Piraeus - Chalki ferry tickets and routes 2026

Piraeus - Chalki: Ferry tickets and schedules

The Piraeus - Chalki ferry route connects Attica with one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese. The crossing is operated by a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry of Blue Star Ferries and includes several intermediate stops.

The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €46.50, while the standard economy fare is listed from €59 on many departures. Transporting a standard car costs from €130.50, excluding the driver’s passenger ticket.

The journey takes from 17 hours and 40 minutes to 22 hours and 40 minutes. The difference is caused by the number and duration of the intermediate port calls. The fastest sailing avoids some of the longer stops.

The active summer schedule includes 2 weekly departures, leaving at 17:00. During other periods, departures may be available between 17:00 and 20:00, with a frequency of 2–5 days per week.

The route is mainly served by the Blue Star Chios. During other periods or following fleet changes, the Diagoras has also operated the connection. Both are conventional ferries with vehicle garages, cabins, numbered seats and electronic ticketing.

Key information before booking

• Cheapest available passenger ticket: €46.50
• Standard economy fare: from €59
• Standard car ticket: from €130.50
• Earliest departure in the active summer schedule: 17:00
• Latest departure in the active summer schedule: 17:00
• Departure-time range during other periods: 17:00–20:00
• Fastest journey: 17 hours and 40 minutes
• Longest journey: 22 hours and 40 minutes
• Current frequency: 2 departures per week
• Annual frequency: 2–5 days per week
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Ferries: Blue Star Chios and Diagoras
• Vessel type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferries
• Direct journey without changing ferries: yes
• Intermediate stops: yes
• Car transport: available
• Cabins: available
• Electronic ticket: available
• Departure gate: E1

Passengers should pay close attention to the total journey time and scheduled arrival. Two sailings departing at the same time can differ by 5 hours because they do not call at the same ports.

Ferry schedules from Piraeus to Chalki

Blue Star Ferries operates this connection throughout the year, but the route does not run every day. During the summer season, there are 2 weekly departures, often on Mondays and Fridays.

Available sailings include the following journey times:

• Departure at 17:00 with a journey of 17 hours and 40 minutes
• Departure at 17:00 with a journey of 22 hours and 40 minutes

The fastest ferry reaches Chalki at 10:40 the following morning. The longer crossing arrives at 15:40. None of the available sailings reaches the island on the same calendar day as departure.

During the low season, departures may be scheduled at 19:00 or 20:00. Travellers should check the exact time for their chosen date, as the route changes when intermediate ports are added or removed.

Which sailing is faster and which is cheaper

The fastest crossing takes 17 hours and 40 minutes. It is the more practical choice for passengers who want to spend less time onboard or are travelling with children.

The cheapest ticket is not always connected to the shortest journey. The lowest available fare of €46.50 applies to a specific economy category with limited availability. Once these tickets sell out, economy fares start at €59.

Choosing a sailing based only on price can result in a journey of 22 hours and 40 minutes, while another departure reaches Chalki 5 hours earlier.

Intermediate stops

The ferry does not travel non-stop. Passengers remain on the same vessel until Chalki, with no transfer required.

Depending on the sailing date, intermediate calls may include:

• Santorini
• Anafi
• Heraklion
• Sitia
• Kasos
• Karpathos
• Diafani

The longer crossing includes more calls in Crete and on the Kasos–Karpathos route. The fastest option omits certain stops or spends less time at the intermediate ports.

After Chalki, the ferry continues to Rhodes. Luggage remains in the area where it was placed during boarding unless the crew provides different instructions.

Passenger ticket prices

The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €46.50. The standard economy fare starts at €59 on departures where the lowest-priced category is unavailable.

Accommodation options include:

• Economy deck accommodation
• Numbered airline-style seat
• Inside cabin
• Outside cabin
• Accessible cabin for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabin

For a journey lasting more than 17 hours, a numbered seat provides a reserved place but no privacy. A cabin costs more, yet it covers a full night and a large part of the following day.

Families should compare the final price of four numbered seats with the cost of a four-berth cabin. The difference may be reduced once child or family discounts are applied.

