Getting There and Away

Serene coastal landscape of Saranda, Albania with hills and islands under a cloudy sky.
Andreas Ebner, Pexels

Sarandë primarily functions with a port in the city center for international ferry connections and does not have an airport. Intercity buses operate from various points around Friendship Park, rather than a single central bus station.

Flights:

Sarandë does not have an airport; travelers typically fly into Corfu International Airport (Greece) or Tirana International Airport (Albania). Vlora Airport is anticipated to open by summer 2025, offering another option approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away by car.

Ferries from Corfu, Greece:

Ferries are a popular and often the fastest way to reach Sarandë, connecting from Corfu Port. Operators include Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, and Albania Luxury Ferries. The journey typically takes 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, with tickets ranging from approximately €13 to €30 depending on the ferry type and season. A local bus connects Corfu Airport to Corfu Port for about €1.80. There is a one-hour time difference, with Corfu being ahead.

Buses from Tirana, Albania:

Regular bus services connect Tirana to Sarandë. Buses depart from Tirana's Regional Bus Terminal (North & South Albania), which is about 4 km from the city center and accessible by a €0.40 city bus or taxi. The bus journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and costs between €12 and €16. Tickets are usually purchased directly from the driver or at a kiosk.

Taxis from Tirana, Albania:

A direct taxi from Tirana International Airport to Sarandë costs around €165 with official airport services, while independent taxis may offer rates from €130 to €191. The drive typically takes between 3 hours 56 minutes and 5 hours.

Car Rental:

Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring. Rentals are available in Sarandë and at Tirana Airport, with daily rates starting from approximately €20-€30, plus fuel. Driving is on the right side of the road. Cross-border travel usually requires prior authorization and a 'green card' insurance.