Lemnos - Piraeus : Ferry tickets and routes

Lemnos - Piraeus ferry tickets and schedules

The Lemnos - Piraeus ferry connection is useful for passengers travelling from the northern Aegean to Athens, but it requires careful planning. Direct sailings to Piraeus do not operate every day, the crossing is long, and the ferry normally calls at several intermediate ports.

Ferries depart from the port of Myrina in Lemnos and arrive at the main passenger port of Piraeus. The standard direct sailings usually take approximately 20 hours 50 minutes to 21 hours 50 minutes. Depending on the season, shorter crossings, a different itinerary or additional options to other ports in Attica may also become available.

Standard passenger tickets generally start at around €72. On certain dates or in different seat categories, fares may be closer to €85 or €90. The final price depends on the vessel, accommodation type, cabin selection, passenger category and availability at the time of booking.

How long is the ferry from Lemnos to Piraeus?

The most common duration of the direct Lemnos - Piraeus crossing is approximately 21 to 22 hours. An indicative July timetable shows a departure from Myrina at 10:25 and an arrival in Piraeus at 08:10 the following morning, resulting in a total journey time of 21 hours 45 minutes.

The long duration is not caused by distance alone. The ship follows a multi-port route and calls at several northern and eastern Aegean islands before continuing towards the Cyclades and Piraeus.

At certain times of the year, journey times of around 17 hours 20 minutes may appear, as well as seasonal services taking approximately 11 hours. These faster options should not be considered permanent year-round connections. Passengers should always check the duration displayed for their chosen sailing.

Why does the crossing time vary?

The total journey time depends on:

1. The number of intermediate port calls.
2. The order in which the ports are served.
3. The vessel operating the route.
4. Seasonal timetable changes.
5. Weather-related or operational adjustments.

Two ferries travelling to the same final destination may therefore have considerably different journey times.

How much are Lemnos - Piraeus ferry tickets?

A standard passenger ticket normally starts at around €72. On sailings with limited availability, a different seating category or a different fare structure, the price may exceed €85 and reach approximately €90.

There is no single fixed price for every departure. When comparing tickets, passengers should check:

1. Standard deck or economy accommodation.
2. Reserved airline-style seats.
3. Inside and outside cabins.
4. Single or double occupancy cabins.
5. Available passenger discounts.
6. Vehicle transportation charges.

On such a long crossing, the lowest fare is not always the most practical choice. A reserved seat or a cabin berth can make a substantial difference, particularly when most of the trip takes place overnight.

How much does it cost to take a car?

The indicative fare for a standard passenger car is approximately €120 to €125, excluding the tickets of the passengers travelling inside the vehicle.

The final vehicle fare depends on:

1. The length and height of the vehicle.
2. The vehicle category.
3. The departure date.
4. Garage availability.
5. Promotional or commercial discounts.

Comparative fare data for routes between Lemnos and the ports of Athens place the indicative average vehicle fare at around €124. This should be treated as a reference price and not as a guaranteed fare for every sailing.

Motorcycles are normally cheaper, while vans, motorhomes and high vehicles cost more. Accurate vehicle dimensions must be entered during booking because they affect both the price and the space allocated in the garage.

How often do ferries operate?

The frequency of the Lemnos - Piraeus service changes considerably throughout the year. The main direct route normally has at least one sailing per week, while two or more weekly options may be available during certain periods.

During the summer, some weeks show one specific Hellenic Seaways or Blue Star Ferries departure. Broader seasonal schedules may include one or several weekly connections, depending on the month.

Passengers should not assume that a ferry will operate every day. The limited frequency is particularly important when:

1. The passenger is continuing to another part of Greece.
2. A vehicle is being transported.
3. A specific cabin category is required.
4. The trip takes place during a high-demand period.

Which ferry companies operate the route?

The main Lemnos - Piraeus service is operated primarily by Blue Star Ferries or Hellenic Seaways, both members of the Attica Group. During certain seasonal periods, additional or shorter sailings may be offered by another operator, such as Fast Ferries.

The company and vessel should not be regarded as fixed for every departure. Timetables may change because of maintenance, vessel substitutions, weather conditions or operational modifications to the route.

