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The Port of Igoumenitsa is one of the busiest ferry gateways in Greece, handling around 2.5 million passengers each year. Whether you are arriving from Italy and heading deeper into Greece, planning a day trip to Corfu, or starting an overnight crossing to Bari or Brindisi, Igoumenitsa is your starting point.
This guide covers everything you need to know: which companies serve each route, how long the crossing takes, how much tickets cost, and what to expect on board.
The Igoumenitsa–Corfu ferry is one of the most frequently served domestic routes in Greece. Crossings run all year round, with up to 25 daily sailings during the summer months. The route is short, affordable, and easy to plan around – making Corfu a realistic day trip from Igoumenitsa, or a first stop on a longer island-hopping journey.
There are two ports on Corfu served from Igoumenitsa: Corfu Town (New Port) in the north of the island, and Lefkimmi in the south. Depending on where you are staying on Corfu, one may be more convenient than the other.
To Corfu Town: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
To Lefkimmi (south Corfu): approximately 50 minutes – the fastest crossing on the route
Foot passenger tickets start at around €6–€7 for most departures. Vehicle transport starts from around €20–€28 depending on vehicle size and operator. Children under 5 typically travel free; those aged 5–10 receive a 50% discount.
Kerkyra Lines is the leading ferry operator on the Igoumenitsa–Corfu route. The company runs up to 13 daily sailings between Igoumenitsa and Corfu Town, operating year-round. Crossing time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Kerkyra Lines also serves the Igoumenitsa–Paxos route and, since 2010, has extended services to the Diapontian Islands (Othoni, Erikoussa, Mathraki).
Booking tip: Kerkyra Lines offers an online discount of up to 50% when you book through their official website. Tickets can be issued up to 5 hours before departure.
📅 Book directly at kerkyralines.com
→ Read more about Kerkyra Lines
Sarris Lines has been connecting Igoumenitsa with the port of Lefkimmi in southern Corfu since 1993. This is the fastest and most economical way to reach Corfu, with a crossing time of just 50 minutes. The company operates with the vessel Lefkimmi and runs daily sailings throughout the year.
Sarris Lines is particularly useful if you are staying in the south of Corfu (near Kavos, Benitses, or Lefkimmi itself), as it saves you the drive from Corfu Town. Foot passengers, motorbikes, and cars are all accommodated.
Discounts available: children, students, large families, and NAT pensioners (Greek citizens).
📅 Book directly at sarrislines.gr
→ Read more about Sarris Lines
Kerkyra Seaways operates approximately 8 daily sailings between Igoumenitsa and Corfu Town, with a crossing time of around 1 hour 30 minutes. The company offers comfortable, air-conditioned vessels with seating on deck and indoor lounges.
📅 Compare prices and book on Ferryhopper
Corfu has two ferry ports served from Igoumenitsa. Make sure you know which one you need before you travel.
⚓ Corfu Town – New Port (Neo Limani)
The main ferry terminal on the island, located on the western waterfront of Corfu Town, roughly a 10-minute walk from the historic centre. This is where Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways operate their crossings to and from Igoumenitsa. The terminal has ticket offices, a café, ATMs, and taxi access. Bus line 15 connects the port with the airport and the city centre.
Address: New Port, Corfu Town, 49100
⚓ Lefkimmi Port (South Corfu)
The second port of Corfu, located in the southern part of the island, about 2 km from the village of Lefkimmi and 4 km from Kavos. This is the port used by Sarris Lines for the fastest crossing to Igoumenitsa (50 minutes). The port has free parking, ticket offices, a café bar, and toilet facilities. Ideal if you are staying in the south of the island.
Address: Lefkimmi Municipal Unit, South Corfu, 49080
Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure if travelling as a foot passenger; 1.5–2 hours if you are bringing a vehicle.
During July and August, the route can fill up quickly. Book in advance, especially with a car.
Ferries to Corfu Town and Lefkimmi both depart from the northern pier of Igoumenitsa port.
There are no cabins on this route. You will have access to indoor lounges, seating on deck, and a snack bar.
Luggage allowance: most companies allow up to 50 kg per person at no extra charge.
Pets are generally welcome in designated outdoor areas; check individual company policies before travelling.
For travellers crossing the Adriatic, Igoumenitsa is the closest Greek port to Italy. The port serves direct overnight ferry connections to Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, and Venice. These routes are operated by major international ferry companies and are popular with travellers who prefer to avoid long drives across southern Italy.
Brindisi — 7.5–9 hours — Grimaldi Lines — Daily (more in summer) Bari — 9–12 hours — Ventouris Ferries, Anek Superfast — Up to 11/week in summer Ancona — 15–16 hours — Various — Multiple weekly Venice — ~25 hours — Various — 2 times/week
Brindisi is the shortest and most popular crossing between Igoumenitsa and Italy, with a journey time of approximately 7.5 to 9 hours. The route is operated by Grimaldi Lines, which runs daily crossings year-round – both daytime and overnight sailings depending on the season.
