Ferries Durrës

When traveling by ferry to Durrës, you can take advantage of the regular discounts offered to specific traveler categories. While these discounts may vary from one company to the next, you can typically expect infants and toddlers up to 3 years old to travel for free, while children under 12 are entitled to lower ferry ticket rates.

Discounts may also be available on return tickets and for large groups of travelers.

Bari - Durrës

The Bari - Durrës ferry route is served all year round, usually with up to 3 daily crossings. Travel time ranges from 8 hr 30 min to 10 hr, while ticket prices start from €55.

Ancona - Durrës

The Ancona - Durrës ferry route is active year-round and normally served with 3-4 crossings per week. The journey normally takes 16 hr 30 min to 19 hr, depending on the vessel, and tickets cost from €88.

The Durrës ferry routes are served by 3 companies:

• Adria Ferries mainly serves routes from Ancona and Bari.
• Grandi Navi Veloci and Ventouris Ferries connect Durrës with Bari.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Durrës?

Each ferry company has its own luggage policy:

• Adria Ferries only allows hand luggage, with a paid luggage deposit service available on some vessels.
• On Grandi Navi Veloci ferries, you can bring up to 2 pieces of personal luggage on board.
• When traveling with Ventouris Ferries, you are allowed up to 40 kg of baggage.

The ferry trip to Durrës takes 8.5 hr to 19 hr, depending on the route and vessel. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

• Bari - Durrës: 8 hr 30 min to 10 hr
• Ancona - Durrës: 16 hr 30 min to 19 hr

Which is the fastest route to Durrës?

The fastest ferry connection to Durrës is from Bari, with the journey taking 8.5-10 hr, depending on the company and vessel.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Durrës?

The Bari - Durrës route usually offers the cheapest ferry tickets, with prices starting from around €55, depending on the season, company and type of accommodation.

Which port of departure should I choose?

The best port of departure depends on where you’re traveling from in Italy and whether you prioritize speed or convenience:

• Ancona is a good option if you are in the central or northern parts of Italy.
• Bari offers the fastest connection to Durrës and is the most convenient port if you are departing from southern Italy.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning and booking your ferry trip to Ischia, keep these factors in mind:

• Frequency of crossings: the Bari - Durrës route is the most frequent, with up to 3 departures per day, offering greater flexibility. The Ancona - Durrës route usually runs 3-4 times per week, making it better suited to planned trips.
• Crossing duration: crossings from Bari are generally shorter than those from Ancona, which is worth considering if you want to minimize travel time.
• Seasonality: ferry schedules and ticket prices can vary depending on the season, with more departures and higher demand in summer.
• Luggage and pets: check luggage limits and pet policies in advance, as rules vary by operator.

The conventional ferries serving the routes to Durrës have car decks, so you can travel with your car, motorbike or camper van to Albania.

Make sure to bring along your driver’s license, as well as registration and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Durrës?

The cost of transporting a car starts at around €80, while motorbike tickets start from €25 and camper vans from about €95.

Can I take my camper van on the ferry to Durrës?

Yes, ferries to Durrës have car decks that allow the transportation of camper vans and motorhomes.

Tip: for more practical information and ideas, check out our guide on planning a 7-day road trip in Albania from Italy.

The ferries serving the Durrës routes are designed for long-haul travel and are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxing trip across the Adriatic. On most ferries, you will find:

• Comfortable seating areas, such as air-conditioned lounges with armchairs and access to outdoor decks for sea views.
• Dining options including cafés, snack bars, self-service and à la carte restaurants, and pizzerias. Some ships also feature casual picnic-style areas with tables and benches.
• Family-friendly facilities, such as family cabins or suites and children’s play areas, ideal for traveling with kids.
• Shops and mini markets, offering items like snacks, souvenirs, clothing, perfumes, and cosmetics.
• Entertainment services, including onboard entertainment platforms with games and movies, while cabins and common areas are often equipped with TVs.
• Wi-Fi access, available on most ferries via onboard hotspots or paid data packages, allowing you to browse the internet, stream content, or stay connected.
• Pet-friendly amenities, such as designated pet areas, air-conditioned kennels, and pet-friendly cabins on selected ships.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, the ferries to Durrës typically have a variety of cabins on offer:

• Standard interior cabins
• Exterior cabins with a window
• Deluxe suites with a double bed and sea view
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

All cabins generally include air conditioning, a wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom.

How much is a cabin on the ferry?

Cabin prices start from around €100 on ferries from Bari and €170 from Ancona.

What type of seats can you book

On ferries to Durrës, you can book standard deck/lounge seating or numbered seats.

Can I travel first class?

No, the ferries traveling to Durrës do not have first-class or business lounge tickets.

Accessibility

Ferries to Durrës operated by Adria Ferries, GNV and Ventouris Ferries are accessible to travelers with disabilities. The vessels are equipped with lifts and ramps, and all companies provide crew assistance during embarkation, disembarkation and movement on board. You will also find a limited number of accessible cabins, which typically feature wider doors and adapted bathrooms.

To ensure availability and proper assistance, passengers should declare any mobility needs when booking or contact the ferry company at least 48 hr before departure.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Durrës?

