Italy To Albania By Ferry: A Complete Guide
So you’ve finally decided to take the leap and explore what Italy’s gorgeous neighbor has to offer… You won’t regret it! If you like Italy, you’ll LOVE Albania. This underrated country offers Mediterranean charm, stunning landscapes, and a rich, flavorful cuisine influenced by both the Balkans and the Mediterranean. AND you’ve chosen to travel from Italy to Albania by ferry, one of the most enjoyable means of transportation?! What’s not to love!
Before we get into the details of the Italy to Albania ferry, here’s a quick overview of my Italy to Albania Itinerary, in case you find it helpful while planning your trip:
Italy To Albania 10-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome, Italy
Days 2/3: Explore Rome
Day 4: Train From Rome To Naples, Italy
Days 5/6: Explore Naples & Surrounding Area
Day 7: Train From Naples To Brindisi, Italy
Day 8: Ferry From Brindisi To Vlore, Albania
Days 9/10: Explore Vlore
Note: From Vlore, you can stretch your Albania Itinerary as long as you’d like and/or have time for; The country is loaded with gorgeous places to explore and of course, amazing countries within a few hours drive.
Click Here for a full 10-Day Albanian Riviera Itinerary
Where Should I Catch The Ferry In Italy?
Where you catch your ferry in Italy is entirely up to you, depending on where you’re traveling, where you’d like to arrive in Albania, or which port town you’d like to explore before you take off!
Below is a table containing all of the ferry ports in Italy, where the ferries land, and the frequency of their trips:
| Departure Port (Italy) | Destination (Albania) | Frequency | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancona | Durrës | ~3–7 times/week (year-round) | 16–19 h |
| Bari | Durrës | Multiple daily (in season) | ~8–10 h |
| Brindisi | Vlorë | ~3–4 times/week | 5.5–7.5 h |
| Trieste | Durrës | ~1 time/week | ~22–26 h |
| Brindisi (seasonal) | Sarandë | Seasonal (summer) ~1/wk | ~8–11 h |
| Bari (altern.) | Vlorë | Occasional | ~8–10 h |
As you can see, the travel time varies quite a bit, so if you’re looking for a shorter trip and the most budget-friendly option, I’d recommend the Brindisi to Vlore route – which is exactly the route I took on my trip!
Should I Explore Durres Or Vlore Upon Arrival To Albania?
Durres and Vlore are both worth the trip, but here’s a quick way to decide if you need to choose only one city:
Durrës is where you want to be if your priority is city and convenience over beach;This port city is just 30-40 minutes away from Tirana, the capital of Albania and where you will likely be catching your plane ride home (unless your home is Italy, of course).
Durres blends ancient history with urban energy – It’s home to Roman ruins, a lively boardwalk, a rapidly developing restaurant scene, and several nice beaches. For all these reasons, Durres is perfect for cultural travelers or those on a short trip who want easy access to the capital.
Vlore is ideal if your priority is to find some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!If you’re craving nature, coastline, and a more relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, you’ll regret not spending time down South.
Situated where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, Vlorë boasts crystal-clear waters, nearby beaches like Radhimë and Orikum, and serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular Albanian Riviera!
How Much Does The Italy To Albania Ferry Cost?
It’s surprising how few people make the trip from Italy to Albania by ferry, especially considering that the cost is often comparable to flying cross-country with a budget airline. But unlike flying, taking the ferry lets you skip the airport chaos and adds a cultural layer to your journey — from watching the coastline drift by to sharing a drink with locals onboard. It’s not just a means of transport; it’s an experience in itself.
To travel from Italy to Albania by ferry, you should expect basic seat fares to begin around €45–€50, depending on the departure port. Upgrading to a cabin adds €20–€70+ per person, while bringing a vehicle typically costs an additional €80–€105. These fares vary by season and provider, so booking early is advised for the best deals.
Here’s another quick breakdown of what you might expect to pay:
| Route | Seat (cheapest) | Cabin (interior/exterior) | Vehicle (car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancona → Durrës | From ~€83 | Not specified | — |
| Bari → Durrës | From ~€46–€50 | €55–€114 (depending on cabin) | €84–€105 |
| Brindisi → Vlorë | From ~€50 | — | — |
Which Ferry Company Should I Use To Travel From Italy To Albania?
Which ferry company you choose to use for your trip from Italy to Albania depends entirely on the departure and arrival destination, the price you’re looking to pay, and the dates you’re hoping to travel; In my 10 years of taking ferries around Europe, I’ve never had a terrible experience. Typically, the longer the trip, the larger the ferry, so you’ll likely have plenty of space whichever you choose for this journey.
That being said, I used Starlines to travel from Brindisi to Vlore, booked through Direct Ferries. It was a fine experience… I’m going to walk you through it a little bit so that you know what to expect if you decide to go this route:
In Brindisi, I chose to walk to the ferry port, which I typically do if I’m in a small port town. However, this was a strange walk – The ferry terminal in Brindisi isn’t exactly your charming, walkable Mediterranean port; It’s tucked deep inside a massive industrial shipping complex, surrounded by freight containers, warehouses, and endless lanes of trucks.
While it is technically walkable, be prepared for a couple mile trek, often alongside truck drivers and cargo haulers. You’ll eventually find yourself in what feels like a giant truck parking lot, walk towards the water and you’ve made it.
So I’d recommend finding a bus, which was definitely an option! If you’re arriving on foot, give yourself plenty of time, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t expect much in the way of signage or traveler-friendly infrastructure.
Important Note:Starlines requires you to check-in 3 hours prior to takeoff in-person, and while I was greeted at the terminal by a nice man who let me check in an hour before, I recommend better planning if you don’t want to risk losing your ticket.
The ferry itself was spacious – There was enough space for everyone to sit inside, outside, on a couch, in a chair, with a table or without… I’d assume this was a result of the time of year? (Late August)
The restaurant with hot meals was open for the first couple hours of the trip, and a little cafe with coffee, alcohol, and snacks was open for the entirety of the trip.
I enjoyed it and would use the same company again!
What Should I Do Once I’m In Albania?
Albania’s got a lot more going on than the average traveler may realize – And the possibilities once you arrive are endless! For ideas of what to do, where to eat, and places to see, you’ll want to click the link below and dive into the next part of your trip planning!
Albania Travel Guide: Places To Go, What To See, Where To Eat
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Did you book your ferry? Share your experience in the comments below – We all want to hear!
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