How to book Greek ferry tickets – Travel tips & info

Desired by the majority of travelers, the Greek islands are among the top-ranked summer destinations in Europe. Greek ferry companies ensure enough itineraries to accommodate the demand, especially during peak season. However, there are several things to consider before you book Greek ferry tickets, and that’s what this guide intends to cover. After reading this comprehensive guide about ferry traveling in Greece, you’ll have a good overview of the process and the things to keep in mind.

That said, this article is split into three sections. In the first part of the Greek ferry guide, you’ll see how to book your tickets to the islands: it’s a step-by-step process using the best search engine for ferries. Afterward, in the second part of the article, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. Finally, in the last section, you’ll read 5+1 travel tips for your ferry travels in Greece.

So, let’s see how you can book ferry tickets in Greece and reach your destination stress-free.

*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How to book ferry tickets in Greece: the complete guide

In the first part of this guide to Greek ferries, you will see how you can book your tickets online. Prebooking a ferry ticket online will give you peace of mind; as you’ll see in the next section, I always recommend having a seat before reaching the port, especially during the high season.

So, here are the steps you need to take to reserve a seat in the Greek ferries.

Step 1: Visit the Ferries in Greece website

There are plenty of websites selling tickets for Greek ferries. However, as a Greek, I always use FerriesInGreece before traveling to the islands. The website is very reliable, and its search engine is always up-to-date. Moreover, I always appreciate websites that offer a clean interface and detailed information regarding pricing.

Therefore, the first thing you need to do is visit the FerriesInGreece website. It should look more or less like the image above. You can choose between a variety of languages for a smoother booking experience.

Step 2: Choose between a simple trip and island-hopping

Now, after choosing your language, it’s time to fill in the details in the search engine. The first thing you need to do is choose between a simple trip and island-hopping.

A simple trip is either a one-way journey to an island or a return. On the other hand, the island-hopping option will allow you to add various islands to your trip.

While the simple trip is straightforward to book, the island-hopping option is really a game changer. Since most of the smaller Greek islands don’t have daily connections, this option will help you plan your vacation by showing how and when you can reach each island. Moreover, the ferry schedules are always up-to-date, guaranteeing an easygoing booking process.

For me, that’s one of the most valuable contributions of Ferries in Greece because otherwise, you’d have to check multiple one-way trips until you find an itinerary.

In order to show you exactly how things work, I added a short island-hopping itinerary for 2 people: from Piraeus to Santorini, from Santorini to Mykonos, and from Mykonos back to Piraeus.

Step 3: Evaluate the search results before booking

So, on the next page, you will see the available itineraries for each route. The ones that have a yellow star next to them are e-tickets. Keep that in mind for the next section of this guide about Greek ferries because not every ticket is an e-ticket.

Here are the ferry options for Piraeus to Santorini.

Here you can see the ferries between Santorini and Mykonos.

And, finally, here’s the ferry Mykonos back to Piraeus.

The process is straightforward, and all you have to do is choose your itinerary. But, as you can see, some ferries are significantly faster than others. You’ll discover why in the next section of the article. But, for the time being, all you have to do is choose your itineraries.

Step 4: Select your seat type

For every leg of your journey, you’ll have the option to choose a seat type. I won’t go that deep into the seat types here because I mainly want to show you the booking process. However, I will write extensively about the Greek ferries seat types in the next section and share my thoughts about them.

As you can see in the example below, I chose a variety of seats for each ferry itinerary to the Greek islands. Then, you click “Cost Analysis” to see the total price of your ferry journey to the Greek islands.

Step 5: Fill in your passenger details

In this step, you’ll just have to fill in your passenger details. Specifically, you’ll have to add your first and last name, nationality, and birth date.

After filling in the data, you’ll have the option to book some extras. These include extra services, and I must admit I never book them. But feel free to check them out and see if it’s something for you.

