Karlovasi, Samos - Piraeus ferry tickets from €51

Karlovasi, Samos - Piraeus ferry tickets and routes

The ferry route from Karlovasi in Samos to Piraeus connects the western side of the island with mainland Greece. The lowest published passenger fare starts at €51, while a standard economy ticket starts at €60. Car tickets begin at €125.

The fastest crossing takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, while longer sailings can reach 9 hours and 35 minutes. Departures in the current timetable range from 04:00 to 18:10.

The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with Blue Star Myconos, a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry. The ship offers a garage, cabins, numbered aircraft-style seats, indoor lounges, food outlets and outdoor deck areas.

Passengers travel on one ferry without changing vessels. The sailing may include calls at Fourni, Evdilos, Mykonos and Syros before reaching Piraeus. Afternoon departures arrive late at night or after midnight, so onward transport in Athens should be arranged before booking.

Karlovasi - Piraeus route overview

• Lowest published passenger fare: €51
• Standard economy fare: from €60
• Car ticket: from €125
• Earliest departure: 04:00
• Latest departure: 18:10
• Fastest crossing: 7 hours and 30 minutes
• Longest current crossing: 9 hours and 35 minutes
• Total departures: 12 sailings within 14 days
• Weekly frequency: 6 sailings
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Vessel: Blue Star Myconos
• Ferry type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
• Change of ferry: no
• Intermediate stops: yes
• Car and motorcycle transport: available
• Cabins: available
• Electronic ticket: available
• Same-day arrival on the mainland: available on selected sailings
• Same-day return to Samos: not practical

Which departure time works best

The shortest published sailing departs Karlovasi at 18:10 and reaches Piraeus at 01:40. The journey takes 7 hours and 30 minutes. This option reduces time at sea, but passengers arrive after midnight.

Another afternoon sailing leaves at 16:45 and arrives at 01:15, with a total duration of 8 hours and 30 minutes. A departure at 17:00 reaches the mainland at 01:05, after 8 hours and 5 minutes.

Later in the season, the timetable includes different combinations:

• 04:00 - 12:50, duration 8 hours and 50 minutes
• 13:40 - 23:15, duration 9 hours and 35 minutes
• 15:20 - 00:50, duration 9 hours and 30 minutes

The 04:00 departure is demanding at the start of the trip, yet it offers a useful daytime arrival. Passengers can continue towards central Athens, the airport or the intercity bus stations without relying on overnight transport.

The 13:40 sailing reaches Piraeus before midnight. It is suitable for travellers with accommodation near the port or a prearranged transfer.

Passenger ticket prices

The lowest published economy fare starts at €51. Standard economy tickets available through booktickets.gr start at €60. The lower price may be linked to a limited promotional fare and may not be offered on every sailing.

For two adults, the standard economy cost starts at €120. If two promotional tickets at €51 are available, the combined fare begins at €102.

Economy deck accommodation is the least expensive option. Aircraft-style seats provide an assigned seat in an indoor lounge. Cabins cost more but are worth considering on afternoon and overnight sailings, especially when arrival is scheduled after 01:00.

Car tickets and total travel cost

A standard car ticket starts at €125. Two adults travelling with one car should calculate a starting total of €245, based on two standard economy tickets and the vehicle fare.

Vehicle pricing is affected by the category entered during booking. The reservation must include the correct length and height, as well as any roof box, trailer, camper or commercial vehicle classification.

Taking a car is practical for passengers who plan to continue outside Athens or carry several pieces of luggage. Families may also avoid the added cost of taxis and vehicle hire after arrival. For a short stay in central Athens, travelling without a car can be less expensive.

Blue Star Myconos has a vehicle garage for cars and motorcycles. Garage capacity can sell out before passenger seating, particularly on busy summer dates.

Departure from the port of Karlovasi

The ferry departs from the new port of Karlovasi, at the town's central passenger quay. Karlovasi does not use numbered gates in the same way as Piraeus. The correct boarding point is identified by the ship, the company signs and instructions from port personnel.

Foot passengers should be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Travellers with a car or motorcycle should arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes before sailing.

