A Day Trip on the Koman Lake Ferry – One of Europe’s Most Scenic Boat Rides

One of the best things to do in northern Albania is a ride on the Koman Lake Ferry, sometimes also spelled the Komani Lake Ferry.   This day long ferry ride (3 hours each way) is one of the most scenic boat rides in Europe – rivaling the fjords of Norway. 

Komani Lake

Komani Lake isn’t really a lake, it’s a reservoir.  A hydroelectric dam in the small village of Koman blocks the Drin river in the river valley.  The lake is also dammed at the other end near the village of Fierza.   This creates a valley among the Albania Alps that’s stunning.

Komani Lake Ferries

There are several Ferries on Koman Lake.   The Rozafa and Berisha Ferries take vehicles in addition to passengers.   There is also one passenger only ferry, the Dragobia.  The ferry runs from Koman to Fierza.  In 2019, the cost each way is 6 Euro per person, or 5 Euro if you book in advance. 

Day Trip or Multi Day?

There are several options for a one-day trip and several options for multi-day trips.

If you travel in the summer, there is an opportunity to take the ferry half way and stop at a restaurant for multiple activities, including swimming, kayaking, or taking a trip up the Shala River.   The other option is to simply ride the ferry all day… all the way to Fierza and back.

I only had a day to do the Komani Lake Ferry.  If I had longer, I definitely would have done some hiking from Valbona to Theth National Parks.  Hostels in Skhoder were selling 2 day/1 night and 3 day/2 night trips including meals and accommodation to the national parks for about 30-35 Euro per day per person.  

Where to Eat on Your Koman Ferry Day Trip

Dining choices are limited if you’re taking the shuttle (details below) and ferry combination, as there is not time to stop at one of the nicer restaurants between Skhoder and Koman.  We traveled in October in the last week the ferry was open and the dining choices at that time were:

• Koman Ferry Terminal – there was a snack shop, café serving coffee and not much else, and grilled sausages available outside.
• On the Berisha ferry – There is a snack bar with limited snacks and coffee available
• The stop in Fierza is only about an hour so there isn’t really time to go into the village for lunch.  Additionally,  the day we rode, the ferry return left 15 minutes early  so we were super happy we stayed near the ferry dock.  There is a small café that sells drinks and snacks.  The closest thing we got to a real meal was a bowl full of a Spam-like canned meat. Did you know there is a Spam museum? Check it out.
• Your own picnic.  Skhoder has a well stocked grocery store, so your best bet might be buying picnic supplied and bringing them on the ferry.

What Should You Bring on the Koman Lake Ferry?

Make sure you wear layers on the ferry, and bring a rain jacket if rain is forecast.  Our ride in October was very cold and a windbreaker was helpful.  If you’re going on a day trip, don’t forget your swimsuit. If you get very cold, you can ride inside.

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How to Get from Skhoder to Koman (or Tirana to Koman)

The best city for accessing the Komani Lake Ferry is Skhoder, Albania.  There is a daily shuttle, costing 5 Euro per person per way, from Tirana to Skhoder to Koman when the ferry is running.  The shuttle returns Koman to Skhoder to Tirana shortly after the ferry arrives in the afternoon.  Make sure you book the shuttle at least a day in advance, as it leaves very early in the morning.  You can book your shuttle directly with the ferry company or through your accommodation in Skhoder (Check Availability and Rates at Skhoder Hotels and Hostels).  I don’t recommend doing the Komani Lake Ferry day trip from Tirana, as it takes more than 1 hour and 40 minutes longer each way and increases the shuttle costs.  It would be an exhausting trip from Tirana, especially if only going for a day trip.  The shuttle from Skhoder to Koman takes over 1.5 hours and is on winding roads along the Drin River.   The ride is quite scenic, with views of lakes, fish farms, mountains, and the sunrise (yes, it’s really that early).

I’m Going to PUKE!

If you watch carefully, might see the street signs directing you to Puke, Albania.  We had quite a laugh about those.  But seriously, the shuttle ride from Skhoder to Koman is a rough, windy road so hopefully you’re not going to puke! 

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