It will look like this:

Step 6: Choose how you want your Greek ferry tickets delivered

That’s the final step before paying for your Greek ferry tickets. The delivery options are marked clearly, and I always choose the one you see in the image.

If you have an e-ticket, there’s nothing more you need to do: the day of departure, you can go straight to your ferry and embark with your e-ticket. However, some ferry companies don’t offer the option of an e-ticket (although most of them do). If that’s the case, you’ll have to go to a designated kiosk close to your ferry and pick up your ticket. The process is straightforward, and you won’t need more than a few minutes to obtain your tickets.

The other option is to have your ferry tickets delivered by courier. This comes at an extra cost, and I find it unnecessary. The e-ticket or the port pick-up always worked fine for me, and I never considered having my ferry tickets to the islands delivered at home.

Step 7: Pay for your Greek ferry tickets

Finally, the last step is obviously to pay for your ferry tickets. The process is easy, and you can pay by Debit or Credit card or via PayPal. Fill in your card or PayPal details, pay for your tickets, and receive a confirmation e-mail with all the info.

If you have e-tickets, you’ll get a direct link to download the files; save them on your smartphone (or print them) and go straight to the gate on the day of departure.

On the other hand, if you see a reservation number without an e-ticket link, you’ll have to go to the designated kiosk on the day of departure and pick up your ticket.

And that’s it with the guide on how to book Greek ferry tickets online before traveling to the beautiful islands. You can use the interactive widget below to search for ferry tickets to the Greek islands.

Greek Ferry Tickets: Travel tips & FAQ

So, as I promised you at the beginning of this Greek ferries guide (and several times in the tutorial above…), in this section, you’ll find replies to the most frequently asked questions about Greek ferries. I wanted this to be the most comprehensive Greek Ferry Tickets section you can find online, and as you’ll see, it’s extensive.

However, there’s always a chance I missed something; therefore, if your question remains unanswered after reading this section, please comment at the bottom of this post. I’ll do my best to answer it.

So, here are the things you need to know before booking your ferry tickets to the Greek islands.

Do you need to book Greek ferry tickets in advance?

The correct answer here is: it depends. Greek ferries might sell out during specific periods (like Easter or during July and August), but in general, you should be able to find a ticket. Moreover, it seems that Greek ferries can always accommodate an indefinite number of passengers on the deck (pun intended). Therefore, if you don’t mind being squeezed on the deck, you don’t need to pre-book tickets for the Greek ferries.

However, if you’d like a cabin for your journey or a business class seat (check the seat types section below), pre-booking a ticket is a must, even during the low season. This is because the number of cabins and business class seats is limited, and booking in advance guarantees a reserved seat and a hassle-free journey.

I always book my Greek ferry tickets in advance. This is because I want to be sure that I can travel the day I want, and having a ticket in hand (well, on my smartphone) means I have neither to worry nor queue on the day of departure. Therefore, in my opinion, pre-booking a ferry ticket in Greece is the way to go.

Is it cheaper to book Greek ferries in advance?

No. Once the ferry tickets’ prices are announced, their price won’t change. Early-bird tickets are available, though, so if you book much in advance, you might have a slight reduction in the price. However, if a ticket costs, for example, 50 euros three months before traveling, it’ll also cost 50 euros if you buy it on the day of departure (given there’s availability, of course).

How much are the Greek ferry tickets?

This largely depends on the itinerary and the ferry company. Although the destinations closer to Athens (ex., Aegina) are significantly cheaper, there’s no formula to calculate costs.

Just to give you an idea, you’ll have to pay approximately 75 euros for a one-way ticket from Piraeus to Rodos. I chose Rodos (or Rhodes) as an example because it’s one of the longest ferry journeys you can have (~17 hours). On the other hand, a ferry from Piraeus to nearby Aegina (~1 hour), won’t cost you more than 12-14 euros.

That said, most one-way ferry tickets between Piraeus and the Greek islands should cost between 12 and 75 euros for a standard seat (business class seats or cabins are much more expensive).

