Ferry to Samos 2027: routes, prices & tickets
Samos is connected by ferry with Piraeus, Kavala and Thessaloniki, and has two main arrival ports: Vathy (Samos Town) and Karlovasi. Here's how to choose between them, how long the journey takes and when it's best to book for 2027.
Ferry tickets to Samos
- Departure ports
- 3
- Travel time
- 8h 40m – 20h 35m
- Tickets from
- €38.50
- Ferry companies
- 1
Ferries to Samos from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kavala to Samos | 14h 5m – 18 hours | Conventional |  | €38.50 | Schedule → |
| Piraeus to Samos | 8h 40m – 9h 45m | Conventional | | €60.50 | Schedule → |
| Thessaloniki to Samos | 16h 10m – 20h 35m | Conventional | | €41 | Schedule → |
Ferry times to Samos
Indicative schedule — times change by season. Confirm in the search before booking.
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:30 | 11:35 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Wed | €38.50 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:00 | 14:00 | Διαγόρας | Conventional | Tue | €38.50 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:30 | 13:50 | Διαγόρας | Conventional | Tue | €38.50 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:30 | 11:35 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Wed | €38.50 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:00 | 00:10 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Fri (arrives Karlovasi next day) | — |
| 16:00 | 01:10 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Mon (arrives Karlovasi next day) | — |
| 16:00 | 01:45 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Tue (arrives Karlovasi next day) | — |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:15 | 16:40 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Wed (to Vathy) | — |
| 07:15 | 15:55 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Mon, Thu, Sat (to Karlovasi) | — |
| 18:00 | 02:55 | Lefka Ori | Conventional | Tue, Thu (arrives Vathy next day) | — |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:30 | 13:40 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Sat (arrives Vathy Sun) | €41.50 |
| 21:30 | 14:50 | Blue Star Myconos | Conventional | Sat (arrives Karlovassi Sun) | €41 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:00 | 12:35 | Diagoras | Conventional | Sun (arrives Vathy Mon) | €41.50 |
How much is the ferry to Samos
Conventional
from €38.50Starting prices per person, economy seat, one way.
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.
Ferry companies serving Samos
Port information
- Ports: Vathy (the capital, north-east), Karlovasi (north-west) and Pythagoreio (south, mainly for the Dodecanese and Turkey). Ferries from Piraeus arrive at the first two.
- Vathy: the port is in the town centre, with cafés, restaurants, hotels and parking nearby. It has the KTEL bus station and taxis, with most of the island's transport links.
- Karlovasi: the port has shops, cafés, car hire, a mini market and parking. It is about 30 km from Vathy.
- Transfer between Vathy and Karlovasi: by KTEL bus or taxi, around one hour. A taxi is only worth it if you share the cost or there is no bus at a suitable time.
- Airport: near Pythagoreio, about 15 minutes from its port.
- Taxis: there is a taxi rank near the quay in both Vathy and Karlovasi. For late-evening arrivals it is worth pre-booking a transfer.
- Departure from Piraeus: ships usually leave from gates E2 and E10. Confirm your gate on your ticket or on the operator's timetable, as it can change.
- Port authority phone numbers: Vathy +30 22730 27318, Karlovasi +30 22730 30888, for information in case of bad weather.
- Check-in: arrive at least one hour before departure if you have a vehicle, and 30 minutes before if you are travelling on foot.
How to get to Samos by ferry
The most common route is from Piraeus, the port of Athens. The journey usually takes 8 to 11 hours, depending on the ship and on whether you arrive at Karlovasi or Vathy. The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, the company shown on our Samos page. For Piraeus, check the price for your exact date on ferryfast.gr, because the lowest fares are usually for economy seats on low-demand days. The "from €38.50" price shown on the page is only a guide and does not apply to every departure.
From the north there are two other options: Kavala and Thessaloniki. Both are long journeys on a ship that calls at islands in the north-east Aegean. The Thessaloniki service is seasonal and runs once a week. In 2026 the ship left on Saturday evening and reached Vathy the following afternoon. For 2027, check the season's start and end dates before you book accommodation.
Vathy or Karlovasi: which port should you choose?
This choice matters more than the departure time, because the two ports are about 30 km apart and the drive takes close to an hour.
