The Saranda to Corfu ferry crossing is a 30-minute ride across the Ionian Sea — one of the easiest international border crossings in the Mediterranean. Ferries run multiple times daily in summer, connecting the Albanian Riviera to the Greek island of Corfu (Greek: Κέρκυρα). Whether you are doing a day trip to Corfu or using the ferry to continue into Greece, here is everything you need to plan the crossing.
Quick Facts
| Crossing distance | ~18 km (Saranda to Corfu New Port) |
| Travel time | 25-35 minutes by fast ferry |
| Operators | Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines |
| Frequency (summer) | 4-8 departures per day each direction |
| Frequency (winter) | 1-2 departures per day |
| Adult one-way fare | 19-25€ |
| Car one-way fare | 40-70€ (varies by size and operator) |
| Port | Saranda Port (central waterfront) |
Ferry Operators Compared
Two main operators run the Saranda–Corfu route. Both use fast ferries (hydrofoils or catamarans) rather than large car ferries.
| Ionian Seaways | Finikas Lines | |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel type | Catamaran / fast ferry | Hydrofoil / fast ferry |
| Crossing time | ~30 minutes | ~25-35 minutes |
| Adult one-way | 19-22€ | 20-25€ |
| Child (4-12) | ~50% discount | ~50% discount |
| Under 4 | Free | Free |
| Car transport | Available on select sailings | Available on select sailings |
| Booking | Online or at port ticket office | Online or at port ticket office |
| Luggage | Hand luggage included, large bags extra on some sailings | Hand luggage included |
Booking tip: In July-August, book at least 1-2 days ahead for morning departures. Walk-on tickets are usually available for afternoon sailings, but the most popular morning slot (typically 09:00-09:30) can sell out. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) rarely requires advance booking.
Saranda Port: What to Expect
Saranda's ferry port is right on the waterfront promenade, walkable from most hotels.
Arrival timeline:
- 60 minutes before departure: Arrive at the port. Ticket offices are at the terminal building.
- 45 minutes before: Join the passport control queue. Both Albanian exit control and Greek entry stamps happen at the port.
- 15-20 minutes before: Board the ferry. Seating is open (no assigned seats).
What to bring:
- Valid passport (EU ID cards accepted for EU citizens)
- Printed or digital ticket
- Cash in euros for Corfu (ATMs available at Corfu port but can have queues)
- Return ticket if doing a day trip (saves time at Corfu port)
Passport and Customs Process
This is an international border crossing, so expect passport checks on both sides.
Leaving Albania (Saranda):
- Albanian border police stamp your passport at the port terminal
- Queue time: 10-30 minutes depending on season (longer in peak summer)
- Keep your Albanian exit stamp — you will need it if re-entering Albania
Entering Greece (Corfu):
- Greek passport control happens either at Saranda port (pre-clearance) or at Corfu New Port on arrival
- EU/EEA citizens: passport scan, no stamp needed
- Non-EU citizens: entry stamp into Schengen zone
- Customs is typically a walk-through with no baggage check for foot passengers
Important for non-EU travelers: Entering Corfu means entering the Schengen Area. If you have already used Schengen visa days elsewhere in Europe, this day trip counts toward your 90/180-day limit. Albania is not part of Schengen, so days spent in Albania do not count.
Day Trip Timing
A Corfu day trip from Saranda is very doable — the crossing is short and ferries run frequently.
Recommended day trip schedule:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Arrive at Saranda port, buy ticket if not pre-booked |
| 09:00-09:30 | Morning ferry departure |
| 09:30-10:00 | Arrive Corfu New Port |
| 10:00-17:00 | Explore Corfu Old Town (UNESCO), beaches, lunch |
| 17:00-17:30 | Afternoon return ferry |
| 18:00 | Back in Saranda |
What to do in Corfu (7 hours):
- Corfu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — Venetian architecture, narrow alleys, the Liston arcade. 15-minute walk from the port.
