Getting in, out and across

Ferries & border crossings

The Komani Lake boat, the Corfu hydrofoil, the overnight ships from Italy, and how long the land borders actually take in August.

Ferries & boats

Komani Lake: Koman → Fierzë

2 h 30 min

Operator: Berisha & Alpin ferries (car + passenger)
Season & times: Daily all year; the main sailing leaves Koman around 09:00, with a second boat in summer
Typical price: ≈ 1,000 ALL per person, 3,000–4,500 ALL per car

The famous 'Balkan fjord' crossing between Shkodër and Valbona. Arrive at Koman at least 45 minutes early in summer — cars board on a first-come basis and the road in is a narrow tunnel. Buy tickets on the quay in cash.

Book a seat through your Shkodër or Valbona guesthouse, or the operator's Facebook page; cars should be reserved by phone a day ahead.

Google Maps Check tickets

Sarandë ↔ Corfu

30 min hydrofoil, 70 min conventional ferry

Operator: Ionian Seaways / Finikas Lines (hydrofoil & ferry)
Season & times: Year-round, 2–5 sailings a day in summer, 1 a day in winter
Typical price: €24–29 one way, €40–50 return

A full international crossing: passports are checked and you must be at the port 45–60 minutes before departure. Corfu day trips work well as you get 6–8 hours on the island.

Ferryhopper and the operators sell tickets online; summer weekends sell out.

Google Maps Check tickets

Durrës ↔ Bari / Ancona (Italy)

8–9 h to Bari, 16 h to Ancona

Operator: GNV, Adria Ferries, Ventouris
Season & times: Year-round, mostly overnight
Typical price: From €55 per person, €90+ with a car

The way to bring your own car to Albania from Italy. Cabins are worth it on the Ancona run. Check-in closes two hours before departure.

Ferryhopper or direct with the operator; book early for August.

Google Maps Check tickets

Himarë ↔ Corfu (seasonal)

1 h 30 min

Operator: Finikas Lines
Season & times: Late June to mid-September only, a few sailings a week
Typical price: ≈ €35 one way

Saves the drive down to Sarandë if you are based on the Riviera. The schedule is confirmed only weeks in advance.

Ferryhopper or the Himarë port kiosk.

Google Maps Check tickets

Land borders & waiting times

Kakavijë

Albania ↔ Greece (Ioannina)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: Heaviest crossing in the country. 1–3 hours in August and around Orthodox Easter and Greek holidays.

Cross before 08:00 or after 21:00 in summer. Greek side checks passports car by car; have everyone's documents ready in one pile.

Directions

Kapshticë

Albania ↔ Greece (Kastoria)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: Usually quiet, 10–30 minutes.

A good alternative to Kakavijë if you're heading to Korçë or Thessaloniki.

Directions

Hani i Hotit

Albania ↔ Montenegro (Podgorica)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: 20–60 minutes in July and August.

The main Shkodër–Podgorica route. Check that your rental car's green card covers Montenegro.

Directions

Muriqan / Sukobin

Albania ↔ Montenegro (Ulcinj)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: Can back up 1 hour+ on summer weekends with beach traffic.

Shortest way from Velipojë to Ulcinj and the Montenegrin coast.

Directions

Morinë

Albania ↔ Kosovo (Prizren)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: Very busy in the diaspora season (mid-July to late August): 1–2 hours.

On the Rruga e Kombit motorway. Kosovo-plated cars queue separately; keep right for the EU/other lane.

Directions

Qafë Thanë

Albania ↔ North Macedonia (Struga)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: Normally under 30 minutes.

The Lake Ohrid crossing. Tushemisht/Sveti Naum further south is smaller and often faster.

Directions

Bllatë

Albania ↔ North Macedonia (Debar)

Open: 24 hours

Queues: Quiet all year.

Handy for Dibër and the Korab mountains.

Directions

Before you cross

What you need

EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most other visitors enter Albania visa-free for 90 days with a passport valid for the length of the stay. ID cards are accepted for EU citizens at land borders.

Rental cars and green cards

Taking a hire car out of Albania needs written permission from the rental company plus a green card insurance extension for Montenegro, Kosovo, Greece or North Macedonia. Ask when you book — it is usually €30–60 and cannot be arranged at the border.

Cash declaration

Amounts over €10,000 must be declared. There is no ATM at most crossings, so carry some lek for the first stop.

Live checkpoint status

The Albanian State Police publish border checkpoint webcams and waiting-time notices; Greek, Montenegrin and Kosovan authorities do the same for their side. Check both the evening before you drive.

Buses & furgons Driving & car hire

Sailing times, prices and queue patterns are typical figures for the 2026 season and change without notice. Confirm with the operator the day before you travel.