Ferries

Sarandë to Corfu ferry: operators, crossing time, passports and the EU's EES

Corfu is so close to Sarandë that you can see it from the seafront. The crossing is short, but it's also an EU and Schengen border, so your documents matter. Everything here comes from the operators' own sites and the EU's official pages, checked 21 October 2026.

Updated 2026-10-21

A ferry in the port of Sarandë — Photo: Joergsam · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Who runs it

Two operators publish their own timetables for the route: Finikas Lines, running since 1994 per its site, and Ionian Seaways. You can book both online. Finikas Lines' Sarandë agency is on Rruga Mitat Hoxha, above the port.

How long it takes

Ionian Seaways lists 30–45 minutes by high-speed hydrofoil (Flying Dolphin) and 55–70 minutes by passenger or car ferry. Finikas Lines' FAQ mostly says around 30 minutes, depending on the boat and the weather, though one answer on the same page says 1 h 30 min, so check the time on your booking.

Greece is one hour ahead of Albania, and the operators list each departure in local time.

Timetables and fares

Sailings change by season, so check the operator's page for your date. For 16–31 October 2026, Finikas Lines' timetable showed eight sailings a day in each direction. Ionian Seaways publishes its own seasonal timetable, with fewer departures in winter.

We couldn't find a current fare table on either operator's site (Finikas Lines' fares page returned an error on 21 October 2026), so we don't quote prices. The booking pages show the fare for your date. Finikas Lines advertises 10% off same-day returns booked together, and half price for children (its offers page and its terms give slightly different age bands).

Passports, EES and ETIAS

Corfu is in Greece, so you're entering the EU and Schengen. Finikas Lines' terms say EU citizens need a valid ID card or passport. Non-EU nationals who need a Schengen visa need a passport plus a Schengen visa or residence permit, and a multiple-entry visa to go from Greece to Albania and back. Children need their own passport. Under-18s travelling with only one parent need a written authorization signed by the other parent, and with another adult, one signed by a parent or legal guardian.

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all external border crossings of the countries using it, Greece included, since 10 April 2026. If you're not a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and you're on a short stay, your first crossing records your face and/or fingerprints, and your passport isn't stamped. Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas are exempt.

A short stay means up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across all the EES countries together. ETIAS, the EU's planned €20 travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, is not in operation yet. The EU says it will announce the start date several months in advance.

Boarding

Finikas Lines asks foot passengers to be at the international passenger terminal at least 40 minutes before departure, and passengers with vehicles at least 1 hour before, for passport and customs checks. When you book you'll need each traveller's name, nationality, date and place of birth and document details, plus the plate number if you bring a vehicle.

Taking a car

Car ferries take about 55–70 minutes, per Ionian Seaways. Drivers board as the crew directs, and passengers get out of the vehicle before boarding (Finikas Lines).

Ionian Seaways states that rental cars may not be taken from Corfu to Albania. Renting in Albania and planning to cross? Ask the rental company in writing first.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from Sarandë to Corfu?

About 30–45 minutes by hydrofoil and 55–70 minutes by car ferry, per Ionian Seaways.

Do I need a passport for the Corfu ferry?

EU citizens can use a valid ID card or passport. Everyone else needs a passport, plus a Schengen visa or residence permit if their nationality needs one.

Is the EU's EES in operation at Corfu?

Yes. Since 10 April 2026 it has been fully operational at all external border crossings of the countries using it, Greece included. It applies to non-EU nationals on short stays.

Can I take a rental car from Corfu to Albania?

Ionian Seaways says rental cars may not be taken from Corfu to Albania.

Sources

Checked 21 Oct 2026. Rules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.