Ferries from Kavala: routes & destinations 2027
Ferries from Kavala's passenger port sail to Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria and Agios Efstratios, operated by Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. Here you will find which route suits you, when it pays to book, and what to know about the port before you arrive.
Ferries from Kavala
- Destinations
- 6
- Ferry companies
- 2
- Tickets from
- €16
Destinations from Kavala
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kavala to Agios Efstratios | 6h 25m – 6h 35m | Conventional |  | €22 | Schedule → |
| Kavala to Chios | 11–13.5 hours | Conventional |  | €32 | Schedule → |
| Kavala to Ikaria | 17h 45m – 20h 40m | Conventional | | €38 | Schedule → |
| Kavala to Lemnos | 3h 15m – 4h 15m | Conventional | | €16 | Schedule → |
| Kavala to Lesvos | 7h 55m – 9h 50m | Conventional | | €27 | Schedule → |
| Kavala to Samos | 14h 5m – 18 hours | Conventional | | €38.50 | Schedule → |
Port information
- Port: Kavala central passenger port, “Apostolos Pavlos”, in the town itself. You can walk there from the centre.
- Passenger terminal: has ticket offices for ferries and hydrofoils, an air-conditioned waiting room, a café and Wi-Fi.
- Parking: there is a paid car park behind the passenger terminal. Older sources mention around 260 spaces, but arrangements have changed, so allow extra time in summer.
- Accessibility: the passenger hall at the Central Port is the first point of assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. The Kavala Central Port Authority can be reached on +30 2513 505400.
- Check your departure port: there has been a proposal to move passenger traffic to the commercial port of Nea Karvali, 8 km further east. If this changes, it will be shown on your ticket.
- Thasos: ferries to Thasos leave mainly from Keramoti, 42 km east, not from the town's passenger terminal.
Ferries from Kavala: what sailings run in 2026
Kavala is the main gateway from Macedonia and Thrace to the north-eastern Aegean. The most frequent route is to Lemnos. It runs all year round with Blue Star Ferries and Seajets, with 3–6 departures a week and a journey time of 3 to 4.5 hours. Times change from season to season. As a guide, there are morning departures at around 06:00–08:00 and afternoon or evening departures at 16:00, 19:30 or 21:30.
The other routes don't have a separate ferry for each island. The Blue Star Myconos follows a chain route that calls at several islands. On a sample departure from Kavala at 21:30, the trip to Chios takes 11 hours. Allow roughly 7 hours 55 minutes for Mytilene (Lesbos). Samos and Ikaria are much further away, at more than 14 and 17 hours respectively. These are essentially overnight crossings, and you will often need a cabin.
For Agios Efstratios, the usual connection goes via Lemnos. The Seajets service from Kavala follows the order Kavala – Lemnos – Agios Efstratios, arriving at the small island in the early hours or early in the morning. Check the day carefully, as it doesn't run daily.
Which route and ferry to choose
Lemnos: speed or price
If time is your priority, look for the departures with the shortest journey time. On the Lemnos route the fastest crossings take about 3 hours 15 minutes, while the slowest take up to 4 hours 15 minutes. On price, tickets to Lemnos start from €16.50 with Blue Star. This is the lowest indicative fare and does not apply to every departure. Choosing a cabin instead of a deck seat, or taking a vehicle, changes the final total quite a bit.
Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria: without losing a day
The overnight departure from Kavala gets you to the eastern Aegean islands the following morning or around midday. You don't lose a whole day travelling, but you do need to allow for boarding time, meals and sleep. If you are travelling with a car, book your tickets early, as vehicle space is limited.
Piraeus and Lavrio
Kavala is also linked with Attica (the Athens region), but it is a slow journey. The Kavala – Lavrio service with Seajets runs 3 times a week, takes 18 hours 45 minutes and costs around €60. Unless you specifically want to travel by sea, driving or flying is much quicker.
When to book
- Summer (July–August): book 3–4 weeks ahead, especially if you have a vehicle or want a cabin. Weekends and the 15 August holiday period fill up first.
- Spring and September: one or two weeks ahead is usually enough. Prices are lower and sailings less frequent.
- Winter: Lemnos keeps its connection, but weather causes cancellations and timetable changes. Check the schedule 1–2 days before and leave some slack in your travel plans.
Timetables are updated by season and by operator. Confirm times and availability on ferryfast.gr before you book flights or accommodation for the island.
Practical tips before you travel
- Arrive at the port at least 60 minutes before departure if you have a vehicle, and 30–45 minutes if you are on foot.
- On overnight trips to Chios, Samos or Ikaria, take a cabin or at least an airline-style seat. The journey is tiring on a plain deck.
- The weather in the North Aegean changes quickly. In Beaufort force 7 or above, cancellations are not unusual, especially for high-speed vessels.
- For Thasos, the main crossing point is not the central port. Keramoti port is 42 km east of Kavala and serves the ferries to the island.
Kavala port
Departures to the islands leave from the central passenger port, “Apostolos Pavlos”. It is in the town itself, and you can even walk there from the centre. See the port details box below.
If you are heading for Lemnos and want to combine the trip with a visit to Kavala, stay a night in the town. The old town (Panagia quarter), Kavala Castle and the Imaret are all a short distance from the port. That also spares you an early start for the 06:00 departures.
Frequently asked questions
Where do ferries from Kavala go?
Kavala has connections to Lemnos, Lesbos (Mytilene), Chios, Samos, Ikaria and Agios Efstratios. Most sailings are operated by Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. Lemnos is the most frequent route, while the longer-distance destinations are usually served by overnight sailings.
How much is the ferry from Kavala to Lemnos?
As a guide, tickets start from around €16.50 with Blue Star, based on published 2026 fares. The final price depends on the departure, your accommodation type and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. Check current prices on the route page.
How long does the ferry from Kavala to Lemnos take?
On average 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on the vessel. The fastest departures take about 3 hours 15 minutes, while the slower sailings take up to 4 hours 15 minutes.
Is there a daily ferry from Kavala to Mytilene and Chios?
Not always. The Lesbos and Chios routes are run on Blue Star's chain route, on specific days of the week. As a guide, the trip to Mytilene takes about 8 hours and to Chios about 11. Check the day you want to travel.
Which port do ferries to Thasos leave from?
Thasos is served mainly from Keramoti port, about 42 km east of Kavala. Kavala's central passenger port serves the islands of the North-East Aegean. Confirm the departure port on your ticket.
When should I book a ferry from Kavala for the summer?
For July and August, booking 3–4 weeks ahead is safest, especially with a car or a cabin. Outside peak season, one to two weeks ahead is usually enough.
Can I walk from the centre of Kavala to the port?
Yes. The central passenger port is in the town and you can walk there from the centre. If you have luggage and a car, allow extra time for parking and boarding.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled because of bad weather?
The operator must inform you and offer you a change of date or a refund. In the event of a long delay or cancellation, your passenger rights under the law also apply. Keep your ticket and check with the operator.