Saranda sits on Albania's southern coast, facing the Greek island of Corfu across a narrow stretch of the Ionian Sea. It has no airport of its own, so almost every visitor arrives one of two ways: a short ferry from Corfu, or a longer overland trip from Tirana. This guide explains every route — ferry, flight, bus, transfer and car — so you can plan the easiest way to reach Saranda and the Albanian Riviera.
The fastest and most popular route is to fly into Corfu (CFU) in Greece and take the 30–90 minute ferry to Saranda. If you prefer to stay inside Albania, fly into Tirana (TIA) and travel roughly 4–5 hours south by car, bus or private transfer.
Option 1: Fly to Corfu, then take the ferry
This is the route most international visitors choose. Corfu International Airport (CFU) has direct seasonal flights from many European cities throughout the summer, and the island sits just across the water from Saranda.
From Corfu airport, it is about 3.5 km to the ferry port in Corfu Town. You can take a taxi, or the Line 15 public bus, which costs only around €1.20. From the port, ferries cross to Saranda daily.
Ferry times, operators and prices
Three operators serve the route — Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways and Albania Luxury Ferries. Crossing time depends on the vessel:
| Ferry type | Crossing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast hydrofoil / speed ferry | ~30–40 min | Quickest, foot passengers |
| Car / passenger ferry | ~70–75 min | Carries vehicles |
In high summer there are up to around 10 departures a day, with the first ferry around 08:30 and the last in the evening. One-way tickets typically start near €20–€35 for the fast crossing, with prices and schedules increasing in peak season. You can compare timetables and book in advance on Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries.
You are crossing from Greece into Albania, so bring your passport and have your ferry ticket ready before customs — it is checked at boarding. Corfu is also one hour ahead of Albania, so double-check which time zone your ticket uses.
The ferry arrives at Saranda's main port, right in the centre of town. From there, Mucobega Hotels is only about a 5-minute drive along the coast.
Option 2: Fly to Tirana, then travel south
Tirana International Airport (TIA) is Albania's main airport, with year-round connections across Europe. The catch is distance: Saranda is roughly 270 km away, about a 4–5 hour drive through the mountains and along the coast. The scenery is beautiful, but the roads have sharp turns, so allow plenty of time.
Your options from Tirana
- Private transfer — a driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel in Saranda. The most comfortable choice for families, groups, or late arrivals.
- Bus / coach — there is no direct bus from the airport itself; you first reach Tirana's regional bus terminal, then take one of several daily buses to Saranda. In summer, RivieraBus also runs a scenic coastal-road service.
- Rental car — ideal if you want to road-trip the Albanian Riviera. Book in advance and budget for fuel on the long drive south.
A new airport is being developed near Vlorë, roughly 150 km north of Saranda. When fully operational it should shorten the overland leg for many travellers — check the latest status before you book.
Option 3: By bus from elsewhere in Albania or abroad
Saranda is well connected by road to other Albanian towns — Butrint, Ksamil, Gjirokastër, Vlorë and Tirana — and several independent companies run intercity buses. Direct international coaches also reach Saranda from places like Pristina, Sofia, Athens and Istanbul. There is no train: Albania's rail network does not extend this far south.
Stay right on the beach in Saranda
However you arrive, Mucobega Hotels is just a 5-minute drive from the Saranda promenade, with free private parking and direct access to our private beach. We're happy to help guests travelling from abroad with directions and transfers.
Getting around once you arrive
Saranda's town centre is compact and walkable from the port. Taxis are widely available (agree the fare first or ask for the meter), local buses connect to Ksamil and Butrint, and renting a car or scooter gives you freedom to explore the coast. If you stay with us, free on-site parking makes a rental car easy — and you're a short, scenic drive from the beach, the beachfront restaurant and the day trips Saranda is famous for.
Ready to plan the rest of your trip? See our guide to the best beach in Saranda, or check room availability for your dates.