Getting There and Away

Beautiful beach with clear waters and lush greenery in Ksamil, Albania.
Vangel Dimo, Pexels

Ksamil does not have its own airport or major port, with the nearby city of Saranda serving as the primary transport hub for ferry and bus connections. Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Albania and Corfu International Airport (CFU) in Greece are the main arrival points for air travelers.

From Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania:

  • By Bus:: No direct bus service operates to Ksamil. One typically takes a bus from Tirana's Regional Bus Terminal to Saranda, a journey lasting approximately 4-5 hours and costing around €10-€15.50. From Saranda, frequent local buses run to Ksamil, taking 10-30 minutes and costing about €1.40-€1.50. The total travel time, including transfers, is generally over 5.5 hours.
  • By Taxi/Private Transfer:: A direct taxi from Tirana Airport to Ksamil can cost between €175 and €210, with a travel time of around 4-5.5 hours.
  • By Rental Car:: Car rental is available from Tirana Airport, with rates starting from €17-€25 per day. The drive to Ksamil takes approximately 4-5 hours.

From Corfu International Airport (CFU), Greece:

  • This route is often considered the most efficient for reaching Ksamil from many European locations.
  • Corfu Airport to Corfu Port:: A taxi ride to Corfu Port takes 10-20 minutes and costs about €25. A local bus service is also available.
  • Ferry from Corfu Port to Saranda Port:: Regular ferry services operate, with fast ferries taking 30-40 minutes and slower ferries taking 65-70 minutes. Ticket prices range from €13 to €35 for a one-way trip, varying by company and season. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Saranda Port to Ksamil:: Upon arrival in Saranda, one can take a taxi for approximately €15-€30, a journey of 10-30 minutes, or use a local bus for about €1.40-€1.50. The total travel time from Corfu Airport to Ksamil typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours.

Inter-city Buses (from Ksamil):

To travel from Ksamil to other Albanian cities, one must first take a local bus or taxi to Saranda. Buses from Saranda connect to major cities like Tirana. Payments for local buses are usually made in cash to a conductor.