For a 16:45 departure, foot passengers should reach the quay by 15:45. Drivers should aim to be there by 15:15. The 04:00 sailing requires more planning because local transport and port services are limited during the night.

Cafes, shops and waiting areas are available close to the port. Before early-morning departures, passengers should carry water, a snack and anything needed before boarding.

Intermediate stops without changing ferry

The Karlovasi - Piraeus connection is booked as one continuous journey. Passengers do not change ferry and do not need a second ticket.

The route may include calls at:

• Fourni
• Evdilos
• Mykonos
• Syros

The number and length of these port calls explain why one sailing takes 7 hours and 30 minutes while another reaches 9 hours and 35 minutes.

During intermediate stops, passengers travelling to Piraeus remain on board. Announcements should still be followed carefully, particularly when the ship reaches ports late at night.

Arrival in Piraeus after midnight

Blue Star Myconos serves routes from Samos, Ikaria, Mykonos and Syros and is associated with Gate E7 at the port of Piraeus. Gate assignments can change, so the information shown on the ticket and the port announcements takes priority.

Arrivals at 01:05, 01:15 or 01:40 take place after the regular metro service has ended. Travellers should arrange a taxi, private pickup or hotel with late check-in.

The arrival at 12:50 offers the easiest connection with public transport towards central Athens, the airport and the intercity bus stations. The 23:15 arrival leaves less time for public transport connections.

Drivers should allow extra time to leave the garage. Vehicle unloading begins after the ship is secured and foot passengers start disembarking.

Blue Star Myconos facilities

Blue Star Myconos is a conventional ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries. It is designed for long island crossings and carries both passengers and vehicles.

Facilities include:

• Economy deck accommodation
• Numbered aircraft-style seats
• Internal and external cabins
• Cabins with different berth arrangements
• Air-conditioned lounges
• Cafes and food outlets
• Outdoor deck spaces
• Designated areas for pets
• Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
• Garage for cars and motorcycles

Passengers cannot access the vehicle garage while the ferry is sailing. Medication, identification documents, chargers, valuables and items needed by children should remain in hand luggage.

What is practical for families

Families should examine the departure and arrival times together rather than focusing only on the ticket price.

The 16:45 sailing allows a comfortable afternoon arrival at Karlovasi port, but it reaches Piraeus at 01:15. A cabin can make the crossing easier for families travelling with young children.

The 04:00 sailing requires a night-time boarding process, though arrival at 12:50 avoids a transfer in Athens after midnight.

A car offers more flexibility for luggage and onward travel. The family should still compare the €125 vehicle fare with the cost of taxis, parking and car hire at the destination.

Discounts for passengers

Discounts must be selected during booking, and the required supporting document must be shown when boarding.

• Children and infants under five years old travel free in economy accommodation. A 50% discount applies to a numbered seat or cabin berth.
• Children aged five to ten receive a 50% discount.
• Students at Greek universities, Merchant Marine Academies and KESEN receive a 50% discount. The reduction does not apply to LUX accommodation.
• Large families and families with three children receive a 50% discount on economy and numbered seats, plus a 25% discount on cabins and business-class accommodation.
• Passengers with a certified disability of 80% or higher receive a 50% discount. The reduction may also cover an eligible companion and an adapted vehicle.

Only one discount can be applied to each ticket. Passengers who qualify for more than one category should select the one offering the greater reduction.

Differences between the high and low season

During the peak travel period, the route is served daily or on most days of the week. The current two-week timetable includes 12 departures, covering all seven days across the fortnight.

After the summer peak, frequency is reduced. Afternoon sailings at 16:45, 17:00 and 18:10 are gradually replaced by departures at 04:00, 13:40 and 15:20. The longest crossing then reaches 9 hours and 35 minutes.

During the low season, the route may operate three times per week. Cabin and garage availability can be easier to secure, but travellers have fewer departure dates to choose from. Strong winds may also lead to changes in sailing times or intermediate port calls.

Electronic ticket and web check-in

Tickets can be booked through booktickets.gr. The booking process includes passenger details, seat or cabin selection, vehicle information and any applicable discount.

