From Italy to Albania by Ferry: A Scenic Adriatic Crossing
Ferries from Italy to Albania run from 4 Italian ferry ports: Trieste, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi arriving in Durres, Vlora (Vlorë) and Saranda (Sarandë). They are operated by 6 ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci, Adria Ferries, Ventouris Ferries, Red Star Ferries, European Ferries and European Seaways.
Albania ferry routes
The most frequent route is sailing from Bari to Durres which runs up to 12 times per week. The shortest journey is from Brindisi to Vlora, which lasts about 7 hrs 30 min. The longest journey is from Trieste to Durres, the overnight journey lasts about 26 hours.
All ferries that serve these routes are car ferries, offering an onboard selection of accommodation cabins, passengers lounges, restaurants, shops and access to outside decks (dress appropriately)
What is available – and overview: starting from North Italy and moving South, here is a list of available ferry routes between these countries:
Trieste Durres Ferry
Trieste to Durres ferries is currently sailing just once a week. They are run by Adria Ferries company. The duration of this overnight voyage is 26 hours.
Ancona Durres Ferry
Ancona to Durres ferries is currently sailing 3 to 5 times a week. They are run by Adria Ferries company. The duration of this overnight voyage is 16 hours.
Bari Durres Ferry
Bari to Durres ferries is currently sailing 12 times a week. They are run by three companies: Adria Ferries, Grandi Navi Veloci and Ventouris Ferries. The duration of journeys is between 8 and 9 hours, depending on the company and the specific route.
Brindisi Vlora (Vlorë) Ferry
Ferries from Brindisi to Vlora (Vlore) are currently sailing 6 to 7 times a week. They are run by European Seaways. The duration of journeys is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. This is also an overnight route (departs at 23:30 and arrives at 06:30). The return route from Vlora is a daytime crossing.
Here is a video of the St Damian ferry, owned by European Ferries, that serves this route:
Brindisi Saranda (Sarandë) Ferry
Ferries from Brindisi to Saranda (Sarandë) are currently sailing just in July, August and September two times a week on Thursdays and Sundays. They are run by Red Star Ferry. The duration of this overnight journey is about 11 hours.
Brindisi to Saranda (Sarandë) is a seasonal ferry route that is currently in operation just two times a week – on Thursdays and Sundays in July, August and September.
Run by Red Star Ferries, the duration of this Italy to Albania overnight journey is about 11 hours. The return journey from Saranda to Brindisi lasts 8, hrs and 30 minutes.
Schedules & Prices
- Departures from Brindisi at 20:00, arrival in Saranda at 7:00 the following morning
- Departures from Saranda at 12:00, arrival in Brindisi at 20:30
- Prices deck passengers – From 60 Euro one way
- Prices cars – from 70 Euro one way
- In operation July & August
- see the latest info on Saranda to Brindisi ferry page
Also, check the recently introduced Bari to Saranda ferry crossing that runs just in summer, but is still a good option for visiting Albania from Italy or getting to Italy from Albania.
How to Get from Italy to Albania by ferry
Trieste to Durrës Ferry Crossings – A Discontinued Adriatic Link
Trieste to Durres ferry is run by Adria Ferries. It sails all year round, once a week. The journey lasts 26 hours. It is an overnight ferry with departures at noon and arrivals the next early afternoon to Durres. This is a popular ferry route that connects Italy with Albania and back. Here are the schedules,
Read more »
Overnight to Albania: What to Expect on the Bari to Durrës Ferry
Bari to Durres ferry is run by 3 ferry companies – Grandi Navi Veloci, Adria Ferries and Ventouris Ferries. It sails all year round at least once a day. In the high season, it sails twice a day. The journey lasts 8 to 10 hours. It is mostly an overnight ferry, although there are
Read more »
Sarandë: Albania’s Gateway to Corfu and the Ionian Sea
Saranda (Sarandë) Ferry Port, Albania, is situated in the very center of the city at the western end of the main sea promenade. Foot passenger and car ferries to and from Brindisi in Italy and Corfu in Greece arrive and depart from this spot. From here, you can cross to Italy and Greece using several ferry
Read more »
Adria Ferries: Connecting Italy and Albania Across the Adriatic