Available seats, cabins and the final fare for the selected travel date can be checked through booktickets.gr.

Car ticket price

Transporting a standard car costs from €130.50 each way. This price does not include the driver’s passenger ticket.

The Blue Star Chios and the Diagoras have vehicle garages. They can carry cars, motorcycles and larger vehicles, provided space is available in the correct category.

Couples staying in Nimporio can reduce the total travel cost by leaving their car behind. Chalki is a small island, and the main settlement is easy to explore on foot.

A car is more useful for families carrying several bags, visitors staying away from the port or travellers who need to move around the island regularly. Garage availability should be checked for both the outbound and return journeys.

Ferries and onboard facilities

The Blue Star Chios is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry with cabins, numbered seats and a garage. Although its operating speed is higher than that of several other conventional ferries, the total journey remains long because of the intermediate port calls.

Facilities on the Blue Star Chios include:

• Café and bar
• Self-service restaurant
• Air-conditioned lounges
• Numbered airline-style seats
• Inside and outside cabins
• Accessible cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Wi-Fi for an additional charge
• Lift and escalators
• Open deck
• Pet accommodation area
• Vehicle garage

The Diagoras also offers cabins, numbered seats, a vehicle garage, café, self-service restaurant and à la carte restaurant. The ferry assigned to each departure is shown in the booking results.

There is no high-speed ferry on the Piraeus – Chalki route.

Departure from Piraeus port

The Blue Star Chios departs from the area around gate E1 at the port of Piraeus. The same port area serves routes to Santorini, Anafi, Crete, Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki and Rhodes.

The vessel’s berth may change for operational reasons. Passengers should check the gate displayed on their electronic ticket and the departure boards at the port.

Access from Athens is available by Metro, suburban railway, bus, taxi or private vehicle. Gate E1 is some distance from the Metro station, so additional time is required to travel through the port.

Passengers and vehicles must be at the boarding area at least 1 hour before departure. On busy travel dates, passengers taking a car should arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes earlier.

Arrival at Chalki port

The ferry arrives at Nimporio, Chalki’s main and only organised settlement. The port is next to accommodation, shops, restaurants and the island’s main services.

Arriving at 10:40 is more practical than arriving at 15:40, as it leaves more time for checking in and reaching the accommodation. There is no departure suitable for a same-day visit from Piraeus, since every sailing arrives the following day.

Passengers staying outside Nimporio should arrange transport with their accommodation before arrival.

Electronic ticket and Web Check-in

Electronic tickets are available for this route. Web Check-in can be completed from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure.

The ticket is saved on the passenger’s mobile phone and presented during boarding. A printed ticket does not need to be collected from the port office once Web Check-in has been completed correctly.

Passengers should carry:

• National identity card or passport
• Electronic ticket
• Supporting documents for any discount
• Vehicle registration document when travelling with a vehicle

Web Check-in Blue Star Ferries

A reservation through booktickets.gr allows travellers to select their seat, cabin and vehicle within the same booking process.

Passenger and vehicle discounts

The official discounts of Blue Star Ferries apply to eligible passengers travelling on Dodecanese routes:

• Children and infants under 5 travel free in economy accommodation, but a zero-fare ticket must still be issued. A 50% discount applies to numbered seats and cabins.
• Children aged 5 to 10 receive a 50% discount in all accommodation categories.
• Students attending eligible Greek universities, Merchant Marine academies and training institutions receive a 50% discount, excluding LUX cabins and VIP seats.
• Large families and families with three children receive a 50% discount on economy accommodation and numbered seats, as well as a 25% discount on cabins.
• Passengers with a certified disability level of 80% or higher receive a 50% discount.
• Cars belonging to eligible passengers with disabilities receive a 50% discount.
• ISIC cardholders receive a 50% discount on eligible accommodation categories.
• Permanent island residents can use the Transport Equivalent scheme with a valid Unique Islander Number.

Discounts cannot be combined. Only one discount applies to each ticket, and passengers must present the relevant supporting documents during boarding.

Differences between the high and low seasons

During the high season, the route maintains 2 weekly departures, while demand for cabins and garage spaces increases. Departures at 17:00 can have different arrival times depending on the intermediate stops.

