How to take the ferry in Greece: A step-by-step guide

In Greece, ferries are more than a way to get from one island to another. They are part of the travel experience itself. For many visitors, a Greek holiday truly begins not at the airport but at the port: the sound of departure announcements, the sight of ships lining the docks, and the first glimpse of the Aegean stretching toward the horizon.

Whether you’re heading to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, or one of the country’s lesser-known islands, understanding how the ferry system works will make your journey smoother – and far more enjoyable.

Here’s everything you need to know before stepping aboard.

Step 1: Choose your route

If you’re flying into Athens International Airport, most island journeys begin from one of three ports in Attica: Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio.

Piraeus is by far the largest and busiest, serving the majority of destinations across the Cyclades, Dodecanese, North Aegean, Saronic Gulf, and Crete. For first-time visitors, this is the port you’ll most likely use.

Rafina, on the eastern coast of Attica, is smaller and particularly convenient for travelers heading to Andros, Tinos, or Mykonos. Located about 20 km from Athens International Airport, it often offers shorter sailing times than Piraeus.

Lavrio serves fewer routes and is mainly used for nearby Cycladic islands such as Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos.

Ferries also depart from other mainland ports, including Thessaloniki and Volos. To reach Ionian gems like Corfu, Kefalonia, and Ithaki, you head to the ports of Igoumenitsa or Kyllini on the west coast of Greece.

Once you’ve chosen your destination, you’ll need to decide between a conventional ferry and a high-speed vessel. Conventional ferries are generally slower but offer open decks, more outdoor space, and often lower fares. For longer routes – say to Lesvos or Chios – you can even book a cabin if you’re traveling overnight. High-speed ferries – operated by companies such as Seajets and Hellenic Seaways – can significantly reduce travel times but are generally more expensive and offer less opportunity to savor the journey itself.

Typical sailing time from Piraeus to Mykonos, for example, is around 2.5–3 hours on a high-speed ferry, compared with 4–5 hours on a conventional vessel.

Step 2: Book your ticket

Booking a ferry ticket is easier than ever. Most travelers purchase tickets online through booking platforms or directly from ferry companies. The search engine FerryHopper is a reliable place to start searching for tickets.

During the height of summer, particularly in July and August, popular routes such as Athens–Mykonos, Athens–Santorini, and many island-hopping connections can sell out days or even weeks in advance. Booking early provides peace of mind and often gives you a wider choice of departure times and seating options.

If you’re traveling with a vehicle – a car or motorbike – larger ferries have car decks, but some smaller vessels and certain high-speed boats cannot accommodate vehicles.

When reserving your ticket, you’ll typically be offered several choices:

Economy seating

Airline-style numbered seats

Business or VIP lounges

Private cabins (mainly on overnight routes)

For shorter journeys, standard economy seating is usually sufficient. On overnight sailings to islands such as Crete and to the North Aegean, however, many travelers appreciate the comfort of a cabin.

Most ferry operators now issue electronic tickets that can be stored on your smartphone, although it’s still worth having a printed copy as a backup!

Step 3: Arrive early at the port

Greek ports can appear chaotic at first glance, especially during summer. Cars, trucks, luggage carts, taxis, and hundreds of passengers all converge shortly before departure.

As a rule of thumb, aim to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure if you’re traveling on foot. If you’re bringing a vehicle, allow considerably more time – around 90 minutes is often recommended. Don’t worry – there are usually cafés, bakeries, and kiosks near the port, so you can always stock up on snacks and a coffee while you wait.

Piraeus deserves special mention. As one of Europe’s busiest passenger ports, it is enormous, with multiple departure gates spread along the waterfront. Always check your ticket carefully and confirm the correct gate before setting off.

Before joining the boarding queue, have your ticket and identification (passport and/or ID card) ready.

Step 4: Boarding the ferry

When boarding begins, you’ll usually see passengers forming a semi-orderly line near the vessel’s loading ramp. Staff members scan tickets and direct travelers on board. There’s usually a little jostling as everyone is eager to board, but ferry staff are on hand to keep things moving smoothly.

If you’re traveling as a foot passenger, the process is straightforward: scan your ticket, walk up the ramp, and find a seat.

If you’re bringing a vehicle, crew members will guide you onto the ferry’s vehicle deck. Follow instructions carefully, as vehicles are often parked with only minimal space between them.

Ferries typically spend only a short time in port, so once aboard, find your seat and settle in quickly.

Step 5: Life on board (What to expect)

Modern Greek ferries are generally comfortable and well-equipped. Most medium and large ferries offer cafés, snack bars, air-conditioned lounges, and restrooms.

For many travelers, the outdoor deck is where the magic happens. As the ship pulls away from the harbor and the mainland slowly fades into the distance, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Aegean and its islands.

From our own experience, here are a few useful tips:

Bring a light jacket or sweater. Even on the hottest summer days, ferry interiors and open decks can feel surprisingly cool due to the air conditioning blasting and sea breezes.

While food and drinks are available on most ferries, many travelers prefer to bring their own water and snacks, especially on longer crossings.

Remember to download maps, tickets, and accommodation details in advance in case mobile coverage is limited.

If you’re prone to seasickness, pack anti-nausea tablets before you travel, and choose a seat near the center of the vessel, where movement is less noticeable. You can always seek assistance from the crew if you’re having trouble. Larger ferries tend to provide a smoother ride than smaller vessels.

Bring a book, a power bank, and take some time to enjoy the view from the deck.

Island-hopping tips

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Greece is how easily you can move between islands.

Thanks to their close proximity, the Cyclades are particularly well suited to island-hopping, with frequent connections linking destinations such as Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Milos, Ios, and Santorini. Many travelers combine two or three islands into a single trip without ever returning to Athens.

A few practical tips:

Don’t over-schedule. Allow time to enjoy each island.

Build flexibility into your itinerary.

During the meltemi season (July-August), strong winds can occasionally cause delays or cancellations, particularly on high-speed routes.

Consider geography. Islands that appear close together on a map often have direct ferry connections, making travel surprisingly easy.

For first-time visitors, a combination such as Paros-Naxos-Santorini or Syros-Tinos-Mykonos offers a good balance of scenery, culture, and convenience.

Essential Greek ferry vocabulary

Learning a few key words in the local lingo can certainly make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Besides, Greeks really appreciate any effort visitors make with the language, so here are a few useful terms to get you started:

Limani (Λιμάνι) – Port
Karavi (Καράβι) – Ship or ferry
Eisitirio (Εισιτήριο) – Ticket
Anachorisi (Αναχώρηση) – Departure
Afixi (Άφιξη) – Arrival
Katastroma (Κατάστρωμα) – Deck
Thesi (Θέση) – Seat
Kabina (Καμπίνα) – Cabin
Taxidi (Ταξίδι) – Journey
Kalo taxidi! (Καλό ταξίδι!) – Have a good trip!

Final thoughts

Taking a ferry in Greece may seem daunting at first, but it quickly becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of exploring the country. Before long, you’ll find yourself joining seasoned locals on the deck with a coffee in hand, watching another island emerge on the horizon.

Watching a sunrise or sunset from the deck of a ferry as it plows across Homer’s “wine-dark sea” is an experience you’ll remember long after your holiday ends.

And when the ferry finally pulls into port beneath a whitewashed village or a rugged mountain landscape, you’ll understand why so many people consider the journey just as memorable as the destination itself.

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