Online check-in is available from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure. The electronic ticket can be stored on a mobile phone or sent by email. A valid identity card or passport must also be presented when requested.

Completing web check-in does not reduce the recommended arrival time at the port. Vehicle boarding and baggage handling still require passengers to be present early.

Find all the routes

Return route from Piraeus to Karlovasi

The return journey from Piraeus to Karlovasi, Samos is also operated by Blue Star Ferries with Blue Star Myconos.

Passenger fares start at €60, while car tickets begin at €125. The current timetable includes 12 sailings within 14 days, equal to 6 departures per week.

The earliest departure from Piraeus is at 07:15, while the latest leaves at 16:00. Crossing times range from 8 hours and 20 minutes to 9 hours and 45 minutes.

Morning departures at 07:15 reach Karlovasi between 15:35 and 16:15. The 16:00 sailing arrives at 01:10 or 01:45 on the following day.

Booking both directions together through booktickets.gr makes it easier to coordinate cabin and garage availability on each leg.

Alternative routes to Piraeus

Passengers staying closer to eastern Samos can compare the Vathy, Samos - Piraeus ferry route. Passenger fares start at €51, car tickets at €125, and travel times range from 8 hours and 30 minutes to 12 hours and 25 minutes. The road journey between western and eastern Samos must be added to the total travel time.

Another option uses two separate tickets: Karlovasi to Mykonos and Mykonos to Piraeus. This itinerary requires a generous connection window. Separate bookings do not provide protection if the first ferry is delayed and the second departure is missed.

Useful travel tips

• Compare the arrival time in Piraeus, not only the crossing duration.
• Choose the 04:00 sailing if daytime arrival is more important than convenient boarding.
• Arrange overnight transport before selecting an arrival after 01:00.
• Enter the exact vehicle dimensions during booking.
• Keep medicines, documents, chargers and valuables outside the vehicle.
• Select a cabin for greater privacy on late and overnight sailings.
• Carry the original document required for any discount.
• Check the final gate information before travelling to the port.
• Allow extra boarding time when travelling with a car, motorcycle or several bags.
• Recheck the departure time on the day of travel, especially during periods of strong winds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a Karlovasi - Piraeus passenger ticket cost?

The lowest published fare starts at €51. A standard economy ticket starts at €60.

How much does a car ticket cost?

A standard car ticket starts at €125.

How long is the ferry journey?

The crossing lasts from 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours and 35 minutes.

Which is the fastest sailing?

The fastest ferry departs at 18:10 and arrives at 01:40, completing the journey in 7 hours and 30 minutes.

What are the earliest and latest departures?

The earliest departure is at 04:00, and the latest is at 18:10.

How many departures are available?

The current timetable includes 12 sailings within 14 days, equal to 6 departures per week.

Which company operates the route?

The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Which ferry serves Karlovasi - Piraeus?

The vessel serving the route is Blue Star Myconos.

Is the journey direct?

Passengers travel on one ferry without changing vessels. The sailing may stop at Fourni, Evdilos, Mykonos and Syros.

Can I take a car?

Yes. Blue Star Myconos has a garage for cars and motorcycles.

Are cabins available?

Yes. The ship offers internal and external cabins with different berth arrangements.

Which departures reach Piraeus on the same calendar day?

The 04:00 - 12:50 and 13:40 - 23:15 sailings arrive on the same calendar day.

Which gate does the ferry use in Karlovasi?

The ferry departs from the central passenger quay at the new port of Karlovasi. The port does not use fixed numbered gates.

Is an electronic ticket available?

Yes. Web check-in is available from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure.

At a glance

The Karlovasi, Samos - Piraeus ferry route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with Blue Star Myconos. Passenger tickets start at €51, standard economy fares at €60, and car tickets at €125.

The fastest crossing takes 7 hours and 30 minutes. Current departure times range from 04:00 to 18:10, with 12 sailings within 14 days. The ship carries vehicles, offers cabins and supports electronic tickets.

Tickets, departure times, accommodation options and vehicle availability can be checked through booktickets.gr.

Content editing: booktickets.gr

Last updated: September 2026