The Bari – Durrës route is one of the main gateways for travellers wishing to discover the attractions of Albania, a country where the beauty of the Mediterranean and the fascinating history of the Balkans coexist harmoniously. With GNV ferries to Albania, travelling to this emerging destination is more comfortable and convenient than ever, allowing passengers to enjoy a memorable experience combining sea, culture and tradition.

On this page you will find all the information you need for your journey by Bari – Durrës ferry: from booking methods and ticket offers to onboard services and boarding procedures with or without a vehicle. Last but not least… some tips on what is worth visiting in the country once you arrive at your destination.

BARI – DURRËS FERRY: HOW TO GET TO ALBANIA

Departing from the port of Bari, one of the main maritime hubs in the Adriatic, GNV’s ferry to Albania allows passengers to quickly reach the heart of this Balkan country without having to deal with the complications of congested routes, while also offering the possibility of taking their own car onboard to travel freely once they reach their destination. Just a few hours of sailing will separate you from your arrival at the port of Durrës, a city that captivates visitors with its unique blend of ancient history, modern life and spectacular scenery, making it an ideal gateway for an extensive exploration of Albania.

The Bari – Durrës ferry is a wonderful opportunity to discover a country that has experienced a remarkable economic and tourism revival in recent years, admired for the wealth of its archaeological sites, the variety of its natural beauty — from the Albanian Riviera to the Accursio Mountains — and the cultural vibrancy of its cities, first and foremost Tirana and Durrës.

BARI – DURRËS FERRY TICKETS: PRICES AND ONLINE BOOKING

Booking ferry tickets to Albania is quick and easy thanks to a simple and intuitive online booking system that guides users through just a few clear steps: you can easily check the departure schedule, choose the option that best suits your needs and secure your place onboard in no time. Once the process is complete, you will receive your booking confirmation by email together with the electronic ticket in PDF format, which you can present in digital or printed format at the time of departure. In addition to the digital platform, GNV also allows you to purchase Bari – Durrës tickets through the contact center, partner travel agencies and physical ticket offices, ensuring flexibility and personalised assistance for passengers.

For the Bari – Durrës ferry, prices are highly competitive and vary according to the season and type of accommodation, including comfortable cabins, reclining seats or deck accommodation, with periodic offers dedicated to frequent travellers and residents. These opportunities are designed to make travel even more affordable, both for Albanian citizens living in Italy who wish to return to their country regularly and for international travellers looking for a new holiday destination. Not to mention that GNV launches special promotions for the Baltic country during holidays, long weekends and special occasions, allowing you to travel on Bari – Durrës ferries at very attractive prices even during the high season, when fares normally tend to increase.

For those who do not want to miss the best deals on tickets to Albania, we recommend regularly checking the ferry offers from Bari available on the GNV website.

BARI – DURRËS CROSSING TIMES AND DURATION

The journey on the Bari – Durrës ferry takes between 9 and 11 hours, with regular services throughout the year and both daytime and overnight departures to suit the needs of every traveller. Thanks to GNV ferries to Albania, you can easily reach the Balkans with a quick and stress-free crossing: our vessels are modern and equipped with every comfort to make the experience at sea pleasant and safe for everyone. Please bear in mind that departure times and the duration of the journey on ferries to Durrës (as well as on the Durrës – Bari ferry) may vary depending on sea and weather conditions and the type of vessel operating the service. GNV’s online schedule will keep you up to date with exact departure times, operational changes and factors that may affect the crossing.

SERVICES AND COMFORT ONBOARD FERRIES TO DURRËS

On GNV Bari – Durrës and Durrës – Bari ferries, passengers can enjoy a wide range of services tailored to different travel habits and budgets, ensuring maximum comfort for everyone. Your holiday begins as soon as you step onboard our ships, with comfortable accommodation, quality dining and plenty of services designed for your leisure time. The ships are equipped to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable journey, with entertainment areas for children, spaces for onboard shopping and a Wi-Fi service that allows you to stay connected throughout the crossing, whether for work or to share your experience at sea.

Accommodation: cabins and seats on Bari – Durrës ferries

The cabins on the Bari – Durrës route, ranging from double to quadruple cabins, are available in several categories: both inside and outside cabins provide a quiet, air-conditioned environment where you can rest comfortably during the journey. Outside cabins feature panoramic windows so you can enjoy the sea view in complete comfort, while travellers seeking a more exclusive experience can choose suites — spacious, elegant and fully equipped — as the perfect option. If you prefer a more affordable yet comfortable solution, reclining seats are an excellent choice: equipped with armrests, leg supports and power outlets, they allow you to relax without losing touch with the outside world. Those who enjoy a sense of adventure can book an open-air deck accommodation, where you can breathe in the sea air and enjoy the crossing to Albania beneath the stars at night.

