A complete guide to ferries in Greece

A complete guide to ferries in Greece: everything you need to know

I have been using ferries in Greece for over 25 years now. They are an important, cost-effective and often even very convenient and efficient mode of transportation both for tourists and locals. Whether you go island hopping or just need to go from A to B. On many occasions, a ferry is the only way to get from one island to another. At least, without having to fly back to Athens. There are also convenient routes from multiple ports in Italy to Igoumenitsa and Patras in Greece. These are great for backpackers and roadtrippers exploring multiple countries in Europe!

With so many ferry routes available, it can be hard to know where to start and what to expect. Here’s a complete guide to ferries in Greece, with the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferries in Greece, as well as some top tips for travelling by ferry.

What are the ferry routes in Greece and how to find them?

The Greek ferry network connects hundreds of ports throughout the mainland and the Greek islands, as well as multiple cities in Italy and Greece. Major cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras are connected with many of the islands. Additionally, there are routes connecting the islands within an island group (Ionian, Cyclades, Dodecanese etc.) and a few routes that connect the main islands of different island groups. Venice (& Triëste), Ancona, Bari and Brinsidi in Italy are connected to Igoumenitsa, Corfu (high season and low amount of sailings only) and Patras in Greece.

The most complete and interactive (!!) ferry route map can be found on the website of Ferryhopper. Probably because this platform was founded in Greece, mainly by Greeks.

This map literally makes it SO easy to find out if there is a ferry connection between the islands of your choice. You can also use it to plan a multi-island trip with more than 2 destinations.

How to find the Greek ferry schedules?

There are a lot of ferry companies that are operating the ferry routes in Greece. The easiest way to find the companies and schedules for the route(s) between the island(s) of your choice is using a ferry search engine, also called a ferry comparison website. As you can read above, my preferred choice is Ferryhopper. Not only do they have and interactive map on which you can build a route between different destinations, they also have an app that shows the location of the ferry you booked in realtime. This is called live tracking of your ferry. To make it easy for you, I’ve implemented their search engine into my website on a separate page (click here).

Alternatively, you can check the websites of the main ferry companies in Greece. You can find them below in the answer to the question ‘what are the main ferry companies in Greece’.

How do I book a ferry in Greece?

Booking a ferry in Greece is easy. It can be done safely, directly after searching on a comparison website such as Ferryhopper. This will make sure you can compare all companies and times available on one website before you book, instead of having to browse the website of different ferry companies. They have even implemented the bonus / loyalty programmes of the ferry companies into their platform. So you can save your points and miles even when booking through Ferryhopper.

All you need to do is select the route and date and follow the steps. It’s important to check the timetable of the specific route you’re taking as ferry times can change depending on the destination and the time of year. To make it easy for you, I’ve implemented their search engine into my website. You can start searching directly with the search engine below.

A ticket can also be booked online, over the phone or at a ticket counter in the port directly with the ferry company. Most ferry companies nowadays offer e-check in. If you use this service, you will get e-tickets in your e-mail and you can go straight to the ferry when leaving (for) an island. In case you still want or need to pick up a paper ticket, you can mostly do it in the port, where the ferry companies offices are located.

Should I buy Greek ferry tickets in advance?
Is it cheaper to buy ferry tickets for Greece in advance?

Yes, it might be cheaper to book your ferry tickets for Greece in advance. There are lots of earlybird discounts in the beginning of every year. So if you know your dates and route, why not book straight away? Later on in the year there might only be more expensive fares available and no discounts anymore.

In July and August, popular ferry routes (such as from and to Santorini and Mykonos) definitely do sell out. So for that reason it is also advised to pre-book.

However, definitely not all ferry tickets should be booked in advance. Some routes are operated by 10 to 20 vessels per day and you will always find a passenger spot. If you travel by car you can also best book as soon as you know your time and dates.

What is the cost of a ferry ticket in Greece?