Yes, pets are allowed on most ferries bound for Durrës, provided you included it in your reservation when booking your tickets. Each ferry operator has its own pet policy and offers different services.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Don’t forget to bring your pet’s health and travel documents, your tickets, as well as any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

• GNV and Adria Ferries usually offer pet-friendly cabins for crossings to Durrës, as well as kennels.
• On Ventouris Ferries, there are a number of kennels available, which you must book in advance.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, most Durrës ferries offer a Wi-Fi hotspot, so you can stay connected during your trip. Keep in mind, you may need to purchase data packages to access the Internet, and that availability may vary from vessel to vessel.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, ferries to Durrës usually offer a range of onboard entertainment options. Depending on the vessel, you may find TVs in lounges and cabins, as well as onboard entertainment platforms with films, series, and games accessible from your personal device. On some ferries, Wi-Fi access is also available, allowing you to stream content, browse the web, or stay connected during the journey.

Do I need a visa or passport to go to Durrës?

To travel to Durrës by ferry, you’ll need a valid passport or national ID, depending on your nationality. Albania is not part of the Schengen Area, so passport checks are carried out on arrival.

EU citizens can enter Albania with a valid passport or ID card for short stays, while travelers from other countries should check entry requirements with local authorities before booking.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Durrës on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Durrës as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

Passengers are usually advised to arrive at the port at least 1-2 hr before departure, especially if traveling with a vehicle. Check-in takes place at the ferry company’s ticket booth or terminal counter, where your travel documents will be verified.

Boarding typically starts well before departure, with vehicles loading first, followed by foot passengers.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

• When traveling with Adria Ferries and Ventouris Ferries, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.
• With GNV, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Durrës is one of Albania’s most important coastal cities, known for its rich history, lively seafront promenade, and relaxed beach atmosphere. Home to the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans, the city combines cultural sights with a long sandy coastline and vibrant nightlife. Thanks to its strategic location, Durrës is also an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations such as Tirana and the rest of Albania.

For more information, suggestions and inspriation, check out our Durrës travel guide.

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when traveling by ferry to Durrës:

• Make sure to check passport and visa requirements, especially if you’re traveling from outside the EU. Please note that a passport valid for at least 3 months after your scheduled return day is required when visiting Albania.

• The Adriatic Sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Ferries to Durrës usually travel overnight, so for a comfortable journey, it is best to book a cabin.
• For all travel options, check out our guide on Italy - Albania ferries.

Best time to book

Booking your ferry to Durrës at the right time can make a big difference in terms of price, availability, and travel options, especially if you’re planning to travel in peak season or need a cabin or vehicle space.

In general, ferry tickets to Durrës are available year-round, but prices and availability vary significantly depending on the season and demand.

When should I book for the best prices?

• Summer travel (June-September): this is the busiest period for ferries to Durrës, particularly on the Bari - Durrës route. If you’re planning a summer trip, it’s best to book from March to May to secure lower fares and ensure availability for cabins and cars.
• Shoulder season (April-May & October): ferry demand is lower, and you can often find better prices and more availability, even with bookings made a few weeks in advance.
• Low season (November-March): this is usually the cheapest time to travel to Durrës by ferry. Prices tend to be lower, and last-minute tickets are easier to find, although schedules may be reduced.

How do ferry prices change by season?

• High season: higher demand, more frequent sailings, but tickets and cabins sell out quickly.
• Shoulder season: a balance of good prices and mild weather, ideal if you want flexibility.
• Low season: lowest fares, fewer crowds, but limited departure options.

Arrival

When traveling to Durrës by ferry from Italy, it’s important to arrive at the ports of Ancona or Bari with enough time before departure, as check-in and boarding procedures can take longer on international routes:

• Foot passengers: aim to arrive at least 1 hr before departure. This gives you enough time for check-in, document checks, and security procedures.
• Passengers with vehicles: if you’re boarding with a car, motorcycle, or camper, it’s best to arrive 1.5-2 hr in advance, as vehicles are checked in and loaded earlier than foot passengers.

During peak travel periods, such as summer weekends or major holidays, arriving earlier than the minimum recommended time can help you avoid queues and ensure a stress-free start to your journey.

The main gateway for ferry travel to and from Albania is the port of Durrës (Porti i Durrësit), located on the country’s central Adriatic coast. Passenger ferries operate from the main passenger terminal, which is separate from the cargo area and clearly signposted.

Inside the terminal area, you’ll find ticket offices, cafés, small shops and basic passenger facilities, as well as services for travelers with reduced mobility.

How many ports does Durrës have?

Durrës has one main port, the Port of Durrës, which serves both passenger and cargo traffic. International ferries operate from the dedicated passenger terminal, while commercial and cargo activities take place in separate areas of the port.

All ferry routes to and from Italy, including connections with Bari and Ancona, use the same passenger port.

Where is the port in Durrës?

The port of Durrës is situated very close to the city, making arrivals and departures easy and convenient. It lies about 2 km from the city center and around 35 km from Tirana International Airport.

How to get to Durrës port

Getting to the port of Durrës is straightforward, thanks to its central location:

• By taxi: the fastest and most convenient option, with the ride from the city center taking about 5-10 min.
• By bus: local city buses run between the port area and different parts of the city. Intercity buses and minibuses (furgons) connect Durrës with Tirana and other major towns.
• On foot: if you’re staying near the center or the waterfront, the port is within walking distance.
• By car: you can reach the port easily by road, and there are short-term parking areas close to the passenger terminal.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Durrës, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.