Thessaloniki - Samos | Ferry tickets and schedules

Thessaloniki - Samos: Two arrival ports served by the same ferry

Travelling from Thessaloniki to Samos involves an important choice: the same ferry serves two different ports on the island. Vathy is located on the eastern side, while Karlovasi mainly serves western and northwestern Samos.

Blue Star Ferries operates this connection with the Blue Star Myconos, allowing passengers to reach the island without changing ferries in Piraeus.

Choosing the right arrival port can save considerable travel time after disembarkation. Before booking your ticket on booktickets.gr, check which port is closer to your accommodation or final destination.

How much does the ferry journey to Samos cost?

Ferry ticket prices differ between the island's two arrival ports.

1. Thessaloniki - Karlovasi: adult passenger ticket in economy class from €41.
2. Thessaloniki - Vathy: adult passenger ticket in economy class from €41.50.
3. Thessaloniki - Karlovasi: private car transportation from €112.50.

For car transportation to Vathy, the final fare should be checked when searching for the specific departure.

The vehicle ticket does not include the driver's passenger fare. If more people are travelling, their passenger tickets must be added separately.

Choosing a numbered seat or cabin affects the total booking cost. Eligible discounts are applied during the booking process when the relevant conditions are met.

Departure and arrival times at both ports

The Blue Star Myconos departs from Thessaloniki for Samos, with an overnight journey.

For regular weekly departures:

1. Departure from Thessaloniki on Saturday at 21:30.
2. Arrival at Vathy on Sunday at 13:40.
3. Arrival at Karlovasi on Sunday at 14:50.

During the holiday period from 27 December to 3 January, different departure times are scheduled:

1. Departure from Thessaloniki on Sunday at 18:00.
2. Arrival at Vathy on Monday at 09:50.
3. Arrival at Karlovasi on Monday at 11:00.

These times refer to the specified operating periods. Before purchasing tickets, check your chosen travel date, as ferry schedules may change.

Which port in Samos is best for your destination?

Choosing between Vathy and Karlovasi is not just a matter of journey duration. It also affects your onward transportation after arrival.

Vathy is suitable for travellers heading to Samos Town, the eastern part of the island and areas such as Pythagoreio.

Karlovasi serves western Samos, the University of the Aegean area, Potami and settlements along the northwestern coastline.

If someone is collecting you from the port, confirm the exact arrival location with them. The two ports are not situated in the same town.

Which islands does the Blue Star Myconos connect?

The sea route passes through three islands before reaching Samos.

The sequence of port calls is:

1. Myrina, Lemnos.
2. Mytilene, Lesvos.
3. Chios.
4. Vathy, Samos.
5. Karlovasi, Samos.

Passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the journey.

The ferry calls at Vathy before arriving at Karlovasi. It is therefore important to select the correct arrival port when booking your ticket.

This connection is also useful for residents of Northern Greece travelling to islands in the northeastern Aegean.

Cabin or numbered seat for the overnight journey?

The long journey makes choosing the right accommodation category an important part of travel planning.

On the Blue Star Myconos, passengers can consider the following options:

1. Economy seating for travellers looking for a lower-cost ticket.
2. Numbered seats for passengers who prefer an assigned place in an indoor lounge.
3. Cabins for rest and greater privacy during the overnight crossing.

A cabin is a practical choice for families with children, older passengers and travellers planning to drive after disembarkation.

If you want a particular cabin category, it is better to select it when making your initial reservation rather than waiting until you board.

Where does the ferry depart from in Thessaloniki?

Boarding takes place at the passenger port of Thessaloniki, close to the city centre and the Ladadika district.

Address: Port of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54625, Greece.

Port of Thessaloniki - Google Maps

The port can be reached by taxi, private car or available public transportation.

Passengers travelling with a vehicle should follow the ferry company's instructions regarding arrival at the port and access to the vehicle garage.

The departure quay should be confirmed before travelling.

Getting around after arriving in Samos

Vathy is located next to Samos Town, where visitors will find services, shops, restaurants and accommodation options.

Address: Port of Vathy, Samos 83100, Greece.

Port of Vathy - Google Maps

Karlovasi is an important commercial and urban centre in western Samos, providing access to beaches and mountain villages.

Address: Port of Karlovasi, Karlovasi 83200, Samos, Greece.

Port of Karlovasi - Google Maps

From either port, you can continue by taxi, private car or local bus, provided a suitable service is available.

If you are travelling without a car, arrange your onward transportation before departure, particularly when travelling with children or carrying several pieces of luggage.

Why take your car to Samos?

Samos has beaches, villages and mountain routes spread across different parts of the island.

With your own car, you can plan visits to Kokkari, Pythagoreio, Manolates and the beaches of western Samos without relying on local bus schedules.

The Blue Star Myconos has a vehicle garage for cars and motorcycles.

During booking, you must declare the vehicle category and provide the required information. For cars fitted with roof boxes or external equipment, the vehicle's overall dimensions must be taken into account.

Vehicle boarding and disembarkation take place under the crew's instructions.

Ferry ticket discounts worth checking

Before completing your reservation, check whether you qualify for a reduced fare.

The available discount categories to consider include:

1. Discounts for children and infants.
2. Student ferry ticket discounts.
3. Discounts for large families and families with three children, where applicable.
4. Reduced fares for passengers with disabilities, subject to the ferry company's conditions.

To receive a discount, passengers must select the appropriate category and provide the required supporting documents.

You can also explore return ferry ticket offers and offers for passengers travelling with a car, provided they apply to your booking.

Booking Thessaloniki - Samos ferry tickets online

On booktickets.gr, you can organise your journey by selecting the arrival port in Samos that best suits your travel plans.

1. Select Thessaloniki as your departure port.
2. Choose Vathy or Karlovasi as your arrival port.
3. Select your travel date.
4. Check the available departure.
5. Enter the number of passengers.
6. Choose your seating category or cabin.
7. Add a car or motorcycle if required.
8. Apply any discounts you are entitled to.
9. Review the total price and complete your payment.

For your return journey, carefully select the port from which you wish to depart Samos. It does not have to be the same port where you arrived, provided a suitable ferry connection is available on your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions about the Thessaloniki - Samos ferry

Can I disembark at a different port from the one shown on my ticket?

Your ticket is issued for a specific arrival port. If you wish to change from Vathy to Karlovasi or vice versa, contact your ticket provider before travelling to check whether a modification is possible.

Do I need to complete Web Check-in?

Blue Star Ferries supports online check-in for eligible bookings. Check the instructions provided with your booking confirmation.

Can I travel with a pet?

Pets are permitted under Blue Star Ferries' transportation regulations. The animal must be declared during booking and have the necessary documentation.

What if I need assistance during boarding?

Passengers with reduced mobility should inform the ferry company in advance so that the necessary assistance can be arranged.

How will I be informed if my departure changes?

If a departure is modified because of weather conditions or other operational circumstances, contact the ferry company or your ticket provider to find out about available booking changes or refunds.

Content editing and review: booktickets.gr