Ferry to Karpathos 2027: routes, prices & tickets

How to get to Karpathos by ferry

Karpathos is one of the most remote islands in the Dodecanese, lying between Crete and Rhodes. Sailings are few and far between, and mostly operated by conventional ferries. In recent years the route has been served mainly by Blue Star Ferries, with ships such as the Blue Star Chios and the Diagoras. There are no daily sailings, so your departure day shapes the whole trip. Check which days a ferry runs first, then book your accommodation.

This page shows the available sailings for the dates you search. The 2027 timetable is usually released in stages and can change from season to season. If you can't see departures yet for the period you want, that doesn't mean there won't be any. They have usually just not opened for booking yet.

Where you can sail from

From Piraeus

This is the main connection and the longest one. The journey takes roughly 14 to 19 hours to Pigadia, and longer to Diafani. The difference depends on the intermediate ports. Some sailings call at other Dodecanese islands, others at Santorini, Anafi, Heraklion or Sitia. The ferry usually leaves in the afternoon (around 17:00) and arrives the next morning or around midday. If the ship makes many stops, the journey becomes much longer, so compare the arrival time and not just the departure time. For so many hours, think about a cabin or at least a reclining aeroplane-style seat, especially in winter.

From Rhodes

This is the most practical connection if you are combining islands. The crossing takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the sailing. As there are only a few departures a week, fix your days before you book a hotel.

From Crete

From Sitia the journey to Pigadia is about 3.5 hours. From Heraklion it is longer, and the connection doesn't run all year round. It is a good option if you are travelling in eastern Crete and want to add another island.

From Kasos, Halki and other islands

Kasos and Halki are linked with Karpathos by the same ferries that run on the Piraeus–Rhodes route. In summer there are also smaller boats, for example excursion boats from Finiki to Kasos. Their availability changes every year and they don't go through the main booking systems, so ask locally.

Pigadia or Diafani?

Karpathos has two passenger ports, and they are quite far apart. Pigadia (also called Karpathos Town) is the main port in the south and the island's capital. It has more sailings and is close to the airport, the accommodation and most of the beaches. Diafani is a small port in the north, about 50 km away, and the closest to Olympos. It usually has two sailings a week.

• If you are staying in Pigadia, Arkasa, Amoopi or Lefkos, choose Pigadia.
• If you are going hiking, visiting Olympos or want the quiet north, Diafani saves you a long drive.
• If you have hired a car, remember that the north–south road is long and winding. Allow more than an hour.

Always check the port name on your ticket. Some sailings stop at both ports, with a different arrival time at each.

When to book

For July and August, and especially if you are taking a car or want a cabin, book as soon as the sailings open. With only a few ferries a week, a full departure can mean waiting several days. May, June and September are more relaxed, but it is still worth booking a few weeks ahead if you are travelling with a vehicle. In winter there are fewer sailings and the timetable changes, and bad weather can cause cancellations.

Travel tips

• Don't book a return flight on the same day as your ferry. On islands with infrequent sailings, a closed port or a delay can throw the whole plan off.
• For Piraeus, choose a departure time that lets you arrive comfortably, and aim to be at the port at least an hour before boarding.
• If you are thinking of bringing a car, ask yourself whether you need it. Hiring one in Pigadia is easy and cheaper than shipping a vehicle on such a long trip.
• In August and during holiday periods, book a cabin very early, as the crossing is overnight.
• If you are travelling at Greek Orthodox Easter, check the timetable separately. The island has special celebrations and sailings fill up quickly.

Arrival port and getting around the island

In Pigadia the ferry docks within walking distance of the town centre, where you will find tavernas, shops and vehicle hire offices. The airport is about 14 km away. For most beaches and villages you need a car or a scooter, as bus services are limited. For the north, Olympos and Diafani, consider a taxi or hiring a car for a day.