Which ferry serves Lemnos - Piraeus?

One of the main vessels used on northern Aegean routes is Blue Star Myconos. It is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry with airline-style seats, cabins, accessible facilities, pet cabins and a vehicle garage.

The vessel has an official passenger capacity of up to 1,915 people and includes facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

The vessel assigned to each departure is displayed in the search results before booking. Checking it is important because accommodation categories and onboard services can differ.

Is the ferry direct?

The sailing is described as direct because passengers board in Lemnos and disembark in Piraeus without changing vessels. It does not mean that the ship travels non-stop.

Depending on the timetable, intermediate calls may include:

1. Mytilene.
2. Chios.
3. Vathy or Karlovasi in Samos.
4. Fourni.
5. Evdilos in Ikaria.
6. Mykonos.
7. Syros.

The exact number and order of port calls change between departures. The service forms part of a wider route connecting Piraeus, the Cyclades, Ikaria, Samos, Chios, Lesvos, Lemnos and ports in northern Greece.

These calls explain the long journey time. They also offer a practical advantage: passengers remain on the same ferry and do not need to carry their luggage between ships or manage a connecting sailing.

Which port does the ferry leave from in Lemnos?

Ferries depart from the port of Myrina, on the western side of Lemnos. The port is located within the island’s capital and is easily accessible from local accommodation, shops and restaurants.

Foot passengers should normally arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Passengers travelling with a car, motorcycle or larger vehicle should arrive earlier and follow the instructions issued by the ferry company.

Early arrival is particularly important because the port may be handling passengers, vehicles and freight at the same time.

Where does the ferry arrive in Athens?

The ferry arrives at the port of Piraeus. The exact arrival gate can change and should be confirmed through the ferry company or the announcements at the port.

For the reverse Piraeus - Lemnos journey, Blue Star Ferries usually refers to gate E7 as the departure area. Passengers should always recheck this information before travelling because operational changes may occur.

Piraeus is connected to central Athens by metro, suburban railway, buses and taxis. Passengers continuing to Athens International Airport should leave a generous time margin, as the ferry’s arrival may be affected by weather or delays at previous ports.

Is a cabin worth booking?

For a journey lasting more than 20 hours, a cabin is a practical travel choice rather than a minor luxury. It provides a place to sleep, more privacy for luggage and access to a private bathroom, depending on the cabin category.

Available options normally include:

1. Inside cabins without a window.
2. Outside cabins with a window.
3. Two-, three- and four-berth cabins.
4. Individual berths in shared cabins, where offered.
5. Accessible cabins for passengers with reduced mobility.
6. Pet-friendly cabins.

Passengers who do not book a cabin can travel in economy accommodation or reserve an airline-style seat. For an overnight crossing, a reserved seat is generally more comfortable than standard deck accommodation.

Onboard facilities

Conventional ferries serving the route normally have air-conditioned lounges, seating areas, cafés or bars, food service points and open decks. The exact facilities depend on the vessel.

Blue Star Myconos includes airline-style seating, cabins, wheelchair storage areas, accessible passenger spaces and pet accommodation.

Useful items for the crossing include:

1. A light jacket for air-conditioned areas.
2. A phone charger and power bank.
3. Any regularly required medication.
4. Basic toiletries.
5. Water and a light snack.
6. Overnight essentials in a separate hand-luggage bag.

Once the vehicle has been parked in the garage, access is normally restricted during the crossing. All necessary items should be removed from the car before passengers leave the garage.

Discounts and special offers

Passenger discounts are applied according to the ferry company’s conditions and the traveller’s eligibility. Reduced fares may be available for:

1. Infants and children.
2. Students at Greek universities.
3. ISIC cardholders, where accepted.
4. Large or three-child families.
5. Passengers with disabilities and their assistants.
6. Members of the Greek Armed Forces.
7. Retired members of the Seamen’s Pension Fund.
8. Permanent island residents using the Transport Equivalent scheme.

The correct discount must be selected during booking, and valid supporting documentation must be presented at check-in or boarding. If the passenger cannot prove eligibility, the difference from the full fare may be charged.

