Piraeus - Kalymnos: Ferry tickets and routes

Piraeus - Kalymnos ferry tickets and routes

The Piraeus - Kalymnos ferry route is a practical option for reaching the Dodecanese without changing vessels. Ferries depart from Piraeus and arrive at Pothia, the main port of Kalymnos.

The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with large conventional passenger and vehicle ferries. The ships have garages, numbered seats, cabins and food and drink facilities.

Passenger fares start at €45, while economy fares can reach €65. Car tickets range from €110 to €155.

Key information before booking

• Cheapest passenger ticket: €45
• Passenger fares: €45 - €65
• Car fares: €110 - €155
• Travel time: 10 - 13 hours
• Frequency: 5 departures per week
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Ships operating on the route: Blue Star Patmos, Blue Star 1
• Ferry type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferries
• Fastest option: crossings close to 10 hours
• Intermediate stops: vary by departure and may include islands in the Dodecanese
• Cars and motorcycles: Yes
• Vehicle garage: Yes
• Cabins: Yes
• Numbered seats: Yes
• E-ticket: Yes
• Web Check-in: Yes
• Departure gate at Piraeus: E1
• Arrival port: Pothia, Kalymnos
• Last updated: October 2026

The first and last departure times of the week are not fixed throughout the year. In the October schedule, departures can range from 12:00 to 18:00, while different times apply during other periods. Always select the ferry based on your actual travel date.

Which departure should you choose?

On this route, looking only at the lowest fare is not enough. Travel time matters more than it does on a short ferry crossing.

A sailing close to 10 hours is considerably more convenient than one lasting 13 hours. The difference mainly comes from the route followed by the ferry and the number of port calls before reaching Kalymnos.

If fares are similar, the faster crossing makes sense for passengers travelling without a vehicle. Families should also consider the arrival time. A more convenient arrival can be more useful than saving a small amount on the ticket.

Which ferries travel from Piraeus to Kalymnos?

The route is served by conventional vessels operated by Blue Star Ferries, with Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star 1 serving Dodecanese routes.

These are ships designed for longer ferry journeys. They are not high-speed vessels. Their advantage is the wider choice of accommodation and their ability to carry a large number of vehicles.

Passengers can select economy class, a numbered airplane-style seat or a cabin, subject to availability on the selected sailing.

Both ships have garages for cars and motorcycles.

Which gate do ferries to Kalymnos depart from?

Blue Star 1 and Blue Star Patmos services to the Dodecanese depart from Gate E1 at the port of Piraeus.

Piraeus is a large port, so arriving at the last minute is not recommended. Distances between different gates can add extra time before boarding.

Passengers travelling without a vehicle should be at the departure area at least 60 minutes before departure.

Those travelling with a car or motorcycle should allow additional time to enter the port and complete vehicle boarding.

The gate shown on your ticket and the electronic information boards at the port should always be checked again on the day of travel.

Intermediate stops can change the journey

Not every departure follows exactly the same itinerary.

Some ferries to Kalymnos call at other Dodecanese islands along the way. Services within this network can include stops at Patmos, Lipsi and Leros, while other departures may follow a different sequence of ports.

Kalymnos can also form part of a longer ferry route continuing towards Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi and Rhodes.

Passengers travelling to Kalymnos do not need to change vessels during these intermediate stops.

This is why the total travel time is more useful than simply comparing departure times.

Cabin or numbered seat?

The answer largely depends on the time of your journey.

For a daytime sailing, a numbered seat can be sufficient. You have a reserved place and keep the total cost lower than booking a cabin.

A cabin becomes more valuable when much of the journey takes place overnight. Interior and exterior cabins are available, along with different bed configurations.

For families with young children, a cabin provides privacy and somewhere to rest. It can also be useful for travellers who want to arrive in Kalymnos ready to begin their day.

Cabins are among the accommodation categories that can sell out earlier during busy travel periods.

Travelling to Kalymnos with a car

A car can be added to the same booking as the passengers.

Having your own vehicle can be particularly useful on Kalymnos. Pothia, Panormos, Massouri, Myrties, Emporios and many beaches are located in different parts of the island.

For a family or a longer stay, bringing your own car can make getting around easier.

For a short trip, compare the total return ferry fare for the vehicle with the cost of renting a car after arrival.

Garage availability requires more attention during the high season. Passenger tickets may still be available even when vehicle spaces have sold out.

Arriving at the port of Kalymnos

The ferry arrives at Pothia, the capital and main passenger port of Kalymnos.

This makes arrival straightforward because passengers disembark directly in the island's main town.

Around the port there are shops, places to eat, vehicle rental services and options for continuing your journey.

If your accommodation is in Myrties, Massouri, Kantouni or another area outside Pothia, arranging transport before arrival can be useful, especially when the ferry reaches the island late at night or early in the morning.

Discounts that can reduce the ticket price

Before selecting a standard adult fare, check whether you qualify for a reduced ticket.

Blue Star Ferries offers discounts for several passenger categories.

