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Corfu to Albania Day Trip: Ferry to Sarandë, Butrint and Ksamil
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 1 source listed below
Quick answer
Yes, you can visit Albania from Corfu in a day. Hydrofoils and ferries run from Corfu Town to Sarandë all year (30 minutes by hydrofoil, about 70 by ferry, about €24–29 one way), giving you 6–8 hours ashore. From Sarandë, the local bus reaches Ksamil in 20–30 minutes and Butrint's ruins about 10 minutes beyond. Bring your passport (EU citizens can use an ID card) and arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.
The ferry
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Hydrofoil | About 30 min |
| Conventional ferry | About 70 min |
| Fare | About €24–29 one way, €40–50 return |
| Season | All year; several sailings a day in summer, one a day in winter |
| Check-in | 45–60 min before departure (passport control) |
Passports and EES
- It's an international border: bring a passport, or a national ID card if you're an EU citizen.
- Albania isn't in Schengen, so non-EU visitors are checked out of and back into Schengen in Corfu (EES), which adds queue time.
- Albania is one hour behind Greece, so check whether your return ferry time is in Greek or Albanian time.
What to do in a day
- Butrint: UNESCO ruins in a lagoon forest, about 1,000 ALL entry, 2–3 hours.
- Ksamil: turquoise water and small islands, best June and September.
- The Blue Eye spring: about 30–40 minutes inland, easier with a taxi or tour.
- Sarandë promenade and Lëkurësi castle for the view.
Money
- Albania uses the lek; euros are accepted in many tourist places but at a poor rate.
- The local bus takes cash only, about 200 ALL to Ksamil.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Corfu to Albania?
About 30 minutes by hydrofoil or 70 minutes by conventional ferry to Sarandë.
Do I need a passport to go from Corfu to Albania?
Yes, or a national ID card for EU citizens.
Can I visit Butrint on a day trip from Corfu?
Yes. Take the local bus from Sarandë via Ksamil to Butrint, or join an organised tour.
Is Albania an hour behind Corfu?
Yes. Albania is on Central European Time, one hour behind Greece.
Sources
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Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.