Karpathos is one of the Dodecanese islands famous for the natural sponges which are harvested here. It is basically two islands into one: mountains in the northern part and beaches in the southern part. Scuba diving and windsurfing can be practiced it, making Karpathos a very interesting island for those looking for an active vacation.

So , if you’re planning a visit, why not take the ferry from Athens to Karpathos? Here’s all you need to know about the journey – prices and schedule included!

Port of Piraeus

The Port of Piraeus (or Pireas*) is large and can be rather overwhelming for the first time visitor. Allow enough time to get from the city center to the port and to find the gate (which is written on your ticket) and also be sure to have a map.

All ferries to Karpathos (the Dodecanese islands) depart from Port Gate E1.

>>more information on Getting from Athens to Piraeus

Karpathos or Diafani?

Both. Ferries from Piraeus arrive in and depart from Karpathos (KAH) and Diafani (DIA) ports. Diafani is the main port in the northern part of the island. The island’s main port is Karpathos.

How long does it take to get from Athens to Karpathos?

The journey between Athens (Piraeus) and Karpathos takes between 13 and 18 hours , depending on the type of ferry and company.

Is there a high speed ferry between Athens and Karpathos?

No.

How much does it cost to get from Athens to Karpathos by ferry?

The ticket prices depend on the type of seat and class you prefer.

On the ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries, the single ticket starts at €45.50.

Prices apply for ferries going to/from both Karpathos and Diafani.

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Karpathos during the low season?

The following ferries connect Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos during the low season 2024 (Sept-Oct):

To Karpathos

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Monday	5:00 PM	till 23-Sept
Wednesday	5:00 PM	till 25-Sept
Friday	5:00 PM	till 27-Sept

To Diafani:

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Monday	5:00 PM	till 23-Sept
Friday	5:00 PM	on 27-Sept, from 5-Jul to 20-Sept

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Karpathos during the high season?

During the 2024 high season (July – August) , the following ferries link Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos:

To Karpathos

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Monday	5:00 PM	till 23-Sept
Wednesday	5:00 PM	till 25-Sept
Friday	5:00 PM	till 27-Sept

To Diafani:

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Monday	5:00 PM	till 23-Sept
Friday	5:00 PM	till 28-Jun, from 5-Jul to 20-Sept

Are there any overnight journeys between Athens and Karpathos?

Yes.

Where can I buy tickets from?

Tickets can be purchased online (at most 2 months prior to departure) or via a travel agency. However, all agencies need to book via a Greek travel agency so, generally speaking, you can do that on your own.

Another option is to buy them directly from the port. The ticketing office is at the Port Gate E1 (exactly where the ferries to Karpathos depart from). There’s no need to buy your ticket in advance unless you are traveling during the weekend in the middle of the high season (July & August).

Does everyone charge the same prices?

Yes, the prices should be the same in the port, at the travel agencies and on line. Even if there are differences, those shouldn’t be significant.

How about the ferries from Karpathos to Athens?

During the 2024 high season, the following ferries link Karpathos to Athens:

From Karpathos

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Sunday	16:30	from 7-Jul to 22-Sept
Sunday	7:00 PM	till 30-Jun
Tuesday	8:00 PM	till 24-Setp
Thursday	9:05 PM	till 26-Sept

From Diafani

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Sunday	2:40 PM	from 7-Jul to 22-Sept
Sunday	5:40 PM	till 30-Jun
Tuesday	6:40 PM	till 24-Sept

During the low season 2024, the following ferries connect Karpathos to Athens:

From Karpathos

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Sunday	16:30	from 7-Jul to 22-Sept
Sunday	7:00 PM	on 29-Sept
Tuesday	8:00 PM	till 24-Setp
Thursday	9:05 PM	till 26-Sept

From Diafani:

Day of the week	Hour	Dates
Sunday	2:40 PM	from 7-Jul to 22-Sept
Sunday	5:40 PM	on 29-Sept
Tuesday	6:40 PM	till 24-Sept

Important note:

The ferries schedule is submitted every Friday by the companies to the Ministry of Mercantile Marine so, in some cases, the information available on line is not the most accurate (some departures are available on sites offering information but you cannot find the same ferry when you try to book it).

Your best bet is to check this link the day before departure (or the day of before) just to make sure things haven’t changed.

Read more about:

>> Ferries in Greece
>> Ferries from Athens: How to deal with the Port of Piraeus
>> Ferries from Athens to Aegina
>> Ferries from Athens to Crete
>> Ferries from Athens to Hydra
>> Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Rafina to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Athens to Patmos
>> Ferries from Athens to Santorini
>> Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Naxos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skopelos
>> Ferries from Corfu to Patras
>> Ferries from Rhodes to Kos
>>Ferries to and from Santorini
>> Ferries from Athens to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Crete
>> Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos
>>Ferries from Thessaloniki to Lesvos
>> Ferries to and from Mykonos
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Paros (and return)
>> Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Santorini to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Ios
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Athens to Naxos
>> Ferries from Athens to Thessaloniki
>> Ferries from Santorini to Syros
>> Ferries from Kavala to Thassos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skiathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Kos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Chios

Notes:
* Pireas and Piraeus are exactly the same place, but you can find them spelled in both ways. All road signs though point to Pireas.
** The article was first published in 2009. The latest low season schedule and price update was made as of June 2024.
This article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission.