Every evening the big Adriatic ferries swing into the bay, horns low over the water, while the small Corfu boats shuttle back and forth as they have done all day. Igoumenitsa is one of the great ferry gateways of western Greece: under an hour to an hour and a half to Corfu, one night to Italy.
This guide helps you choose the right crossing in a minute: where to sail, how long it takes, who runs it and where to check the live timetable. Schedules and fares change with the season, so always confirm your exact sailing with the operator before you travel.
The Ionian side
Ferries to Corfu & Paxos
Short hops across the strait. Pick the arrival port by where you are sleeping, not by the departure time.
Corfu Town
About 70–90 minKerkyra Lines · Kerkyra Seaways
The main crossing, with sailings from before dawn until late evening. Best for Corfu Old Town, central and northern Corfu.
Lefkimmi
About 50 minSarris Lines
The quickest way to South Corfu, Lefkimmi and Kavos, with online booking and mobile e-tickets.
Paxos
Selected direct sailingsKerkyra Lines · Kerkyra Seaways
Far fewer departures than Corfu and they vary a lot by date, so check your day before booking a room on the island.
Corfu Town suits you if…
- you are staying in town, in the centre or the north of the island
- you travel on foot and want the island’s buses and taxis at the quay
- you want the widest choice of departures
Lefkimmi suits you if…
- you are staying in the south, around Lefkimmi or Kavos
- you have a car and want less driving on the island
- you prefer the shortest time at sea
Local tip: a later boat to the right port often gets you to your door sooner than an earlier boat to the wrong one.
Across the Adriatic
Ferries to Italy
Most crossings run overnight. The further north you land, the longer you sail but the less you drive.
Brindisi
About 7–9 hoursGrimaldi Lines · daily
The shortest Adriatic crossing, landing in Puglia. Good for the heel of Italy and the south.
Bari
About 9½–12 hoursSuperfast Ferries · Ventouris Ferries (summer)
A big rail and road hub, the easy middle ground between time at sea and time on the road.
Ancona
About 16–21 hoursSuperfast Ferries · Grimaldi Minoan Lines
For central Italy and drivers heading on to Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Journey time depends on the ship and route.
Venice
About 25–26 hoursSuperfast Ferries · selected sailings
The longest route, docking at the Fusina terminal. Ideal for northern Italy and the shortest drive to Central Europe.
Superfast Ferries has cancelled the SF IV sailings Patra–Igoumenitsa–Venice on Fridays 6, 13, 20 and 27 November 2026 and Venice–Igoumenitsa–Patra on Sundays 8, 15, 22 and 29 November 2026 (Superfast notice, no publication date shown). The notice does not cover other Venice departures; check with the operator or your ticket office.
Compare the whole journey, not just the hours at sea: a night on the boat to Ancona or Venice can save a full day of motorway driving.
Booking
Ferry tickets
Book online with the operator, or ask a local agency to compare sailings, cabins and vehicle space for you. Fares change with the date, cabin, passengers and vehicle.
Milano Travel
Ferry ticketing office near the New Port, listed by Ventouris Ferries as its official port agent in Igoumenitsa and selling tickets for several Greece–Italy operators.
REVIS TRAVEL
Travel and maritime agency in Igoumenitsa specialising in Greece–Italy ferries, for travellers, families, vehicles and groups, plus Corfu and Paxos.
Before you sail
How to read ferry information on this site
- Official OLIG lists: departures and arrivals published by the Igoumenitsa Port Authority (OLIG). They show ferry, route, time, dock and the status as reported by the source. The source does not state a publication time, so check again before you travel.
- Operator timetables: the company’s published schedule. Scheduled does not mean confirmed.
- Operator notices: cancellations or changes announced by the company, shown only for the exact sailing, date and vessel named in the notice.
- Vessel positions (AIS): where a ship was seen on a tracker. It does not confirm a departure or arrival.
- We do not present a sailing as confirmed unless the operator or the port says so.
Cars, motorhomes and motorcycles
Most ferries carry vehicles, but space is far tighter than passenger space in July and August. Enter the exact vehicle type and dimensions when booking, including trailers, roof boxes and bike racks. Take medicines, documents and valuables with you before leaving the car deck, as access during the crossing is limited.
Electric, hybrid, LPG and CNG vehicles
Some operators set extra rules for alternative-fuel vehicles; Superfast, for example, publishes limits on battery charge and fuel level for its Adriatic routes. Declare the vehicle correctly and check your operator’s current rules before you reach the port.
Cabins, seats and camping on board
On the overnight Italy ferries you can choose deck passage, reserved seats or cabins, and some sailings offer camping on board for campervans. Cabins sell out first in summer, so book them together with your ticket rather than at the port.
Travelling with pets
Pets travel on many sailings, using kennels, pet-friendly cabins or designated deck areas depending on the ship, but usually not in the main lounges. Declare your pet when booking and carry its travel documents, especially to Italy.
Documents and check-in
For Italy carry your passport or national ID; drivers need registration, licence, insurance and, for a rental car, the rental agreement. Check-in times differ by operator, so follow the time on your own ticket. For parking, terminals, buses and taxis, see our Port of Igoumenitsa guide.
Sleep a few minutes from the ferry
Landing late from Italy or catching the first boat to Corfu? These stays are a short walk or drive from the terminals: Thirsty Dog Urban Port Studios (about 300 m, pets welcome), Angelika Pallas Hotel (about 300 m, breakfast and 24-hour reception), Thaleia Apartment (about 400 m, self check-in) and Yin Yang Loft (about 700 m, three bedrooms). See all places to stay in Igoumenitsa or read one night before your ferry.
Arriving on foot and travelling on through Epirus? Compare car rental in Igoumenitsa or go straight to Rent All Cars Ntasios.
Igoumenitsa ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu?
About 70–90 minutes to Corfu Town, depending on the ship, and about 50 minutes to Lefkimmi in South Corfu.
Should I take the ferry to Corfu Town or Lefkimmi?
Corfu Town for the town, the centre and the north of the island; Lefkimmi for the south, around Lefkimmi and Kavos. Check where your accommodation is before you book.
Is there a direct ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxos?
Yes, on selected sailings by Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways. Departures vary a lot by date, so check your exact day.
Which Italian ports have direct ferries from Igoumenitsa?
Brindisi (about 7–9 hours), Bari (about 9½–12 hours), Ancona (about 16–21 hours) and Venice (about 25–26 hours).
Do I need to book in advance?
For foot passengers on the Corfu boats, usually not outside peak days. For cars, campers and cabins to Italy in summer, book as early as you can.
How much do ferry tickets cost?
Fares depend on the route, date, passenger age, vehicle and cabin, and operators change them through the year. Check the live fare with the operator or a local agency.
What if my ferry is delayed or cancelled?
Weather and port conditions can change sailings. Contact your operator or the agency that issued your ticket, and check the timetable again on the day you travel.
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Igoumenitsa Ferries & Tickets 2026: Corfu, Paxos & Italy Routes
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