Piraeus - Karlovasi ferry tickets from €59.50 | 2026

Piraeus - Karlovasi, Samos: Ferry tickets and ferry schedules

When planning the journey from Piraeus to Karlovasi, Samos, ticket price is not the only factor worth considering. The arrival time in Samos can affect transportation to your hotel, car rental collection and onward travel to other parts of the island.

The lowest available passenger fare starts from €59.50, while a car ticket is available from €125. The fastest crossing takes 8 hours and 20 minutes. Longer sailings can reach 9 hours and 45 minutes.

There are 12 departures in the current two-week period. The first ferry leaves at 07:15 and the last at 16:00. Morning sailings reach Karlovasi between 15:35 and 16:15, while the afternoon departure arrives after 01:00.

The route is served by Blue Star Ferries with Blue Star Myconos. This is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry with a garage, cabins, reserved seats, indoor lounges, restaurant, café and Wi-Fi. No high-speed ferry operates on this connection.

Passengers travel on a single ticket all the way to Karlovasi. There is no need to change ferries, although the route includes intermediate port calls. Before booking, check the final arrival time, garage availability and the seating or accommodation category you prefer.

Main route information

• Lowest passenger fare: from €59.50
• Car ferry ticket: from €125
• First departure: 07:15
• Last departure: 16:00
• Fastest crossing: 8 hours and 20 minutes
• Longest current crossing: 9 hours and 45 minutes
• Departures during the current two-week period: 12
• Standard frequency during the year: 3 - 5 sailings per week
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Ferry: Blue Star Myconos
• Vessel type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
• Ferry change required: no
• Intermediate stops: yes
• Car and motorcycle transportation: yes
• Cabins: available
• Electronic ticket: available
• Same-day arrival in Samos: yes, with morning departures

Morning or afternoon departure?

The 07:15 departure is the most practical option for passengers who want to reach Samos on the same day. Arrival times are 15:35, 15:55 or 16:15, with journey times ranging from 8 hours and 20 minutes to 9 hours.

The fastest option is the 07:15 - 15:35 sailing. It is useful for travelers planning to continue by road towards Vathy, Pythagoreio, Kokkari or the beaches of western Samos without having to travel at night.

With the 16:00 departure, arrival in Karlovasi is at 01:10 or 01:45 the following day. The journey takes 9 hours and 10 minutes or 9 hours and 45 minutes. This option leaves the morning free in Athens, but transportation from the port after midnight should be arranged in advance.

For families and travelers without a car, the morning departure is generally more convenient. Passengers who prefer to rest on board or cannot reach Piraeus early in the morning may find the afternoon sailing easier to manage.

Passenger ticket cost

The lowest available fare for one passenger starts from €59.50 in economy class without a reserved seat. Availability at this price is not the same on every travel date.

For two adults, the basic one-way cost starts from €119. A family with two adults should first calculate the total passenger fare and then add any cabin, reserved seating or vehicle costs.

Airplane-type reserved seats provide an assigned seat in an air-conditioned lounge. They are useful for daytime travel when passengers want a guaranteed seat without paying for a cabin.

A cabin increases the total cost but provides a bed, privacy and a separate place to rest. On the 16:00 sailing, which reaches Karlovasi after 01:00, a cabin can be more worthwhile than on a morning departure.

How much does a passenger with a car pay?

The fare for a standard passenger car starts from €125. Two adults traveling with one car need a total budget starting from €244, before adding a cabin or another seating upgrade.

During booking, the vehicle type and dimensions must be entered correctly. High vehicles, motorhomes, trailers and commercial vehicles are charged under different categories. The same applies when a roof rack or roof box increases the total vehicle height.

Taking a car can be particularly useful when accommodation is located outside Karlovasi, when carrying a lot of luggage or when planning to visit several areas of Samos. Road distances on the island can be substantial, and several beaches are not directly served by frequent public transport.

For a stay limited to Karlovasi or accommodation that provides transfers, compare the ferry vehicle fare with the cost of renting a car on the island. This can help avoid paying for vehicle transportation as well as waiting during loading and disembarkation.

Which gate does the ferry depart from?

Ferries to Samos depart from the Gate E2 area at the port of Piraeus. E2 serves routes towards Chios, Mytilene, Ikaria and Samos. The final gate is shown on the ticket and should be checked again on the day of travel because vessel berths can change.

Distances inside Piraeus port are significant. Passengers arriving by metro or suburban railway should also allow enough time to travel from the station to the correct gate.

