Ferry from Bari to Durrës

When traveling on Bari - Durrës ferries, 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.

The conventional ferries serving the Bari - Durrës route are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxing trip across the Adriatic. On board most ferries ,you will find:

• Seating in air-conditioned lounges and outside on deck, where you can enjoy the sea view.
• Dining options, including cafés, snack bars, à la carte and self-service restaurants, and pizzerias. Some ferries even feature picnic areas with benches and tables for a more casual dining experience.
• Family-friendly amenities, such as family suites, children’s areas and playrooms for a fun and enjoyable trip.
• Duty-free shops and kiosksoffering a selection of items, from souvenirs and clothing to perfumes and cosmetics.
• Entertainment platforms with games and films, while cabins and lounges are usually equipped with TVs for a more relaxed viewing experience.
• Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during the trip. Most ferry companies offer Wi-Fi services or data bundles for up to €20, letting you browse the web, read or watch a film.
• Pet-friendly amenities and services, such as designated pet areas, kennels with air-conditioning, and pet-friendly cabins.

Accessibility

The ferries operating the Bari - Durrës route are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators to travel between decks, adapted seating areas and amenities in public spaces, and accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

The operators offer boarding assistance upon request and prior notification, usually 48 hr before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Can I book a cabin on the ferry?

Yes, on the conventional ferries serving the Bari - Durrës route you can book a cabin for a more comfortable and relaxed trip. Typically, you have a choice between:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with a double bed and sea view
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins generally include air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom.

Prices range from around €50 to almost €200, depending on the cabin type and size.

Can I book business-class seats?

No, the operators do not typically offer any premium or business-class seating options, however, you can book a numbered seats. The reclining seats are in air-conditioned lounges and typically have extra legroom to stretch out during the trip, making them a budget-friendly alternative to a cabin.

Ferry ticket prices for numbered seats on Bari - Durrës ferries start at around €50.

Tip: due to the long duration of the trip from mainland Italy to Albania, it is advisable to book either a cabin or an airplane-style seat for a more pleasant and comfortable experience.

Luggage

Each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy:

• When traveling with Adria Ferries, you can carry 1 piece of hand luggage weighing up to 75 kg free of charge.
• On Grandi Navi Veloci ferries, you can bring up to 2 pieces of personal luggage on board, while there is no weight limit.
• Ventouris Ferries allows you to bring up to 40 kg of baggage with you, free of charge.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the Bari to Durrës ferries, provided you include it in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

Each operator operating the Bari - Durrës ferry route, offers different pet accommodation options:

• When traveling with GNV and Adria Ferries, you pet can stay with you, while you also have the option of booking a pet-friendly cabins or a place in the onboard kennels. 
• On Ventouris Ferries, your pet can stay with you or in the kennels available, which you must book in advance.

Prices for pet-friendly cabins range from €100 to €160, while kennels can be free or cost up to €5, depending on the operator.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Bari to Durrës:

• Check-in at the port of Bari usually closes 1 hr before departure, so we recommend being there at least 2-3 hr in advance to clear security and border checks. If you are traveling with a car, it is advised to be there even earlier, ideally 3-4 hr.
• The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• As you will be crossing the international border between Italy and Albania, make sure you have the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport or your national ID card (if you are a citizen of a country in the Schengen Area).
• The ferry trip from Italy to Albania is often overnight, so we highly recommend booking a cabin for greater comfort and privacy. Alternatively, you can book a numbered reclining seat.
• You can also travel by ferry from Ancona to Durrës. For all ferry options, check out our detailed guide on Italy - Albania ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Bari to Durrës

Ferries to Durrës depart regularly from the port of Bari, and more specifically, from Molo San Vito. The check-in offices and boarding gates mainly positioned near Varco della Vittoria and Colmata di Marisabella. The port is within walking distance of Bari Vecchia, the old town, 3 km from the Bari Centrale trains station and about 14 km from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport.

In and around the terminal areas, you can find ticket offices, waiting areas, restrooms, information points, cafés, convenience stores, parking facilities and luggage storage. Hotels and a wider range of restaurants and shops are available in Bari Vecchia and around the central station.

How to get to the port of Bari

• On foot: if you are staying in the historic center, the walk to the passenger terminal takes roughly 20-25 min.
• By car: from central Bari, follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele II toward the waterfront and continue along Corso Antonio De Tullio to the port entrances. From the A14 highway or the SS16 ring road, use the Bari Nord or Bari Sud exit and follow signs for Porto di Bari. Once inside the port area, follow the signs for your operator and the Albania departures.
• By bus: several AMTAB bus lines connect various parts of the city directly to the port area, with the ride taking 10-50 min.
• By taxi: a taxi ride to the port from the airport taking about 20 min, and from the train station in roughly 10 min.
• From the airport: you can reach Bari Centrale in 15-20 min by train or 30-35 min by bus and from there you can continue by bus or taxi.

Where does the ferry arrive in Durrës?

Ferries from Bari normally dock at the port of Durrës, Albania’s largest and busiest port, which is on the northern tip of the Bay of Durrës. The port is a stone’s throw from the city center, while the main bus terminal is around 3 km away.

Within the port area, you’ll find a variety of traveler amenities, including car-rental desks, nearby hotels, cafés and bars, restaurants, and shops.

When to book Bari - Durrës ferry tickets

It's recommended to book your ferry tickets from Bari to Durrës at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season (June to September). Ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, and ferries can fill up quickly during busy periods.