Planning to travel from Albania to Italy by ferry? Durrës Ferry Port is one of the main departure points for passengers travelling across the Adriatic Sea, including services connecting Durrës with Bari and Ancona.
Although travelling by ferry can be more flexible than flying—especially when taking a car, extra luggage or travelling with family—you still need to allow enough time for check-in, passport control, security and boarding.
This guide explains when to arrive at Durrës Port, which documents you may need, what happens during check-in and how to prepare for a smoother journey.
Quick Durrës Ferry Port checklist
Before leaving for the port, make sure you have:
- Your ferry ticket or booking confirmation
- A valid passport or accepted national identity card
- Any visa or residence documents required for Italy
- Travel documents for every child, including infants
- Vehicle registration and driving documents when travelling by car
- Documentation and a confirmed booking for any pet
- Essential medicines, valuables and overnight items in a small carry-on bag
- The latest departure and check-in information from your ferry operator
Check that the passenger names, departure date, route, vehicle details and accommodation type shown on your booking are correct. Ferry tickets are normally issued for a specific passenger and sailing, and last-minute corrections may result in additional charges or refusal of boarding. Adria Ferries specifically advises passengers to verify the date, time, ship and passenger information before travelling to the port.
Where is Durrës Ferry Port?
The passenger ferry terminal is located within the Port of Durrës, close to the city centre. However, the correct entrance, check-in office or boarding area can depend on the ferry operator.
For example, GNV identifies its Durrës port entrance as Ura e Dajlanit, Entrance No. 4, while its ticket office is listed at the former railway station, known locally as Ish Stacioni i Trenit.
Do not depend only on a general map search for “Durrës Port.” Check your ticket or contact the operator or travel agency to confirm:
- The correct port entrance
- The location of the check-in office
- Where foot passengers should report
- Where vehicles should wait for boarding
- Whether the departure time has changed
The Port of Durrës publishes daily ferry information, but departure schedules may change because of weather, operational conditions or seasonal timetables.
How early should you arrive at Durrës Ferry Port?
There is no single arrival time that applies to every ferry company. The safest approach is to follow the instructions shown on your ticket.
Current operator guidance includes:
- Adria Ferries: passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours before departure.
- GNV: passengers departing from Durrës are instructed to report four hours before departure, both with and without a vehicle.
- Both operators state that check-in closes 60 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Based on this guidance, arriving three to four hours before departure is a sensible general rule. When the ticket or operator specifically requests four hours, follow that instruction.
Allow additional time during:
- July and August
- Weekends and public holidays
- Evening ferry departures
- Periods of heavy traffic around the port
- Journeys involving a car, camper, trailer or motorcycle
- Travel with children, pets or passengers requiring assistance
Arriving at the port one hour before departure does not mean you are on time. That is when check-in may already be closing.
How check-in and boarding work
The exact process can differ slightly between operators, but most passengers will complete the following steps.
1. Find your operator’s check-in office
Follow the information shown on your ticket and the signs inside the port. Ferry companies may have separate counters or vehicle lanes.
Keep your ticket and identification documents ready before reaching the counter.
2. Present your booking and travel documents
The check-in staff will verify your reservation, passenger details and travel documents. Passengers travelling with a vehicle may also be asked for the vehicle registration certificate, driving licence and vehicle booking details.
3. Receive your boarding pass
A booking confirmation is not always the final document used to board the ship. During check-in, passengers normally receive a boarding pass that must be presented during security, border and embarkation controls.
Adria Ferries confirms that passengers must complete check-in to obtain the boarding pass needed for the subsequent security and border-police checks.
4. Complete passport and security controls
Durrës-to-Italy sailings are international journeys. Passengers should therefore expect identity, border and security checks before boarding.
Keep the following items easily accessible:
- Passport or accepted identity document
- Boarding pass
- Visa or residence permit, when applicable
- Documents for children
- Vehicle or pet documentation
Do not place essential documents at the bottom of a suitcase.
5. Proceed to the ship
Foot passengers and vehicle passengers may be directed to different boarding areas. Follow the instructions given by port and ferry staff.
