Patras

Patras is the second largest port in the Peloponnese serving more than 700,000 passengers yearly. It has several traveler amenities and a plethora of sights, activities and beautiful seaside locations. 

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find all the information you need about the ferry port of Patras, as well as travel tips about holidays in the town. Compare prices and book cheap ferry tickets online from Patras to the islands of the Ionian Sea, as well as to the ports of Italy with no hidden fees!

Find useful info about:

• Patras ferry port
• Vacation in Patras

The port of Patras as seen on Google Earth

Patras ferry port, gates and destinations

The port of Patras is one of the most developed in the Mediterranean Sea, serving both local and international ferry routes. Depending on the ferry destination, it is divided into 2 ports: south and north.

The South Port (or New Port) of Patras serves ferry routes to Italy. There are ferries traveling to Ancona, Venice and Bari. The New Port is located in the southwestern part of the city, close to the city bus station. You can access the port from Gate A, which is around 4km from the city center of Patras.

The North Port of Patras serves ferry routes to the Ionian Sea. Ferries traveling to the islands of the Ionian archipelago depart from the old port, located at the promenade of the city center. There are 2 gates depending on your destination: Gate 1 and Gate 7. You can access the port from Gate 7, following Iroon Polytechniou street.

Ferry from Patras to Italy

There are ferry routes from the port of Patras to destinations in the Adriatic Sea year-round. Ferries from Patras travel to Ancona, Bari and Venice. The ferry companies serving these routes are Anek Superfast and Minoan Lines. 

Traveling by ferry from Patras is the most convenient way to transport your car, caravan, motorcycle or truck from Greece to Italy and Central or Western Europe. Find more information on traveling between Italy and Greece by car, camper or caravan.

• Ferry from Patras to Ancona: you can catch a ferry between Patras and Ancona daily. It takes 20.5 to 25 hours to travel to Ancona from the Greek port city. The connection is available throughout the year.
• Ferry from Patras to Bari: there is usually 1 daily ferry from Patras to Bari. Τhe duration of the ferry ride is approximately 16 hours. 
• Ferry from Patras to Venice: there are 1-2 weekly sailings between Patras and Venice. The crossing duration ranges from 31 to 32 hours and it is available throughout the year.

Good to know: vehicle and cabin tickets for routes between Patras and Italy tend to sell out fast. We recommend that you book your ferry tickets at least 5 months in advance.

Ferry from Patras to the Ionian Sea

From the port of Patras, you can also catch a ferry to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Ferry routes from Patras to the Ionian Sea are seasonal, normally available from June to October. The ferry company serving these routes is Levante Ferries. 

• Ferry from Patras to Kefalonia: the Patras - Kefalonia ferry crossing is available daily during peak season. Ferries depart from the North Port and arrive at the port of Sami in Kefalonia. It takes around 3 hours to reach the island.
• Ferry from Patras to Ithaca: ferry routes from Patras to Ithaca are available daily and the journey duration is approximately 3.5 hours. Ferries arrive at the port of Pisaetos.

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can find all available ferry connections from the port of Patras. Plan your itinerary and book cheap ferry tickets in just a few clicks!

Where is the ferry port in Patras?

The port of Patras is conveniently located in the suburb of Antheia, close to the city center. You can easily get there on foot, by car or taxi, or using public transport, depending on whether you’re heading to the South or the North Port.

How to get to Patras port?

Patras is 214km west of Athens. You can travel directly from Athens to Patras by car and bus (KTEL).

Find more information on how to get from Athens to Patras below:

• From Athens to Patras by car/motorcycle: it takes around 2.5 hours to travel from Athens to Patras by car or motorcycle driving on the Olympia Odos motorway.
• From Athens to Patras by intercity bus: there are several daily bus services from Athens to Patras, departing from Kifissos Intercity bus station (KTEL Kifissou). It takes 2.5 hours on average to reach Patras by bus.
• From Athens to Patras by train: the train connection between Athens and Patras is under construction, but you can catch the suburban railway train from Athens to the town of Kiato and continue to Patras by bus. The total journey duration is 3 hours.

Moreover, there is an intercity bus service connecting Patras to the port of Kyllini, destinations in central Peloponnese, nearby towns, as well as major beaches, and attractions. There’s also a train connection between Patras and the western coast of the Peloponnese.

How to get from the train/bus station to the port of Patras

Once in Patras, it’s easy to reach the port from the train or bus station. The Achaia Intercity Bus Station and the Railway Station of Patras are close to the North Port, meaning you can get to the terminal in less than 10 minutes on foot. 

If your ferry departs from the South Port, you can hop on bus 18, which takes passengers from the bus station to the South Port and back. Alternatively, you can get to the port with your own vehicle.

The beltway of Patras connects the city with Olympia Odos motorway and National Road A5

Port of Patras - location and facilities

At the South Port (or New Port) of Patras, there are passenger terminals, travel agencies, a city bus stop, taxi ranks, and the port authority building. If you have some spare time before your trip, you can visit the passenger terminals, where you will find duty free shops, ATM machines and a café. It takes 5 minutes on foot to reach the ferry terminals from the passenger terminal.

The North Port is closer to the city center, stretching across Iroon Polytechniou and Othonos Amalias streets. There are pharmacies, a citizen service center (KEP), travel agencies, restaurants, banks, and shops just 10 minutes away on foot from the ferry terminals. 

Tip: by booking ferry tickets on Ferryhopper, you receive comprehensive info via email about ticket collection points at the port of Patras.

