How to Get From Italy to Albania by Ferry in 2024

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Here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Italy to Albania by ferry including where to buy tickets, which route to take and tips for the journey.

It almost feels like just yesterday when Croatia was having its moment. Now, another Balkan country is making its appearance to international tourists – Albania.

Whether it’s Albania’s incredible coastline, impressive mountain ranges, or UNESCO listed towns that have piqued your interest, reaching this gorgeous country is rather simple.

Flying to Albania’s capital city of Tirana is made possible with no shortage of departure points throughout Europe.

However, for those looking to arrive in Albania from Italy by sea, a couple of unexpectedly convenient ferry rides are at your disposal.

In this brief guide, you’ll find important details you need to know about taking the Italy to Albania ferry.

Is Albania Worth Visiting?

Albania is slowly emerging into the scene of mass tourism, but unsurprisingly, it has been a longtime destination for many Europeans. Given its prime location along the beautiful Adriatic Sea, its generous coastline is the easiest reason for a visit to Albania.

The number of crystal-clear beaches, dramatic cliffsides, and romantic swimming coves is not in short supply.

For anyone seeking a change of scenery from the typical tourist summer destinations in the EU, Albania is a no-brainer. We’re typically not fans of comparing countries but Albania’s beaches effortlessly rank with those found in Croatia or even parts of Greece.

Not all coastal destinations like Albania can boast about the remainder of their country, which stretches beyond the gorgeous beaches.

Albania has so much more to offer when it comes to its mountainous and inland landscape. You’ll find four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning mountain ranges, and national parks along with charming remote villages.

What has always appealed to us the most is the fact that Albania is, for the most part, unspoiled. As you step away from the popular tourist hotspots like Ksamil, you’re left with what Albania is truly comprised of.

Some of our favourite features of Albania include the delicious cuisine, underrated wine, endearing locals, and a captivating, complex history that has left its marks.

Your Options: Italy to Albania Ferry Routes

To reach Albania from Italy by ferry is possible via three different routes. All of these ferry routes depart from the east coast of Italy and arrive on Albania’s coastline, along the Adriatic Sea. The three options for those looking to take a ferry from Italy to Albania are as follows:

Depending on where you are departing from in Italy, certain ferry routes to Albania will make more sense than others. Specific ferry routes also operate on different timetables, and some, for example, will only travel overnight.

Additionally, it may come down to availability when choosing which ferry to book. During the peak summer season, tickets often sell out, and your first choice of the travel day or route may not even be possible.

As we’re writing from experience, changing our itinerary due to sold-out availability hasn’t been completely uncommon in the past.

🚢 Browse Ferry Routes to Albania

Where to Arrive in Albania by Ferry

If you’re trying to decide on where you should take the ferry to in Albania from Italy, you can keep a few things in mind. Take a ferry to Durrës if you’re planning on going to Tirana. The port is less than a one-hour drive from Albania’s capital city.

If your primary reason for visiting Albania is to enjoy a summer holiday, try to book a ferry to Vlorë. The Albanian Riviera and the country’s best beaches begin at Vlorë and extend south until you hit the Greek border.

🛌 Book a Place to Stay in Albania

Italy to Albania Ferry FAQs

1. How Far Is Albania From Italy?

In several ways, the countries of Italy and Albania could not be more different. Geographically speaking, the Adriatic Sea is the only thing separating Italy and Albania.

Bordered by numerous Balkan states, it is a natural divider between a prominent EU country like Italy and the less discovered pocket of Europe. Based on where your departure point is on the Italian side of the Adriatic, the distance to reach Albania varies.

Brindisi to Vlorë Distance: 133 km (83 mi)

Bari to Durrës Distance: 217 km (135 mi)

Ancona to Durrës Distance: 548 km (341 mi)

Map of Italy and Albania Ferry Ports

2. How Long Are the Ferry Rides From Italy to Albania?

Clearly, based on the distance between the departure and arrival points, there is a difference in how long it will take to reach Albania from Italy by ferry. The ferry ride times are as follows:

Brindisi to Vlorë: 6 hours

Bari to Durrës: 9 hours

Ancona to Durrës: 16 hours

Since we are always traveling with a child, we opted for the shortest ferry ride from Italy to Albania, which is the route from Brindisi to Vlorë.

Oddly enough, this journey only took four hours, although it was described as a six-hour ferry ride. We’re not sure if this was a one-off scenario, but a great surprise nonetheless.

🚢 Book a Ferry from Brindisi to Vlorë

3. How Much Do Ferry Tickets Cost?

As with all ferry operators throughout Europe, ferry ticket prices will vary. Firstly, traveling in peak season versus shoulder or off-season will have a huge difference in pricing.

Secondly, ferry prices have a base starting point and increase from there depending on if you are traveling with a vehicle, booking a return ticket, choosing a reserved seat, or cabin.

Prices tend to depend on the length of the ferry ride as well. In this case, the shorter crossings from Brindisi to Vlore or Bari to Durrës can cost around €50 for one-way as a foot passenger. The 16-hour journey from Ancona to Durrës will be closer to €100.