- Old Fortress — Venetian-Byzantine fortification with panoramic views. 8€ entry.
- Lunch — Tavernas in the old town serve moussaka, pastitsada, and fresh fish. Budget 15-25€ per person.
- Beach option — Faliraki Beach is walkable from town. For better beaches (Paleokastritsa, Glyfada), you would need a rental car or taxi, which eats into day trip time.
Prices Breakdown (2026)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult one-way | 19-25€ |
| Adult return | 32-42€ |
| Child (4-12) one-way | 10-13€ |
| Under 4 | Free |
| Car one-way | 40-70€ |
| Motorcycle one-way | 15-25€ |
| Port tax | Included in ticket price |
Budget for a day trip (per person): Ferry return (35-42€) + lunch (15-25€) + Old Fortress entry (8€) + coffee/drinks (5-10€) = approximately 65-85€ total.
Getting from Himara to Saranda Port
If you are based in Himara, Saranda port is 60 km south (about 1-1.5 hours by car).
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car | 1-1.5 hours | Fuel only (~5€) | Park near the port (street parking or paid lot) |
| Bus | 1.5-2 hours | 500-800 ALL (5-8€) | Check morning bus schedules — may not align with early ferry |
| Taxi/transfer | 1-1.5 hours | 4,000-5,000 ALL (40-50€) | Most reliable for catching early ferry |
Pro tip: If doing a Corfu day trip from Himara, consider staying overnight in Saranda the night before. This lets you catch the first ferry without a 5 AM drive.
Seasonal Schedule
| Season | Departures per day | First sailing | Last return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Jul-Aug) | 6-8 each way | ~08:00-08:30 | ~19:00-20:00 |
| Shoulder (May-Jun, Sep-Oct) | 3-5 each way | ~09:00 | ~17:00-18:00 |
| Winter (Nov-Apr) | 1-2 each way | ~09:00-10:00 | ~15:00-16:00 |
Schedules change year to year and can be disrupted by weather (strong winds in the Corfu Strait). Always confirm the day before if traveling in shoulder or winter season.
Weather and Cancellations
The Corfu Strait is generally calm but can get rough when northwesterly winds blow. Cancellations are rare in summer but happen a few times per season, typically lasting a day.
- Wind threshold: Ferries cancel when sustained winds exceed approximately Force 6-7 (Beaufort scale)
- Most likely cancellation months: November-March
- What happens: Operators announce cancellations via their social media and ticket offices. Refunds or rebooking are standard.
Backup plan: If your ferry is cancelled and you need to reach Greece, the alternative is driving north to the Kakavia border crossing and entering Greece by land (approximately 3.5 hours from Saranda to Ioannina).
FAQ
Do I need a visa for the Corfu day trip?
If you can enter Greece (Schengen Area) visa-free, no additional visa is needed. Most US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport holders can enter for up to 90 days. Check current rules in our Albania visa requirements guide — the Schengen rules apply separately from Albanian entry rules.
Can I take a car on the ferry?
Yes, both operators accept cars on select sailings. Book ahead in summer — car spots are limited. One-way car fare ranges from 40-70€ depending on vehicle size and operator.
How far in advance should I book?
For walk-on passengers in shoulder season: same day is fine. For peak summer morning departures: book 1-2 days ahead. For cars in any season: book 3-7 days ahead.
Is the ferry ride rough?
Usually no — the crossing is short and the strait is sheltered. Most passengers barely notice the motion. If you get seasick easily, sit in the center of the vessel and look at the horizon. Choppy days happen occasionally but true cancellation-level weather is rare in summer.
Can I do a day trip from Himara to Corfu?
Yes, but it requires early planning. Drive or taxi to Saranda (1-1.5 hours), catch a morning ferry, spend 6-7 hours in Corfu, and return on an afternoon ferry. Total day is 12-14 hours. Staying overnight in Saranda the night before makes it easier.
