Vathi - Karlovassi
Ferries to Samos
Vathi - Karlovassi
Ferries to Samos
On the Vathi Karlovassi route, fares generally fall between $11* and $45*. On average, a Vathi Karlovassi ferry ticket costs around $23*, with the lowest Vathi Karlovassi fares starting at $11*. Foot passengers pay an average of $23*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Vathi Karlovassi sailings usually begin with a departure from Vathi at approximately 03:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 17:10.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Vathi to Karlovassi a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Vathi and Karlovassi.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Vathi and Karlovassi.
No, foot passengers currently aren't permitted on sailings between Vathi and Karlovassi.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Vathi and Karlovassi. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Vathi to Karlovassi route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Vathi to Karlovassi crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Vathi to Karlovassi ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Vathi - Karlovassi Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $23 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $11 | |
| Vathi - Karlovassi Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Samos |
| Destination | Samos |
| Average Price | $23 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 40 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 40 m |
| First Ferry | 03:00 |
| Last Ferry | 17:10 |
| Distance | 17 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The town of Vathi is located on the Greek island of Samos, which lies in the north Aegean Sea, and is the island's largest town and capital. The town was built around a large bay and is full of Aegean colour and atmosphere which is just as well as tourism is the town's main source of income. The town is also home to one of three ports on the island and is located in the centre of the eastern part of the bay which is also called Vathi. Limin Vatheos or Kato Vathi, as the locals call it, is the most lively place on the island, especially during the summer tourist season. There have been many archaeological finds on the island that bear testament to the island's past. Popular with tourists is the historic church of Agios Spyridon, the building that housed the Parliament, the Town Hall and the Archaeological and the Byzantine Museum which are all evidence of the historic past of the island.
From the town's port, ferry services operate to the Greek mainland and to many other Greek islands with conventional and high speed ferries. Destinations include Piraeus, Icaria, Chios, Mytiline, the Cyclades, the islands of the North Aegean and the Dodecanese Islands.
The tourist resort and port of Karlovassi is one of the most popular towns on the Greek island of Samos which lies in the north Aegean Sea. The island has a rich history and was home to the mathematician, Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus. The town is an important trading hub for the Aegean region and was home to a significant naval fleet in ancient history.
The town is in the north of the island and up until the 20th century it was perhaps best known for its tobacco manufacturing and tannery. A popular attraction in the town is the Tannery Museum which shows the town's long history in tannery which stretches back to ancient times. On display in the museum are tools and methods of leather processing and also the locations of the many tanneries that were located on Samos during the 20th century. There are some fine examples of neoclassical mansions in the town which can be seen alongside the remains of large stone factories at the "Ormos" seaside.
Ferries operating from the town's port depart to Piraeus, Chios, Fournoi, Agios Kirikos, Evdilos, Syros and Kavala.
