Ferry from Bari to Kefalonia

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from the Italian city of Bari to Sami, on the Greek island of Kefalonia, from June to December with Superfast Ferries. During the summer months, Ventouris Ferries also operates crossings on this route. The journey takes around 14-18 hours, depending on the intermediate stops, with no need to change ferries. Ticket prices start at approximately €52.

Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets to Kefalonia on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

Traveling from Bari to Kefalonia by ferry is easy, comfortable and you can take advantage of lower-cost ferry tickets. Some indicative passenger categories that are entitled to discounts up to 50% are:

  • Children (from 4 to 12/16 years old)
  • European Youth Card owners
  • Passengers under 26 years old
  • Passengers over 60 years old
  • People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years normally travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

Tip: check out our relevant post to find all the info you need about offers and discounts for Italy - Greece ferries.

On-board services and amenities

Ferries operated by Superfast Ferries and Ventouris Ferries offer a range of accommodation options and onboard amenities to make your journey from Bari to Kefalonia more comfortable and enjoyable:

  • Superfast Ferries: On board, you'll find cabins, airplane-style seats, air-conditioned lounges, a self-service restaurant, bars, a shop, and Wi-Fi access. The ferries also offer accessible facilities for passengers with disabilities, as well as dedicated pet accommodation, including pet-friendly cabins and onboard kennels.
  • Ventouris Ferries: The Rigel VII features inside and sea-view cabins, airplane-style seats, and lounges overlooking the sea. Dining options include a self-service restaurant and a café-bar. Other amenities include a shop, Starlink Wi-Fi, TVs in common areas, elevators, and designated areas for pets.

Tip: onboard amenities may vary depending on the vessel operating your crossing. Make sure to check the available accommodation options and any Wi-Fi charges before your trip.

Cabins & accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

On ferries from Bari to Kefalonia, you can choose from several types of cabins, including inside and sea-view cabins, most of which come with a private bathroom with a toilet and shower. If you're traveling with a pet, you can book a pet-friendly cabin, while accessible cabins are also available for passengers with disabilities, offering additional comfort and convenience during the crossing.

Cabins tend to sell out quickly, especially during the peak season, so we recommend booking a few months in advance.

Alternatively, you can reserve a numbered seat.

How much luggage can I carry on board?

Ventouris Ferries and Superfast Ferries (Anek Superfast) are usually quite flexible when it comes to luggage size and weight. You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the ferry from Bari to Kefalonia.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Tip: each ferry company has its own luggage allowance policy. We recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Amenities for people with disabilities

Accessibility is supported on the ferry Bari - Kefalonia route, with vessels offering specially designed accessible cabins. Because the number of these cabins is limited, it’s recommended to book in advance and contact the company early to arrange any needed assistance. Depending on the vessel, you may also find elevators/escalators and storage spaces for wheelchairs.

Can I travel with my pet?

You can travel with your pet on ferries to Kefalonia from Bari, depending on the company you’ve chosen:

  • On Ventouris Ferries' Rigel VII, pets can travel in the onboard kennels, which must be booked in advance. Small pets can also stay in their own pet carriers, while larger dogs are allowed on the outdoor decks, provided they wear a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Pets are not allowed in indoor public areas or inside vehicles.
  • On Anek Superfast ferries, there are some kennels and a limited number of cabins that you can book in advance. Pets are not allowed indoors or inside vehicles (unless you have picked the camping-on-board option). When walking on the open decks, pets must wear a muzzle and a leash, and be accompanied by their owner or guardian.

Useful tips for your ferry trip from Bari to Kefalonia

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Bari to Kefalonia:

  • We recommend that you arrive at the port of Bari at least 1.5 hr before boarding, especially if you are transferring your vehicle as well.
  • When checking your ferry departure/arrival time, note that there's a 1-hr time difference between Italy and Greece.
  • Consider booking a bed cabin for the Bari - Kefalonia crossing, as it’s quite long
  • Vehicle tickets are also limited in availability, so make sure to plan your trip as early as possible if you want to explore Kefalonia at your own pace. There are also special offers for cars and campers.
  • Ferries to Kefalonia arrive at the port of Sami. From there, you can discover other neighboring ports in Greece, including the port of Kyllini in the Peloponnese. Gather inspiration on our Map of ferries and explore more destinations in Greece!
  • Check out our Kefalonia travel guide and find more tips about what to do and see on this beautiful Greek island!

Where to take the ferry from Bari to Kefalonia

Ferries to Kefalonia depart from the port of Bari. The port area is divided into the Old and the New Port. Ferries to Kefalonia usually depart from the New Port, specifically from Terminal Crociere.

Within walking distance, you can find numerous monuments and historic sites, as well as various visitor amenities, such as bars, restaurants, shops, and private parking lots.

How to get to the port of Bari

  • By car: Bari is well connected via the A14 motorway (Bologna–Taranto). Follow signs for Porto once you reach the city. There are short- and long-term parking areas near the ferry terminals.
  • From Bari Centrale train station: the station is about 2 km from the port (5-10 min by taxi, 25-30 min on foot). Local buses connect the station area with the port zone.
  • From Bari Airport (Karol Wojtyła): the airport is about 11 km away. You can reach the port by taxi (around 20-30 min) or by train from the airport to Bari Centrale, followed by taxi or bus to the port.

Where does the ferry arrive in Kefalonia?

Ferries from Bari to Kefalonia arrive at the port of Sami, on the island's eastern coast.

The port is located close to Sami town center and offers waiting areas and passenger information points. Nearby, you'll also find cafés, shops, minimarkets, and public parking facilities.

To reach your accommodation or explore other parts of Kefalonia, you can take a taxi or use the local KTEL buses. Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance to see if they align with your ferry's arrival time.

How long is the ferry ride from Bari to Kefalonia?

The duration of the ferry journey to Kefalonia from Bari is around 18 hr, including the stops in Corfu and Igoumenitsa.

Related posts from our blog

FAQs

Yes, you can bring your vehicle on ferries from Bari to the port of Sami in Kefalonia. Fares vary depending on the ferry operator, season, and vehicle size.

  • Motorcycles and scooters: from around €40 to €70.
  • Cars: from around €80 to €125.
  • Camper vans: from around €195 to €245. Different fares apply to smaller or longer vehicles.

Tip: make sure to enter your vehicle's exact dimensions when booking to check the final fare. We also recommend booking in advance if you're traveling in summer, as vehicle spaces tend to fill up quickly.

The distance between the port of Bari in Italy and the island of Kefalonia in Greece is 245 nautical miles (around 453 km).

The ferries operating on the Bari - Kefalonia seasonal route are conventional. The fastest ferry crossing to Kefalonia takes around 14 hours.

No, ferries from Bari to Kefalonia make one or more stops before reaching the port of Sami, depending on the ferry operator:

  • Superfast Ferries: stops at Igoumenitsa before continuing to Sami.
  • Ventouris Ferries: stops at Corfu and Igoumenitsa before reaching Kefalonia.

In both cases, you won't need to change ferries. You can stay on board during the intermediate stops and disembark directly at Sami.

With Superfast Ferries and Ventouris Ferries, you can book your tickets to Kefalonia online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

If your ferry trip is canceled, you usually have the following options:

  • Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
  • Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.

Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.

If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.

Book your ferry tickets