved discovering hidden beaches, sampling delicious local cuisine and uncovering fascinating cultures in both countries. And now I’m here to share my tips on how best to get from Corfu to Albania so that you too can experience this incredible adventure!
Can you see Albania from Corfu?
Corfu Town is 35km (~22 miles) from Albania but at its closest point, Albania is located just 3.5 Km (~2 miles) from the Greek Island of Corfu.
The two are separated by the Ionian Sea. You can see Albania from many places in Corfu.
Given the close proximity, Albania has become a popular choice as a day trip destination from Corfu.
3 ways to get from Corfu to Albania
The best 3 ways to get from Corfu to Albania are:
Ferry – There are four different ferry companies offering different options for a Greece to Albania ferry
Organised day trip – This is the best option for making the most of your time, as it includes transport and tour guides in Albania
By plane – This is the best option for those who wish to skip the Albanian Riviera and instead travel straight to Tirana and the North of Albania.
I will go into more detail about each of these options below
1. Get a ferry from Corfu to Albania
🚢 Read my comprehensive guide to catching ferries from Corfu to Saranda here!
The most popular option for getting from Corfu to Albania is by ferry.
There are four different ferry companies that have regular services operating between the two countries. The companies are Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines, Sarris Lines and Joy Lines. They all offer direct ferries to Saranda in Albania.
The ferries depart from the port of Corfu Town and arrive in the resort town of Saranda, located on Albania’s Southern coast.
There are two different ferry options for you to choose from. There is a fast ferry boat, known as the flying dolphin speedboat, which takes just 30 minutes to reach Saranda from Corfu. This is a zodiac-style speed boat so it is not very spacious or comfortable but it will get you there fast!
There is also a larger ferry which takes around 70 minutes to reach Saranda. This boat is a regular ferry so you can walk around on deck, get a coffee and take pictures of the scenery as you travel from Corfu to Albania.
Corfu to Albania ferry prices vary depending on the time of day and season in which you are travelling.
The ferry ticket prices range from €19-€25 one way, depending on the company, time of year and route chosen. Expect to pay around €36 for a return ticket in the low season and up to €48 for a return in the high season. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket office in Corfu port.
One important thing to remember is that there is a time difference between Corfu and Albania!
Albania is one hour ahead of Corfu so you will need to adjust your schedule accordingly when booking ferries. If you are just visiting Albania for the day you don’t want to accidently miss the last ferry back to Corfu!
Price range: €36 – €48 for a return ticket
Duration: up to 1 hour
Best for: Independent travellers on a budget
🚢 Check Corfu ferry timetables and book tickets here!
2. Take a Corfu to Albania day trip
Taking a day trip from Corfu to Albania is becoming a super popular option and in my opinion, it is one of the best day trips from Corfu. There are lots of different options for organised tours from Corfu to Saranda.
Organised tours from Corfu to Albania are a great way to make the most of your time and visit multiple locations in one day.
There are lots of different tour operators offering day trips to Albania with a range of itineraries, prices and inclusions.
The most popular Corfu to Albania day trips will usually include the following:
– Transfer from your hotel or pick-up point in Corfu Town
– Ferry ticket from Corfu to Saranda
– Guided tour of Saranda and the Albanian Riviera
– Lunch at a local restaurant
– Guided tour of Gjirokastra, Butrint or Ksamil
– Transfer back to your hotel or drop-off point in Corfu Town.
🚢 Check out the best tours of Albania from Corfu
The price for a day trip from Corfu to Albania will depend on the size of your group, the places visited and any additional activities included in the tour.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around €55 per person for a small-group day trip from Corfu to Albania and up to €300 for a private tour.
Taking a tour from Corfu to Albania is the best option for travellers who are short on time and don’t want to deal with unreliable public transport in Albania. Tour operators take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about finding transportation, booking tickets in advance or navigating unfamiliar terrain.
Tours of Corfu to Albania come with a tour guide who will give you an insight into the history and culture of the region. The guides also offer invaluable knowledge about local customs, etiquette and language so you can make the most of your time in Albania.
