Ferries Thessaloniki

Most ferry companies traveling to and from Thessaloniki offer regular discounts of up to 50% for specific categories of passengers. When you make your reservation, simply choose the route that suits you, select the discount you are entitled to, and it will be applied to the final price of your ticket. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can usually expect reduced ticket prices for:

• Children (aged 5-10/12)
• Students of Greek public universities and ISIC cardholders
• People with disabilities

Note: infants, toddlers and children up to 4 years old usually travel free on Thessaloniki ferries.

The best time to book ferry tickets depends on your destination and the season. If you plan to travel during the summer from Thessaloniki to the Sporades, the North Aegean, or the Cyclades, it is best to book 2-3 months in advance, as demand is high.

In spring and autumn, there is greater availability, but it is still a good idea to book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance. If you plan to travel with your car or motorbike, it is important to book your tickets as early as possible, as spaces in the car decks are limited and often sell out around major holidays and long weekends.

During the rest of the year, you can usually afford to book your ferry tickets from Thessaloniki a few days before your date of departure, however keep in mind that there are fewer crossings and availability is more limited.

From the port of Thessaloniki, you can travel to the islands of the North Aegean, the Sporades, and the Cyclades, as well as to Athens.

Thessaloniki - North Aegean

Blue Star Ferries from Thessaloniki to the islands of the North Aegean usually depart every Sunday afternoon during the summer (June to mid-September) and every Saturday the rest of the year. The ferry line connects Thessaloniki with Lemnos, Lesbos (Mytilene), Leros, Chios, Samos (Karlovasi and Vathi), Fourni, and Ikaria.

Thessaloniki - Cyclades

Blue Star Ferries operates many crossings from Thessaloniki to the Cyclades islands, which usually depart every Saturday evening. The ferry connection between Thessaloniki and the Cycladic islands of Mykonos, Syros and Patmos is typically served by conventional ferries.

Note: the ferry route connecting Thessaloniki with Mykonos, Syros and Patmos first goes by the islands of the North Aegean.

Thessaloniki - Sporades

You can travel to the islands of Skopelos, Skiathos and Alonnisos in the Sporades during the summer months, typically from June to September.

Seajets serves the ferry route with high-speed catamarans, which normally stop at all 3 islands along the way.

Thessaloniki - Athens

The ferry that runs the Thessaloniki - Athens (Piraeus) route passes through many beautiful islands of the Cyclades and the North Aegean, stopping at Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria, Fourni, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, and Lemnos along the way.

Blue Star Ferries usually departs every Saturday evening from the port of Thessaloniki, with its final destination being the port of Piraeus near Athens.

Thessaloniki, also known as “the co-capital”, is the most important city in Northern Greece, with a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. The city stands out for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique sights, such as the White Tower, the Byzantine Walls, the narrow streets of the Upper Town, and its spectacular waterfront.

Don't leave the “Bride of Thermaikos” before having a coffee in Aristotelous Square overlooking Thermaic Gulf, where the heart of the city beats. As for local specialties, make your way the the Ladadika neighborhood to try bougatsa (custard pie), soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs), and, of course, trigona Panoramatos (cream-filled pastry).

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when planning your ferry trip from Thessaloniki:

• The port of Thessaloniki serves a large volume of passengers, especially in the summer. So, it is a good idea to be there at least 1 hr before the ferry leaves and if traveling with a vehicle, it is recommended to be there 1.5 hr ahead of departure.
• On ferries from Thessaloniki, you usually have the choice between a seat on the deck or in air-conditioned lounges, but for a more comfortable journey, you can book a numbered airplane-style seat.
• For ferry trips from Thessaloniki to the Cyclades and North Aegean islands, which can take at least 7 hours, we recommend booking a cabin for greater comfort and privacy.
• The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you pick the best remedy.
• For lower-priced ferry trips from Thessaloniki, you can choose to depart on weekdays, when demand is lower.

The ferries from Thessaloniki are equipped with modern amenities for a pleasant and comfortable journey. On conventional ferries, you can typically choose between cabins, deck/lounge seating, or a numbered airplane-style seat (economy or business). In addition, these ferries also have restaurants, snack bars, and shops for last-minute purchases.

The high-speed ferries from Thessaloniki do not have cabins and mainly offer numbered seats in standard, business and VIP air-conditioned lounges. Additionally, they also have bars for snacks and drinks.

All ferries from Thessaloniki have amenities for travelers with disabilities and pet-friendly areas, while a few also feature a Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip.

The central port of Thessaloniki, on the northeast side of Thermaikos, is the largest in the North Aegean and a key hub for the Mediterranean and the Balkans. The passenger port is located between piers 1 and 2, very close to the center of Thessaloniki.

Access is via the main gate, at the intersection of Navarchou Kountouriotou and Salaminos streets. You can reach the port either on foot or by car, or public transportation. The nearest metro station is Agia Sofia, while buses 3K, 15, 23, 39, and 44 drop you off near the port. The KTEL bus station and the railway station are also nearby.

In the area around the port, you will find ATMs, banks, pharmacies, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Thessaloniki, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.