Vathy (Samos Town)
This is the island's capital, on the north-east coast, and the port is right in the town. Choose it if you are staying in Vathy, Kokkari or Pythagoreio, or near the airport, and if you want easy access to buses (KTEL), taxis and car hire without having to travel across the island first. Ferries to Lesbos (Mytilene) and Fournoi also leave from here.
Karlovasi
This is the island's second port, on the north-west coast. It suits anyone staying in Karlovasi, Potami, Marathokampos or Ormos Marathokampou. The journey from Piraeus is often a little shorter, at around 8 to 9 hours. Some ferries call at both ports, with the Vathy–Karlovasi leg taking about 40 minutes. If the timing suits you, get off at the port closest to your accommodation rather than waiting for the second stop.
If you don't have a car and your hotel is at one end of the island, avoid booking the opposite port for arrival or departure. A taxi from one end of the island to the other is expensive, and buses are not very frequent.
Where you're travelling from: what to expect
- Piraeus – Samos: the busiest timetable, with departures all year round. Weekly frequencies change by season and by port, and extra sailings are added in summer. Afternoon and evening departures are the most common. There are also morning sailings, arriving in the afternoon of the same day.
- Kavala – Samos: a service to Vathy and Karlovasi, but not a daily one. Check the timetable before planning any onward connections.
- Thessaloniki – Samos: a seasonal service, once a week, with an overnight journey and arrival the next day.
When to book for 2027
For July and August, and especially around the 15 August public holiday, book early. This matters most if you are travelling with a car or want a cabin, because vehicle spaces and cabins sell out first. For May, June and September there is usually more availability and lower prices. The 2027 timetables are being released gradually. If you can't see your preferred day yet, check the page again closer to your trip, and don't book accommodation without a ticket.
Travel tips
- The journey from Piraeus is long. If you're travelling overnight, consider a cabin or at least an airline-style seat.
- If you have a return flight from Samos airport, allow extra time in case the ferry is delayed by bad weather.
- To get around the island you will need a taxi, a KTEL bus or a hire car. Samos is a large island and distances are significant.
- In summer, strong meltemi wind days can affect sailings. Check the operator's or the port authority's announcements the day before you travel.
From Samos to neighbouring islands
Samos is also a useful stopover. From Vathy there are connections to Lesbos (Mytilene) and Fournoi, and from Pythagoreio to Lipsi, Leros, Kos and smaller Dodecanese islands, mainly in summer. There are also seasonal sailings from Vathy and Pythagoreio to Kuşadası in Turkey. Island hoppers usually allow a buffer of two days between legs, because services away from Piraeus are less frequent.
Samos ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Samos?
Usually 8 to 11 hours. The journey to Karlovasi is generally slightly shorter, at around 8 to 9 hours, while the journey to Vathy can take up to 10 hours, depending on the ship and intermediate stops.
Which ferry company sails to Samos?
On ferryfast.gr, Blue Star Ferries is shown for the routes from Piraeus, Kavala and Thessaloniki. The company or ship may change for 2027, so check the date you are interested in.
How much is a ferry ticket to Samos?
Prices start from €38.50. From Piraeus, the price for a standard seat is usually higher and varies by date, seat class and availability. A cabin or a vehicle costs extra.
Which port in Samos does the ferry arrive at?
Either Vathy (the capital, north-east) or Karlovasi (north-west). Some sailings call at both. Pythagoreio mainly serves ferries from the Dodecanese and Turkey.
How far apart are Vathy and Karlovasi?
About 30 km, which is around an hour by KTEL bus or taxi. The ferry between the two ports takes about 40 minutes, where such a sailing is available.
Is there a ferry from Thessaloniki or Kavala to Samos?
Yes. Thessaloniki has a seasonal service once a week, with an overnight departure and arrival the next day. Kavala is connected with Vathy and Karlovasi. Both routes are long, so plan your trip accordingly.
When should I book for summer 2027?
For July and August, book as early as possible, especially if you have a car or want a cabin. For May, June and September there is usually more flexibility.
How do I get from Samos airport to the port?
The airport is near Pythagoreio, about 15 minutes by car from its port. For Vathy or Karlovasi you need a taxi or a hire car, and the journey to Karlovasi is considerably longer.