Which is the best website to book ferries in Greece?

Well, as you read in my tutorial, my preferred website to book ferry tickets in Greece is FerriesInGreece. I’m sure that other good services exist, however, I only recommend the services I have used. I never had any issues with Ferries In Greece, and I’m delighted with their services. It’s the website I always check before traveling to the Greek islands, and that’s the best website for me.

Where can I find info about Cyclades island hopping itineraries?

Well, I can direct you to my Cyclades ebook. In “Cyclades Explained,” you will find info about every island, and 12 suggested itineraries for a fantastic Greek holiday. You can purchase the Cyclades ebook directly from my website.

When it’s the best time to buy Greek ferry tickets?

The best time to buy Greek ferry tickets is when you know the exact dates of your vacation. Most Greek ferry companies announce their itineraries several months in advance (usually more than six months), so if you want peace of mind, book them as early as possible.

On the other hand, booking too much in advance is not a thing in Greece. So, for example, you won’t be able to book one or two years ahead.

As a rule of thumb, I think that booking 2-4 months in advance is fine. However, if you don’t mind traveling on the deck, 2-3 weeks before your journey is also a reasonable timeframe.

What are the seat types in a Greek ferry?

Depending on the ferry, you will have the following options when booking a ticket to the Greek islands. Please remember that not every company offers every seat type, which can be for various reasons (ex., there’s no cabin in short routes or no deck option for catamarans).

So, here are the seat types you can book on the Greek ferries.

Deck

The deck is the cheapest option for your journey with the Greek ferries. No seat will be assigned when you book your ticket, and you’ll have to rush to the deck to find a place to sit. If you travel at night, you’ll have to remain there, unless you’re lucky, and find a place to sit in a cafe or a restaurant. That’s the preferred way of traveling for youngsters and people willing to cut down on expenses.

Air Seats

Air Seats are the equivalent of economy seats on airplanes. They resemble airplane seats, and they are reserved for you. Even if you prefer spending time at the deck, it’s a good option to book an air seat in case you want to rest or relax a bit. The surcharge is usually 3-5 euros (depending on the route), and to be honest, it’s a good idea to have a seat even if you don’t use it that much. I always book one and find them comfortable enough for a quick nap.

Business class seats

The business class is a dedicated area, usually on the ferry’s upper floors. Don’t imagine something fancy: it looks like a big living room with couches, chairs, and tables. However, it’s more spacious than every other ferry section and has its own bar/restaurant. I traveled several times business class, and I think it deserves the extra cost (usually 15-20 euros more than the regular air seats).

Business class is a great option for longer journeys if you want to be in a less crowded ferry area and stretch properly.

Cabins

Finally, some ferries offer cabins, which means you can have a bed and an ensuite bathroom for you and your companion(s). The cabins are the most luxurious and—of course—costly option. You should expect to pay at least double the price of an air seat. However, if it’s important for you to sleep, take a shower, and relax in a quiet environment, then the cabin is always a great option.

Cabins are divided into those without windows and those with windows. If you feel uncomfortable in small places, it’s better to book a cabin with a window (I always do). It costs extra, but you will feel like you’re staying in a hotel room. There are cabins for one, two, and four persons.

I reviewed the Blue Star Ferries cabins, and you can read my thoughts and more photos here.

Shall I book a cabin for my journey to the Greek islands?

Several ferry companies offer cabins for a more relaxed journey. Not every ferry comes with cabins, of course, and in my opinion, it makes sense to book one only if your trip is relatively long or if you have to travel through the night.

If you can afford the cost, the cabin is an excellent way of traveling. You will have a bed and an ensuite bathroom -and for an extra surcharge, a window. For the example given earlier (the Piraeus-Rodos itinerary), you should calculate double the price for a cabin without a window (~160 euros) and slightly more for a cabin with a window (~180 euros).

Booking a cabin in the Greek ferries might sound like a luxury; however, sleeping on a proper bed at night and arriving fresh at your destination, for some people, is priceless.