Foot passengers should aim to be at the port 1 hour before departure. Travelers with a car or motorcycle should arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for the vehicle loading process.

For the 07:15 ferry, a foot passenger should be at the gate by 06:15. When traveling with a car, arriving by 05:45 provides enough time for ticket checks and garage boarding.

Intermediate stops before Karlovasi

The route is considered direct in booking terms because passengers do not change ferries. It is not, however, a non-stop sea crossing.

Blue Star Myconos may call at Syros, Mykonos, Evdilos in Ikaria and Fourni before reaching Karlovasi. The exact sequence of intermediate ports is not identical on every departure.

These additional port calls affect journey time. A sailing with shorter stops at intermediate ports can be completed in 8 hours and 20 minutes, while a longer itinerary can take 9 hours and 45 minutes.

Passengers traveling to Karlovasi remain on board during all intermediate calls. On sailings arriving late at night, it is useful to follow the onboard announcements so that you are ready to disembark when the ferry reaches Samos.

Blue Star Myconos in practice

Blue Star Myconos is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries. It can carry 1,915 passengers, has 104 berths and provides 430 linear metres of vehicle garage capacity.

Onboard facilities include:

• Different cabin categories
• Cabins for passengers traveling with pets
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Reserved airplane-type seats
• Air-conditioned lounges
• Self service restaurant
• Café and bar
• Open deck
• Wi-Fi service
• Shop
• Elevator and escalators
• Designated pet accommodation
• Garage for cars and motorcycles

Access to the vehicle garage is not permitted after departure. Medicines, documents, chargers, clothing needed during the crossing and anything required for children should therefore remain in hand luggage.

Arrival at Karlovasi port

The ferry arrives at the new port of Karlovasi on the northwestern side of Samos. There are no numbered gates similar to those at Piraeus. Passengers disembark at the main passenger quay.

Karlovasi is a practical arrival point for western and northern Samos. Potami, Marathokampos, Ormos Marathokampou and Kontakeika are easier to reach from here than from Vathy.

The road journey to Vathy takes close to 1 hour, while reaching Pythagoreio requires more time. Passengers arriving at 01:10 or 01:45 should arrange a taxi, late-night rental car collection or a hotel transfer before traveling.

Arrivals between 15:35 and 16:15 are easier to manage. There is time to collect a vehicle, buy essential items and continue to the accommodation before nightfall.

What works better for families

For a family traveling without a car, the morning 07:15 sailing reduces complications after arrival. The ferry reaches Samos in the afternoon, avoiding the need for transportation from the port late at night.

A reserved seat costs less than a cabin and guarantees a specific place during the journey. A cabin becomes more useful on the afternoon sailing, particularly for families traveling with young children or elderly passengers.

Traveling with a car adds €125 to the starting cost, but the family can move around the island independently after arrival. For longer stays with frequent excursions, bringing a private vehicle can reduce spending on taxis or car rental.

Discounts and special fares

Discounts are selected during booking and are valid only when the passenger carries the required supporting document.

• Children and infants up to 4 years old travel free of charge in economy class. A 50% discount applies to a reserved seat or cabin berth.
• Children aged 5 to 10 are entitled to a 50% discount.
• Students at Greek universities and eligible maritime academies receive a 50% discount when presenting a valid academic identification card.
• Large families and families with three children are entitled to a 50% discount in economy class and reserved seats. A 25% discount applies to cabins and distinguished class under the company's fare conditions.
• Passengers with a certified disability level of 80% or higher receive a 50% discount. In specific cases, the benefit also covers a companion or specially adapted vehicle.
• Permanent island residents can use their Unique Islander Number for the Transport Equivalent scheme.

Two different discounts cannot be combined on the same ticket. Passengers should select the category that gives them the greatest reduction.

A Hotel & Ferry offer with a 30% discount may also apply to travel to Samos until the end of the specified promotional period, provided proof of at least four overnight stays is presented. The offer covers passengers, cars and motorcycles but excludes Super and Special Economy categories.

What changes after the summer period

More departures are operated during periods of increased demand. The current two-week period includes 12 sailings, with daily service during its first part and fewer options after the middle of the month.

During the low season, the basic frequency falls to 3 sailings per week. In spring and summer, it can increase to 5 departures per week, while daily service can also be available on peak dates.

Departure times change as well. Morning sailings at 07:15 are replaced during some weeks by afternoon departures at 15:00 or 16:00. Arrival then moves to after midnight.

The low season can provide better cabin and garage availability but less flexibility when choosing travel dates. Strong winds can also lead to changes in departure times or intermediate port calls.

