Arriving in Igoumenitsa by ferry from Italy or Corfu?
Find the best transportation options including car rentals, ferries, taxis and travel tips for exploring Sivota, Parga and the Epirus coastline.
Igoumenitsa is one of Greece's main western gateways — a busy ferry port on the Ionian coast that links mainland Epirus with Corfu, Paxos and Italy, and a natural base for exploring Sivota, Perdika, Parga and the beaches of Thesprotia. Whether you're catching a ferry, arriving overland, or planning days by the sea, here's how to get around like a local.
The port is the heart of it all: ferries to Corfu run daily and frequently through the summer, while longer routes connect Igoumenitsa with Italy. To explore the coast itself — the beaches, the seaside villages and the day trips — a rental car is by far the most practical choice, since public transport along the coast is limited. Local taxis are reliable for shorter transfers, such as a port pickup or the quick run to Sivota, while intercity KTEL buses connect Igoumenitsa with larger inland towns like Ioannina, Preveza, Athens and Thessaloniki — though they don't reach most beaches or smaller coastal villages. And for the islands, sea caves and hidden coves of the Ionian, a private boat cruise from Sivota is the most memorable way to travel.
Below you'll find our local guides to each option — ferries, car rental, taxis, buses and private boat cruises — with routes, practical tips and trusted local companies.
Igoumenitsa port is one of the busiest ferry hubs in Greece, offering daily connections to Corfu (Kerkyra) and overnight routes to Italy (Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Venice).
Corfu ferry: The crossing takes approximately 50–90 minutes, with multiple departures daily throughout the year — and even more frequent sailings in summer. It's one of the shortest and most affordable ferry routes in the Mediterranean.
Italy ferry: Overnight ferries depart regularly to several Italian ports, making Igoumenitsa a popular entry point for travellers crossing between Greece and Western Europe.
Main ferry companies operating from Igoumenitsa:
Sarris Lines — local operator serving the Corfu–Igoumenitsa route
Kerkyra Lines — frequent daily crossings to Corfu
Grimaldi Lines — routes to Brindisi and Civitavecchia
Superfast Ferries — routes to Ancona and Bari
Anek Lines — routes to Ancona and Venice
👉 Full Ferry Guide: Companies, Routes & Tips →
👉 Port of Igoumenitsa – Complete Travel Guide →
Renting a car in Igoumenitsa is the best way to explore Thesprotia at your own pace. The port area has several reliable rental options with easy pickup — ideal for travellers arriving by ferry from Italy or Corfu.
With a rental car you can easily reach Sivota (25 min), Parga (45 min), the Acheron River (30 min), Dodoni (1 hr) and the beaches of Thesprotia — destinations that are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport.
Car rental companies in Igoumenitsa:
RentAllCars Igoumenitsa — trusted local operator, flexible options near the port
IonVolt – Electric Car Rental ⚡ — eco-friendly EV rentals with free charging, perfect for short trips around Epirus
👉 Full Car Rental Guide for Igoumenitsa (2026) →
Tip: Renting in Igoumenitsa is generally more affordable than renting in Corfu. If you plan to visit the island but also explore the mainland, picking up in Igoumenitsa makes sense.
Taxis are available 24/7 at Igoumenitsa port, particularly during ferry arrivals and departures. For transfers to Sivota, local beaches or nearby villages, a taxi is the most convenient option if you're not renting a car.
TaxiSivota.gr — dedicated taxi service for the Sivota area
Bus routes from Igoumenitsa
Getting to Igoumenitsa by Intercity Bus
KTEL Thesprotias runs the intercity buses connecting Igoumenitsa with the rest of mainland Greece. Buses arrive at the KTEL station in central Igoumenitsa, a short taxi ride or walk from the ferry port — handy if you're travelling overland before a ferry to Corfu or Italy.
Main connections to Igoumenitsa:
Ioannina → Igoumenitsa (approx. 1 hr 30 min, several daily)
Athens → Igoumenitsa (approx. 7–8 hrs, via Ioannina)
Thessaloniki → Igoumenitsa (approx. 5 hrs)
Preveza (Aktion Airport) → Igoumenitsa (approx. 1 hr)
→ Read the full guide: Igoumenitsa Bus Guide (KTEL) — routes, schedules & tickets
Exploring the coast: Sivota, Perdika, Parga and most beaches are not served by regular KTEL buses — for these, a rental car or local taxi is the easiest way around.
For a truly memorable experience, explore the Ionian coastline by private boat. Departing from Sivota, these cruises take you to hidden sea caves, the famous Bella Vraka Beach, the crystal-clear waters of Paxos and Antipaxos, and beyond.
👉 Salt Speedboat – Private Cruises from Sivota →
Ideal for couples, families and small groups looking for a premium day out on the water.
How do I get from Igoumenitsa to Corfu? Take a ferry from Igoumenitsa port to Corfu (Kerkyra). The crossing takes 50–90 minutes and ferries run daily year-round, with much more frequent departures in summer. Main operators: Sarris Lines and Kerkyra Lines.
How long is the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu? Approximately 50 to 90 minutes depending on the ferry company and route. See our full ferry guide for schedules and tips.
Can I take a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Italy? Yes. Overnight ferries depart regularly to Ancona, Bari, Brindisi and Venice. See our ferry companies guide for all operators and routes.
Can I rent a car at Igoumenitsa port? Yes. RentAllCars and IonVolt Electric Car Rental both offer easy pickup near the port. See our car rental guide for more details.
Is it better to rent a car in Igoumenitsa or Corfu? If you plan to explore the Greek mainland — Sivota, Parga, the Acheron River — rent in Igoumenitsa. It's usually more affordable than Corfu and you can use it before or after your island visit.
Are there taxis at Igoumenitsa port? Yes, taxis are available 24/7 at the port, especially around ferry arrivals. For the Sivota area, TaxiSivota.gr is a reliable dedicated service.
How far is Igoumenitsa from Sivota? About 22 km — roughly 25 minutes by car. There is no direct public bus, so a rental car or taxi is the best option. Read our Sivota Greece Travel Guide for more.
How far is Igoumenitsa from Parga? Approximately 60 km, about 50 minutes by car. Parga is one of the most popular day trips from Sivota and Igoumenitsa.
How do I get from Igoumenitsa to Ioannina? By car it's about 100 km (1 hour 15 min). KTEL Thesprotias also runs daily buses on this route (approx. 1.5 hrs). Read our Port of Igoumenitsa travel guide for arrival tips.
Is there a bus from Igoumenitsa to Athens? Yes, KTEL operates a daily route Igoumenitsa → Athens via Ioannina, approximately 7–8 hours total.
Are there boat trips from Sivota? Yes. Salt Speedboat offers private boat cruises departing from Sivota to Bella Vraka Beach, sea caves, Paxos and Antipaxos. See our beaches guide for more coastal ideas.