Vathi - Karlovassi
Ferry to Samos
Vathi - Karlovassi
Ferry to Samos
Fares for the Vathi to Karlovassi crossing usually range somewhere between $14* and $56*. Most travellers pay around $55* for a Vathi Karlovassi ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $14*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $55* on average.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Vathi Karlovassi route generally kick off from Vathi at around 03:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 17:10.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Vathi to Karlovassi is an easy day trip. Taking a vehicle, where possible, gives you the freedom to explore a bit further once you land.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Vathi and Karlovassi.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Vathi and Karlovassi.
No, foot passengers can't currently travel on sailings between Vathi and Karlovassi.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Vathi and Karlovassi. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Vathi to Karlovassi route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Vathi to Karlovassi crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Vathi to Karlovassi on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Vathi to Karlovassi ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Vathi - Karlovassi Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $55 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $22 | |
| Vathi - Karlovassi Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Samos |
| Destination | Samos |
| Average Price | $55 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 3 |
| 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 September 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.