Vehicle drivers should remain in the designated lane and wait for permission before approaching the loading ramp.
Which documents do you need?
Document requirements depend on your nationality, residence status, direction of travel and final destination.
At minimum, prepare:
- A valid ferry ticket
- A valid travel document
- Any required visa or residence permit
- Supporting documents for minors, vehicles or pets
The Durrës Port Authority lists a passport and travel ticket among the basic documents for passengers travelling to and from Italy. GNV states that EU citizens travelling to Albania may use either a passport or a national identity card that is valid for foreign travel. Non-EU passengers may also need a passport, visa or valid residence documentation.
Because the correct requirement depends on the individual traveller, do not assume that another passenger’s documentation will also be sufficient for you. Verify your situation with the ferry operator and the relevant Italian or Albanian authorities before departure.
Every passenger must have their own valid identification document. This includes babies and children. GNV states that a passenger without valid identification may be refused boarding without reimbursement.
Travelling with children
Children need their own valid passport or accepted identity document. A child travelling alone, with only one parent or with an adult who is not their legal guardian may also need written authorisation from a parent or guardian.
The European Union advises that children in these situations may need an additional official document authorising the journey. There is no single EU-wide rule, so requirements should be checked for every country involved in the trip.
Before travelling with a minor, confirm:
- Whether parental authorisation is required
- Whether the document must be notarised
- Whether it needs to be translated
- Whether the ferry operator has its own form
- Whether the countries of departure, arrival or transit have additional requirements
GNV’s current guidance states that passengers younger than 14 cannot travel alone. It also requires written consent when a minor travels outside the country with only one parent.
Travelling with a car or motorcycle
A ferry from Durrës can be convenient for passengers who want to take their own vehicle to Italy. The vehicle must be included in the reservation before departure.
When booking, provide accurate information about:
- Vehicle type
- Registration plate
- Length and height
- Roof boxes or luggage carried on the roof
- Trailers, caravans or bicycle racks
At Durrës Port, GNV states that vehicle passengers should present the vehicle registration certificate, driving licence and a confirmed booking for the car or motorcycle space. The company may also verify the vehicle’s dimensions and load.
Incorrect dimensions can affect the price or the availability of space on board. Inform your travel agency or ferry operator before departure when the vehicle differs from the original booking.
It is also sensible to verify whether you need:
- International vehicle insurance
- Written permission when the vehicle belongs to another person
- Rental-company authorisation for international travel
- Separate documentation for a trailer or caravan
Before boarding, remove the items you will need during the crossing. Access to the vehicle deck may be restricted while the ferry is at sea.
What should you keep in your carry-on bag?
Even when travelling with a car or large suitcase, prepare a smaller bag containing:
- Passport and boarding documents
- Phone and charger
- Prescription medication
- Wallet and valuables
- Water and basic snacks
- Toiletries
- A change of clothes
- Warm clothing for outdoor decks or air-conditioned areas
- Items needed by children during the crossing
Do not leave medication, passports or essential baby supplies inside a vehicle that may be inaccessible during the voyage.
Check your operator’s baggage conditions before travelling, especially when carrying unusually large items, commercial goods or equipment.
Travelling with a pet
Pets must normally be added to the ferry booking in advance. Do not arrive at the port with an undeclared animal.
GNV allows pets when they are included in the reservation. Dogs and cats use designated areas, while smaller animals such as birds, rabbits or hamsters must travel in a suitable cage supplied by the passenger. Pets are not permitted in standard lounges, seating areas or regular cabins unless a specific pet-friendly cabin has been reserved.
Before departure, verify:
- The animal’s identification requirements
- Vaccination and health-document requirements
- Whether a pet passport or veterinary certificate is needed
- Whether a muzzle, lead or transport cage is required
- The location in which the animal will travel
- The rules for entering Italy with the animal
Pet-entry regulations are separate from the ferry company’s boarding policy. Meeting the operator’s booking conditions does not automatically mean that the animal satisfies border and veterinary requirements.
Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility should inform the ferry company when booking and explain the assistance they require during check-in, boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
Adria Ferries states that carriers and terminal operators provide assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. It also asks passengers to communicate requirements involving accommodation, seating, services or medical equipment at the time of booking.
