Ferries between Italy and Greece are an institution: for decades they have carried families, campervan drivers, bikers and lorries. The ships are large, with restaurants, bars, shops, a summer pool and cabins. The information below refers to the 2026 season: timetables and fares change every year, so always check the companies' websites.
Routes
| Route | Companies | Frequency | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brindisi-Igoumenitsa | Grimaldi Lines | Daily | about 8 hours |
| Brindisi-Corfu | Grimaldi Lines | Up to 3 a week, June-September | about 7 hours |
| Bari-Igoumenitsa | Anek Superfast, Ventouris Ferries | 1-3 a day | 8-13 hours |
| Bari-Corfu | Anek Superfast, Ventouris Ferries | Up to daily, June-August | 9-11 hours |
| Bari-Patras | Anek Superfast | Daily | about 16.5 hours |
| Bari-Kefalonia (Sami) | Ventouris Ferries | Weekly, late July-August | about 18 hours |
| Ancona-Igoumenitsa | Grimaldi Lines, Anek Superfast | 1-3 a day in summer | 16-21 hours |
| Ancona-Patras | Anek Superfast, Hellenic Seaways (summer) | Up to 6 a week | 21-27 hours |
| Ancona-Corfu | Grimaldi Lines, Anek Superfast | Up to 3 a week, June-August | 15-20 hours |
| Venice-Igoumenitsa | Anek Superfast | About 3 a week | about 25 hours |
| Venice-Patras | Anek Superfast | About 3 a week, via Igoumenitsa | about 33 hours |
| Venice-Corfu | Anek Superfast | About 2 a week, June-September | about 26 hours |
The Ravenna-Igoumenitsa route no longer runs. There is no direct Brindisi-Patras ferry: Igoumenitsa to Patras is about three hours by car on the modern Ionia Odos motorway.
Which port
- Brindisi and Bari have the shortest crossings, ideal if you come from the south or don't want long at sea.
- Ancona and Venice suit travellers from northern Italy and beyond: you save many motorway kilometres in exchange for a longer crossing.
- Igoumenitsa is the gateway to Epirus, Meteora, Thessaloniki and the northern Ionian islands; ferries to Corfu and Paxos also leave from here.
- Patras is best for the Peloponnese, Athens and the Cyclades (via Piraeus).
Accommodation on board
| Option | For whom |
|---|---|
| Deck passage | Young and budget travellers: sleep in lounges or on deck, in a sleeping bag in summer |
| Seats | Reclining seats in a lounge, more comfortable than deck |
| Inside or outside cabin | 2 to 4 berths, with bathroom; recommended for overnight and long crossings |
| Camping on board | On some Anek Superfast and Grimaldi ships in summer: sleep in your own campervan on the garage deck, with power points |
Fares and discounts
Fares vary greatly by season, day and accommodation. As a guide, a one-way deck passage starts at about €45 per person on Brindisi-Igoumenitsa and about €90-120 on routes from Ancona and Venice; cars, cabins and August dates raise the bill considerably. Companies offer discounts for early booking, return trips, families, students, over-60s and loyalty card holders.
See also getting to Greece and island ferries.