Ferry to Lemnos 2027: routes, prices & tickets

How to get to Lemnos by ferry

Lemnos is one of the few Aegean islands that isn't mainly reached from Piraeus. The most convenient routes start from northern Greece and from Lavrio. The fastest and most frequent connection is Kavala – Lemnos, followed by Lavrio, Alexandroupoli and Thessaloniki. From Piraeus the journey is long, with several stops along the way. Tickets start from around €16, and the lowest fares are mainly on the Kavala route.

Which departure port should you choose?

Kavala – Lemnos: the most practical option

If you're travelling by car from Thessaloniki, Serres, Drama or Xanthi, Kavala is almost always the best choice. The crossing takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on the vessel: Blue Star Ferries ships are usually faster, while Seajets' Aqua Blue takes around 4 hours 15 minutes. In summer there are often 1–2 departures a day. Outside the high season there are fewer sailings, but the route runs all year round.

Lavrio – Lemnos: from the Athens area without going via Piraeus

Seajets links Lavrio with Myrina, usually 3–5 times a week. The journey takes about 9 hours, and some sailings call at Agios Efstratios. There are morning departures that arrive in the afternoon, as well as evening ones that arrive after midnight. Before you book, check the arrival time, as it affects where you'll sleep and how you'll collect a hire car.

Piraeus – Lemnos: for those who want a cabin and stops along the way

The route from Piraeus is essentially an overnight trip heading towards the North Aegean islands. It takes about 21–22 hours, with stops at other islands. Frequencies change with the season, and there are more options in summer. It makes sense if you want to combine Lemnos with Chios or Lesbos, or if you want to take your own car from Athens and don't mind the length of the journey. Otherwise, Lavrio saves you more than 12 hours.

Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli

From Thessaloniki there are usually a few Blue Star Ferries sailings a week. The journey takes about 5.5 to 7 hours, depending on the stops. Alexandroupoli is linked to Lemnos by Fast Ferries' Adamantios Korais, around 3 times a week, with a journey time of about 5 hours. The same ship also calls at Samothrace, so you can combine two islands. This route has been affected by tender and licensing issues, so check the timetable for the dates you're interested in.

When to book for 2027

2027 timetables are usually announced in stages, with winter schedules first and summer ones in spring. If you see sailings that haven't been officially announced yet, treat them as indicative. Follow these steps:

• July–August and the 15 August holiday: book as early as possible, especially if you're taking a car or want a cabin. Sailings are limited and vehicle decks fill up.
• June and September: there's usually availability, and a few weeks' notice is enough.
• Winter: fewer departures, but the Kavala and Lavrio routes keep running. Weather can cause changes, and the Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli services may run less often.

Fares: what affects the ticket price

From Kavala, passengers usually pay from €16 to €28 for a deck or economy seat. From Lavrio fares are higher, and from Piraeus higher still, especially with a cabin. Taking a car adds a significant cost: for example, from Thessaloniki a car costs around €59. Prices depend on the operator, the day and the type of seat, so compare the available departures rather than just looking at the first one that appears.

Practical tips

• If you're taking a car, check vehicle availability first and departure times second.
• For night-time arrivals, book your accommodation and transfer in advance.
• On journeys of more than 8 hours, take a cabin or an airline-style seat.
• On routes with intermediate stops, check the arrival time as well as the departure time.
• For return trips, book both legs together in July and August.

Arriving in Myrina

All ferries arrive at the port of Myrina, close to the town centre. From there you can walk or take a taxi to hotels, restaurants and shops. If you need a car to explore the island, the best option is to collect a hire car at the port or bring your own. Lemnos has lovely beaches, sand dunes at Kontias and Agia Sofia, and important archaeological sites.