Guide to Greek Ferries – Island Hopping Made Easy!

Last updated on August 31st, 2023

One of the most efficient and popular ways to get around the Greek islands is by ferry. Ferries are an inexpensive way to get from place to place and are perfect for people looking to spend their vacation hopping from one island to the next. Although this sounds easy to plan, a little more is involved than one might think. This guide to Greek ferries will answer all the essential questions about planning your island-hopping itinerary.

Booking a Ferry

There are two main ways to book your ticket, online and in person. Each island will have a ticket office at the port for you to purchase tickets. However, you run the risk of tickets selling out this way, and prices may be higher if you wait until the day you purchase them.

 

The best way to buy tickets is online. Websites like FerryScanner look at multiple ferry companies, routes, and fares to help you get the cheapest tickets. They also offer Island Hopping options allowing you to book all your tickets simultaneously.

 

Another benefit of booking online is from a planning standpoint. Not all islands have multiple ferry trips daily, especially during the shoulder season.

For example, there was only one ferry from Santorini to Milos on the day we needed to travel, and it was in the afternoon. Things like this are essential to think about in advance if you are planning to visit multiple islands during your time in Greece!

Greek Ferry Timetables

Printing Your Ferry Ticket

If you book your ticket online, make sure to print it out. Websites like FerryScanner will allow you to check in 48 hours before departure. You will then have to go to the ticket office to print your official ticket. 

 

Make sure to read the directions sent to you by the ticket company you used. They will tell you exactly which office to visit. However, many ticket companies have skipped this step and instead allowed mobile tickets for boarding. For example, when we traveled with Seajets, they allowed mobile tickets to board. 

 

Double-check once you have purchased your ticket, and make sure to show up at least 30 minutes before departure.

Greek Ferry Companies

There are various ferry companies available in and around Greece. The biggest thing you need to look at is price, routes, and speed. Ideally, the cheapest and fastest ferry is probably the one you want to use. 

However, if you are looking to transport a vehicle or want a ferry with private bedrooms onboard, you will have to do a little more research. Companies like Seajets have a large fleet of ferries that offer vehicle transportation, and some boats also offer private cabins. 

Greek Ferry Company Routes

  • Ferry to the Cyclades: SeaJets, Clue Star, Golden Star, Hellenic Seaways, Aegean Speed Lines
  • Ferry from Athens to Crete: SeaJets. Sea Speed Ferries, ANEK Lines
  • Ferry to the Dodecanese: Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines
  • Ferry to the Ionian Islands: Levante Ferries Kefalonian Lines

Greek Ferry Routes

guide to Greek ferries

Cost of a Ferry Ticket

Prices of ferry tickets depend on the time of year and location. For example, tickets from places like Rhodes are generally more expensive as Rhodes is much further away than the other islands. It will also depend on whether you opt for the fast ferry. 

 

For example, to travel from Santorini to Mykonos in June would cost about €90 for a one-way ticket on a fast ferry.

However, if you travel to smaller islands such as Milos and are okay with a slower ferry, you can pay as little as €17 per ticket. It just depends on the season, accommodations, and personal choice. 

Greek Island Ferry Pass

This pass is helpful if you want to visit 4 or more islands. The Ferry Pass lets you choose over 55 islands for a set price. But, of course, there are rules and stipulations to follow.

Interrail Greek Island Pass

  • Option 1: 4 days of travel within one month €90
  • Option 2: 6 days of travel with one month €176
  • Option 3: 5 days within one month, first-class €208

The Interrail pass is designed for EU citizens and can only be used in a country you do not live in. For other conditions and information on the pass, visit their website

Eurail Greek Island Pass

  • Option 1: 4 days of travel within one month €90
  • Option 2: 6 days of travel with one month €176
  • Option 3: 5 days within one-month first-class €208

The Eurail pass is designed for non-EU citizens and allows you to travel between over 55 Greek islands. For other conditions and information on the pass, visit their website

 

guide to Greek ferries

Ferry Accommodations and Services

Accommodations vary based on the type and size of the ferry. For example, the smaller ferries generally only offer a smaller snack bar, while larger ferries taking longer trips usually have a restaurant on board. 

 

Some ferries also have different tiers of seating options, including VIP seating and private rooms. For longer trips or ones late at night, it is nice to have the ability to rent your own private sleeping quarters.

Transportation to and From Your Ferry

Most hotels in Greece offer a shuttle that will pick you up from the port and bring you to your hotel. They usually charge a flat fee of about €20-30, but you must schedule it in advance. 

 

There are also plenty of rental car companies near the port and taxis. Your transportation needs will differ based on your overall plans. ATVs and car rentals are the most popular choices for travelers on the islands. 

Other Options Besides Greek Ferries

If you don’t want to take a ferry from island to island, there is the option of flying. Not all islands have an airport, though, so a boat would be your only option in those cases. Typically, airplane tickets cost you at least double that of a ferry ticket.

 

If you are flying from main islands like Santorini or Mykonos, plenty of plane companies can take you from one place to another. One thing to think about is that almost all flights make a stop in Athens first.

 

Another thing to think about is location. The Cyclades islands are relatively close together, and a high-speed ferry can get you from one place to the other in just 2-3 hours. Islands such as Rhodes or Crete are much farther out and take 8-12 hours by ferry. 

 

For us, it was worth paying the extra money to fly from Rhodes to Santorini as we would have wasted half the day traveling from one island to the next. For the rest of our time in Greece, we did travel by ferry.

guide to Greek ferries

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book Greece ferries in advance?

You do not need to book your ferry ticket in advance, but it is encouraged. During the shoulder months, you don’t run as high of a chance of tickets running out. However, I recommend booking tickets in advance if you are traveling between June and September.

How much do Greece ferry tickets cost?

They range depending on destination, type of ferry, the distance you are traveling, and season. Tickets during shoulder months, using slower ferries, and to less popular destinations can be as low as €10. You can spend as much as €100 per trip for more popular destinations.

Is it cheaper to buy tickets at the port or in advance?

For the most part, ferry prices are fixed. You may be able to get some better deals if you book well in advance. Using the Greek Island Ferry Pass is a great way to save some money.

Can I take luggage on a Greece ferry?

Yes, ferries have room for luggage. The ferries have room for larger pieces of luggage outside of the ferry and offer storage compartments inside the ferry for smaller items and carry-on luggage.

Conclusion

Greek ferries are the most efficient way to travel from island to island. They are both cost-effective and convenient. Feel free to leave a comment on this guide to Greek ferries if there are any topics or further questions you would like answered!

Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!

Travel Planning Resources

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. 

VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.

PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.

SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences. 

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies.  It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens. 

Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.

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guide to Greek ferries
guide to Greek ferries

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