Ferry tickets in Greece vary in cost depending on the route and time of year. High season is more expensive than low season. Most ferry tickets are relatively inexpensive. The cheapest ferry I have taken in Greece was € 1 and the duration was 10 minutes only. For rides with the duration of one hour or more, single ticket prices start at € 5 with single tickets for slow ferries start at around 10 euros. But this can easily amount to € 100 for a single ticket on a 5-hour high speed ferry ride or a Greece to Italy ferry. But not necessarily 😊.

How to save money on ferry tickets in Greece? How to find the cheapest tickets?

Who doesn’t want to save money in general? Ferries in Greece can be cheap but also very expensive, so it is good to know how you can find the cheapest tickets:

• Use a ferry comparison website such as Ferryhopper. This way you can compare the ticket prices of different companies in one instant.
• See if you are eligible for one of the standard discounts that ferry companies offer. Many times there are discounts for children under a certain age, seniors above a certain age, students, large groups and families, et cetera.
• Book a return ticket. They are mostly cheaper than single tickets.
• Join the bonus programs of the ferry companies. These are comparable with the ‘mileage’ system in the airline industry and let you save points or even give you an immediate discount on every ticket you book. These bonus programs are also incorporated in the Ferryhopper comparison website.
• Sign up for the newsletters of the ferry companies and comparison websites. Or follow them on social media. This way you’ll get notified about their special promotions.

• Book in advance. Tickets for early bookers have a high possibility to be cheaper. Either an early booking discount applies, or (just like when booking an airplane ticket) the cheapest rate hasn’t sold out yet.
• Travel during off-peak season. Off–peak season runs from October to April and is a great time to save money on ferry tickets.
• Use an Interrail Greek Islands Pass. If you are a European resident, you can buy this pass. There are 2 different ones. One gives you access to 4 domestic ferry itineraries of your choice in Greece within one month for only € 90. The other one includes 4 domestic ferry itineraries and 2 international ones (Italy – Greece) for € 176. This pass is even cheaper for people under 28 years of age and seniors above 60 years of age. In addition to the included itineraries, you can book your remaining domestic itineraries with a 30% discount.

What are the main ferry companies in Greece?

The main ferry companies in Greece are SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Minoan Lines (also on the Greece-Italy route) and Anek Lines (merged with Superfast Ferries for the Greece-Italy route). But there are countless other, smaller ferry companies such as Levante Ferries and Kerkyra Lines. Those ones offer very local and mostly shorter routes between a small amount of islands that are in near proximity of each other.

All companies together offer a different range of routes connecting the mainland and the Greek islands, with departures available throughout the year. They also operate different kind of vessels, on which you can read more in the answer to the question below this one.

What kind of vessels are there? Are there high-speed ferries in Greece?

Both high-speed ferries and slower ro/pax ferries are available in Greece.

Ro/pax ‘slow’ ferries are bigger, cheaper and generally won’t cause you motion sickness. But they are slower (10 to 30 knots – 18 to 50 km per hour). They have lots of space for cars and trucks and more facilities such as multiple bars, lounges and restaurants. Also they offer multiple ‘seating’ options, such as non-assigned seats (you can sit in the inside lounges or on deck), ‘airplane’ seats and cabins. These ferries also operate throughout the night and it can be convenient sometimes to sleep on board to save yourself a travel day!

High speed catamarans are faster (up to 50 knots or 90 km per hour), but mostly more expensive and less stable. Chances of motion sickness and cancellation in case of bad weather are higher. In most cases you will have a designated ‘airplane seat’ inside the ferry. There will be a bar, but walking around can be challenging. Also, highspeed ferries mostly do not have an outside seating space. Larger highspeed ferries do have space for cars, the smaller ones are passenger only ferries.

What amenities are available on ferries in Greece?

Greek ferries in general have lots of amenities to make sure you’re not hungry and thirsty, and to keep you entertained. They vary depending on the ferry type and class.

