Ferry from Kalymnos (Pothia) to Athens (Piraeus)

Kalymnos to Piraeus is the long trunk route back to Athens, worked by Blue Star Ferries with the Blue Star 2 and Blue Star Patmos. The crossing takes around eleven to eleven and a half hours depending on the calls made along the way, and most departures are timed to run overnight. Fares start around €60, with cabins available on the longer sailings.

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, a few kilometres southwest of the city centre, and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe. It is a sprawling place with numbered gates from E1 to E12, so check which gate you are arriving at before working out your onward move. The metro terminus connects directly to central Athens, and the harbour area has the archaeological museum and the Mikrolimano marina nearby.

Sailings run most days across the season, so there is usually something running within a day of when you want to travel. The current timetable and fares are shown in the tables below. From Piraeus you can connect onward to the Cyclades, Crete and the Saronic islands, or take the metro straight into the city.

Kalymnos to Piraeus Ferry Fares

Weekly Kalymnos to Piraeus Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Piraeus?

Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Kalymnos to Piraeus between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kalymnos to Piraeus ferry

• Most ferries have a small play area or supervised children's zone on larger vessels; ask crew on boarding if you are travelling with very young children.
• Never put valuables (passport, wallet, phone, camera, medication) in your main luggage – keep them in your day bag on your person at all times.
• Ferries from Piraeus depart from the main port of Athens, giving easy access to the Acropolis, the world-class Acropolis Museum, and the ancient Agora. The historic Plaka neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis hill, with its neoclassical lanes, Roman ruins, and traditional tavernas, is the most atmospheric place to spend time before or after your crossing.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.