Foot passenger tickets start from around €30–€41 one way. Vehicle transport starts at approximately €94 for a standard car. Cabins are available and strongly recommended for overnight crossings. Brindisi is a convenient arrival point for exploring Puglia and southern Italy, easily connected by train to the rest of the country.
👉 Book at grimaldi-lines.com 👉 Compare on Ferryhopper
The Igoumenitsa–Bari crossing takes approximately 9 to 12 hours and is operated by Ventouris Ferries and Anek Superfast. Up to 11 weekly crossings are available during the summer months, with fewer departures in the off-season. Tickets for foot passengers start from around €45–€113 depending on the season and operator. Bari is a major gateway to southern Italy, connecting well to Rome, Naples, and the Puglia coast.
👉 Compare prices on Ferryhopper
The Ancona crossing is one of the most popular routes for travellers driving to or from central Europe. The journey takes approximately 15 to 16 hours overnight. Multiple operators serve this route throughout the year, with higher frequency in summer. Ancona is well positioned for travellers heading to or from Rome, Tuscany, and the Adriatic coast of Italy.
Venice is the longest crossing from Igoumenitsa, taking approximately 24–25 hours. Sailings operate around 2 times per week and are particularly suited for travellers combining a Greek holiday with a stay in northern Italy, or arriving from Austria, Switzerland, or Germany by road.
Book early for summer: if travelling with a vehicle in July or August, book at least 3–4 weeks in advance. Car deck space fills up fast.
Book early for savings: booking between January and early April often unlocks discounts of up to 40% off.
Check in 2 hours before departure for all Italy routes. Arriving late may mean losing your ticket.
Cabins are worth it on overnight crossings to Bari, Ancona, or Venice. Most ferries offer internal cabins, external sea-view cabins, and suites.
Bringing a car? You won't have access to the vehicle deck during the crossing, so pack what you need in a bag before boarding.
All Italy-bound ferries depart from the international terminal at Igoumenitsa port – separate from the domestic terminal used for Corfu crossings.
The port of Igoumenitsa has two separate terminals. It is important to know which one you need before you arrive.
⚓ Domestic Terminal (Northern Pier) – Ferries to Corfu & Paxos
Located in the northern part of the port, close to the city centre. This is where all Corfu and Paxos ferries depart from. Ticket offices, cafés, ATMs, and short-stay parking are all available nearby.
Located in the southern part of the port, connected directly to the Egnatia Odos motorway. This is where all Italy-bound ferries (Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, Venice) check in and depart from. The terminal has a large passenger building with waiting areas, passport control, customs, ferry company desks, cafés, and parking.
30 minutes from Sivota by car
1 hour 15 minutes from Parga by car
2 hours from Ioannina by car
2.5 hours from Patras by car
If you are arriving at the port and need a place to stay before or after your crossing, we have a curated selection of apartments near Igoumenitsa port – ideal for an early check-in or a night before an early departure.
If you would rather pick up a rental car and head straight to the coast, visit our car rental guide for Igoumenitsa for options available directly at the port.
Planning to explore the wider area? Read our guide on things to do in Igoumenitsa and Thesprotia, or discover the beaches of Sivota, Bella Vraka, and Mega Drafi just a short drive away.
How long is the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu?
The crossing to Corfu Town takes around 1 hour 10–30 minutes. The fastest option is to Lefkimmi in the south of Corfu, which takes just 50 minutes with Sarris Lines.
How many ferry crossings are there per day from Igoumenitsa to Corfu?
Up to 25 daily sailings during summer. In the off-season, there are typically 8–12 crossings per day. The first departures leave as early as 04:00.
How long is the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu in minutes?
Between 50 and 90 minutes depending on the destination port (Lefkimmi or Corfu Town) and the operator.
What is the ferry duration from Igoumenitsa to Corfu and back?
The crossing takes the same amount of time in each direction. Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours each way for Corfu Town, or around 50 minutes each way for Lefkimmi.
Is there a direct ferry from Igoumenitsa to Bari?
Yes. Ventouris Ferries and Anek Superfast operate this route. The crossing takes approximately 9–12 hours. Most departures are overnight.
Is there a direct ferry from Igoumenitsa to Brindisi?
Yes. Grimaldi Lines operates daily crossings from Igoumenitsa to Brindisi, taking approximately 7.5–9 hours. The route is available year-round.
Can I do a day trip from Igoumenitsa to Corfu?
Yes, easily. Take an early morning ferry (departures from 04:00–08:30) and return in the afternoon or evening. With up to 25 daily connections in summer, there is plenty of flexibility.
Do I need to book a ferry in advance?
For Corfu crossings in the off-season, walk-on tickets are usually fine. In summer, especially with a vehicle, booking ahead is strongly recommended. For Italy crossings, book as early as possible – ideally months in advance for July and August departures.
Where do I buy ferry tickets in Igoumenitsa?
You can buy tickets online through the ferry companies' official websites or through comparison platforms such as Ferryhopper and Ferryscanner. Tickets are also sold at the port, but availability for vehicles may be limited in high season.