Southern Albania, Albania
TIA, "Mother Teresa," is Albania's main international airport, located approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) north of Saranda. It serves as the most direct air gateway into Albania. Numerous European airlines, including Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, British Airways, Aegean Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, connect TIA to major European cities. No direct flights exist from North America, Asia, or Oceania; connections are typically through major European hubs.
CFU, "Ioannis Kapodistrias," on the Greek island of Corfu, is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Saranda by sea. This airport is a popular entry point due to its close proximity and direct ferry connections. Many European airlines, especially budget carriers and charter flights, use Corfu Airport, with services increasing significantly during the summer season. Intercontinental travel requires connections through major European airports.
Flight frequency and prices significantly rise during high season (July-August) for both airports. Shoulder seasons offer better value.
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TIA offers duty-free, restaurants, car rental, ATMs, Wi-Fi. CFU is smaller with basic facilities.
Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h outside, 110 km/h expressways.
Main roads improved, but rural areas can have narrow or unpaved sections. Beware of unpredictable maneuvers from other drivers. Drink driving is illegal.
Parking in city center challenging in peak season. Paid zones exist. Many hotels provide private parking. Street parking is more available outside the center.
Saranda has a modern ferry terminal. It acts as a link, mainly connecting Saranda with Corfu, Greece. Regular ferry and hydrofoil services connect Saranda with Corfu, operated by Ionian Seaways and Finikas Lines. Frequency is high in summer, with multiple daily departures, reducing in winter. Saranda is a popular stop for cruise ships during warmer months.
For arrivals from Corfu (EU/Schengen Area), standard passport control procedures apply in Saranda. Be prepared for potential queues during peak season. Have your passport and any required visa documentation ready. The Saranda ferry terminal's city center location is convenient. Many hotels and the main bus station are within walking distance. Taxis are also available outside the terminal.
Have all documents ready to expedite passport control.
Saranda's port is central, allowing easy access to the city upon arrival.
No significant river transport options for tourist arrival or departure exist in Saranda.
Albania typically does not impose specific exit fees or taxes on tourists departing by air, land, or sea; these are usually included in ticket prices. For ferry departures to Corfu, arrive at the Saranda ferry terminal at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure. For intercity bus departures, arrive at the bus station 15-30 minutes before your bus is scheduled to leave.
Saranda Ferry Terminal offers ticket counters and waiting areas. Nearby cafes and shops are available. The Saranda Bus Station is an open-air area with kiosks and cafes nearby, lacking a formal terminal building. Both Tirana International Airport (TIA) and Corfu International Airport (CFU) provide standard airport facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges for departing travelers.
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If your flight encounters significant delays, services like AirHelp can advocate for your rights.
Compensation claims are possible for canceled flights, depending on the circumstances and regulations.
Allocate sufficient time for departure procedures, especially during peak travel seasons. Having all documents ready streamlines your exit from Saranda.
