Mykonos - Samos ferry tickets from €18.50 | 2026

Mykonos - Samos: Ferry tickets and ferry schedules

The ferry route from Mykonos to Samos connects the Cyclades with the Eastern Aegean and gives passengers the option of arriving at Karlovasi or Vathy. Before booking, it is worth checking which of the two ports is more convenient for your final destination on the island.

The main details of the route are:

• Passenger ferry ticket from €18.50
• Car ferry ticket from €71
• First departure in the current schedule: 11:55
• Last departure: 21:20
• Fastest crossing: 3 hours and 40 minutes
• Longest journey to Vathy: 5 hours and 40 minutes
• Frequency: 3 - 7 departures per week
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Ferry: Blue Star Myconos
• Vessel type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
• Main arrival port: Karlovasi
• Services also operate to: Vathy
• Intermediate stops: Evdilos in Ikaria and Fourni on several sailings
• Car and motorcycle transportation: Yes
• Cabins: Yes
• Electronic ticket: Yes
• Web Check-in: Yes

Frequency is not the same throughout the year. During periods with more sailings, Karlovasi can be served as often as daily, while services to Vathy are less frequent.

Ferry tickets Mykonos - Samos

Karlovasi offers the lowest basic passenger fare and the shortest travel time on this route. Vathy lies farther east, so passengers remain on board longer as the ferry continues beyond Karlovasi.

The arrival port should not be selected on ticket price alone. If your accommodation or final destination is in eastern Samos, arriving at Vathy can significantly reduce the road journey after leaving the ferry. For Karlovasi, Marathokampos and destinations in northwestern Samos, disembarking at Karlovasi is generally more practical.

Through booktickets.gr, you can check available departures, select your arrival port and add a car or motorcycle to the same reservation.

Karlovasi or Vathy - which port should I choose

Samos has two main ferry ports served by Blue Star Ferries.

Karlovasi is located on the northwestern side of the island. On several sailings from Mykonos, it is the first port of call in Samos.

Vathy is on the northeastern side of the island and is more convenient for Samos Town and many destinations in the eastern part of the island.

For passengers without a vehicle, the location of the accommodation is especially important. The two ports are a considerable distance apart, and choosing the wrong one can add substantial travel time after leaving the ferry.

How long is the Mykonos - Samos ferry trip

Travel time mainly depends on the arrival port and the intermediate calls included in the ferry schedule.

Karlovasi provides the shortest crossing from Mykonos. Passengers continuing to Vathy stay on board for longer.

Blue Star Myconos operates services that can include stops at Evdilos in Ikaria and Fourni before reaching Samos. There is no need to change ferries. Passengers remain on the same vessel until the port stated on their ticket.

This makes a difference when comparing the direct ferry with alternatives that require separate reservations or a connection on another island.

Which ferry travels from Mykonos to Samos

The main connection is operated by Blue Star Myconos of Blue Star Ferries.

It is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry measuring 141 metres in length and capable of carrying up to 1,915 passengers. It also provides passenger berths and garage space for vehicles.

A conventional ferry can be a useful choice for travelers taking a car, passengers who prefer a cabin or anyone who wants access to more indoor areas during the journey.

On board there are lounge areas, numbered seats, food and drink facilities and accommodation options. Availability for each category can be checked during the booking process.

Taking a car from Mykonos to Samos

Cars can be transported on the route because Blue Star Myconos has a vehicle garage. Motorcycles and other accepted vehicle categories can also be booked.

For travelers planning to explore different parts of Samos, having a car provides greater flexibility after arrival. Distances between towns, beaches and the island's two main ports can be significant.

A private vehicle can also make the trip easier for families carrying several pieces of luggage.

Garage capacity is limited. During busy travel periods, it is better to include the vehicle when making the original reservation rather than adding it later.

Which option offers better value

For a passenger traveling without a vehicle, Karlovasi is the most attractive option when the priority is a shorter journey and the lowest available fare.

It is not always the best arrival port, however. Travelers continuing to Samos Town or destinations on the eastern side of the island should also consider Vathy.

For a family traveling with a car, the total journey to the accommodation matters more. Spending a little longer on the ferry may be worthwhile if it significantly reduces the amount of driving after disembarkation.

Ferry ticket discounts

Blue Star Ferries offers reduced fares for specific passenger categories on routes serving the Cyclades and the North Aegean.

For children and infants, free or reduced ferry tickets are available based on age and the selected accommodation or seating category.

Students can use the student discounts available on eligible routes, provided they carry the required student identification or supporting document.

Large families and families with three children may also qualify for reduced fares in the categories covered by the company's fare policy.

Passengers must carry the document that confirms their eligibility for the discount, as it may be requested before or during boarding.

Departure from the port of Mykonos

Boarding takes place at the New Port of Mykonos in Tourlos.

There is no single numbered gate permanently assigned to this route for every departure. The exact berth of the ferry should be checked at the port on the day of travel.

Tourlos is located north of Mykonos Town and is connected with the center by buses, taxis and other local transport services.

Foot passengers should aim to arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Travelers with a car should allow additional time for vehicle queues and loading into the garage.

Which departures are better for arrival on the same day

Midday departures are more practical for travelers who want to reach Samos within the same calendar day.

