Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Kalymnos (Pothia)

Blue Star Ferries link Piraeus with Kalymnos using the Blue Star 2 and the Blue Star Patmos, a crossing of between about eight and a half and eleven hours depending on the calls made en route. Most departures run overnight, working down through Patmos, Lipsi and Leros before reaching Pothia. These are big car ferries with cabins, so you can sleep through most of it and arrive ready to go.

Kalymnos is the sponge-diving island, and Pothia, the port and capital on the south coast, still shows it in the workshops and shops near the harbour. It is rugged and traditional, noticeably less touristy than Kos next door. Climbers come for the limestone walls above Massouri, which have made Kalymnos an internationally known destination, while the west coast beaches stay comparatively quiet.

The route runs several times a week year-round and more often in summer, with fares starting around €60. The current timetable and fares are shown below. From Pothia there are frequent short hops to Kos and Mastichari, plus local boats to Pserimos and Telendos.

Piraeus to Kalymnos Ferry Fares

Weekly Piraeus to Kalymnos 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 Piraeus to Kalymnos between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry

• Piraeus port is large, with departure gates E1 to E10 spread along the waterfront – allow extra time to find yours, as it can be a 15–20 minute walk from the metro station, and check the gate number printed on your ticket.
• Ferries to the Saronic islands – Aegina, Hydra and the nearby islands – depart from Gate E8, while Cyclades sailings (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) leave from gates in the E6–E10 range, so double-check your specific gate on arrival.
• Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Piraeus station, then use the free shuttle bus that circulates around the port roughly every 10–15 minutes, linking the metro to all gates – useful if your ferry departs from a distant terminal such as E2 or E3.
• There is no parking inside the port itself, so if you are driving, use one of the private car parks nearby rather than looking for a space at the gate; ticket booths at each gate can print e-tickets if you have not already.
• In Kalymnos, world-class rock climbing routes in the island's limestone cliffs have made it a magnet for climbers from across Europe, while the sheltered pebbly beach of Vlychadia and other coastal spots offer superb swimming. The island also has a deep tradition as a sponge-diving centre, which still shapes its culture today.

Plan a journey

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