Planning a Greek island getaway looks simple on a map. Pick an island, find a ferry and book your ticket. But with hundreds of islands and different ferry operators, it’s not always obvious which approach is the best way to book ferries in Greece.
You can research routes and book ferries independently, but a AAA Travel Agent can simplify the process by looking at your full itinerary and helping you choose your options. An advisor can help match ferries to your schedule and organize the details of island hopping, so you spend less time sorting through logistics and more time enjoying the beaches.
How to Book Ferries in Greece
Start your plan by thinking about your entire trip rather than a single boat ride. Your route and travel dates play a big role in choosing the right ferry, as do the islands you plan to visit. Planning upfront helps you avoid tight connections or schedules that don’t fit your vacation.
Once you have a general idea of your route, the next step is to find the right ferry options and book your tickets.
1. Use a Booking Site or Advisor
For travelers booking ferries independently, ferry comparison websites can help compare routes and ferry companies. They can help you see what options are available and book ferry tickets directly, which can be ideal for straightforward trips between popular islands.
But ferry tickets are only one part of a vacation to Greece. The logistics stress can add up quickly and become time-consuming, especially if you’re visiting multiple islands.
Before you book, make sure each piece of your itinerary works together:
- Ferry departure and island arrival schedules
- Hotel check-in and checkout timing
- Airport or port transfers
- Activities or tours planned
A AAA Travel Agent can help you organize those details and find Greek island packages that bundle everything, guiding you through key parts of your trip.
Your approach to booking depends on your travel style. If you enjoy researching routes and building your own itinerary, booking sites can be a helpful tool. If you want support coordinating a more complex trip, a travel advisor can help simplify the process.
2. Time Your Booking
When you book your ferry affects both availability and your choice of departure times. Many routes run frequently and the most popular sailings fill up well before departure during the busiest travel seasons.
If you’re visiting Greece in July or August, it’s a good idea to book your ferry two to three months in advance. Early booking becomes even more important if you’re renting a car or reserving a cabin. Vehicle spots and cabins are limited on each sailing, so they fill up before standard seats do.
Travel during the shoulder season in May, June, September and October is more flexible. Many routes still have frequent service and travelers with open schedules typically have a wider choice of departure times.
Outside the main travel season, from late fall through early spring, ferry schedules become more limited on many routes. Check schedules early since some services run less often or operate only a few days each week.
3. Choose the Right Type of Ferry
Both a conventional and a high-speed ferry will get you to the islands, but the experiences are different.
Conventional ferries are all about enjoying the journey. They’re slower but offer more space to move around and a smoother ride when the sea is rough. They’re a comfortable choice if you’re not in a hurry or if you enjoy spending time on the water. For families with young kids or seniors, this is often the better option.
High-speed ferries shorten travel times, making them a popular option for island hopping or shorter vacations. The trade-off is that the ride can feel bumpier in windy conditions and passengers usually have less room to walk around.
4. Pick Your Seat Class
Most Greek ferries offer several seating options. The best choice for you depends on your budget and how long you’ll be on board.
Deck or economy seating is the most affordable option. You’ll have access to indoor and outdoor common areas, but seats are generally first-come, first-served. This works well for shorter routes or for travelers who don’t mind standing for part of the trip.
Air seats are reserved indoor seats, similar to airline seating. They give you an assigned place to sit in a climate-controlled cabin, making them a popular choice for longer daytime crossings.
For added comfort, many ferries also offer business or VIP seating, which includes more legroom and quieter lounges. On overnight routes, you can also book a private cabin, giving you a place to sleep and store your belongings before arriving at your next island.
5. Confirm and Save Your E-Ticket
Double-check your booking details and download your e-ticket to your phone before travel day. Many ferry operators accept mobile tickets, though some may require passengers to check in before boarding or exchange their confirmation for a boarding pass.
It’s also a good idea to save a copy of your ticket offline or print it before you leave. Cell service and Wi-Fi can be unreliable in some ports, so having your ticket readily available makes boarding easier.
Planning each Greek island ferry on your own isn’t the only option. Some trips bundle many details into a single booking, making travel between destinations much simpler.
The Easiest Options for a Hassle-Free Day Trip
Travelers looking for the simplest way to visit the Greek islands may prefer a package that includes ferry tickets and a private vehicle transfer. With fewer bookings to manage, it’s easier to keep your day on schedule and spend more time exploring.
Many of these bundles include private transfers, where a dedicated driver takes you directly between your hotel, the ferry port or other planned stops.
VIP Fast Ferry to Santorini with Private Transfer
For travelers who want a smoother way to reach Santorini, this experience combines a VIP ferry ticket with private transportation to the port. Instead of arranging a taxi or navigating public transportation to Piraeus Port, a driver picks the group up and takes them directly to their ferry.
The package includes a VIP seat on the upper deck of the fast ferry, plus an English-speaking driver who can share local tips and recommendations along the way.
Hydra Day Trip by Ferry from Athens with Transfers
A visit to Hydra makes it possible to experience island life without planning an overnight stay. This day trip includes ferry tickets and transportation to and from Piraeus Port, helping simplify the journey from Athens.
