Leros - Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
Leros - Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
Ferries from Leros to Athens (Piraeus) are operated by 1 ferry company: Blue Star Ferries. The crossing typically takes around 9 hours 25 minutes. There are currently 4 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $57. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Athens (Piraeus) today.
The Leros to Athens (Piraeus) ferry is a year-round service spanning approximately 198.4 nautical miles across the Aegean Sea, connecting the main port of Lakki to Athens in Greece. This route is served by 1 operators providing 4 weekly sailings, with up to 1 daily sailings in peak periods.
One of the most authentic islands in the Dodecanese, Leros is best known for its extraordinary Italian art deco architecture, its deep natural harbour at Lakki, its mediaeval castle, and its quiet, unhurried atmosphere. The ferry from Leros to Athens (Piraeus) is the island's primary connection to the Greek mainland, and carefully planning your departure is essential given the longer crossing and the limited sailing frequency.
There are currently 2 ferry operators that provide ferries from Leros to Athens (Piraeus).
Blue Star Ferries is the main operator on the Leros to Athens (Piraeus) route, providing around 4–5 weekly sailings year-round on large conventional vessels with a crossing time of approximately 9 hours and 25 minutes. Blue Star Ferries offers the widest range of onboard facilities, including cabin accommodation, a restaurant, open deck access, and reliable vehicle transport, making it a great choice for the vast majority of travelers on this route.
SeaJets provides around 2 weekly sailings on this route during the summer months only (approximately May to October), with a crossing time of approximately 13 hours and 50 minutes on their indirect services that call at Patmos, Samos, and Mykonos along the way.
Blue Star Ferries offer the fastest and most direct connection from Leros to Athens (Piraeus), with sailings typically calling at Patmos, Syros, or Kalymnos along the way before arriving in Athens. SeaJets operate a longer indirect route via multiple Aegean islands and are better suited to island-hoppers with a flexible schedule than travelers wanting the quickest return to Athens.
Both operators allow vehicles and pets on this route. Cabin accommodation is available on Blue Star Ferries and is strongly recommended for the overnight crossing.
The Leros to Piraeus ferry schedule is shaped by the island's position deep in the Dodecanese and the long crossing distance to the Greek mainland. The first ferry departs at 00:30 and the last ferry departs at 23:00, with most Blue Star Ferries departures from Lakki leaving in the late evening between approximately 22:45 and 23:00.
The key characteristic of this route is that it is an overnight journey by default. Blue Star Ferries departures from Lakki in the late evening arrive in Piraeus in the early morning, giving passengers a practical overnight crossing that delivers them into Athens ready for a full day. This makes a cabin not just a comfort option but a genuine practical necessity for most travelers.
Timetables vary between seasons. From October to May, approximately 1 sailing per week is available on this route, with limited alternatives. From June to September, the frequency rises to approximately 4–6 crossings per week with both operators. As Leros is served by a small regional airport connecting to Athens, the ferry is the primary departure route for most visitors and residents, making early booking critical in peak summer.
Ferries from Leros to Athens (Piraeus) typically range from 9 hours 25 minutes with Blue Star Ferries to 13 hours 35 minutes with Blue Star Ferries, depending on the weather conditions and the number of intermediate stops. At approximately 198.4 nautical miles, this is one of the longer Dodecanese-to-mainland connections in the Greek islands.
Leros is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Dodecanese, with fast ferry connections to Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, and Rhodes, along with summer connections to the North Aegean via SeaJets. For travelers island-hopping through the Dodecanese before returning to Athens, the Leros to Piraeus overnight crossing is the natural final chapter of a Dodecanese itinerary.
The cheapest tickets from Leros to Piraeus start from around $57, with average fares typically costing $139.81 depending on the time of year and operator. If you are looking for a cheap ferry from Leros to Athens (Piraeus), booking early in the season and traveling on less-popular midweek sailings offers the most consistent savings.
For a foot passenger, the average one-way fare is between $57.28 and $127.00. The Leros to Piraeus car ferry cost is considerably higher so expect to pay around $292.25 for one adult with a vehicle in standard season.
Given the overnight nature of this crossing, cabin pricing is a genuinely important consideration. Cabins on Blue Star Ferries on the Leros to Piraeus route start at approximately $41 for an inside berth and rise with cabin type and season.
Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are eligible for a 50% discount on most sailings, including applicable fees. Children aged between 0 and 4 years travel for free, though they will not be allocated an individual seat or cabin berth. Group bookings may qualify for reduced rates on select operators.