Dining services

Onboard the Bari – Durrës ships, the dining service offers a wide variety of options to suit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you are looking for traditional menus, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options, the aim is to provide an enjoyable and satisfying culinary experience for everyone. Whether you want a quick meal at the onboard self-service restaurant or a more elaborate dinner at our refined à la carte restaurant, you will always find something to tempt your taste buds. If you choose Mediterranean cuisine, you can enjoy delicious pasta dishes, fish and meat options and exquisite desserts; if you would rather try Albanian specialities, you can discover distinctive and appetising recipes prepared by experienced chefs using high-quality ingredients. Adults and children alike will also enjoy the pizzeria, featuring tempting creations from renowned pizza makers. Last but not least, our onboard bars: welcoming spaces for coffee, snacks, cocktails and aperitifs throughout the crossing, offering a relaxed atmosphere indoors or outdoors with sea views and ideal for a quick breakfast or an evening drink.

Pets onboard

If you are travelling with your pet, you can enjoy complete peace of mind, as the GNV Bari – Durrës route is proudly pet-friendly: our ferries are equipped to welcome pets onboard, with dedicated cabins and reserved outdoor areas on the ship’s deck where your four-legged friends can walk around comfortably and socialise with other animals. Featuring easy-to-clean linoleum floors and a daily sanitisation service, the Pet-Friendly Cabins available on the ferry to Albania are designed to ensure a peaceful and hassle-free crossing for both pets and their owners.

BOARDING PROCEDURES IN BARI AND DURRËS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

To board the Bari – Durrës ferry (or Durrës – Bari) smoothly, it is important to arrive at the port sufficiently early to allow enough time for travel document checks and any required security procedures. If you are travelling without a vehicle, simply bring your ticket — in printed or digital format — and a valid travel document, which is mandatory for all passengers, including minors. EU citizens travelling to Albania only need a valid identity card, with at least 3 months’ remaining validity beyond the date of entry.

After check-in, you will receive your boarding pass, which must be presented to the onboard staff when boarding and kept until you disembark in Albania. If you are travelling with pets, remember to bring a muzzle, leash, updated health record and the animal’s health certificate. For updates on customs requirements, document validity for Albania and any visa or health restrictions, we always recommend checking the official GNV website and the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Travelling with your own vehicle

Travelling with your own vehicle on GNV ferries from Bari to Durrës gives you the freedom to travel independently around Albania, exploring beaches, historic cities and inland areas without relying on car rentals or public transport, with the added advantage of reaching less touristy destinations and discovering hidden gems.

If you have chosen this option, bear in mind that the boarding process on GNV Bari – Durrës ferries involves a few simple but essential steps. First of all, it is advisable to arrive at the port well in advance, making sure you have all the vehicle documents ready for check-in, where you will show your booking and documentation to the staff and receive an assigned boarding position for your vehicle. Once these procedures have been completed, a crew member will guide you to the vehicle deck where you can park your car, motorcycle or camper. Before leaving your vehicle, remember to take everything you need for the crossing with you: it is time to settle in onboard and enjoy the services offered by GNV on the Bari – Durrës route. Disembarkation in Albania will be quick, with vehicles unloaded by category to facilitate collection within a few minutes, allowing you to be on the road within an hour of arriving at the port.

Is exploring Albania with your car or motorcycle one of your dreams? Book your place onboard our Bari – Durrës ferries now and turn it into a fantastic reality!

DISCOVER ALBANIA AND THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA

When you arrive in Durrës onboard a GNV ferry, a world of Balkan wonders opens up before you: centuries of history, enchanting landscapes and dreamlike beaches. In Tirana, lively Skanderbeg Square and the trendy Blloku district will capture your attention with their vibrant colours and contagious energy, while the futuristic Pyramid invites you to enjoy a highly evocative urban exploration. Berat and Gjirokastër, UNESCO gems, enchant visitors with Ottoman houses perched on hillsides and castles that evoke ancient legends.

Travelling south along the Albanian Riviera, from Vlorë to Sarandë, Ksamil stands out with its Caribbean-like islands, while Dhërmi offers white beaches and turquoise coves ideal for snorkelling and relaxation. Lose yourself in the beauty of Butrint, a Roman city surrounded by lagoons, or the Blue Eye, a natural turquoise spring surrounded by olive trees. No visit to this Balkan country would be complete without exploring Llogara National Park: a magnificent protected area where panoramic trails wind between the sea and the mountains.

A holiday in Albania is an invitation to slow down, an unmissable opportunity to discover a destination that is not yet overcrowded with tourists and that manages to captivate visitors without flaunting its many virtues.