One of the world's most scenic ferry rides — gliding through a fjord-like canyon on Lake Koman, between Koman and Fierza. Here's the route, the times, the prices and how to get there.
The Komani Lake Ferry crosses a reservoir on the Drin river in northern Albania, between Koman and Fierza (Fierzë). For two to two-and-a-half hours, the boat threads through a dramatic fjord-like canyon — sheer forested slopes, narrow gorges and turquoise water — that travellers often compare to the fjords of Scandinavia. It's widely ranked among the world's great ferry journeys.
Beyond the scenery, the ferry is the key link on the popular trekking route from Shkodër towards Valbona and Theth. Several small private operators run a mix of car ferries and passenger boats, mainly in the warmer months. Below you'll find the boats, the timetable and prices, and exactly how to reach the dock from Shkodër or Tirana.
From Koman through the canyon to Fierza — with Shkodër (the start) and Valbona (the onward trek) for context
A handful of family-run operators share the lake. They differ mostly in departure time and whether they carry cars. Below, the main options with their schedule and price.
The best-known car ferry (up to about five cars), run by the Berisha/Marku family, who also operate the Dragobia passenger boat. It departs Koman around 09:00 and Fierza around 13:00, so you can ride one way and return the same day. Online booking available.
A smaller passenger boat (running since 1994), perfect for foot passengers, bicycles and motorbikes. It makes several local stops to serve remote villages. Departs Fierza around 06:00 and Koman around 09:00.
A more comfortable car ferry on the revamped ship 'Dardania', restarted in 2015. Reported departures from Fierza around 08:00 and Koman around 11:00. Slightly higher fares than the Berisha ferry.
All times and fares are indicative — schedules can change and are not always reliable, so confirm locally before you travel. Pay cash on the dock or book online in advance.
| Item | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foot passenger | ~€8–10 (≈1,000 lek) | ~€9 online (Berisha) |
| Bicycle | ~€10–13 | 1,200–1,500 lek |
| Motorbike | ~€18–25 | 2,100–3,000 lek |
| Car | ~€8/m² or ~€35 flat | by size (Berisha) / flat (Alpin) |
| Crossing time | ~2–2.5 h | some sources up to 3 h |
* Prices indicative (lek converted to euro). The Berisha operator lists daily service from around 15 April to 5 November; winter service is greatly reduced. Confirm the current timetable at komanilakeferry.com or locally.
The ferry sits deep in the mountains, so the journey to the dock is part of the adventure. Here's the typical route in and out.
Take an early-morning furgon (minibus) to the Koman ferry dock, leaving around 06:30 to connect with the morning ferry.
Transfers and combined tickets leave around 05:00, reaching Koman in time for the boat. Booking ahead is wise in peak season.
Glide ~2–2.5 hours through the canyon from Koman to Fierza, with unscheduled stops to drop off locals along the way.
At Fierza, minibuses run to Bajram Curri and on to Valbona — the classic gateway for the Valbona-to-Theth hike.
A few practical pointers for a smooth and memorable crossing.
Tickets are usually paid in cash on the dock. Bring Albanian lek; online booking with Berisha is an option for cars.
With one main daily departure, an early start from Shkodër or Tirana is essential — miss the boat and you'll wait until the next day.
Service is daily and reliable roughly mid-April to early November; outside that, expect a sparse, weather-dependent schedule.
The whole point is the scenery — grab a spot on the open deck for the gorges, and keep warm; it can be cool on the water.
Times, prices and seasons are indicative for and based on the official operator (komanilakeferry.com) and public sources. Always confirm the current schedule locally before you travel.