Operators periodically offer promotional offers and discounts ahead of peak summer season. You can also find great offers on accommodation in Athens by visiting our accommodation page.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $57 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $58 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $57 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $57 |
| Car | $289 |
| Cabin | $57 |
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| Leros - Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $127 | |
| Average Price with Car | $292 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $235 | |
| Leros - Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dodecanese Islands |
| Destination | Athens |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries |
| Average Price | $140 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 4 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 25 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 9 h 25 m |
| First Ferry | 00:30 |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 |
| Distance | 198 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 June 2026.
The Leros to Athens (Piraeus) ferry is operated by Blue Star Ferries' large conventional vessels, offering an overnight crossing experience with a wide range of cabin accommodation, dining, and onboard amenities. With a crossing time of 9 hours 25 minutes to 13 hours 35 minutes, this is very much a journey you sleep through rather than one you spend on deck.
The most budget-friendly option. While technically adequate for an overnight crossing, reclining seats on a 9–10 hour overnight journey to Piraeus are significantly less comfortable than a cabin. This option is best reserved for travelers on a tight budget who are experienced with overnight ferry travel, or for daytime sailings if available.
Available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels, with access to spacious open-air deck areas. Enjoyable during the evening departure for sunset, though for the hours in between, a cabin is considerably more comfortable.
Private windowless cabins, the recommended minimum for the overnight Leros to Piraeus crossing. Available as single, 2-, 3-, and 4-bed private cabins, with prices starting from approximately $57.28.
Private cabins with a porthole or window, the premium accommodation option on this route. Worth the additional cost for travelers who want natural light in the morning on arrival or for passengers who are prone to seasickness.
Available on Blue Star Ferries, offering enhanced seating comfort and additional space for passengers who prefer not to book a cabin but want more than standard Pullman seating for the overnight crossing.
Restaurant and café facilities are available on Blue Star Ferries vessels, serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks.
Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels have spacious open upper decks.
Blue Star Ferries accommodates cars, motorcycles, campervans, and bicycles on ro-ro vehicle decks. Passengers leave their vehicles during the crossing and move to the passenger cabin, lounge, or deck areas.
Available on Blue Star Ferries vessels. Check with your operator for current availability and whether a charge applies.
Designated luggage areas are available onboard. There is no formal check-in procedure for luggage, and most operators allow up to 50 kg per passenger. Larger items can be stored in vehicle deck areas on conventional ferries.
Blue Star Ferries larger vessels have a small onboard shop with basic necessities, snacks, and travel essentials.
All Blue Star Ferries sailings from Leros to Piraeus depart from Lakki Port, which is the island's main ferry terminal, located on the western coast of Leros in the remarkable natural harbour of Lakki Bay. The port area has a range of facilities, including ticket offices for all operators, ATMs, tavernas, and a small supermarket. The island's health center is also located in Lakki, directly adjacent to the port.
Please keep in mind that Leros has two ports: Lakki on the western coast and Agia Marina on the eastern coast. Blue Star Ferries sailings to Piraeus always depart from Lakki. However, weather conditions can occasionally cause ferries to divert to or from Agia Marina instead. It's always best to confirm your departure port on your ticket and check for last-minute updates from your operator.
Leros has a single bus route that crosses the island, connecting the main settlements of Agia Marina, Platanos, Lakki, and Xirokambos. This service runs approximately 3–4 times per day. For late-evening departures from Lakki, the bus schedule may not align with your ferry time, so a taxi might be the better option.
Taxis are available across the island and provide convenient transport to Lakki port. The official taxi rank is located in Platanos, though taxis can be found at Agia Marina and Lakki as well. For late-evening or overnight ferry departures, pre-booking a taxi is strongly recommended, particularly in peak season when demand is high after ferry arrivals.
Several car hire agencies on Leros offer vehicle return facilities at Lakki port. Confirm return arrangements with your agency before your departure day and allow enough time for paperwork before the sailing.
Agia Marina is located approximately 5 km from Lakki by road — around 30 minutes on foot along a pleasant coastal path, or 5–10 minutes by taxi. The walk between the two ports is feasible with light luggage and a scenic option in daylight hours.
Arrive at Lakki port at least 60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90–120 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. Blue Star Ferries check-in for the overnight sailing typically opens approximately 2 hours before departure. As the departure time is in the late evening, ensure you have arranged transport to the port in advance.
All ferries from Leros to Piraeus arrive at Piraeus Port, the largest ferry port in Europe, located approximately 12 km southwest of Athens city center. Ferries from the Dodecanese typically arrive at gates E4 and E5. However, gate assignments can change, so always check your booking confirmation and the electronic display boards at the port upon arrival.
The Green Line (Line 1) connects Piraeus station directly to central Athens (Monastiraki, Omonia) in approximately 30 minutes, with onward connections across the city. The metro operates from approximately 05:30 to 00:00 — early-morning arrivals from the overnight Leros crossing will typically be within metro operating hours, making this the most convenient and cost-effective option for reaching central Athens. Gates E4 and E5 are approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from the metro station.