The ferry ride takes less than two hours and you’ll have about five hours on the island to explore at your own pace. This excursion doesn’t include a guide, so you’ll have the flexibility to create your own day.
Stroll through Hydra Town, known for its stone-paved streets and waterfront views or take time to enjoy the local shops and cafés before heading back to Athens.
The Best Ways to Book Ferries for Island Hopping
An island-hopping adventure is one of the best ways to experience Greece. Each island has its own personality, from lively waterfront towns to quiet beaches. But moving between multiple islands takes more planning than a single ferry ride.
The key is finding an itinerary that connects those experiences in a way that works. Preplanned island-hopping vacation bundles can handle route planning for you.
Greek Island Hopper
Experience some of the most beautiful Greek islands in one itinerary, from the ancient landmarks of Athens to the island landscapes of Mykonos and Santorini. This 11-day guided journey combines island time and planned transportation, including the connections needed to move between destinations.
The trip starts in Athens, with a local guide leading visits to ancient sites such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. From there, you’ll travel by high-speed boat to Mykonos, where you’ll have three days to explore beaches, cafés and the winding streets of Chora. The journey continues to Santorini, with time to visit the ancient site of Akrotiri and enjoy the island’s famous views.
A tour manager handles the major details along the way, making this trip a good fit for anyone who wants to experience multiple Greek islands without researching each ferry route and connection separately.
4 Nights in the Greek Islands
This self-guided island-hopping itinerary offers a shorter way to experience Greece beyond Athens. Over five days, you’ll visit Syros, Mykonos and Santorini, traveling between islands by ferry or catamaran while having the freedom to explore each destination on your own.
Syros presents quieter island life, with neoclassical mansions and a more local feel. Mykonos brings a livelier atmosphere with seaside cafés and its famous whitewashed streets. Santorini finishes the journey with dramatic views and volcanic landscapes.
With hotel accommodations, ferry transportation and breakfast included, the package arranges the main pieces of the trip ahead of time while still leaving room to explore at your own pace. This option works well for visitors who enjoy independent travel but want the major island connections planned for them.
Exploring Greece and Its Islands
Ancient ruins and coastal villages come together in this 16-day guided journey through Greece. The itinerary blends time in Athens with a deeper look at the country’s history and traditions before ending with stays in Mykonos and Santorini.
Along the way, local guides bring Greece’s past to life through visits to famous landmarks and cultural experiences. You’ll learn about regional traditions and enjoy hands-on experiences, including a Mediterranean cooking class and a visit to a local farm.
The island portion of the trip adds a different pace, with time to take in the Aegean views and visit the ancient settlement of Akrotiri. The itinerary already includes ferry travel between destinations, so you don’t need to plan each connection separately. Travelers who want to pair ancient history with island time will get the most out of this itinerary.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Ferry Day
Preparation can make ferry travel in Greece much more comfortable. Here are a few tips to make sure your ferry day goes well.
- Arrive early, especially in summer. Aim to be at the port at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Larger ports can be busy, so finding your terminal may take extra time.
- Check your ferry status before leaving. Ferry schedules can change due to weather or operational updates. Use your ferry operator’s app to check for delays before heading to the port.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater. Even during warm summer months, outdoor deck areas can get windy during the crossing.
- Plan ahead if you get seasick. An indoor seat can provide a more comfortable ride, especially on longer routes or rougher days.
- Leave room in your itinerary for changes. Weather conditions can occasionally delay or cancel sailings. If your trip includes several islands, building in some flexibility helps avoid stress if plans shift.
FAQs
How to save money on Greek ferries?
The easiest way to save money on Greek ferries is to plan your route before you book. Ferry prices vary by destination and ferry type. Conventional ferries are often less expensive than high-speed ferries, though the trip usually takes longer.
If you’re traveling during May, June, September or October, you may also find lower fares and more availability than during the peak summer season. Comparing a few different travel dates can make a noticeable difference.
For longer vacations with multiple island stops, compare the cost of booking each ferry separately with a package that includes ferry transportation as part of the itinerary.
Should you prebook ferries in Greece?
In most cases, yes, especially if you’re traveling during July and August or have a set island-hopping schedule. Popular routes and tickets for cars or private cabins can sell out well before your travel date. Booking a couple of months ahead helps you secure your preferred departure time and makes it easier to plan hotels and tours.
Do Greek ferries sell out quickly?
They can, especially during the summer travel season. Routes between popular destinations like Athens, Mykonos and Santorini see the highest demand and the earliest or most convenient departures fill first.
What happens if my ferry is delayed or canceled?
Most delays and cancellations are due to weather, particularly strong winds in the Aegean Sea. Ferry operators will notify passengers of schedule changes and provide information about the next available sailing or any available rebooking options.
Start Your Greek Island Adventure With AAA
Whether it leads to a quiet island village or a famous sunset in Santorini, your first ferry ride is one of the best parts of a Greek getaway. The best way to book ferries in Greece is to choose an approach that fits your travel plans and helps everything come together smoothly.
If you’d rather leave the ferry logistics to someone else, AAA Membership includes access to travel agents and resources that can help build your schedule. Browse AAA’s Greece tours and vacations to compare itineraries and travel options for your next adventure.