I suggest considering a cabin if your journey is longer than 6 hours.

Are the Greek ferries expensive?

Greek ferry tickets are more on the steep side. A return ticket to the Cyclades won’t cost less than 80 euros; sometimes, it exceeds the 100 euros margin. Therefore, it’s definitely a cost to consider before visiting a Greek island or embarking on an island-hopping vacation.

Are the Greek ferries safe?

Yes, the Greek ferries are safe. Companies don’t risk their reputation, and they take safety seriously. Moreover, they can cancel their itineraries for safety reasons in rough weather. And if things with the wind get out of control, the Greek state will forbid ferry traveling for some hours or a day.

Do Greek ferry boats leave on time?

Greek ferries will depart on time from the first port. However, delays might occur if you’re waiting in one of the following ports of the route. This can be due to the weather or due to long queues in embarking and disembarking. That said, if you’re waiting to embark on the fourth or fifth port of the line, a slight delay of 10-15 minutes in the previous ports can easily result in a one-hour delay.

How do I book Greek island hopping?

The best way to book island hopping in Greece is via Ferries In Greece. Their search engine is handy, and booking ferry tickets to the Greek islands is free. You can also use the search engine below.

Is there a ferry pass for island hopping?

No. There’s no ferry pass for island hopping. If tour operators try to sell you one, they will probably follow the process I described in the tutorial above. Most likely, they will also add an extra fee for booking the ferry tickets.

If it makes you feel more comfortable having somebody else book the ferry tickets for you, it’s okay. However, there’s no “Greek island hopping pass” currently, and I doubt there’ll be one in the future.

What’s the difference between a ferry and a catamaran?

Briefly, ferries are large boats, while catamarans are small ones. A significant difference is that ferries have an open deck that you can access at all times, while catamarans don’t have a deck, and you have to remain seated for the entire journey. On the other hand, catamarans are much faster than ferries; depending on the route, they can reach their destination in half the time compared to ferries.

However, catamarans tend to be bumpy, so if you get easily seasick, you should avoid them. The ferries offer a stable and smoother experience. Finally, the catamarans are usually costlier, but if time matters to you, they are a good option.

Seajets operate the majority of catamarans in Greece. However, smaller ferry companies offer some routes between the most remote islands. On the other hand, the biggest ferry company is Blue Star Ferries.

Personally, I always choose ferries. Catamaran rides are usually bumpy and depend a lot on the weather. The ferries are slower but offer a stress-free, immersive journey to the islands.

Where else can you buy tickets for the Greek ferries?

For the most spontaneous or old-fashioned travelers among us, there’s, of course, an “analog” way to buy tickets for the Greek ferries. Hundreds of tour operators have their offices spread throughout Athens, and you can buy Greek ferry tickets from them. Moreover, the port of Piraeus is full of kiosks and offices, and you can buy your ferry ticket straight before departure (depending on availability).

What are the best ferries in Greece?

The biggest and most prestigious ferry company in Greece is Blue Star Ferries. They operate a large ferry fleet around the Greek islands. Their boats are in mint condition, and it’s a joy to travel with them.

Can I also fly to the Greek islands?

Yes. Some bigger islands (like Santorini, Crete, Astypalaia, etc.) have airports. While plane tickets in Greece are usually costly, air travel provides a shortcut if you don’t have many vacation days. I wrote a comprehensive guide about domestic flights in Greece, including various examples and itineraries.

You can check for flights at Greece’s flag carrier, Aegean Airlines (or use the search engine below).

Moreover, Aegean Airlines introduced a Flight Pass a couple of months ago that allows several flights in Greece at a preset price. I wrote an article about how to use the Aegean Pass for a Greek island holiday, and I added some suggested itineraries. Check it out.

How to book a ferry from Athens to Santorini?

