Butrint is 19 km south of Saranda, which is the main gateway for the area. The drive takes about 20 minutes and passes through Ksamili with views across the lake toward the ruins. Most visitors come as a day trip from Saranda; taxis from the port cost around €40–50 for the day (agree the price upfront — taxis are hard to find at Butrint in the afternoon). Some ferry operators offer inclusive day-trip packages that include coach transport from Saranda.
From Corfu
The quickest crossing from Greece is the hydrofoil from Corfu town to Saranda (around 30 minutes, departing roughly 9 am and 4 pm). Slower passenger ferries take about 1 hour 40 minutes; at least one car ferry also operates. Single tickets cost around €15. Buy your return ticket separately so you can choose your preferred crossing time. Check current timetables at the port before planning your day.
Border formalities take place on the boat: Greek passport control before boarding, Albanian customs officials on arrival at Saranda. Keep the small white exit-visa card you receive on entry — you will need it when leaving Albania.
From Saranda by road
Turn right out of the port, follow the road through town to the main square, then take the lower right-hand road out toward Ksamili and Butrint. There is one petrol station between Saranda and Butrint, at Ksamili.
From Ioannina
Take the E90 from Ioannina, then the E853 to the Kakavia border crossing. From Kakavia, head north toward Gjirokastra and turn left at Jergucati, over the mountains toward Saranda — allow around 2 hours in total. The road via the Bistrice river valley is better than the alternative via Delvina. On this route, a worthwhile detour is the Blue Eye (Syri Kaltër), a vivid freshwater spring that bubbles up from a 50-metre-deep pool at the foot of the mountains.
By yacht
Saranda is the port of entry for the region; all customs must be cleared there before landing elsewhere. Radio on VHF channel 11 or 16 when approaching. The harbour master speaks English, Greek and Italian.