Adria Ferries is a well-established shipping company that serves ferry lines across the Adriatic Sea, connecting Italy and Albania. Operating primarily between the Italian port of Bari and the Albanian port of Durrës, Adria Ferries provides an essential maritime bridge between Western Europe and the Balkans. The route is particularly
Read more »
Brindisi Ferry Port
Brindisi Ferry Port is situated within the large, sheltered bay right next to the city’s centre and sea promenade. Passenger terminal Costa Morena is a ferry terminal from where all ferries to and from Albania and Greece are arriving and departing. Brindisi Ferry Crossings Here is a table with details
Read more »
Brindisi to Vlora (Vlorë) Ferry
Brindisi to Vlora (Vlorë) ferry is run by 2 ferry companies – European Ferries, Red Star and A-Ships Management. It sails all year round, 6 days per week, with no Sunday sailings. The journey lasts between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the route. It is daytime as well as an overnight ferry crossing
Read more »
Albania’s Adriatic Gateway to Italy – Discover Durrës by Sea
Situated in the heart of the city center, on the waterfront promenade, Durres ferry port and cruise terminal are within easy walking distance from this vibrant city streets, hotels, local markets, and lovely sandy beach. Car ferries to and from Trieste, Ancona, and Bari in Italy all arrive and depart
Read more »
Vlora (Vlorë) Ferry Port
Vlora (Vlore) Ferry Port, Albania is nested inside the very large bay at the very sea promenade. Car ferries to and from Brindisi, Italy arrive and depart from this spot. For time being, this is the only direct international crossing. From here, you can cross to Italy and get other ferries
Read more »
Brindisi to Saranda (Sarandë) Ferry
Brindisi to Saranda (Sarandë) and Saranda to Brindisi ferry is run by one ferry company – Red Star Ferries. It sails from July to mid-September, twice a week, from both ports connecting Albania with Italy. The journey between Brindisi and Saranda lasts 10 hours, while from Saranda to Brindisi crossing lasts 8,5 hours. It is a
Read more »
Sailing from Ancona: Exploring Italy’s Adriatic Ferry Hub
Situated at the waterfront of this lovely Italian city, Ancona ferry port and cruise terminal is within walking distance from this vibrant city’s squares, hotels, markets and several amazing landmarks. Car ferries to and from Albania, Greece, and Italy all arrive and depart from here. Besides Bari, from here you
Read more »
Sailing from Bari: Discover Southern Italy’s Adriatic Ferry Hub
Situated at the waterfront of this lovely Italian city, the Bari ferry port and passenger terminal are within walking distance of this vibrant city’s squares, hotels, markets, and several amazing landmarks. Car ferries to and from Albania, Greece, and Croatia all arrive and depart from here. From here you can
Read more »
Exploring Trieste: Gateway to the Northern Adriatic by Ferry
Trieste’s ferry port is the perfect starting point for exploring the northern Adriatic. Located just a short walk from the city centre, this bustling maritime hub connects Italy with Slovenia, Croatia, and beyond. Whether you’re planning a scenic day trip, an island-hopping adventure, or a longer journey along the Adriatic
Read more »
Ferry Travel in Albania: International, Coastal and Domestic Connections
Albania ferry crossings include a number of international ferry routes from Durres, Vlora and Saranda ferry ports to Italian ports of Trieste, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi, as well as to the Greek ferry port of Corfu, where fast ferry boats cross the Ionian Sea channel to Corfu Island. There is
Read more »
Bari to Saranda (Sarandë) Ferry
Bari to Saranda (Sarandë) and Sarandë to Bari ferry is run by just one ferry company – Ventouris Ferries. Ferries are crossing from both ports from mid-July to early September, twice a week. The journey between Sarandë and Bari lasts 11 hours with an overnight ferry sailing between Albania and Italy, crossing the Ionian Sea. The distance between Bari and
Read more »
Overnight to Albania: What to Know About the Ancona–Durrës Ferry
Ancona to Durres ferry is run by Adria Ferries ferry company. It sails all year round from 3 to 5 times a week. The journey lasts 16 hours. It is an overnight ferry with departures in the afternoon or early evening and arrivals next morning to Durres or Ancona. This
Read more »
Map of ferries from Italy to Albania
Here is a map of all ferry lines that serve between these two countries.
Traveling by ferry between Albania and Italy involves a long journey across the Adriatic Sea. Check also ferry travel tips to get better prepared for it.