These can include:

• children up to 5 years old travelling free in economy class with a zero-fare ticket
• children aged 5 - 10 receiving a 50% discount
• students at Greek universities
• holders of an international ISIC student card
• families with three children
• large families
• passengers with disabilities and eligible accompanying persons
• permanent island residents with MAN
• members of the Armed Forces
• other special categories covered by the company's fare policy

ISIC cardholders can receive a 50% discount in eligible accommodation categories, excluding categories not covered by the offer conditions.

Check the available Blue Star Ferries discounts and offers and student ferry ticket discounts before completing the booking.

Passengers using a discounted fare should carry the required supporting document when boarding.

Onboard facilities for a long crossing

The journey to Kalymnos is long enough for onboard facilities to make a real difference.

The ships operating on the route provide food and drink options, indoor public areas, outdoor decks, numbered seating and cabins.

Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility are also available, while pets can travel under the company's transport rules.

When booking through booktickets.gr, check the accommodation categories available on the actual ship. Cabin and seating availability can differ between departures.

E-ticket and Web Check-in

Electronic tickets are supported on the route.

Blue Star Ferries Web Check-in is available from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure, allowing passengers to keep their boarding ticket on their smartphone.

This removes the need to collect a printed ticket from a port ticket office before boarding.

Save the e-ticket directly to your device so you can access it even if the internet connection at the port is poor.

What changes between high and low season?

The ferry connection to Kalymnos is not limited to the summer months.

What changes throughout the year is the timetable, the days and times of departure and demand for specific ticket categories.

During summer, earlier booking becomes more important if you are travelling with a car or want a specific cabin category. Vehicle spaces and cabins have more limited capacity than standard economy accommodation.

During the low season, check which days the ferry operates before confirming accommodation or other services on the island.

Kalymnos - Piraeus return ferry

For the return journey, travellers can use the Kalymnos - Piraeus route.

The connection is operated by Blue Star Ferries with 5 weekly departures, while the timetable changes during the year.

If you already know your return date, checking both journeys at the same time is useful. This is particularly important when you need a vehicle space or cabin.

Alternative ferry routes from Kalymnos

Kalymnos has several useful ferry connections for island hopping around the Dodecanese.

You can continue with:

• Kalymnos - Kos
• Kalymnos - Leros
• Kalymnos - Patmos
• Kalymnos - Rhodes

Find all the routes

Ferry connections from Kalymnos to other islands

For a short island-to-island journey, Kalymnos - Kos is one of the most convenient options, with a travel time of 35 - 45 minutes.

To the north, the Kalymnos - Leros crossing takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour.

The Kalymnos - Patmos connection can include an intermediate call at Leros, while travellers heading south can continue to Rhodes.

These connections make it possible to combine Kalymnos with another Dodecanese island without returning to Piraeus.

Useful travel tips

Do not choose the first available departure without comparing the total journey time. On this route, the difference can be several hours.

For an overnight crossing, check cabin availability before booking a numbered seat. This is particularly useful for families.

If you are travelling with a car, check vehicle availability for the return journey at the same time.

Complete Web Check-in when it becomes available and save the ticket on your smartphone.

When planning your arrival at Piraeus, allow time not only for the journey to the port but also for reaching Gate E1.

Before paying a full adult fare, check the available discounts. For a family booking, eligible reductions can make a noticeable difference to the total price.

Frequently asked questions FAQ

How much luggage can I take on the ferry?

Blue Star Ferries allows each passenger to carry up to 50 kg of luggage or a total volume of one cubic metre without an additional charge. Larger items should be placed in the designated luggage areas onboard.

Can I travel with a pet?

Yes. Pets must be included in the booking and travel with the required documentation. The ferries have designated pet areas, while pet-friendly cabins are available in specific categories.

Are there facilities for passengers with reduced mobility?

The large Blue Star Ferries vessels provide facilities for passengers with reduced mobility and specially designed accessible cabins. If specific assistance is required, it is best to request it when booking.

Can I change the travel date on my ticket?

A date change can be made when permitted by the fare conditions and when space is available on the new sailing. Any fare difference is calculated according to the new ticket.

Can I take an electric car on the ferry?

Yes, subject to the safety regulations covering alternative-fuel vehicles. Before travelling, check the current requirements regarding battery charge levels and the condition of the vehicle.

Can I continue from Kalymnos to another island on the same day?

On selected dates this is possible, but the arrival time and the next ferry departure should be checked carefully. Connections to Kos and Leros are particularly useful when planning an island-hopping itinerary.

In brief

The Piraeus - Kalymnos ferry is a long-distance route where the best choice is not determined by price alone.

Check the total travel time and intermediate stops first. Then choose between a seat and a cabin and, if travelling with a car, confirm garage availability for the return journey as well.

Departure from Gate E1 and arrival directly in Pothia make the route convenient for travellers who want to reach Kalymnos from Athens without changing ferries.

On booktickets.gr you can check available departures for your travel date, compare your options and book your ferry tickets online.

Content editing: booktickets.gr

Last updated: October 2026