In the low season, the route may be operated by a different ferry, leave as late as 20:00 or follow a different sequence of ports. Some months have more weekly calls, but the journey time is not the same for every departure.

Families should compare a four-berth cabin with the total cost of numbered seats. Travellers taking a car should check availability in both directions before completing either booking.

Return route from Chalki to Piraeus

The Chalki – Piraeus return route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, with 2–4 weekly departures depending on the period.

Passenger tickets start at €58, while a standard car costs from €130.50. The journey takes from 17 hours and 50 minutes to 22 hours and 50 minutes.

Summer departures include:

• Departure at 11:10 with a journey of 22 hours and 50 minutes
• Departure at 17:10 with a journey of 17 hours and 50 minutes

The fastest return sailing reaches Piraeus the following morning. A cabin is practical on both options because a significant part of the journey takes place overnight.

Alternative ferry routes

The most practical alternative combines the Piraeus – Rhodes and Rhodes - Chalki routes. The Rhodes - Chalki crossing takes from 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, with tickets starting at €8.

Travelling through Rhodes provides more departure-date options, but requires two separate bookings and sufficient time between arrival and departure.

A second option is the connection through Kos. The Kos - Chalki journey takes from 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes and is operated by ferries carrying both passengers and vehicles.

Find all the routes

Useful travel tips

• Select the 17-hour-and-40-minute crossing when journey time is your priority.
• Check the intermediate stops, not only the departure time.
• For a journey lasting more than 17 hours, compare a numbered seat with a cabin.
• Arrive at gate E1 at least 1 hour before departure.
• When travelling with a car, arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes earlier.
• Enter the vehicle’s dimensions and fuel type correctly.
• Complete Web Check-in no later than 2 hours before departure.
• Keep your identity document and discount certificates available.
• Check the return sailing before finalising the length of your stay.

Frequently asked questions FAQ

How much is a Piraeus – Chalki ferry ticket?

The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €46.50. The standard economy fare starts at €59 when the lower-priced category is unavailable.

How much is a car ticket?

A standard car ticket starts at €130.50. The driver’s passenger ticket must be purchased separately.

How long is the ferry journey?

The crossing takes from 17 hours and 40 minutes to 22 hours and 40 minutes.

Which is the fastest sailing?

The fastest journey takes 17 hours and 40 minutes and arrives in Chalki at 10:40 the following morning.

What time does the ferry depart?

Active summer sailings depart at 17:00. During other periods, departures may be scheduled as late as 20:00.

How many weekly departures are available?

There are 2 weekly departures during the summer season. Across the year, the frequency ranges from 2 to 5 days per week.

Which ferry company operates the route?

The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Which ferries travel to Chalki?

The active summer route is served by the Blue Star Chios. The Diagoras has also operated the connection during other periods.

Is there a high-speed ferry?

No. The route is served by conventional passenger and vehicle ferries.

Is this a direct route?

Passengers remain on the same ferry, but the vessel makes intermediate stops before arriving in Chalki.

Can I travel with a car?

Yes. The Blue Star Chios and the Diagoras have garages for cars and motorcycles.

Are cabins available?

Yes. Inside and outside cabins are available, along with accessible cabins and pet-friendly cabins.

Which gate does the ferry depart from?

The Blue Star Chios departs from the area around gate E1 at the port of Piraeus. The final berth should be confirmed on the ticket.

How early should I arrive at the port?

Passengers should be at the boarding area at least 1 hour before departure. Those travelling with a vehicle should arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes earlier.

Is an electronic ticket available?

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

Is a same-day trip possible?

No. Every sailing reaches Chalki the following day, and there is no return combination on the same calendar day.

In brief

The Piraeus - Chalki route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with conventional ferries and intermediate stops. The cheapest passenger ticket starts at €46.50, while a standard car costs from €130.50.

The fastest journey takes 17 hours and 40 minutes. The longest option reaches 22 hours and 40 minutes. A cabin is particularly useful on this route because the crossing includes an entire night onboard.

Content editing: booktickets.gr

Last updated: August 2026