Butrint National Park: Tickets, Hours, and How to Get There
Updated 2026-11-01 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Visit Butrint from Sarandë by Public Bus
- Locate the main bus stop in central Sarandë near the ferry port or Friendship Park.
- Board the municipal bus displaying a sign for 'Sarandë – Ksamil – Butrint'.
- Pay the bus conductor the one-way fare of approximately 150 to 200 ALL in cash once aboard.
- Ride the bus through Ksamil to the end of the line directly outside the park entrance.
- Check the posted return departure times on the board at the terminus before entering the park.
How much does it cost to enter Butrint National Park?
Standard adult admission costs 1,000 ALL (roughly €10). Reduced rates apply to Albanian citizens, children, and organized student groups.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket booth by the main gate using cash (Albanian Lek) or card, though payment terminals occasionally experience network issues. Online booking is also available through the official portal of the Ministry of Culture, but buying tickets on arrival is straightforward and rarely requires a long wait.
Children under 12 typically enter for free, while students and school groups with valid identification qualify for discounts. The ticket price covers entry to the entire open-air archaeological site as well as the museum housed inside the Venetian castle.
| Ticket Type | Price (ALL) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult | 1,000 ALL | ~€10.00 |
| Group (12+ persons) | 800 ALL | ~€8.00 |
| Children (under 12) | Free | Free |
| Students (with valid ID) | 300 ALL | ~€3.00 |
What are the opening hours for Butrint National Park?
The archaeological park is open daily from 09:00 until dusk, year-round. The Venetian castle museum closes earlier, usually around 16:00.
Because the site relies on natural daylight, closing times shift with the seasons. During peak summer months, the grounds remain accessible until roughly 19:30 or 20:00, whereas winter visits wrap up around 16:30 or 17:00.
To avoid the midday heat and the peak arrival of tour buses from cruise ships docking in Sarandë, plan to arrive either right at opening time (09:00) or after 15:00 in the afternoon.
How do you get to Butrint from Sarandë and Ksamil?
You can reach Butrint by local bus, private car, or taxi along the paved SH81 coastal road. The bus journey from Sarandë takes about 45 minutes.
The public bus departs Sarandë hourly (roughly every 30 minutes in peak summer) between 06:30 and 18:30. The fare is 150 to 200 ALL each way. From Ksamil, the ride takes only 10 to 15 minutes and costs approximately 100 ALL.
Taxis from Sarandë to Butrint charge between 1,500 and 2,500 ALL (€15 to €25) one way. If you drive a rental car, follow the SH81 south; free open-air parking is available directly adjacent to the entrance gate.
How long does it take to tour the site and what can you see?
A standard visit requires two to three hours to walk the marked circular trail. Key landmarks include the Roman theater, the early Christian baptistery, the Great Basilica, and the fortress.
The well-marked trail winds through eucalyptus and oak woodlands that provide helpful shade in summer. Notable highlights along the route are the 3rd-century BC Greek theater modified by the Romans, ancient bath complexes, a 6th-century baptistery featuring intricate floor mosaics, and well-preserved city walls.
At the summit stands the Venetian fortress, which holds an informative museum displaying statues, coins, and everyday artifacts excavated from the area. Across the Vivari Channel sits the triangular Venetian castle, accessible via a small cable-pulled wooden ferry for a nominal fee.
What should you bring and know before visiting?
Wear sturdy walking shoes for uneven stone paths and carry drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Cash is recommended for small purchases.
While paths are mostly level and gravelled, walking on historical masonry and dirt tracks requires flat, comfortable footwear. Mosquitoes and midges are common due to the surrounding saltwater lagoons and marshes, so bug spray is advisable during the warmer months.
There is a small café, public restrooms, and souvenir stalls near the entrance and another café next to the castle museum at the top of the hill. Credit cards are not accepted by small street vendors, so keep small denominations of lek handy.