Saranda to Ksamil Bus: Route, Fare, Timetable, and Stops
Updated 2026-11-01 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Take the Bus from Saranda to Ksamil
- Locate the departure stop near Friendship Park or the Ferry Terminal in central Saranda.
- Board the regional bus displaying a destination sign for Ksamil or Butrint.
- Take a seat and wait for the onboard conductor to collect payment.
- Pay the fare in cash, preferably in exact Albanian Lek, and keep the printed paper ticket.
- Request your stop along the main road in Ksamil as you approach your destination.
Where does the bus depart in Saranda and where does it stop?
The bus originates in central Saranda near Friendship Park and the port area, picking up passengers along the main coastal road.
In Saranda, the primary starting point is near the roundabout by the ferry terminal and Friendship Park (Parku Miqësia). The bus travels south through the city along Rruga Butrinti, stopping at marked municipal bus shelters and outside major hotel clusters along the southern road.
In Ksamil, the bus runs down the main central avenue (Rruga Riviera). It makes multiple stops near central intersections, supermarket hubs, and turn-offs leading to the primary beach zones before continuing southward to its final terminal at the Butrint National Park entrance.
How much does the Saranda to Ksamil bus cost?
A one-way ticket costs between 150 and 200 ALL (€1.50 to €2.00) per passenger.
Payment is strictly cash-only. A conductor walks through the aisle shortly after the bus departs to collect fares and issue tickets. You can pay in Albanian Lek or occasionally small Euro coins or notes, though paying in Lek is strongly recommended to avoid unfavorable rounded exchange rates.
Children under certain ages may travel free if sitting on an adult's lap. Tickets cannot be pre-booked online or purchased at physical station counters; you simply pay onboard during the journey. Prices fluctuate slightly with fuel costs and seasonal updates.
| Transport Option | Cost (ALL) | Cost (EUR) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | 150 - 200 ALL | €1.50 - €2.00 | 20 - 45 min |
| Standard Taxi | 1,500 - 2,500 ALL | €15.00 - €25.00 | 15 - 30 min |
| Scooter Rental (daily) | 2,000 - 3,500 ALL | €20.00 - €35.00 | Self-paced |
What is the Saranda to Ksamil bus schedule and frequency?
Buses run every 30 to 45 minutes during summer and roughly every 60 to 90 minutes in off-peak months.
During high season (June to September), services generally start around 06:00 or 06:30 and operate until 21:00 or 22:00. In the low season, the service starts around 07:00 and finishes earlier, usually by 18:00 or 19:00. Exact printed timetables are rarely posted online, so verify current departures at the central stop.
Because this is an urban-regional transit route rather than a long-distance coach, buses leave once full or roughly on schedule. During July and August, buses often fill to capacity at the first stop, occasionally bypassing later stops along Rruga Butrinti.
How long does the journey take from Saranda to Ksamil?
The trip usually takes 20 to 30 minutes in normal conditions, but can exceed 45 minutes in peak summer traffic.
The distance between Saranda and Ksamil is roughly 12 to 14 kilometers along the SH81 road. In May, June, September, and the winter months, traffic is light and the bus covers the distance in roughly 20 minutes.
During July and August, the narrow two-lane road into Ksamil experiences heavy congestion, particularly in the late morning towards the beaches and in the late afternoon heading back into Saranda. Plan for significant delays during peak holiday weekends.
Can you take the bus from Ksamil to Butrint?
Yes, the exact same bus continues from Ksamil directly to the entrance of Butrint National Park.
The Saranda-Ksamil service is actually the Saranda-Butrint route. After serving all designated stops along the Ksamil strip, the bus continues another 4 to 5 kilometers south to the parking area directly outside the Butrint archaeological park.
The fare from Ksamil to Butrint is typically around 100 to 150 ALL (€1.00 to €1.50). Taking this bus allows you to combine a morning visit to the ancient ruins with an afternoon on the beaches of Ksamil without needing a taxi.