Karlovassi (Samos) FERRY

Flights to Karlovassi (Samos)
Samos has an airport (SMI) with domestic and some international flights in the summer from European destinations with both scheduled and charter flights. The island is also connected by air with mainland Greece through Athens and Thessaloniki and there are also flights from Chios and Rhodes. If you cannot find a direct flight flying to Athens and then taking a ferry is a very popular option.

Ferries to Karlovassi (Samos)
With frequent ferry connections throughout the year, ferry is the most popular way of reaching the island.

Karlovassi (Samos) is served by Blue Star Ferries which connects the island with the mainland all year round. There is also a smaller ferry company: Sea Gem which owns one boat.

Route: Piraeus (Athens) to Karlovassi (Samos):
Average one-way cost per person traveling on foot in July:€49

Around all three ports you will find all the central agencies for the ferry companies. These will always be open around the time of your departure. By going to a central agency you won't pay to have your ticket printed. There will be a sign outside the door or you 'll be referred there by the agency.

If you go to a non central agency may have to pay a small fee to get your ticket - normally a couple of Euros.

Yes. If you travel with Blue Star Ferries you can travel with an e-ticket. We will give you a web page address where you just have to input your booking confirmation code. You can then either print your ticket or save it to your phone.

To get your ticket printed make sure you have a print out or a copy of your reservation on your phone and a valid form of photographic ID - for example your passport or ID card.

Our tips to get a cheap ticket to Samos (Karlovassi):

• Book in advance
  Prices always go up the closer you book to your departure date.

• Compare ferry companies side by side using a service like Zas Ferries
• Choose an inside cabin
  If you want travel in a cabin and don't need a view, inside cabins are always cheaper.

You can travel to Samos (Karlovassi) from these mainland ports:

• Piraeus: Runs all year. About 9 hours with a conventional ferry.
• Kavala: Overnight trip takes about 14 hours.

• On foot:

  Please arrive at least one hour before you travel.

• By car:

  Please arrive at least two hours before you travel and in July and August allow for traffic jams on your journey.

Yes, you can take your dog or other pet on the ferry but it isn't possible to book a space in the kennel in advance. All Greek ships by law must have some kennel space.

• On conventional ferries
  If you are travelling on conventional ferry (not a fast ferry or catamaran) there is normally space available in the kennels and you should also be able to have your dog on all deck areas (but not inside) with you. Strictly speaking, this at the discretion of the ferry company but in general you should have no issues - though please take a muzzle with you just in case and keep your dog on a leash at all times. Small sized dogs and cats can travel in the ship as long as they stay inside a special travel box.

  The other option, for absolute peace of mind, is to book a pet cabin. These are like normal cabins but have linoleum flooring. They are also available for day crossings at reasonable prices. This way you don't have to worry about finding space in the kennels and you and your dog or cat can relax. In July and August ferries can get very busy with people and other dogs.

• On fast ferries or catamarans
  Fast ferries and catamarans will also have kennels but these will be limited in number. In addition, the majority of fast ferries (though there are exceptions) don't have open deck space accessible throughout the journey, so you will not be able to stay out with your pet during your crossing. However, if your pet is small and inside a travel box you will be able to keep him or her inside.

Yes, we accept PayPal and if your debit card is issued by Visa or MasterCard then you should have no issues paying by debit card.

You can take your bike with you for free to or from Karlovassi (Samos) if you travel on large ships such as those of the Blue Star Ferries company. However, on ships without a garage, bicycles are normally not allowed inside. You'll see if the ship has a garage when making your reservation. Karlovassi (Samos) can be busy in the summer so it is a good idea to tell a member of the port staff that you have a bike in case you might need extra assistance.

Karlovassi is most popular in the summer months but good weather normally lasts until the end of September and the first weeks of October. There are also plenty of places to visit in the winter.