Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Vathy (Samos)

Vathy, the capital of Samos, is served from Piraeus by Blue Star Ferries and Superfast using the Blue Star Myconos and the Lefka Ori. The crossing takes around nine hours, generally overnight, and usually calls at other eastern Aegean islands along the way. Both are large conventional ferries taking vehicles, with cabins available.

Officially Samos Town, Vathy sits in a deep sheltered bay that gives the place its name. It is a working port town combining administration, shopping streets and a harbourfront rather than a resort, and the archaeological museum is a solid reason to spend an hour or two. Most arrivals use it as the gateway to the rest of the island.

Departures run several times a week and more often in high summer. The current timetable and fares are shown below. Vathy connects onwards to Chios, Ikaria, Fourni and Patmos, and the short boat across to Kusadasi in Turkey leaves from here, which makes it a useful crossing point.

Piraeus to Vathy Ferry Fares

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Vathy 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.
• Carry a smaller day bag separately from your main luggage: this holds your passport, wallet, phone, charger, sunscreen, and anything else you need during the crossing.

Plan a journey

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