Ferries from Athens to Karpathos (and return)

The Karpathos to Athens ferry schedule is available at the bottom of the article.

Karpathos is one of the Dodecanese islands famous for the natural sponges which are harvested here. It is basically two islands into one: mountains in the northern part and beaches in the southern part. Scuba diving and windsurfing can be practiced it, making Karpathos a very interesting island for those looking for an active vacation.

Port of Piraeus

The Port of Piraeus (or Pireas*) is large and can be rather overwhelming for the first time visitor. Allow enough time to get from the city center to the port and to find the gate (which is written on your ticket) and also be sure to have a map. You can download and print one from the Ministry of Mercantile Marine page .

All ferries to Karpathos (the Dodecanese islands) depart from Port Gate E1.

>>more information on Getting from Athens to Piraeus

How long does it take to get from Athens to Karpathos?

The journey between Athens (Piraeus) and Karpathos takes 16 hrs or more , depending on the type of ferry and company.

Is there a high speed ferry between Athens and Karpathos?

Not exactly, but during the high season the fastest ferry linking the two ports takes about 16 hrs.

How much does it cost to get from Athens to Karpathos by ferry?

The ticket prices depend on the type of seat and class you prefer and, as usual, the deck seats are the cheapest option.

A deck seat costs €34,70 per person, an airplane type of seat also costs € 34,70 per person, while if you want to share a 2-berth outside cabin you will pay € 88,60 per person.

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Karpathos during the low season?

The ferries connecting Piraeus to Karpathos stop connecting the ports by the end of October (Oct 31) but they resume the schedule in spring.

So, between March/April and May, you can travel by ferry from Athens to Karpathos on Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri, at 6 p.m.

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Karpathos during the high season?

During the 2010 high season , the following ferries link Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos:

• at 4 p.m., Mon, Jun 7 to Oct 25
• at 10 pm., Sun, until Oct 24
• at 11:59 p.m. Wed & Fri, until Oct 29

Are there any overnight journeys between Athens and Karpathos?

Yes, the ferry arrives in Karpathos at 9:55 a.m.

Where can I buy tickets from?

Tickets can be purchased online (at most 2 months prior to departure) or via a travel agency. However, all agencies need to book via a Greek travel agency so, generally speaking, you can do that on your own.

A good option is to buy them directly from the port. The ticketing office is at the Port Gate E1 (exactly where the ferries to Karpathos depart from). There’s no need to buy your ticket in advance unless you are traveling during the weekend in the middle of the high season (July & August).

Does everyone charge the same prices?

Yes, the prices should be the same in the port, at the travel agencies and on line. Even if there are differences, those shouldn’t be significant.

How about the ferries from Karpathos to Athens?

During the 2010 high season, the following ferries link Karpathos to Athens:

• at 00:25 am.,Wed, June 9 to Oct 27
• at 2:25 a.m.,Tue, until Oct 26
• at 5:30 a.m., Fri, until Oct 29
• at 9:55 a.m., Sun, until Oct 31




Important note:

The ferries schedule is submitted every Friday by the companies to the Ministry of Mercantile Marine so, in some cases, the information available on line is not the most accurate (some departures are available on sites offering information but you cannot find the same ferry when you try to book it).

When you arrive in Athens, your best bet is to get a copy of the Friday edition of the Athens News (in English) which publishes the ferries schedule weekly.

Read more about:

>> Ferries in Greece
>> Ferries from Athens: How to deal with the Port of Piraeus
>> Ferries from Athens to Aegina
>> Ferries from Athens to Crete
>> Ferries from Athens to Hydra
>> Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Rafina to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Athens to Patmos
>> Ferries from Athens to Santorini
>> Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Naxos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skopelos
>> Ferries from Corfu to Patras
>> Ferries from Rhodes to Kos
>>Ferries to and from Santorini
>> Ferries from Athens to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Crete
>> Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos
>>Ferries from Thessaloniki to Lesvos
>> Ferries to and from Mykonos
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Paros (and return)
>> Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Santorini to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Ios
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Athens to Naxos
>> Ferries from Athens to Thessaloniki
>> Ferries from Santorini to Syros
>> Ferries from Kavala to Thassos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skiathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Kos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Chios

Note:
* Pireas and Piraeus are exactly the same place, but you can find them spelled in both ways. All road signs though point to Pireas.