Here are my top picks for Corfu to Albania day trips
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private tour to Albania from Corfu
✅ Private tour
✅ Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint
✅Entrance fees and local guide included
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Day Trip to Saranda and Butrint National Park from Corfu
✅ Boat transfer and bus tour
✅ Explore the ancient city of Butrint with a professional guide
✅Lunch included
Price range: €55 – €300 depending on the type of tour.
Duration: up to 10 hours
Best for: Convenient stress-free travel and making the most of your time in Albania
3. Fly from Corfu to Albania
Currently, there are no airlines that fly direct from Corfu to Albania.
However, there are daily flights from Corfu International Airport (CFU) to Tirana International Airport (TIA) via a transfer in Athens.
The total journey should take around 5 or 6 hours total.
Flying from Corfu to Albania has many advantages compared to taking a ferry or a tour.
One of the main benefits is that if you are planning to visit Tirana or the North of Albania, you can fly directly to Tirana International Airport (TIA). This is preferable to having to take the ferry across the Ionian Sea and then take a connecting bus or taxi to Tirana, as is the case when travelling by ferry.
Another advantage of flying from Corfu to Albania is that you can take more luggage with you than you would on the ferry.
🛫 Book flights from Corfu to Albania here!
Price range: Depends on airline and season
Duration: Roughly 6 hours depending on transfer time in Athens.
Best for: Those who wish to visit Tirana and the North of Albania
How to get to Corfu from Albania
If you’re travelling in the opposite direction from Albania to Corfu, there are several options available.
You can either take a ferry from Saranda or book a flight to Corfu International Airport (CFU).
Ferry tickets are the most convenient option.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for taking organised tours from Saranda to Corfu but hopefully, that will change in the future as Albania becomes more of a hotspot for tourists.
FAQs: How to get from Corfu to Albania
Can you take a ferry from Greece to Albania?
Yes, there are daily ferries from Corfu to Saranda in Albania. You can choose from a fast speed boat which takes around 30 minutes, or a larger more comfortable passenger ferry which takes around 70 minutes to reach Saranda from Corfu.
How far is Albania from Corfu by boat?
The distance between Corfu and Saranda by boat is around 35km (~22 miles). If you are wondering how long is the ferry from Corfu to Albania, that depends on the type of boat, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 70 minutes.
Is there a ferry from Corfu to Ksamil?
No, there is no ferry from Corfu to Ksamil. You will need to take the ferry from Corfu to Saranda, Albania and then take a 25-minute taxi or bus to Ksamil. The busses in Albania are infrequent so you can also consider hitchhiking to Ksamil.
How do I get from Corfu to Tirana?
The best and most convenient way to get from Corfu to Tirana is by taking a daily flight from Corfu International Airport (CFU) to Tirana International Airport (TIA). This is not a direct flight and you will need to transfer in Athens. The total journey should take around 6 hours. You can also take the ferry from Corfu to Saranda, Albania, and then take a connecting bus to Tirana.
Is there a train from Greece to Albania?
No, there is no train from Greece to Albania. Unlike most countries in Europe Albania doesn’t have a functioning passenger railway system and there are no train lines that run across Albania’s borders.
Can you swim from Corfu to Albania?
Yes, you can swim from Corfu to Albania. At its closest point, Albania is just 3km from Corfu island. You will need to be a strong swimmer though. Once a year there is an annual charity swimming event that you can take part in.
What is the closest Greek island to Albania?
The closest Greek island to Albania is Corfu. Just 3km separates the two! It’s an incredibly beautiful area and well worth visiting during your time in Greece and Albania. The Albanian resort town of Saranda is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Corfu town.
Final Thoughts: How to get from Corfu to Albania
Travelling from Corfu to Albania is relatively easy and there are a few different options depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for something affordable or want to take in some of the stunning views along the Ionian Sea then consider taking one of the ferries from Corfu to Saranda.
For those who don’t have much time, day trips are also available which will allow you to explore both Greece and Albania within just 24 hours!
No matter which option you choose, travelling between Corfu and Albania is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
If you are looking to spend more time in Albanian then check out my complete itinerary for a 7 day adventure on the Albanian Riviera
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