• All ferries are airconditioned inside.
• 99,9% of the Greek ferries have at least a bar available with snacks and drinks (warm and cold). Think about: coffee, sandwiches, sweets, softdrinks, beers etc.
• Larger (slow) ferries have multiple lounges with bars, and one or more restaurants on board: an a la carte and buffet restaurant.
• Of course there always are public toilets and sometimes public showers as well. Especially in case the ferry has a swimming pool. Domestic ferries in Greece do not have swimming pools and a sun deck, but lots of Greece – Italy ferries have. These larger ferries might also have a spa, disco and casino.

• The lounges or seating areas on both slow and high-speed ferries do have tv’s that show Greek programs.
• Larger (slow) ferries do also have a souvenir shop.
• If here is a WiFi network on the boat, you sometimes have to pay to access it.
• You can easily check the amenities of the ship you will be sailing on by Googling the vessel name.

Are there night ferries in Greece?

Yes there are. Night ferries in Greece actually are an efficient way to travel between the mainland and the Greek islands. Why? Because it saves you accommodation costs for one night – you don’t have to pay for a hotel (you were already going to pay for a ferry ticket). You will also maximize your time on the island. During the day it’s better to be on the beach than on a ferry.

If you spend the night on a ferry, you can choose to book a private basic or lux cabin or a shared basic cabin (including toilet and shower). You can also reserve an airplane seat. Or you can not book any type of ‘accommodation’ and sit in one of the lobbies all night.

Of course, when travelling between (North) Italy and Greece, you mostly spend at least one night on the ferry. These ferries have the option of camping on board (with a camper or caravan) and also of sleeping on deck using your own equipment such as an air mattress and sleeping bag.

How long do ferry journeys take in Greece?

The length of ferry journeys in Greece also varies according to the route. The shortest ferry I ever took was 10 minutes. Especially if islands are close to each other, you can reach some with a boat ride of less than 1 hour.  But most ferries in Greece take anywhere between 1 and 20 hours. It also completely depends which type of vessel you are sailing on, a high-speed or slower ferry.

Just to give you an idea:

• A high speed ferry from Athens to the Cyclades take about 3 – 4 hours.
• The slow boat from Athens to the Cyclades mostly takes 5 – 7 hours.
• An overnight ferry from Athens to Crete takes 8 – 13 hours.
• The ferry between Paros and Naxos takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
• A ferry between Italy and Greece takes 8 to 33 hours. North Italy (Venice, Ancona) to Patras is longest, while South Italy (Bari, Brinsidi) to Igoumenitsa is shortest.

How can I travel with my pet on the ferries in Greece?

Every ferry company in Greece has its own pet policy. Having said that, most companies do allow pets. An overview of the policy per company can be found here.

Some ferries have special kennels for pets, some allow them in the cabins, some allow them to sit with you on deck (in a certain area or everywhere), some require them to be in a carrier. It also depends on the size of the pet.

Obviously when booking you have to let the ferry company know you are traveling with a pet.

When booking through Ferryhopper, you can add the your pet into the search request. When comparing ferries, the platform will tell you if your pet can travel with you for free and if there are still pet tickets available. More information about that is on their website.

Pet tickets do sell out, so if you’re travelling with a pet: book early.

Are ferries in Greece accessible to disabled passengers?

Yes, many ferries (especially those of the larger companies) in Greece are accessible for disabled passengers. However, it’s important to always check with the ferry company of comparison website ahead of time to confirm their accessibility policies. Contact them directly! Some ferry companies may require a doctor’s note for disabled passengers, as well as additional documentation. So be sure to bring this on your holiday with you.

Most of the major ferry companies in Greece have wheelchair accessible cabins and accessible toilets, as well as elevators and ramps throughout the boat. This can make getting around the boat much easier and more convenient. Additionally, some ferry companies provide staff members who are trained to assist disabled passengers.

When you arrive at the port, make sure to let the port staff know of your disability and ask for assistance. This will help ensure that your journey is comfortable and stress-free. Additionally, you may wish to bring along a companion to help you with any tasks that may be difficult for you to complete on your own.