Parking at the port of Patras

There are both public and private parking lots in the port area. You can choose between long-term and short-term parking. Public parking lots are either free or much cheaper than private ones. Since Patras is a lively city with increased road traffic and busy ferry terminals, you might not be able to find a parking spot easily during peak season. Make sure you allow enough time for parking to travel worry-free.

Vacation in Patras

Patras has a rich past. It is a great destination for both summer and winter holidays, and it’s a perfect starting point for short trips to more beautiful villages and towns in Greece.

The city is famous for its carnival, which is the most popular in Greece! Celebrations last several days and end with a grand parade and the ritual burning of the “carnival king”.

During your stay in Patras you can stroll through the streets and alleys of the city center, enjoy walks by the port, have a cup of coffee at one of the many squares of the city, and visit Ano Poli to enjoy the view. Don’t miss out on the city’s attractions, as well as the beautiful beaches of the region.

Tip: we recommend that you try the delicious local liqueur tendura. There are also wineries, famous for their local varieties and the intoxicating mavrodafni, a wine produced by black wine grapes in the region.

Cute café at a quiet alley in the center of Patras

Beaches in Patras

You can visit many amazing beaches close to Patras. Take a short trip to the outskirts of the city and swim in the Corinthian Gulf and the Gulf of Patras, or head east and visit beaches of the Ionian Sea.

Here are the 7 most beautiful beaches close to Patras:

1. Patras: only 1km from the city center, this beach usually gets very crowded in summer. Bars, restaurants and hotels dot the area.
2. Rodini: it is located at a popular tourist resort in the prefecture of Achaia. Just a 20-minute drive away from Patras, it is very popular with families with children. Close to the beach you’ll find hotels, authentic tavernas and restaurants, as well as a water park. 
3. Lambiri: a small pebble beach located about 29km east of Patras. Quiet and secluded, Lambiri has clean waters and few beach facilities. 
4. Selinatika: 35km from Patras, Selianitika is a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters next to the village of Longos. You will find tavernes, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, an open air cinema, and shops in the area. 
5. Alissos: this is a lovely village with a wonderful shoreline only 20 minutes away from the city. Travel even further south to reach Kato Achaia, a favorite among campers and those who enjoy more remote, uncrowded beaches. 
6. Lakopetra: shallow and sandy, this beach is perfect for families with small children. Even better? It has been awarded the Blue Flag, certifying its excellent waters.
7. Kalogria: this 9km long golden sandy beach with crystal-clear waters is located 45km west of Patras. It is inside the Kotychi – Strofylia Wetlands National Park and boasts magnificent views to the Strofylia forest, the largest pine tree forest in Greece.

Tip: you can also find beautiful beaches in the region of Ilia at Katakolo, Zacharo and the lake of Kaiafas. Another option is to cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge and explore the beaches of Nafpaktos. 

The seaside forest of Strofilia next to Kalogria beach

Sightseeing and activities in Patras

Patras was first inhabited in prehistoric times and it was an important Mycenaean center. You can discover the rich history of the area by visiting the numerous archaeological monuments, churches, historical buildings, and museums.

Ferryhopper suggests that your visit the following sights in Patras:

• The Roman Amphitheater of Patras
• The medieval Castle of Patras
• The Archaeological Museum of Patras
• The Apollon Theater
• The Cathedral of Agios Andreas (Saint Andrew)
• The church of the Pantocrator
• The Turkish hot baths (hammam)
• The Patras Lighthouse
• The Mycenaean Cemetery of Voudeni

The region of Achaia is also ideal for outdoor activities. You can try water sports or head to the mountains for skiing, trekking and cycling. If you’re into rowing and hiking, we recommend that you visit Lake Tsivlou in Akrata. If you’re a skiing enthusiast, then visit the town of Kalavryta or the ski center of Ziria.

The lighthouse of Patras at sunset

Useful information about Patras

Patras is the third largest city in Greece with approximately 170,000 permanent residents. It’s a modern port city with shops, bars, restaurants, and visitor services. As for accommodation, there are hotels, as well as seaside resorts off the city center.

The closest airport to the port of Patras is Araxos Airport. It is located 45km south of the city center and it mainly serves flights from Germany and Central Europe.

Tip: we recommend staying at one of the masterfully restored hotels of Neoclassical architecture in the city center of Patras.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Patras

Here are some contacts that could prove useful during your stay in Patras:

• Patras Port Authority: +302613615400
• Patras South Port Services: +302610365135
• Patras General University Hospital: +302613603000
• Patras General Hospital Agios Andreas: +302613601000
• Patras citizen service center: +302610243401
• Achaia intercity bus station (KTEL Achaias): +302610623886
• Tourist Police: +302610695073
• Araxos Airport: +302693054000
• Araxos Airport taxis: +302693022237, +302693031197

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge connecting the Peloponnese with western mainland Greece

Transportation in Patras

Patras is a large, modern city with an excellent public transportation system. There is a public bus service that stops at several locations throughout the city and its surroundings. Patras is connected to various towns and cities on the mainland, as well as beaches, thanks to the KTEL bus line. 

A suburban train line in Patras is an additional option that makes moving around the city quite easy. The main station is located close to the harbor. There are several places to hire a car or a motorcycle if you'd prefer to travel in your own vehicle. Additionally, it's very easy to find taxis in the city. 

Tip: since routes change depending on the season, it is best to confirm the itineraries at Pano Poli's central station.

Where to book Patras ferry tickets online?

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book cheap ferry tickets from Patras with no extra fees! Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Patras and compare ferry companies and schedules.