Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos (Pigadia)

Blue Star Ferries connect Piraeus with Karpathos using the Blue Star Chios, a long passage of between about thirteen and a half and nineteen hours depending on the calls made. The route runs southeast through the Cyclades and often takes in Crete and Kasos along the way. This is a full-sized car ferry with cabins, and on a crossing this length you will want one.

Ferries arrive at Pigadia, also called Karpathos Town, on the east coast. The island is large, mountainous and rugged, and noticeably less developed than Rhodes or Kos. People come for the scenery and the beaches, Kyra Panagia and Apella among the best known, for hiking, and for the traditional culture that survives most strongly in the mountain village of Olympos in the north.

Sailings run a few times a fortnight and are seasonal, with fares starting around €59. The current timetable and prices are shown in the table below. Karpathos also has an airport with domestic flights, which is the faster option if the ferry timings do not suit.

Weekly Piraeus to Karpathos Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 13 November 2026 to 10 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Piraeus.

Piraeus to Karpathos Ferry Fares

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Karpathos?

Yes, with desks in Pigadia near the port. It's worth it if you're staying several days: the drive north to Olympos, about 58km, runs along narrow, winding cliff roads that can turn genuinely windy, and buses only cover the main routes. For a short stay, buses and boat trips to the beaches are enough. Compare hire options at Discover Cars.

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 Karpathos between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Karpathos ferry

• Piraeus port is large, with departure gates E1 to E12 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.
• Once you arrive in Karpathos, you'll find an unspoiled island with an extensive network of around 50 hiking routes crossing rugged mountains and remote villages. The northern village of Olympos, perched on a clifftop ridge, is one of the most striking traditional settlements in the Dodecanese.

Plan a journey

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