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, bookings, and prices.
Update:
For a period in the past, ferry crossings between Trieste in northeastern Italy and Durrës in Albania offered a direct maritime connection across the northern and central Adriatic Sea. The route provided an alternative to the more established Italy–Albania links from ports such as Bari, Brindisi, and Ancona, creating the possibility of sailing from the northernmost Adriatic port directly to Albania’s largest maritime gateway.
The connection was particularly attractive for travelers from northern Italy, Slovenia, Austria, southern Germany, and parts of Central Europe. Instead of driving long distances to southern Italian ports, passengers could depart from Trieste, reducing overland travel time before boarding an overnight Adriatic crossing. The route served both foot passengers and vehicle traffic, including cars and commercial transport, helping facilitate tourism and trade between the two countries.
However, despite its strategic geographic position, the Trieste–Durrës ferry service was eventually discontinued. Like many maritime routes, its viability depended on consistent passenger demand, freight volumes, and operational costs. Competition from established southern Adriatic routes, fluctuating seasonal demand, and broader market conditions likely contributed to its suspension.
At present, there are no regular direct ferry crossings between Trieste and Durrës. Travelers heading from northern Italy to Albania typically use routes from Bari, Brindisi, or Ancona, while Trieste remains focused on regional and seasonal connections within the Gulf of Trieste and northern Adriatic.
Although the service is no longer operating, the idea of a northern Adriatic–Albania link remains strategically appealing. With growing tourism in Albania and increasing regional mobility, the possibility of reinstating a similar route in the future cannot be entirely ruled out. For now, however, the Trieste to Durrës ferry connection remains a chapter in Adriatic maritime history rather than an active travel option.
Schedules and timetables
| Ferry Route | Time |
| Departs Trieste | Tuesdays @ 12:00 noon |
| Arrives Durres | Following day (Wednesday) @ 14:00 |
| Departs Durres | Sunday @ 12:00 noon |
| Arrives Trieste | Two days later (Tuesdays) @ 6:00 morning |
The usual timetable is a departure at 12:00 with arrival the following afternoon at 14:00. However, there may be some timetable alterations. Make sure you check schedules for your particular dates carefully here.
Deck and Cabin Prices
| Deck and Cabin Fares | Low season (EUR) | Mid Season (EUR) | High Season (EUR) |
| Outside cabin / 2 persons/ wc & shower | 130 | – | 165 |
| Outside cabin / 3 persons/ wc & shower | 120 | – | 155 |
| Outside cabin / 4 persons/ wc & shower | 105 | – | 135 |
| Inside cabin for 2/3/4 persons / wc & shower | 110 | – | 145 |
| Air Seats | 80 | – | 105 |
| Deck Passengers | 75 | – | 95 |
Car, Camper, Motorcycle Prices
| Minibuses, Caravans, Campers, Baggage trailers, Boat trailers 6 meters max length | Low season (EUR) | Mid-season (EUR) | High Season (EUR) |
| Cars & SUVs | 115 | – | 130 |
| Minibusses, Caravans, Campers, Baggage trailers, Boat trailers 6 meters max length | 185 | – | 210 |
| Motorcycles & Scooters | 45 | – | 55 |
| Bicycles & Pets | Free of charge | – | Free of charge |
Note: Pets and bicycles are traveling for free.
As this is a 26-hour overnight ferry crossing, it is advisable to book the cabin or seat well in advance. To fully enjoy your trip, get prepared and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Boarding the ferry
- Carefully check where is the exact location of the ferry terminal (see map and address for Durres and Trieste)
- Arrive at the right terminal at least 2 hours prior to departure. If you are travelling by car, try to be there earlier.
- Boarding: Have your travel documents ready for immigration
- If you booked a cabin, you have to check in at the ferry reception desk, where you pick up your cabin keys. If you are a deck passenger, you are not required to check in at the reception. Just walk to the deck and get your seating.
Video – Onboard the ferry
Trieste Passenger Terminal
The Ferry port in Trieste, from which all ferries to Durres, Albania depart and arrive, is located in the centre of the town. Address: Punto Franco Vecchio, Molo IV,1,34132 Trieste TS, Italy – more info about Trieste ferry port and passenger terminal
Durres Passenger Terminal
The Ferry port in Durres, from which all ferries to Trieste, Italy are arriving and departing, is located in the city center. Address: Rruga Pavaresia 66, Durrës, Albania; apdurres.com.al +355 69 609 6400 – more info about Durres passengers ferry terminal
Journey Map