GNV recommends requesting assistance as early as possible and no later than 48 working hours before departure. Accessible cabins may need to be booked through its contact centre.
Advance notice is particularly important when travelling with:
- A wheelchair
- Limited walking ability
- Medical equipment
- A guide dog
- A passenger who needs help entering or leaving the vehicle
What happens if the ferry is delayed or cancelled?
Ferry departures can be affected by weather, port traffic and operational changes. Keep the telephone number and email address used for the booking active so that you can receive updates.
EU maritime passenger-rights rules generally apply when a ferry departs from an EU port. They may also apply to a journey arriving at an EU port from a non-EU country when the service is operated by an EU transport company. This means that the protection available on a Durrës-to-Italy journey can depend on the operator and circumstances.
When the applicable conditions are met, passengers may have rights relating to:
- Information about a cancellation or delay
- Meals or refreshments during qualifying delays
- Alternative transport
- Ticket reimbursement
- Compensation for certain arrival delays
Adria Ferries explains that, under EU Regulation 1177/2010, passengers affected by a departure delay of more than 90 minutes or a cancellation may be offered refreshments and a choice between alternative transport and reimbursement, subject to the regulation’s conditions.
Keep your ticket, booking confirmation, receipts and written communications if your trip is disrupted.
Practical tips for a smoother departure
Check your sailing on the day of travel
Departure times can change. Confirm the latest information before leaving for the port.
Do not arrive at the last minute
Passport control, queues and vehicle loading can take longer than expected, particularly during summer.
Keep documents together
Place all passenger, vehicle, child and pet documents in one secure and accessible folder.
Confirm vehicle details before departure
Contact your travel agency when you change the vehicle, add a roof box or decide to travel with a trailer.
Prepare for an overnight crossing
Many sailings between Albania and Italy operate overnight. Bring comfortable clothing and reserve an appropriate seat, cabin or accommodation type when booking.
Follow staff instructions
Do not change vehicle lanes, approach the ship or leave the waiting area without directions from port personnel.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at Durrës Ferry Port?
Plan to arrive three to four hours before departure. Adria Ferries advises at least three hours, while GNV currently requests four hours for Durrës departures. Both state that check-in closes 60 minutes before departure.
Can I buy a ferry ticket at Durrës Port?
The Durrës Port Authority states that ferry tickets can be purchased through travel agencies operating at the port and other agencies offering travel services to Italy. Availability is not guaranteed, especially during summer, so advance booking is recommended.
Do I need a passport for the ferry from Durrës to Italy?
The correct document depends on your nationality and immigration status. The Durrës Port Authority lists a passport and ticket for travel to and from Italy. Confirm the exact requirement for your situation before travelling.
Can I take my car on the ferry?
Yes, but the vehicle must be included in the reservation. Bring the vehicle registration certificate, driving licence and any additional documentation required for international travel.
Do children need identification?
Yes. Every passenger, including infants and children, must have a valid travel document. Additional parental authorisation may be required when a child travels alone, with one parent or with another adult.
Can I travel with a pet?
Yes, depending on the ferry operator, but the pet must be declared during booking. You must also meet the operator’s accommodation rules and the veterinary requirements for entering the destination country.
Book your ferry from Durrës with Eni Travels
Planning a ferry journey from Durrës to Bari or Ancona? Eni Travels can help you check travel dates, ticket prices, passenger accommodation and vehicle availability for your crossing.
Contact our team before booking and provide:
- Your preferred travel date
- Your destination
- The number and ages of passengers
- Whether you are travelling with a vehicle
- Your preferred seat or cabin
- Whether you are travelling with a pet
We will help you find an option that matches your travel plans.
Important: Check-in times, ferry schedules and border requirements can change. Always verify the latest instructions shown on your ticket and provided by the ferry operator or relevant authorities before travelling.
Official sources used
- Durrës Port Authority passenger information and FAQs
- Adria Ferries check-in and boarding guidance
- GNV Durrës Port information
- GNV travel-document guidance
- European Union guidance for minors travelling in Europe
- European Union maritime passenger-rights guidance