How long is the ferry from Athens to Samos?

The conventional overnight ferry from Piraeus to Samos takes around 12 hours. Departures are typically in the evening, arriving in the morning.

Which port in Samos do ferries arrive at?

Most ferries arrive at Vathy (Samos Town), the main port and capital. Some services also call at Karlovassi on the north coast.

Can I take a car on the Samos ferry?

Yes. Blue Star Ferries uses large ro-ro ships with vehicle decks. Book car space ahead in July and August when demand is high.

Athens to Samos Ferry

Athens (Piraeus) → Samos

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Conventional crossing: ~12 h overnight
Frequency: Daily in summer, 4–5 per week in winter
Carries cars: Yes (on the car ferry)

Blue Star Ferries

Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.

The overnight crossing

The ferry from Piraeus to Samos is a long overnight crossing of around 12 hours. Ships typically depart in the late evening and arrive the following morning, making it easy to spend the night on board rather than booking accommodation in Athens.

Types of service

All Athens–Samos services are conventional large ferries — there is no high-speed connection. The ships carry cars, motorcycles and foot passengers, with cabin berths, reclining seats, restaurant and deck space. A cabin is highly recommended for a 12-hour crossing.

Operators

Blue Star Ferries operates the main Athens–Samos overnight service. Ships on this route often call at Chios and sometimes Ikaria en route, so the journey time varies. Confirm your port of arrival (Vathy or Karlovassi) and compare cabin grades when booking.

Samos and onward connections

Samos lies close to the Turkish coast, near the ruins of ancient Ephesus. The island is green and mountainous, with excellent beaches and wine. From Samos you can connect by ferry to Ikaria, Chios or the Dodecanese islands of Kos and Rhodes.

Ports & terminals

Athens (Piraeus)View on map →

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from Athens to Samos?: The conventional overnight ferry from Piraeus to Samos takes around 12 hours. Departures are typically in the evening, arriving in the morning.
Which port in Samos do ferries arrive at?: Most ferries arrive at Vathy (Samos Town), the main port and capital. Some services also call at Karlovassi on the north coast.
Can I take a car on the Samos ferry?: Yes. Blue Star Ferries uses large ro-ro ships with vehicle decks. Book car space ahead in July and August when demand is high.