Commercial promotions may apply to return bookings, vehicles, cabins or members of a loyalty programme. They are not necessarily available on every departure and often have limited availability.

Return ferry from Piraeus to Lemnos

The return journey from Piraeus to Lemnos follows a similar multi-port route and normally takes approximately 21 to 23 hours. The route is generally served one to three times per week, depending on the season, and standard passenger fares start at around €72.

It is advisable to book the return journey together with the outbound ticket, especially when travelling with a vehicle or requiring a cabin. The limited frequency does not always provide a practical alternative on the following day.

Alternative routes from Lemnos to Athens

The main alternative is the Lemnos - Lavrio ferry. Lavrio is located in eastern Attica, and the crossing is considerably shorter than the journey to Piraeus.

The Lemnos - Lavrio service operates throughout the year, with up to four weekly sailings. The journey generally takes between 8 hours 40 minutes and 12 hours 50 minutes, while passenger tickets start at approximately €23.

Lavrio is usually the better option when reducing time at sea is the main priority. However, passengers must also calculate the road transfer from Lavrio to Athens or Piraeus.

Other possible alternatives include:

1. Lemnos - Kavala followed by a road or bus journey.
2. Lemnos - Thessaloniki when a direct sailing is available.
3. A domestic flight from Lemnos Airport to Athens.
4. A connection through Mytilene or another island, provided there is a safe transfer time.

Separate tickets issued by different ferry companies do not always form a protected connection. If the first ferry is delayed, the passenger may lose the second departure.

Useful booking and travel advice

Book early when travelling in July, August, during Easter or on a public-holiday weekend. Vehicle spaces and cabins normally sell out before standard economy accommodation.

Check whether the arrival is scheduled for the same or the following calendar day. A crossing of more than 20 hours means that the arrival date will be different from the departure date.

Do not arrange a flight or an important appointment immediately after the scheduled arrival in Piraeus. Leave a sufficient time margin.

Confirm the departure time on the day before travelling. Multi-port services are more likely to be affected by delays accumulated at previous ports.

When travelling with a vehicle, verify that the registration number, category and dimensions have been entered correctly.

Passengers travelling with a pet should include it in the reservation and carry the animal’s valid health booklet or passport, as well as a lead and muzzle where required.

Frequently asked questions about Lemnos - Piraeus ferries

Is there a daily ferry from Lemnos to Piraeus?

No. The direct connection does not normally operate every day. One or more weekly departures may be available depending on the season.

How long does the direct ferry take?

The standard journey normally takes approximately 20 hours 50 minutes to 21 hours 50 minutes. Some departures may be shorter or longer.

How much is a passenger ticket?

Basic passenger fares normally start at around €72. Depending on the date and seating category, prices may reach approximately €85 or €90.

Can I take my car on the ferry?

Yes. The conventional passenger and vehicle ferries serving the route have garages for cars, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Are cabins available?

Yes. Inside and outside cabins, as well as several berth configurations, are normally available depending on the vessel.

Does the ferry travel non-stop?

No. The route is direct because no change of vessel is required, but several intermediate port calls are normally included.

What is the fastest alternative route to Attica?

The Lemnos - Lavrio service is usually considerably shorter and may take as little as approximately 8 hours 40 minutes.

Do I need to print my ticket?

When electronic tickets or web check-in are supported, passengers can normally board using the ticket displayed on a mobile phone. The exact instructions are included in the booking confirmation.

How early should I arrive at the port?

Arrive at least one hour before departure as a foot passenger and earlier when travelling with a vehicle or during a busy travel period.

Secure payment and contact information

Ferry bookings through booktickets.gr are completed through a secure payment environment. Before confirming the transaction, passengers should carefully check the names, travel date, route, accommodation category and vehicle details.

After payment has been completed, the booking information and instructions for ticket collection or electronic ticket issuance are sent to the contact details entered during the reservation.

For changes, cancellations, passenger-detail corrections or assistance with a booking, customers can contact the booktickets.gr customer support team using the contact information displayed on the website and in the booking confirmation.

Changes and cancellations are handled according to the commercial policy of the ferry company and the conditions of the selected fare.