Ferry to Corfu 2026: routes, prices & tickets
Most travellers reach Corfu by ferry from Igoumenitsa on the mainland. The crossing takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, with sailings all year round. This guide explains which port to choose, when to book and what to expect when you arrive at the New Port.
Ferry tickets to Corfu
- Departure ports
- 1
Ferries to Corfu from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Igoumenitsa to Corfu | — | — | — | — | Schedule → |
How much is the ferry to Corfu
When to book: for July–August 3–4 weeks ahead; May, June and September have more availability. Discounts for students, large families and island residents.
Port information
- Port: Corfu New Port, next to Corfu Old Town and the Old Fortress, about 2–3 km from the centre. Ferries from Igoumenitsa, Italy and Albania dock here, along with cruise ships.
- Second port: Lefkimmi (southern Corfu) for Igoumenitsa, with a crossing of about 50 minutes. Handy for Kavos and the south.
- To/from the centre: taxi, local bus (the Corfu town bus network links the port, the centre and the airport, so check current timetables) or a pre-booked transfer. The distance is also short enough to walk if you have little luggage.
- Airport: Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, a few kilometres from the port and the town.
- To the resorts: KTEL intercity buses leave from the main bus station in Corfu Town for the north, west and south of the island.
- With a car: parking in the centre is limited in summer. If you're staying in accommodation, ask about parking in advance.
- Before departure: check in at the port at least 45–60 minutes before departure with a vehicle and about 30 minutes before as a foot passenger. Carry photo ID or your passport.
How to get to Corfu by ferry
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands and the easiest one to reach from mainland Greece. The main route is Igoumenitsa – Corfu, operated by conventional car ferries that carry foot passengers, cars, motorbikes and lorries. Sailings are run by Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways, with departures roughly every hour during the day and some overnight crossings. Foot passenger fares start at around €6–7, and a car usually costs about €23–25 each way, depending on the operator, the day and the length of the vehicle.
Prices vary with the season and availability. For the exact fare, go by the price shown when you search for your travel date rather than relying on an average.
From Athens and Thessaloniki
There is no direct ferry from Piraeus to Corfu. You travel by road to Igoumenitsa and take the ferry from there. By car from Athens, the drive along the Olympia Odos and Ionia Odos motorways takes about 5.5–6 hours. From Thessaloniki it takes about 3.5–4 hours via the Egnatia Odos motorway. If you'd rather not drive, KTEL (the Greek intercity coach network) runs services from Athens and Thessaloniki to Corfu via Igoumenitsa, taking about 7–8 hours in total including the ferry. You can also fly to Corfu's Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, which is right next to Corfu Town.
From Italy
Ferries from Italy (Bari, Venice, Ancona, Brindisi) usually dock at Igoumenitsa. The Superfast routes from Bari and Venice are the main ones that call at Corfu. If Corfu is your destination, choose a ticket that ends there rather than at Igoumenitsa, so you don't need a second ferry.
Which port to choose: Corfu Town or Lefkimmi
Corfu has two ports for the Igoumenitsa crossing, and your choice affects how much time you spend travelling after you disembark:
- Corfu New Port (Corfu Town): has the most departures, a crossing of 70–90 minutes, and is the best choice if you're staying in Corfu Town, in the north or on the west coast (Palaiokastritsa, Sidari, Arillas).
- Lefkimmi (south): the crossing from Igoumenitsa takes about 50 minutes, with fewer sailings, operated by Sarris Lines and Lefkimmi Lines. It's worth choosing if you're heading to Kavos, Lefkimmi or the south, as it saves you the drive from Corfu Town (about 45–60 minutes).
If you have a car and your accommodation is in the south, check Lefkimmi first. If you're going to Corfu Town or the north, the New Port offers more departure times and a better backup option if you miss your ferry.
When to book
- Foot passengers: in winter and spring there is rarely a problem and you can often buy a ticket on the day. In July and August, especially around 15 August (the Assumption holiday, one of Greece's busiest travel days), book earlier.
- With a car: in peak summer, book several weeks ahead, especially for afternoon sailings and weekends. Vehicle space is limited, while foot passengers can usually find room.
- With a motorhome, van or large lorry: the price rises with length, so enter the correct dimensions when you book.
When budgeting and planning, remember the return trip: the same summer sailings fill up on the way back too, especially on Sunday afternoons.
Seasonality and timetables 2026
The route runs all year. In summer there are more departures, starting from the early hours of the morning, while in winter services are reduced and some days have fewer sailings. Timetables change from week to week and day to day, so always check the date you plan to travel. In bad weather or strong winds, cancellations or changes are possible, so don't cut it fine if you have a flight or another connection on the same day.
Travel tips
- Arrive at Igoumenitsa port at least 45–60 minutes before departure if you're taking a car, and about 30 minutes before as a foot passenger, especially in summer.
- Carry photo ID or your passport, and have your ticket on your phone or printed out.
- Luggage allowances vary by operator. Some routes allow up to 50 kg per person at no extra charge, so check the terms of your booking.
- If you're staying in Corfu Town or the Old Town, think about whether you need a car from day one. Parking in town is difficult, and renting a car on the island can work out cheaper than bringing your own across.
- Very early departures (around 06:00–07:00) usually mean less congestion at the port.
What to expect on arrival
The New Port is next to Corfu Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Old Fortress, about 2–3 km from the centre, and the airport is close by. Ferries to Italy and Albania, as well as cruise ships, also use this port. You can explore the town on foot, while for the resorts you can use KTEL buses, taxis or pre-booked transfers. With your own or a rental car you'll have quick access to the west and north coasts, while the south is further away and the roads are slower.
Corfu ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu?
To Corfu Town the crossing takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the ship. To Lefkimmi, in the south of the island, it takes about 50 minutes.
How much is a ferry ticket to Corfu?
Foot passengers usually pay from around €6–7. For a car, prices start at around €23–25 each way and rise with vehicle size and the time of year. The exact price is shown when you search for your travel date.
Is there a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Corfu?
No, there is no direct connection. The most common route is to drive to Igoumenitsa and then take the ferry. Alternatively, you can take a KTEL coach from Athens via Igoumenitsa, or fly to Corfu Airport.
Which companies operate the Igoumenitsa – Corfu route?
Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways sail to Corfu Town. Sarris Lines and Lefkimmi Lines operate to Lefkimmi.
Do I need to book early for summer?
If you're travelling with a car in July or August, yes, book early. Around 15 August and at weekends in particular, vehicle spaces sell out faster. Foot passengers usually have more flexibility, but it isn't guaranteed, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Which Corfu port should I choose: Corfu Town or Lefkimmi?
If you're staying in Corfu Town, the north or the west coast, choose the New Port, which also has the most sailings. If you're heading to Kavos or the south, Lefkimmi has a shorter crossing and saves you a good deal of driving.
How do I get from Corfu port to the town centre and the airport?
The New Port is 2–3 km from the centre and close to the airport. You can take a taxi, a local bus or a pre-booked transfer. For the resorts, KTEL intercity buses also run from the main bus station.
Can I get a ferry to Corfu from Italy?
Yes, there are routes from Bari, Venice, Ancona and Brindisi. Some end in Corfu and some in Igoumenitsa. Check the final destination on your ticket before you book.