Evening sailings can arrive on the island after midnight. This needs to be considered when arranging a transfer from the port, collecting a rental car or checking in at accommodation.

The decision should not be based only on journey length. Arrival time can be more important in practical terms, especially for passengers traveling without their own vehicle.

Cabins and facilities on board

Blue Star Myconos has cabins with a total of 104 berths. Different seating options are also available for passengers who do not need a cabin.

For a daytime crossing, a numbered seat may be sufficient. On evening services, a cabin can provide greater comfort, particularly for families, older passengers or travelers with young children.

Food and drink options, passenger lounges and other services are available on board for the duration of the crossing.

Electronic ticket and Web Check-in

Blue Star Ferries supports Web Check-in and electronic ferry tickets.

Web Check-in becomes available 48 hours before departure and remains open until 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.

After completing the process, passengers can keep their e-ticket on a mobile phone or tablet and present it when boarding together with the required identification document.

This reduces the need to collect a printed ticket from a port agency before departure.

Through booktickets.gr, you can complete the reservation online and keep the main details of your journey in the booking confirmation email.

How do I complete Web Check-in for direct boarding?

Passengers can now board without waiting at the port to collect a printed ticket by completing Web Check-in.

The process is available through the email received with the booking from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure.

You can also use the official Web Check-in Blue Star Ferries service.

Arrival at Karlovasi

Karlovasi port is located in northwestern Samos. It is particularly convenient for passengers traveling to Karlovasi, Potami, Marathokampos and destinations on the western side of the island.

The area is connected by road with the rest of Samos, and passengers can continue from the port by private car, taxi or other local transport.

Travelers staying in eastern Samos should allow additional driving time after arrival.

Arrival at Vathy

Vathy serves Samos Town and the eastern side of the island.

This port can be a practical choice for passengers staying in the capital or continuing towards destinations such as Kokkari, Pythagoreio and other areas in eastern Samos.

Because the ferry continues after Karlovasi, the total journey takes longer. The advantage is that travelers heading east may save a considerable amount of driving after leaving the ferry.

What changes between high and low season

The frequency of the route changes during the year.

During periods of higher demand, there are more options for Karlovasi. At other times, fewer departure days are available. Vathy is not served as frequently as Karlovasi.

Departure times also change within the timetable. For this reason, searching the specific travel date is more useful than relying on a fixed weekly schedule.

Return ferry Samos - Mykonos

The return journey from Samos to Mykonos can be made from Karlovasi and, on selected days, from Vathy.

The ferry follows the reverse route towards the Cyclades, making calls at other Aegean islands before reaching Mykonos.

If you are traveling with a car or during a period of high demand, it is useful to arrange both the outbound and return journeys together to secure garage availability.

Alternative routes to Samos

If there is no suitable direct departure from Mykonos, a connection via Ikaria can be considered. Another option is a much longer journey through Piraeus.

Traveling through Piraeus requires returning to Attica and taking a second ferry to Samos, which adds considerably to the total journey time.

For travelers already staying in the Cyclades, the direct ferry from Mykonos remains the simpler option whenever a suitable sailing is available.

Find all the routes

Useful tips

Check whether your ticket states Karlovasi or Vathy before completing the booking. The two ports are located in different parts of Samos.

If you are traveling with a car, reserve the garage space at the same time as the passenger tickets.

For an evening or late-night arrival, arrange transportation from the port to your accommodation in advance.

Save the e-ticket on your phone before reaching Tourlos and do not rely entirely on mobile internet access at the port.

During periods of strong winds, allow extra time before arranging any onward transportation after arrival.

Frequently asked questions FAQ

Which port in Samos does the ferry arrive at?

Ferry services can operate to both Karlovasi and Vathy. The exact arrival port is shown during the booking process and on the ferry ticket.

Which company operates the Mykonos - Samos ferry route?

The main ferry connection is operated by Blue Star Ferries with Blue Star Myconos.

Is the Mykonos - Samos ferry direct?

Yes, in the sense that passengers do not need to change ferries. The vessel can make intermediate calls at other Aegean islands before reaching Samos.

Can I take a car to Samos?

Yes. Blue Star Myconos is a passenger and vehicle ferry with garage space for cars and motorcycles.

Are cabins available on the ferry?

Yes. The ferry offers cabins, passenger berths and different seating categories. Availability can be checked when making the reservation.

How early should I arrive at the port of Mykonos?

Foot passengers should arrive at least 1 hour before departure. Travelers with a vehicle should allow more time for the loading procedure.

Which Samos port is better for a family traveling with a car?

The best option depends on where the family is staying. Karlovasi is more convenient for destinations on the western side of the island, while Vathy reduces driving time for many places in eastern Samos.

In brief

The Mykonos - Samos ferry route directly connects two different island regions of the Aegean without requiring passengers to return to mainland Greece. Karlovasi provides the fastest and lowest-cost option, while Vathy can be more convenient for travelers heading to the eastern side of Samos.

Blue Star Myconos carries both passengers and vehicles, has cabins and supports electronic tickets. For travelers taking a car, the main points to consider are garage availability and choosing the correct arrival port.

Bookings can be completed online through booktickets.gr, including vehicles and any available passenger discounts.

Content editing: booktickets.gr

Last update: September 2026