Disabled people in a lot of cases will receive a huge discount when booking a ferry ticket for a Greek ferry.

What are the most popular Ferry Routes within Greece?

The most popular ferry routes within Greece include the routes from Piraeus to the Cyclades, from Piraeus to the Dodecanese, from Piraeus to the Saronic Islands, from Crete to Santorini, from Crete to the Cyclades, and from Crete to the Dodecanese. Other popular routes include the route between the Ionian Islands, and the route between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

Top tips and must do’s for taking a ferry in Greece

• Book in advance. Tickets for early bookers have a high possibility to be cheaper. Either an early booking discount applies, or (just like when booking an airplane ticket) the cheapest rate hasn’t sold out yet.
• Leave enough time between the arrival of your ferry and your flight home. Sometimes, ferries can be delayed. And in rare weather conditions or in the case of a strike, they can get cancelled. The best thing is to have half a day to a day before the arrival of your ferry and your flight home. It would be very frustrating if you miss the flight.
• Be on time. Make sure to arrive at the port of departure at least half an hour to an hour before departure. Ports can be big, and you want to be sure not to stress over finding the right dock, et cetera. However, also check the live position of your ferry on Ferryhopper or a marine traffic tracker website as well. In case the ferry has a delay, you don’t want to be waiting for hours in the port in the heat.
• Double-check the ferry company’s travel policy regarding luggage, as each company may have different regulations.
• Have your passport and tickets ready upon boarding the ferry.
• Know what type of vessel you’re on: in case you’re easily getting seasick, booking a high-speed ferry might not be the right choice. These ferries also don’t have outside decks, in case you were expecting to start or finish your tanning.
• Check the list of what to pack for your ferry itinerary below.
• Double-check your port of departure and arrival – some island have multiple ports. Athens alone has 3 ports for instance that aren’t particularly close to each other. You don’t want to turn up at your departure time at the wrong port. Or order a taxi upon arrival at the wrong place.

What to Pack for Your Ferry Trip in Greece?

Below you will find a list of things to pack and not to pack for your ferry trip in Greece

What kind of bags and clothes to bring?

• A small backpack with your valuables and the things you need during the ferry trip. On some ferries, there are luggage compartments on the car deck you board from, where you can leave your large suitcase. This way you don’t have to take it up to the upper decks and drag it through the boat.

• Comfortable clothing: Depending on the season, you should pack lightweight clothing that is comfortable and can easily be layered. This may include shorts, t-shirts, and a light jacket. If the weather is cooler, you may want to bring a few sweaters and pants. Inside the ferries, it is always relatively cool because of the air conditioning, while outside it can either be very hot or windy or wet, depending on the weather. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Also, bring a swimsuit and a cover-up if you plan to swim or sunbathe on board. Comfortable shoes are big tip walking around the ferry.

Pack the essentials

• Make sure to have all important documentation with you, such as your tickets and passport

• Sunscreen is a must, both for waiting to board the ferry in the port as for sitting on deck. Because of the wind on deck you often do not notice how fast you are getting sunburned!

• The longer the ferry ride, the more you will need a few items for entertainment to pass the time. This may include books, an Ipad with a downloaded movie or series, a game to play with your travel companions, et cetera.

• You don’t need to pack snacks if you don’t want to. On basically every ferry, at least one bar is available with some drinks and snacks. Water from the tap on the ferries is NOT drinkable. Snacks available.

What are the most important terry travel tips for large groups in Greece?

When traveling with a large group on a ferry in Greece, book in advance (as early as possible). Otherwise, there might not be enough tickets available. Check for group discounts and reserve seats or accommodation if possible. If reserving a seat or cabin is not possible, make sure to be in the port early. This way you can board the ferry as early as possible and make sure the whole group can sit together.

Thanks for reading this complete guide to ferries in Greece. I hope it helped you and you will have a great time in Greece.

Disclosure: some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, hotels or products that I use, would use or know very well myself. Thank you for the support to my travel tips service for Greece!

Did you like it? Then pin it! ↓