How to Get to Ksamil from Italy: The 3 Routes That Actually Work

Ksamil has no airport, and there is no single 'easy' way in: every route costs you something, either money or hours.

The three routes Italian travellers actually use are: fly to Corfu and ferry across to Saranda, fly to Tirana and drive south, or take an Adriatic ferry.

Below are the honest times, costs and downsides of each.

Option A — Fly to Corfu + ferry to Saranda (the most popular)

In summer there are direct low-cost flights to Corfu (CFU) from many Italian cities. From Corfu port, ferries leave daily for Saranda: the crossing takes 30 minutes (fast hydrofoil) to about 70 minutes (regular ferry) and costs €19-25 one way.

You land in Saranda and Ksamil is 25 minutes away: €10-15 by taxi, a couple of euros by local bus.

• Pros: often under 4 hours door to door in a single day; cheap flights.
• Cons: two changes (airport→port, Saranda→Ksamil); in August ferries sell out — book the ticket online.

Full details of this leg in the dedicated Corfu to Ksamil guide.

Option B — Fly to Tirana + drive south

Tirana (TIA) has year-round flights and is often the only option off-season. From there Ksamil is 3.5-4 hours by road (about 280 km).

• Private transfer: €100-150 per car (up to 3-4 people), door to door. Good value if you are 3-4 people.
• Bus or furgon (shared minibus): €10-15 per person to Saranda, then a local bus or taxi to Ksamil. Frequent daytime departures, but with luggage and summer heat it is a proper journey.

Pros: works 12 months a year, often cheap flights. Cons: 4 hours on the road after your flight; no buses at night.

Option C — Ferry from Bari or Brindisi + drive

Overnight ferries from Bari and Brindisi reach Durres (8-11 hours) or, in summer, Vlore. From Durres to Ksamil you still have 4-4.5 hours of driving; from Vlore about 2.5-3 hours.

• Pros: you can bring your own car; reasonable fares outside high season (from around €50-70 per person for a deck seat, more with cabin and car).
• Cons: the longest route overall; only makes sense if you want a car in Albania or you are touring the country.

Which one to pick: the honest summary

• June-September, 4-7 days of beach: Corfu + ferry. Fastest and cheapest combination.
• Off-season or expensive Corfu flights: Tirana + private transfer if you are 3-4 people, otherwise the furgon.
• Bringing your car or a longer Albania trip: ferry to Durres or Vlore.

Watch the clock: Greece is one hour ahead of Albania. When you land in Saranda you gain an hour — remember this on the return ferry or you will miss your connection.

Once in Saranda: the last 25 minutes

Saranda and Ksamil are 15 km apart. A taxi costs €10-15 and takes 20-25 minutes; the local bus is about €1-1.50 but stops on the main road, not by the islands waterfront.

Once you have dropped your bags, the best way to understand where you have arrived is to see the islands from the water: the Ksamil islands boat tour runs every day and shows you the coastline properly in 3 hours.

Frequently asked questions