Electronic ticket and check-in

Bookings can be completed online through booktickets.gr. Passengers select the travel date, seat, cabin, vehicle and any discount they are entitled to.

Electronic check-in opens 48 hours before departure and remains available until 2 hours before sailing. The e-ticket can be stored on a mobile phone or received by email. An identity card or passport is required during boarding.

Using an electronic ticket does not change the required arrival time at the port. Passenger checks, luggage handling and vehicle loading still require travelers to arrive at the gate early.

Find all the routes

Return ferry Karlovasi - Piraeus

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

Passenger fares start from €60 and car tickets from €125. The fastest return crossing takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, while the longest current journey reaches 9 hours and 35 minutes.

Departures range from 04:00 to 18:10. Afternoon sailings arrive in Piraeus after 01:00, while the 04:00 morning departure arrives at 12:50.

Booking both directions together through booktickets.gr makes it easier to arrange cabin and garage availability for both journeys.

Alternative ferry routes

The main alternative is the Piraeus - Vathy route. Passenger tickets start from €59.50, cars from €125, and travel time ranges from 9 to 11 hours. The road journey from Vathy to Karlovasi takes close to 1 hour.

A second option is to book two separate ferry tickets: Piraeus - Mykonos followed by Mykonos - Karlovasi. The first journey takes from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours and 50 minutes, while the second requires 4 hours and 20 minutes.

When connecting in Mykonos, allow a generous amount of time between ferries. The two tickets are separate reservations, so a delay to the first ferry does not guarantee transfer to the next sailing.

Useful tips before traveling

• Choose the 07:15 departure if you want to reach Samos on the same day.
• For arrivals after 01:00, arrange a taxi or pickup before leaving Piraeus.
• Check Gate E2 and the exact ferry berth again on the day of departure.
• Enter the correct dimensions of your vehicle during booking.
• Keep medicines, documents and chargers in your hand luggage.
• Do not leave anything you will need during the crossing inside the vehicle.
• Choose a reserved seat for a daytime crossing and consider a cabin when arriving at night.
• Carry the original supporting document for any discount.
• Recheck the departure time before traveling to the port.
• If traveling with a pet, include it in the reservation and carry the required documents.

Frequently asked questions FAQ

How much is the Piraeus - Karlovasi ferry ticket?

The lowest available passenger ticket starts from €59.50 in economy class.

How much is a car ferry ticket?

Transportation of a standard passenger car starts from €125.

How long does the ferry journey take?

Travel time ranges from 8 hours and 20 minutes to 9 hours and 45 minutes.

Which is the fastest ferry?

The fastest sailing departs at 07:15 and arrives at 15:35, after 8 hours and 20 minutes.

What are the first and last departure times?

The first departure is at 07:15 and the last departure is at 16:00.

How many ferry services operate?

There are 12 departures during the current two-week period. The standard annual frequency is 3 - 5 sailings per week.

Which company operates the route?

The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Which ferry travels to Karlovasi?

The route is operated by the conventional passenger and vehicle ferry Blue Star Myconos.

Is the ferry direct?

Yes. Passengers travel on the same ferry with one ticket. Intermediate port calls are made without requiring a change of vessel.

Which stops does the ferry make?

The itinerary can include Syros, Mykonos, Evdilos in Ikaria and Fourni.

Can I take a car on the ferry?

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

Are cabins available?

Yes. Different cabin types are available, including accessible cabins and cabins for passengers traveling with pets.

Which gate does the ferry depart from?

Ferries to Samos depart from the Gate E2 area in Piraeus. The final berth is shown on the ticket.

How early should I arrive at the port?

Foot passengers should arrive 1 hour before departure. Travelers with a vehicle should arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure.

Which departure is suitable for same-day arrival?

The 07:15 sailing reaches Karlovasi between 15:35 and 16:15 on the same day.

Is an electronic ticket available?

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

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

Board the ferry without waiting at the port to collect a printed ticket by selecting the blue Web Check-in button in the booking email between 48 hours and 2 hours before departure.

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

In brief

The Piraeus - Karlovasi, Samos route is served by Blue Star Myconos of Blue Star Ferries. Passenger tickets start from €59.50 and car transportation from €125.

The fastest journey takes 8 hours and 20 minutes, while the longest current crossing is 9 hours and 45 minutes. Morning departures allow passengers to reach Samos on the same day. The ferry provides a vehicle garage, cabins, reserved seats, food service areas and electronic tickets.

Content editing: booktickets.gr

Last update: September 2026