Taxis are available outside the terminal building and take approximately 20–30 minutes to central Athens, costing around $20–$30. Pre-booking a private transfer is recommended for passengers carrying heavy luggage or those proceeding directly to Athens Airport.
A direct suburban rail service connects Piraeus station with Athens International Airport in approximately 65 minutes. This is the most cost-effective option for travelers arriving on the overnight sailing who have an outbound flight to catch and wish to travel directly to the airport without stopping in the city center.
The X96 express bus operates 24 hours between Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport, stopping near the port entrance. This bus service takes approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic, and is a useful fallback if the suburban railway is not convenient.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on the Leros to Piraeus ferry with Blue Star Ferries. As this is a domestic Greek route entirely within Greece and the EU, documentation requirements are very simple.
As both Leros and Piraeus are within Greece and the EU, an EU pet passport is the standard required document. This document confirms your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, and is required by ferry operators on this domestic Greek route.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Please ensure that all vaccinations are current and documented prior to travel.
Your pet must be microchipped in compliance with ISO standards. The microchip must have been implanted before, or on the same day as, the first rabies vaccination.
Passengers traveling with pets must declare their animal at the time of booking. For dogs, cats, and ferrets, a valid rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory. Each passenger can travel with a maximum of 5 pets, all vaccinated and with a valid health book.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that certifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states. It is issued by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility on domestic and international routes.
On Blue Star Ferries, small pets weighing under 10 kg may remain with their owner in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs weighing over 10 kg must wear a leash and muzzle in public areas. Dogs on a leash are generally permitted on open deck areas during the crossing, which is a considerably more comfortable arrangement for larger dogs than being confined to a kennel for the full duration.
Passengers traveling with a vehicle may also keep pets in their car on the vehicle deck during the crossing. Travel with pets is free of charge with most operators on this route.
Passengers with reduced mobility traveling on the Leros to Athens (Piraeus) ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. Blue Star Ferries' large conventional vessels are among the most accessible ferry vessels in Greece, and the long crossing time makes it especially important to have the right provisions confirmed well in advance.
Blue Star Ferries vessels have adapted cabins with wider doorways and grab rails, suitable for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. For an overnight crossing, an adapted cabin is strongly recommended rather than attempting to manage the crossing in standard seating. Please request an adapted cabin at the time of booking.
Conventional vessels are equipped with lifts connecting passenger decks, and offer step-free or ramped access to main lounges and some outdoor deck spaces.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding ahead of general passengers. Please contact your operator in advance to arrange this.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request. Both at Lakki and at Piraeus, advance coordination with your operator ensures assistance is in place when you most need it.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may, in some cases, be allowed to remain closer to their vehicle during the crossing. However, this option must be confirmed with your operator at the time of booking, as policies vary by vessel and crossing duration.
Always notify your operator of any accessibility or special assistance requirements at the time of booking rather than at the port. Advance notice ensures the correct arrangements are in place upon your arrival. You can also contact Direct Ferries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Leros to Athens (Piraeus) route.
The Leros to Piraeus is a 9–10 hour overnight crossing. Booking a cabin is the single most important decision you will make for this journey — arriving in Athens rested after a proper sleep in a private cabin is much better than arriving exhausted from a night in a reclining chair.
The Leros to Piraeus ferry has limited weekly sailings, particularly in low season. Cabins are limited in number and sell out well ahead of the departure date during peak summer.
The late-evening departure time means you cannot rely on catching a bus or flagging down a taxi spontaneously. Please arrange your transfer to Lakki in advance through your accommodation if possible. Arrive at the port at least 60 minutes before departure on foot and 90–120 minutes with a vehicle.
Blue Star Ferries departs from Lakki on the western coast. In adverse weather conditions, the port can change to Agia Marina, so please check for updates from the operator or the Lakki port authority on the day of your departure.
Most sailings from Leros to Piraeus call at one or two intermediate ports — typically Patmos and Syros, or Kalymnos — before arriving in Piraeus. These stops add some time to the journey but generally do not significantly disrupt the overnight schedule.
Keep your passport or EU ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof accessible at check-in. Although this is a domestic Greek route, an ID is required for boarding all ferries.
Use Direct Ferries to view the current schedule, compare cabin options, and book your Leros to Athens ferry with full visibility of available departures and real-time pricing.
Leros has a small regional airport at Partheni, located approximately 17 km from Lakki. If the ferry is fully booked on your preferred date, a flight to Athens is a viable alternative, though significantly more expensive.