Booking a ferry between Athens and Santorini is no different than booking any other trip. You simply go to the Ferries In Greece website and add Piraeus and Santorini as your departure and arrival ports. There are plenty of itineraries per day, and finding a seat won’t be a problem if you book in advance.

How many ports does Athens have?

The Greek capital has three ports. The biggest port of the Attica region (where Athens belongs) is Piraeus, and most Greek ferries and catamarans depart from there.

A limited number of ferries start from Rafina and Lavrio, two ports close to the Greek capital. It’s slightly harder to reach them, and you can only go there by bus. Taxis are also an option, but it’s going to be costly.

How can I reach the Port of Piraeus from the Athens International Airport?

Since early October 2022, Line 3 of the metro (the blue line) connects the International Airport of Athens directly with the Port of Piraeus. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes.

You can find the Line 3 timetable here.

5+1 travel tips for a better experience with Greek ferries

In the last section of this long guide about purchasing your Greek ferry tickets, you will find some helpful travel tips. Whatever didn’t fit in the FAQ section above has a place here. The following tips for the Greek ferries intend to give you extra help for your island hopping in Greece and also to save you from unwanted vacation stress.

So, here are 5+1 travel tips for your Greek ferries experience.

Don’t book your ferry tickets on the same day as your flight

Ferries depend largely on the weather. And while the ferry schedules are not easily disrupted, the last thing you want is to lose a flight back home. Always fly back home one day after returning from the islands. This means that you don’t have to stress about late arrivals or stormy weather. Plus, Athens is a beautiful city and deserves some of your time.

If you get easily seasick, book a ferry and not a catamaran

Although I wrote this earlier, I think it deserves a repeat. Catamarans can be bumpy, and the last thing you want when arriving at your dream island is to feel sick. Yes, ferries are slower, but you can spend time on the deck and walk a bit around.

Be an hour before at the port

The Greek ports are rather big, and the one in Piraeus can often be chaotic. Avoid arriving late at the port because you might have to walk a lot to your gate. While the ferries to the Cyclades islands tend to leave straight outside the metro station, sometimes their departure points get rescheduled. Plus, if you have to pick up your ticket, you should have enough time to go to the kiosk and then to the gate.

If stressed about departure, track your Greek ferry

If waiting for your ferry’s departure stresses you, check your ferry’s position. Several websites offer real-time data about every ferry sailing the Greek seas. I use Vessel Finder, but every similar website works. Just add the name of your ferry on the search bar and find info about its location.

Bring some food with you (but buy water on board)

Every Greek ferry has one or more places to eat on board. However, the prices tend to be steep, and if you want to keep your budget at reasonable levels, bring some food with you. Yes, having lunch or dinner on the ferry is fun, but it won’t be cheap.

On the other hand, bottled water in Greece is valorized, which means that you shouldn’t pay more than a specific amount of money for it. Ferries are no exception, so you should avoid packing water bottles and save some space in your luggage; buy them straight from the ferry instead.

Bonus: valorized products on Greek ferries

Finally, these are the prices for specific products (food and drinks) on the Greek ferries. The companies cannot sell them at prices higher than the ones below.

Bottled water of 0,50 ml: 0,50 €.

Ham and cheese sandwich: 1,45 €.

Cheese sandwich: 1,25 €

Single Greek coffee: 1,20 €.

Filter coffee single: 1,30 €.

Single espresso: 1,45 €.

Tea (hot or cold): 1,30 €.

How to buy Greek ferry tickets: Conclusion

Traveling to Greece by ferry is one of the sweetest experiences. It doesn’t matter if you head to an iconic Greek island like Milos, Santorini, Paros, or Naxos or lesser-known islands like Anafi, Folegandros, Donoussa, or Sikinos: the journey will be fantastic. The locals are warm-hearted, and you will have the time of your life. Just make sure to book your ferry tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid losing valuable vacation time.

If you have more questions, feel free to add a comment below. I’ll do my best to advise and help you.

More about Greece: Greek islands on a budget, One week in Greece, 10 tips for Greece

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Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos