Ferries in Greece – Book your Greek Ferry Boat with Omio
Millions of tourists flock to the Greek islands every year and many of them take ferries to get around. This mode of transport is also popular with domestic tourists, creating an industry that is incredibly competitive, with many companies vying for your business and countless routes to take.
You don’t have time to browse through all of these companies and routes—you’ve got a vacation to plan!—and thanks to Omio, you don’t need to, as our software can do all of the work for you. Just enter your preferred route and search. We’ll show you the cheapest and fastest routes and you can then book directly through the Omio platform. Your ticket will be stored digitally, ready to go when you are.
It's fast, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s cheap! So, for the cheapest ferry in Greece, trust Omio.
Ferry Boats Greece – Discover Greece’s Island Ferries
Greece is composed of up to 6,000 islands. Many of these are tiny—little more than giant rocks bobbing in the Aegean and Ionian seas—but there are around 200 inhabited islands. These include some of the most beautiful, tourist-friendly islands in the world, from the heavenly Santorini, which looks like something plucked out of a Greek myth, to the idyllic Naxos, the buzzing Mykonos, and the historic Crete. There’s a lot to see and do, and you could spend a lifetime ferrying between these islands and exploring them in full.
Greek ferries are the best way to visit these islands. You can take a ferry from island to island, visit from the mainland, or sail into Greece from neighboring countries like Italy. There are also cheap Greek ferries taking you out of this glorious country and into Italy.
Wherever you’re going, if you want cheap ferries in Greece, book with Omio.
How does the ferry system work in Greece?
Many of Greece’s biggest islands have airports, including Santorini, Rhodes, Kos, Kefalonia, and Crete, but there are hundreds of them and major international airports aren’t always a practical option for the local authorities. So, to ensure tourists continue to flood into the islands and keep those local economies thriving, they run a number of ferry routes. These Greek ferries are used by domestic and international tourists. They are also used by locals who want to travel to bigger islands so they can use larger airports.
Most connections use fast and modern ferries to create travel times that span just a few hours. On big islands like Mykonos and Santorini, the ferries run all year long and you can usually find routes every single day. On the small islands, most of the ferries usually stop running during the winter, although there are still occasional connections if you’re looking to explore a piece of Greek paradise during the off-season.
Acropolis, Athens. Credit: Pixabay
Good to know about ferries in Greece
- Greek ferries are usually reliable, but there can be a lot of delays during busy periods.
- Using the ferry is a much more eco-friendly way to travel than flying.
- You can take a ferry to most inhabited islands in Greece.
- There are often discounts available for certain groups, including seniors and children.
- You can take a car on some but not all ferries. Look for the car symbol when booking cheap ferries in Greece.
Booking Greek Ferry Tickets with Omio
With so many ferry companies and routes to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed by the idea of comparing prices across all of them. But you don’t need to, as Omio will do the work for you.
Use our search function to browse for ferry routes and see a list of the cheapest and quickest options. There are filters to help you narrow down your search based on factors such as the ferry company, the time of departure, and whether or not you can take a car.
After purchasing a cheap ferry ticket in Greece, it will be stored in your account, ready and waiting for your vacation and your trip to one of those beautiful Greek islands!
Main Ferry Companies in Greece
Unsurprisingly, considering the competitiveness of the sector, there are many ferry companies in Greece and you’ll see many of their names and logos when searching for cheap ferry tickets in Greece using Omio:
| Anek Superfast | Fast Ferries | Golden Star Ferries | Blue Star Ferries | Seajets |
Anek - Superfast
Anek - Superfast is a joint venture from Anek Lines and Superfast, two local ferry companies. They provide services across Greece and in Italy, with some of the most common taking passengers between Crete and the mainland.
Fast Ferries
Fast Ferries has been around since 1989. The company is based in the port of Piraeus and its ferries carry passengers from mainland Greece to islands in the Northern Cyclades, including Naxos and Mykonos. Its vessels include Thunder, which is a high-speed ferry complete with a host of amenities.
Golden Star Ferries
Golden Star Ferries runs many island-hopping connections. It uses fast ferries complete with basic amenities and it provides cheap prices on all of its trips. When you compare cheap ferry prices in Greece on Omio, you’ll likely see a lot of Golden Star Ferries, as these guys run many popular routes that are both fast and cheap—the perfect combination for budget-conscious travelers.
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries is another major provider of Greek ferry services that excels in both the price and speed departments. The company has been around since 1993 and it is the biggest ferry provider in Greece. It has some massive ferries in its fleet, including Blue Star 1 and Blue Star 2, both of which were built in the year 2000 and can hold over 1,800 passengers and 780 vehicles.
Seajets
Seajets is a Piraeus-based Greek/Cypriot ferry service that owns a fleet of more than a dozen fast ferries. Its biggest ferry at the time of writing is the HSC Tera Jet, which flies the Cypriot flag. The ship was built in 1999 and has space for 2,100 passengers and 600 cars.
Other Ferry Companies in Greece
We said that the Greek ferry sector was competitive, and we weren’t joking. In addition to the major providers outlined above, you may also encounter domestic routes offered by the following Greek ferry companies:
- Aegeon Pelagos
- Levante Ferries
- Minoan Lines
- Zante Ferries
- Ionion Pelagos
- Magic Sea Ferries
- SAOS Ferries
- Sunrise Lines
- Maistros Santorini
- Kerkyra Lines
- Dodekanisos Seaways
- Sea Dreams
- ANES
- Small Cyclades Lines
Finally, there are a few top providers offering international connections into and out of Greece, including Grimaldi Lines, SNAV, GNV, and NLG, all of which are based in Italy.
Use Omio to compare and book cheap ferries in Greece with many of these companies.
Greek Ferry Map – The Ferry Network in Greece and Major Connections
After Italy, Greece has the most ferry trips of any country in the European Union. Tens of millions of people use Greek ferries every year, taking advantage of many sub-5-hour journeys that take passengers from one Greek port to another, giving them a taste of more of this country’s great history, culture, and food, from the Minoan buildings in Crete to the clubs of Mykonos, the revolutionary history of Spetses, and the chilled-out atmosphere of Naxos. See below to learn more about domestic and international ferry routes in Greece.
Domestic Ferry Routes in Greece
Most of the ferry trips in Greece are domestic, taking passengers from port cities like Piraeus to the many islands dotted around Greece. Some of the most popular of these routes include:
- Milos to Athens: Daily ferries connect these routes, with providers including Blue Star Ferries and Zante Ferries.
- Mykonos to Athens: Fast Ferries and Daily Star Ferries both service this route and it runs throughout the year.
- Marathon to Athens: Often available with a transfer, you can book this route with Blue Star Ferries.
- Piraeus to Lesbos: Blue Star Ferries also covers this route, which takes about 12 hours on average.
- Ios to Piraeus: A short route of about 5 hours.
- Thira to Mykonos: A long route that often uses transfers. It connects the island of Santorini with Mykonos, two of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
- Paros to Thira: A few hours is all you need for this journey into Santorini.
- Piraeus to Chios: This journey usually takes about 10 hours. It takes you from the mainland to the island famous for its mastic resin which is often used to flavor chewing gum and liquors.
These are just a few examples of the many Greek ferries that you can book through Omio. Some other domestic ferry routes to consider include:
For cheap ferry booking in Greece, use Omio. All of these routes and more are covered. You can either click the links above to learn more about that specific route or search for your own route at the top of this page.
International Ferry Routes from Greece to Other Countries
Most of the international ferry routes in and out of Greece connect through Italy. Both Italy and Greece have vast ferry networks, so it only makes sense. You can also connect to Greece from Turkey, Cyprus, and Malta. See below for some of the most popular ferries in and out of Greece:
- Igoumenitsa to Brindisi: This is a regular route that you can also book the other way, going from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa. The main provider is Grimaldi Lines.
- Igoumenitsa to Ancona: Spend anywhere from 17 to 21 hours sailing the Adriatic Sea, going from the northeast of Greece to Ancona on the east coast of Italy. You can take your car on this route.
- Igoumenitsa to Venice: Another route through the Adriatic Sea and into the City on the Water. This one is usually a few hours longer, often departing in the morning and arriving the following morning.
- Patra to Ancona: You will need to be on the boat for around 20 to 25 hours for this route, but it is direct.
- Igoumenitsa to Bari: A direct journey of about 10 to 11 hours.
- Patra to Bari: Occasional ferries leave from the Port of Patra and head to the Port of Bari for an average journey time of around 16 to 17 hours.
- Brindisi to Corfu: Grimaldi Lines connects these two locations with a ferry that takes about 16 hours to complete its route.
For a cheap international ferry booking to Greece, stick with Omio. Our comparison searches can also help you to find cheap bus tickets and train tickets for when you arrive in the country, as well as plane tickets if you have a longer journey in mind.
Athens Center. Credit: Pixabay
Ferry travel tips for Greece
To ensure you have a safe and comfortable trip on Greek ferries, keep the following tips in mind:
- If you’re traveling from another country, make sure you have all of the necessary documents, including your passport.
- Take plenty of sunscreen if you’re traveling in the summer and plan on standing outside to enjoy the views.
- Book your ferry tickets early to secure the cheapest prices.
- Take some snacks and drinks. They are available onboard but may be priced quite highly.
- Check the weather in advance and dress appropriately.
- Prepare for delays, as they are fairly common on Greek ferries and can ruin your trip if you’re expecting to-the-minute arrivals.
- Check the upgrade options and compare the additional amenities with the extra cost to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
- Use Omio to book the cheapest ferry in Greece every time.
FAQs
Omio, of course! We provide you with an easier way to search for popular ferry routes, letting you compare the best options and then book the cheapest one. We partner with a wide variety of ferry companies in Greece and other countries to ensure there are lots of routes to compare and to give you the cheapest ferry tickets every time.
You can take a ferry to and from most Greek islands, including the country’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, and Hydra. You can island hop, which means you connect via another Greek island, or via the mainland. Where the latter is concerned, most ferries connect out of Piraeus.
If you’re starting your travels in a country like Italy, it might be easier to take a ferry straight to your final destination. If you’re connecting from much further away, such as the UK, France, or Germany, it makes sense to book flights if you can book one straight to the island. But if you don’t live near a major airport or want to visit a small island, a ferry could be your only option. Many travelers from these countries will fly into Athens and then book a cheap ferry ticket from the mainland to their island of choice.
No, there are other ways to visit the country. If you live in mainland Europe, there should be a train connection that will take you into Greece. You can also fly to the mainland or one of the islands. Smaller islands may require a ferry journey, though. It’s worth noting that Greece is a varied country. Thessaloniki in the north is very different from Athens in the south and both of these cities are worlds apart from islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Crete, and Rhodes.
Ferries are usually a much cheaper option, especially if you are island hopping. Some flights may be cheaper than ferries if you’re getting into the country from Italy, but it varies. The good thing is that you can also compare travel costs when you search with Omio. You’ll see all of the available travel options for that route, including ferries, planes, trains, and buses, where applicable. You can change the dates as needed, bearing in mind that the costs will be much higher during the summer.
The ferry ride takes about 5 hours, but it depends on the boat and the company, as some operators use much faster boats than others. This is a popular destination with domestic and international tourists, as Santorini is one of the most beautiful and unique islands in the world, and visiting this volcanic island is at the top of many travel bucket lists.
You have heeded the advice of countless travel magazines and blogs and have visited the beautiful island of Santorini. But after seeing all of those stunning white buildings and climbing endless hills and stairs, you decide to visit another island. Luckily, this is actually quite easy to do, as many ferries leave from the island every day. Ferries in Santorini leave from Thira and include routes to Mykonos, another popular Greek island destination.
There are a lot of beautiful islands a short ferry ride away from the capital. These include Hydra, which is just a couple of hours away and is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for hiking and getting back to nature. It also has some great nightlife. Spetses is a charming island that you can reach in less than 3 hours. Cars are not allowed on the island, so prepare for a relaxed walk around the shops and restaurants. There are a couple of museums here including the museum of Bouboulina, a Greek naval commander who is known as the “heroine of Spetses” and died on the island.
We recommend booking as early as you can. Ferries usually hold several hundred passengers and the bigger ones have space for over 2,000. It’s unlikely, therefore, that all of the tickets will sell out. However, there are more limited spaces for vehicles, so it’s important to book early if you’re going to be taking your car. Booking your ferry ticket early could also save you some money. If you use Omio to search, compare, and book cheap ferry tickets, you’ll be able to buy many months in advance, but we also sell tickets on the day of travel, so you can book at the last minute if you made your plans late.
There are ports across the Greek mainland coast and in its many islands. Piraeus is the biggest and busiest of these. Located just 6 miles south of Athens, it serves as the destination for islanders visiting the mainland as well as the departure point for many domestic and international tourists.
There’s also Rafina Port, which is located just a few miles from Athens Airport and provides many island connections, as well as Lavris Port, which is just under 40 miles from Athens. If you search for ferries into Athens or ferries out of the city, you can compare prices from all of these ports and see which one provides the cheapest ferry ticket, or the one that has the most suitable travel dates and times.
They are all very accessible, with many routes into the city. Obviously, Piraeus is the best connected, but there are plenty of buses and trains that can take you from the ports into the center of the city (and vice versa) if you choose Lavris or Rafina.
Book cheap ferry tickets from all of these Greek ports using Omio.
3,000 years ago, the Mediterranean Sea played host to a vast bronze age trading network. Copper was shipped by the thousands of tons from Cyprus and it combined with tin from Asia and Iberia to create the very metal that defined the age. Civilizations in North Africa, Greece, and modern-day Turkey spread knowledge, medicine, metals, and more, and when these civilizations eventually collapsed, it was partly down to a group of raiders known as the “Sea Peoples”, who used the same routes to bring global powers to their knees.
Today, the Mediterranean Sea continues to play an essential role in transporting goods, but tourists are an even bigger commodity. Sun-seeking Europeans have replaced tin and copper ingots, and they form part of an industry that is worth billions of Euros and helps to support the economies of islands and coastal regions that rely on tourist money.
Modern ferries are a little more plush than ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Phoenician ships, but they cover the same routes and can give people who love history, culture, great food, and friendly locals the sort of memories that will last a lifetime.
So, if you want to experience a different way of traveling, one where the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination, consider booking a ferry in and around the Mediterranean. And if you want cheap ferry tickets every time, stick with Omio. We’ll help you to quickly search for the best routes, compare the best providers, and book the cheapest tickets.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap ferry to the Isle of Wight, planning a summer vacation on the coasts of Spain or Italy, or exploring sun-drenched Greek islands like Kefalonia, you can book cheap ferries across Europe with Omio.
