Ferry to Greece
Every crossing in one place
Ferry to Greece
Every crossing in one place
Last Updated: 10/2/2026
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Ferries to Greece are available with Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast, Blue Star Ferries & Ertürk Lines.
There are approximately 1385 daily sailings and up to 5789 weekly sailings to Greece. Please note that ferry schedules can change throughout the year and usually increase during the high season. Take advantage of our deal finder for the latest sailing times and availability.
There are 100 ports in Greece. The most popular port is Corfu Port with 191 weekly sailings.
The Saranda to Corfu ferry sails approximately 8 times per day and up to 43 times per week, with an average sailing duration of 30 minutes. The Saranda Corfu ferry costs approximately $96. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.
The Bodrum to Kos ferry sails approximately 3 times daily and up to 12 times weekly, with a sailing duration of 30 minutes. Bodrum Kos ferry is $88 on average. Exclusive of booking fees.
Prices will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated October 26.
Greek island hopping is one of Europe’s most established ferry travel networks, connecting mainland Greece with hundreds of islands across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Most journeys begin in Athens, where ferries depart from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, linking major island groups including the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and the Saronic Gulf.
One of the advantages of traveling by ferry in Greece is the natural “island chain” structure. Routes often run in logical sequences such as Athens → Mykonos → Santorini → Crete, allowing travelers to move efficiently between islands without backtracking. High-speed catamarans cover shorter hops in under 2 hours, while conventional ferries operate longer crossings with more onboard facilities and vehicle capacity.
Piraeus is the primary gateway for Greece island hopping and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe, with departures to almost every island group. Located just outside central Athens, it is the default starting point for routes to the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Crete.
Rafina is a smaller but strategically important port, particularly for faster access to Mykonos, Tinos and Andros, and is often preferred by travelers arriving at Athens Airport due to its proximity.
Lavrio serves a more niche set of routes, including slower-paced Cycladic islands and alternative connections that can be less crowded during peak summer months.
Beyond Athens, major island hubs play a crucial role. Heraklion in Crete, Rhodes in the Dodecanese and Kos all operate dense inter-island ferry networks, while Ionian ports such as Corfu and Kefalonia link the western island chain to mainland Greece.
Greece offers some of the most popular ferry routes in Europe, particularly across the Cyclades and between mainland and island destinations. Below are some of the most important connections, including popular alternatives and seasonal variations.
The table below highlights key ferry connections across Greece’s main island groups. Sailing times vary significantly depending on season, weather and operator, so it’s always advisable to check live schedules before booking.
| Route | High-Speed Ferry | Conventional Ferry | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens (Piraeus) to Mykonos | 2 hours and 50 mins | 5 hours and 50 mins | Cyclades |
| Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini | 4–5 hours | 7–8 hours | Cyclades |
| Athens (Piraeus) to Crete (Heraklion) | 7–8 hours | 8–10 hours | Crete |
| Santorini to Mykonos | 2–3 hours and 30 mins | N/A | Cyclades |
| Athens to Milos | 3 hours and 25 mins | 4–7 hours | Cyclades |
| Rhodes to Kos | 2–3 hours | 7 hours and 15 mins | Dodecanese |
| Corfu to Igoumenitsa | 1 hour and 30 mins | N/A | Ionian Islands |
| Corfu to Saranda | 30 mins | 1 hour and 15 mins | Ionian Islands |
The ferry to Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular summer routes, with frequent departures from Athens (Rafina and Piraeus) and neighboring Cycladic islands. High-speed ferries typically take between 2 and 4 hours depending on stops and sea conditions.
The ferry to Santorini connects Athens with one of the world’s most recognisable island destinations. Overnight conventional ferries remain the most economical option, while high-speed services reduce travel time significantly during peak season.
The ferry to Crete is a key domestic route, operating year-round between Athens and both Heraklion and Chania. Night sailings are especially popular, allowing travelers to arrive early and maximize time on the island.
International ferries between Italy and Greece provide a practical alternative to flying, especially for travelers with cars or extended itineraries. Overnight sailings include cabin accommodation and connect Adriatic ports with western Greece.
Greece offers an exceptional variety of island experiences, from cosmopolitan Cycladic hotspots to quieter, less-developed archipelagos ideal for slower travel.
The best Greek island-hopping itineraries are built around short ferry chains, allowing travelers to move efficiently between islands while minimizing travel time.
Good to know: This is Greece’s most in-demand ferry route sequence, so booking early in peak summer is essential.
Good to know: This route offers some of the most reliable ferry connections in the Cyclades.
Good to know: Overnight ferries are the most practical way to maximise time in Crete.
Good to know: This is one of Europe’s best-value long-distance ferry routes for travelers with vehicles or extended itineraries.
For more travel inspiration, see our Greece Island Hopping Guide and Top 10 Islands for Budget Travelers.
Yes, there is a car ferry to Greece. Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast, Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways provide car ferries to Greece.
Pets are allowed to travel on ferries to Greece with Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, Cyclades Fast Ferries, SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, Golden Star Ferries, Levante Ferries, Saronic Ferries, Turyol & Sea Dreams.
The price of a ferry to Greece can fluctuate by route, operator and season. Please visit our special offers page for all the best ferry offers available.
Whether you need a passport to travel to Greece by ferry depends on your nationality and departure point. EU and Schengen citizens can usually travel on domestic and international Greek ferries using a valid passport or national ID card, while non-EU travelers will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their country of origin. Ferries traveling between Greece and non-Schengen countries always require a passport, so it’s important to check entry requirements before you travel.
The best time to take a ferry to Greece is between May and June and September and early October, when the seas are calmer and ferry schedules are frequent without peak-season crowds. July and August offer the most sailings but are also the busiest and most expensive months, while winter crossings are more limited.
You should arrive early for any Greece ferry, with most operators recommending passengers get to the terminal at least 45 to 90 minutes before departure. This standard Greece ferry check-in time allows for ticket verification, vehicle boarding (if applicable), and security procedures. This ensures smoother ferry boarding, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons.
Book ferry tickets to Greece online with Direct Ferries by using our Deal Finder and compare routes, prices and operators for the best deals.
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Greece, located in south-eastern Europe, is one of the most popular ferry travel destinations in the Mediterranean, known for its rich history, stunning Greek islands and extensive ferry network. As the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, Greece is home to world-famous landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens. With hundreds of islands including Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Corfu, travelling by ferry in Greece is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore the country. Combined with a warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, traditional villages and renowned Greek cuisine such as moussaka, souvlaki and baklava, Greece offers an unforgettable travel experience for ferry passengers year-round.
The main ferry ports include Piraeus (Athens), Rafina, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, Corfu and Patras, offering routes to both domestic islands and international destinations.
Yes, island hopping by ferry is one of the most popular ways to travel in Greece. Many islands are well connected, especially in the Cyclades and Dodecanese, making multi-island trips easy.
Popular island-hopping routes include Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Naxos in the Cyclades, as well as Rhodes, Kos and Symi in the Dodecanese. Travellers can choose between high-speed ferries for quicker crossings or conventional ferries for a more relaxed journey, often with the option to take a car or motorbike.
Yes, high-speed ferries operate on many routes, offering faster crossings between popular destinations such as Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Paros.
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