The type of accommodation should be kept top of mind to ensure it fits your travel preferences or level of comfort.

Each ferry ticket will include the cost of deck space, which essentially means as a passenger, you are free to stay and sleep anywhere in the public areas of the ship.

Most people will typically opt for a cabin to sleep in if it’s an overnight ferry, but again, it’s also doable to spend the night in the public areas of the ship if you don’t require a bed.

If you’re like us and traveling with young kids, opting for the cabin is worth the additional €100 – €200 for a private room.

🚢 Compare Ferry Prices to Albania

Onboard the Brindisi to Vlore ferry — Sitting on the outer deck of the ferry where dogs are allowed

4. Where to Buy Ferry Tickets to Albania From Italy

Searching for ferry tickets to Albania can be a little tedious if you have multiple requirements (like us). If you consider yourself a relatively easy traveler and perhaps only booking for yourself or as a couple, you can purchase tickets from nearly any website, including third-party sellers like Direct Ferries, Ferryscanner and Bookaway.

For anyone who needs to include a pet, vehicle, or other special requests, it’s highly recommended to book with the operator directly if possible.

Ferry ticket marketplaces aren’t always completely accurate when it comes to pricing and availability when you have selections beyond a foot passenger ticket.

If your booking is not as straightforward, you risk the possibility of underpaying or overpaying, or even finding that your desired accommodation is sold out.

The ferry operators to Albania from Italy are listed below, and you have the option to purchase tickets directly from them.

👍 The biggest benefit of booking with a marketplace like Direct Ferries is having a level of customer support. If something does happen to go wrong with your reservation, these websites handle these situations much better compared to the ferry companies.

5. What Are the Requirements for Travelling From Italy to Albania?

Since taking the ferry from Italy to Albania means you will be leaving the EU, there is a border control process in place. The entry requirements to visit Albania are uncomplicated and straightforward.

If you are traveling with a passport as an EU, United States, or UK citizen, the following requirements apply:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return date (the date you leave Albania).
You do not need a visa if you are visiting Albania for 90 days or less.
If you wish to stay in Albania for longer than 90 days, you can apply for a residency permit in Albania.
Although not required, it is not uncommon for border police to ask for proof of accommodation or even a return ticket upon entering Albania.

⛑ Purchase Travel Insurance for Your Albania Trip

Taking a Vehicle From Italy to Albania

It’s the Cheaper Alternative to Driving

If you haven’t heard, plane tickets throughout Europe can be very affordable. This is no exception if you plan on flying from Rome to Tirana, as round-trip flights cost €50 for the short 1.5-hour trip.

Knowing this, it was unclear to us why we still saw so many foot passengers on the ferry from Brindisi to Vlorë.

Some travellers will still opt for the more expensive and longer route, for whatever reason. On the other hand, it was very clear why the majority of people were on the ferry from Italy to Albania, and that’s because they were traveling by car.

The car ferry from Italy to Albania is a very easy and cost-effective alternative to driving all the way around (through multiple other countries).

Adding a car to your ferry ticket can cost anywhere between €40 – €80 more, depending on a couple of factors such as seasonality, availability, and the size of the vehicle.

If your car is towing something, is carrying bikes or has a roof box, this will also typically cost extra.

But, Prepare for Additional Time

It’s quite an unfortunate theme, but embarking on a car ferry in Italy always entails some slight chaos. There is a lot of yelling, a stream of hand gestures, and a sprinkle of confusion and misunderstanding to top it off.

In short, always arrive at the departure port with at least one hour to spare. Like all ferries we’ve taken in Europe, you cannot stay in your vehicle during a crossing (no matter how short it is) and can only return to your car for something if it’s an emergency.

On both ends of the journey, expect a typical border control process which may take longer with a vehicle. For the police, the decision to search a car is completely random, so you can never plan on getting stopped or not.

From our experience, car checks will merely include a quick opening of the trunk, and we’re sent on our way. However, we often see more thorough searches of other vehicles where people are required to open up luggage.

At the checkpoints in each country, you will also be asked for your license, registration of the vehicle and perhaps proof of insurance. Avoid any possible delays or mishaps and come prepared!

Brindisi Ferry Terminal — Brindisi Ferry Port in Italy

Arriving in Albania

Taking the Italy to Albania ferry means you are exiting the EU and leaving the road rules of Italy behind. Although we’ve had our fair share of challenging places to drive in, Albania isn’t exactly the most taxing, but it heavily depends on where you’re driving.

For example, the heart of big cities like Tirana should be avoided if possible, but as you get on the country roads in rural areas, driving can be enjoyable.

All in all, driving in Albania isn’t for inexperienced drivers who don’t consider themselves capable on curvy or narrow roads, busy streets, or among people (and animals!).

Upon arriving on Albanian soil from the ferry, simply stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

🗺 Read More: Albanian Road Trip Guide

Albania Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator