The Samos to Athens ferry schedule is available at the bottom of the article.

Samos is one of the East Aegean Islands , located close to the Turkish mainland, being right on the route from Athens to Izmir. Tourist season starts in May and that’s when the prices start to climb and more ferries come to the island.

Samos is served by an airport – and it takes 55 min to fly here from Athens – , which is served by some European low cost carriers during the summer. In mid-September 2012, the single fare from Athens starts at €78 , while a return ticket starts at €158.

The Heraion of Samos and the Tunnel of Eupalinos are the two important sights to visit on the island. The beaches are lovely and there are some scenic walks you can take, as well. Don’t forget to taste the local wine while you are here.

Port of Piraeus

The port of Piraeus (or Pireas*) is large and can be a little confusing at first, to say the least. Make sure to check this interactive map and allow plenty of time to find the gate.

The gate you will catch the ferry from always appears printed on your ticket.

>>more information on Getting from Athens to Piraeus

Vathi, Karlovassi or Pithagorion ?

The main port in Samos is Vathi . Karlovassi and Pithagorion are the other two ports, but the ferries to/from Athens only use Vathi and Karlovassi.

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

The ferries take between 8 ½ h and 12 h, depending on the vessel.

Is there a high speed ferry between Athens and Samos?

No.

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

On the ferry operated by Nel Lines, a saloni or airplane type of seat ticket to Karlovassi is €30 / 1 adult / one way; while to Vathy the same type of seat is €31 / 1 adult / one way.

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

During the low season 2013 (May), the following ferries are available between Piraeus and Samos:
To Karlovassi

Wed 2 p.m., May 1
Tue, Thu, Sat 6 p.m., May 7 – 11
Mon 6 p.m., May 13-27
Wed 6 p.m., May 15-29
Fri 6 p.m., May 17-24
Thu 11:59 p.m., May 2

To Vathy:

Wed 2 p.m., May 1
Tue, Thu, Sat 6 p.m., May 7 – 11
Mon 6 p.m., May 13-27
Wed 6 p.m., May 15-29
Fri 6 p.m., May 17-24, May 31
Thu 11:59 p.m., May 2

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

During the high season 2013 (June-Sept), the following ferries run between Piraeus and Samos:

To Karlovassi

Mon 8:30 a.m., Jul 8 – Sept 2
Thu, Fri 7 p.m., Jun 14 – Aug 30
Tue, Sat 7 p.m., Jun 15 – Jun 18, Jun 21 – Aug 31
Sat 7 p.m., Jun 22

To Vathy:

Mon 8:30 a.m., Jul 8 – Sept 2
Tue, Thu, Sat 3 p.m., Jun 29 – Aug 31
Thu, Fri 7 p.m., Jun 14 – Aug 30
Tue, Sat 7 p.m., Jun 15 – Jun 18, Jun 21 – Aug 31
Sat 7 p.m., Jun 22

Are there any overnight journeys between Athens and Samos?

All ferries are overnight ferries.

Where can I buy tickets from?

You can book your tickets online at most 2 months prior to departure. You can also book via a travel agent in Greece or directly from the ferry companies websites.

Another good option is to buy your tickets direct from the port (Port Gate Ε1). Unless you plan to travel when everyone else is (weekends during the high season) there isn’t much need to book your tickets in advance.

Does everyone charge the same prices?

The prices on the major booking systems are the same with the ones you’ll pay directly in the port. The ferry companies websites might offer discounts not available elsewhere and the travel agency might charge more for a ticket.

How about the ferries from Samos to Athens?

During the high season 2013, the following ferries operate between Samos and Piraeus:

From Karlovassi

Fri, Sat 8:35 a.m., Jun 15-Aug 31
Sun 5:45 p.m., Jun 2
Wed, Sun 8:20 p.m., Jun 16- 19, Jun 26-Sept 1
Mon 8:20 p.m., Jun 24
Mon 11:20 p.m., Jul 8 – Sept 2

From Vathy:

Fri, Sat 7:30 a.m., Jun 15 – Aug 31
Wed, Fri, Sat 2 p.m., Jun 30 – Sept 1
Sun 4 p.m., Jun 2
Wed, Sun 7 p.m., Jun 16- 19, Jun 26- Sept 1
Mon 7 p.m., Jun 24
Mon 10 p.m., Jul 8 – Sept 2

During the low season 2013, the following ferries operate between Samos and Piraeus:

From Karlovassi

Thu 8:45 a.m., May 2
Mon 5:45 p.m., May 6
Wed, Fri, Sun 5:45 p.m., May 8 – 12
Tue 5:45 p.m., May 14-28
Thu 5:45 p.m., May 16-30
Sun 5:45 p.m., May 19-26

From Vathy:

Thu 7 a.m., May 2
Mon 4 p.m., May 6
Wed, Fri, Sun 4 p.m., May 8 -12
Tue 4 p.m., May 14 – 28
Thu 4 p.m., May 16-30
Sun 4 p.m., May 19-25

Important note:

Although the websites do their best to have the schedules updated it’s hard to do that since the ferry companies submit their schedules weekly to the Ministry of Mercantile Marine. Your best bet is to check the schedule in the port unless you’ve booked the ticket before your arrival in Athens.

Photo by SpirosK

Note: the article was written and first published in August 2012; the latest schedule and price update have been made as of April 2013.