Your Complete Guide to Ferry Routes from Corfu
Corfu is far more than just one of Greeceโs most popular holiday islands. Thanks to its strategic location in the Ionian Sea, it is one of the countryโs most important ferry hubs, offering routes not only to the Greek mainland and neighbouring Ionian Islands, but also to Albania and Italy.
Whether youโre planning a quick day trip to Saranda, an island-hopping adventure through the Ionian Islands, or an international crossing to Italy, Corfu offers an impressive range of ferry connections throughout much of the year.
The islandโs main passenger terminal is Corfu Port (Neo Limani), located just outside Corfu Town (Kerkyra). From here, modern ferries depart daily for nearby Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland, while longer-distance sailings connect the island with destinations including Bari, Brindisi, Venice and Ancona in Italy. Seasonal services also open up a network of routes linking Corfu with islands such as Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos.
One of Corfuโs biggest advantages is its flexibility. You can spend a week enjoying the islandโs beaches before continuing your holiday by ferry, or simply use Corfu as your starting point for exploring several countries and islands without needing another flight.
In this guide, weโll explain how to reach Corfu Port, where you can sail, which ferry companies operate the routes, and help you decide which ferry is best for your journey.
Why Corfu is Perfect for Island Hopping
Few Greek islands offer the variety of ferry connections available from Corfu. Sitting at the north-western edge of Greece, only a short distance from Albania and facing the coast of Italy, Corfu acts as a natural gateway between several countries and some of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea.
From Corfu, itโs possible to enjoy a morning coffee overlooking the islandโs Venetian streets before catching a ferry to Saranda in Albania for lunch. Alternatively, you can continue south through the Ionian Islands, visiting Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos, or travel east to the Greek mainland before continuing your journey elsewhere in Greece.
Corfu also provides one of the few direct sea links between Greece and Italy. International ferries to Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice are popular with travellers taking road trips across Europe, as well as visitors wanting an alternative to flying.
Whether youโre travelling as a foot passenger, taking a hire car, touring in a motorhome or exploring by motorcycle, Corfu offers a wide range of ferry options that make multi-destination holidays remarkably easy to plan.
Understanding Corfuโs Ferry Network
Unlike larger islands such as Crete, Corfuโs ferry network is centred around a single main passenger port, making it extremely easy to understand.
Almost all scheduled ferry services depart from Corfu Port (Neo Limani), located approximately 2 kilometres from Corfu Town and only around 4 kilometres from Corfu International Airport. Its convenient location means most visitors can travel from the airport to the ferry terminal in around 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
From this one port, ferries operate in four main directions.
The busiest routes cross to the Greek mainland, particularly Igoumenitsa, which acts as the gateway to north-western Greece.
Another group of services heads south through the Ionian Islands, connecting Corfu with destinations including Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos.
International routes operate across the Adriatic Sea to Italy, while shorter international crossings connect Corfu with the Albanian Riviera, including Saranda and Himarรซ.
Corfu also serves the small Diapontia Islands of Othonoi, Mathraki and Ereikoussa, tiny islands lying north-west of Corfu that remain largely undiscovered by international visitors.
Although some routes operate throughout the year, others are seasonal, with additional sailings introduced during the busy summer months when demand is at its highest.
Getting to Corfu Ferry Port
Corfu Port (Neo Limani) sits just north of Corfu Town and is the islandโs main passenger and vehicle ferry terminal. Thanks to its central location, reaching the port is straightforward whether youโre arriving by plane, bus, taxi, hire car or on foot.
From Corfu International Airport, the ferry terminal is only around 4 kilometres away. A taxi usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes, while Corfu City Bus Route 15 provides a low-cost connection between the airport and the town, with stops within walking distance of the port.
If youโre staying in Corfu Town, many hotels are close enough for you to reach the terminal on foot in around 20 to 30 minutes, while local buses and taxis offer an easy alternative if youโre travelling with luggage.
Visitors arriving from other parts of the island can use the extensive Green Bus (KTEL Kerkyra) network, which connects resorts including Sidari, Kassiopi, Paleokastritsa, Benitses, Dassia, Ipsos, Acharavi and Kavos with Corfu Town. From the Green Bus Station, the ferry port is only a short taxi ride or walk away.
The terminal itself is modern and well equipped, with ticket offices, cafรฉs, shops, waiting areas, ATMs, toilets and vehicle check-in lanes. During the peak holiday season, itโs sensible to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes early if youโre travelling with a vehicle.
Where You Can Sail from Corfu
Corfu offers one of the most varied ferry networks in Greece, with routes ranging from 30-minute international crossings to Albania through to overnight sailings across the Adriatic Sea to Italy.
The busiest route is the short crossing to Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland, with numerous departures every day throughout the year. This route is popular with both holidaymakers and motorists travelling between Corfu and mainland Greece.
International ferries also make Corfu one of the easiest places to visit Albania, with regular crossings to Saranda and seasonal services to Himarรซ. These routes have become increasingly popular with travellers looking to combine two countries in one holiday.
For those wishing to explore more of Greece, ferries connect Corfu with several beautiful Ionian Islands, including Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Meganisi and Zakynthos. Smaller local ferries also serve the peaceful Diapontia Islands of Othonoi, Mathraki and Ereikoussa, which remain some of the least visited islands in the country.
Longer international services link Corfu with Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice, making the island an important gateway between Greece and Italy for both foot passengers and vehicles.
Whether youโre planning a day trip, a week-long island-hopping adventure or an international road trip, Corfu offers ferry routes to suit almost every style of travel.
| Destination | Typical Journey Time | Best For | Service Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Igoumenitsa | 1โ1.5 hours | Mainland Greece and onward road trips | Year-round |
| Saranda (Albania) | 30โ70 minutes | Day trips and multi-country holidays | Year-round |
| Paxos | 1โ2 hours | Island hopping and beautiful beaches | Mainly summer |
| Lefkada | Varies | Exploring the Ionian Islands | Seasonal |
| Kefalonia | Varies | Longer island-hopping itineraries | Seasonal |
| Zakynthos | Varies | Multi-island adventures | Seasonal |
| Bari (Italy) | Overnight / Varies | Southern Italy and European road trips | Seasonal |
| Brindisi (Italy) | Overnight / Varies | Puglia and onward travel | Seasonal |
| Venice (Italy) | Overnight / Varies | Northern Italy and Adriatic crossings | Seasonal |
Crossing to Albania
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Corfu is how easy it is to travel to Albania. The Albanian Riviera lies only a short distance across the water, making it possible to visit another country in less than an hour.
The most popular crossing is the route between Corfu and Saranda, with frequent sailings operating throughout much of the year. During the busy summer season, departures run regularly throughout the day using both high-speed passenger ferries and larger conventional vessels.
Once in Saranda, visitors can explore the attractive waterfront, enjoy Albanian cuisine or continue inland to attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint and the famous Blue Eye Spring.
Corfu also offers seasonal services to Himarรซ, another beautiful destination on Albaniaโs Riviera. Known for its beaches, clear waters and relaxed atmosphere, Himarรซ is becoming increasingly popular with travellers looking to experience a quieter side of the Adriatic coast.
Because Albania is outside the Schengen Area, passengers should remember to carry a valid passport and allow additional time for passport and border checks before departure and upon arrival.
Travelling to Mainland Greece
The ferry between Corfu and Igoumenitsa is one of the busiest passenger and vehicle ferry routes in Greece.
Operating throughout the year with frequent departures from early morning until late evening, the crossing usually takes between 1 and 1ยฝ hours, depending on the operator and vessel.
Many visitors use this route simply to reach mainland Greece before continuing by road, but it also forms part of longer journeys towards destinations including Meteora, Ioannina, Zagori, Parga, Thessaloniki and even Athens.
The route is extremely popular with hire cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and touring cyclists, as well as passengers travelling on foot. Modern ferries provide comfortable indoor lounges, cafรฉs, outdoor seating and generous luggage allowances.
For visitors planning a wider tour of mainland Greece, the CorfuโIgoumenitsa ferry is often the quickest and most convenient way to continue your journey.
Exploring the Ionian Islands by Ferry
If youโre looking to experience more than one Greek island during your holiday, Corfu provides an excellent starting point for exploring the beautiful Ionian Islands.
The nearest destination is Paxos, famous for its turquoise waters, charming harbour at Gaios and relaxed atmosphere. Regular sailings make it one of the most popular day trips and short-stay destinations from Corfu.
Longer ferry routes connect Corfu with islands including Lefkada, Kefalonia (via Sami), Ithaca (via Pisaetos), Meganisi (Spilia) and Zakynthos, allowing visitors to build unforgettable island-hopping itineraries through western Greece.
Corfu is also the gateway to the tiny Diapontia Islands of Othonoi, Mathraki and Ereikoussa. These peaceful islands receive relatively few visitors and are ideal for travellers looking to escape the crowds, enjoy quiet beaches and experience a slower pace of life.
Some of these routes operate year-round, while others are seasonal and primarily available during the summer months. Before planning an island-hopping itinerary, itโs always worth checking the latest schedules, as frequencies can vary considerably depending on the time of year.
Sailing to Italy
For travellers looking to combine Greece and Italy in a single trip, Corfu offers some of the most important international ferry routes in the Adriatic Sea.
Regular ferry services connect the island with the Italian ports of Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice, providing an excellent alternative to flying. These routes are particularly popular with motorists, motorhome owners, cyclists and backpackers travelling across Europe, allowing passengers to continue their journey without returning to the airport.
Brindisi and Bari are generally the quickest crossings and are ideal gateways to the beautiful region of Puglia, while Ancona provides easy access to central Italy. The longer route to Venice offers one of Europeโs most memorable ferry journeys, arriving close to one of the worldโs most famous historic cities.
International ferries are operated by large conventional vessels offering a wide range of onboard facilities, including comfortable lounges, private cabins, restaurants, cafรฉs, bars, shops, childrenโs play areas and spacious vehicle decks. These ships are designed for longer crossings, making overnight travel both comfortable and convenient.
As these are international routes, passengers should always carry a valid passport and allow additional time for passport control, security checks and vehicle processing before departure.
Seasonal Routes and Summer Services
While some ferry routes from Corfu operate throughout the year, many others increase in frequency or only begin operating during the summer tourist season.
The year-round services to Igoumenitsa and many crossings to Saranda provide reliable links throughout most of the year, making it easy to travel between Corfu, mainland Greece and Albania regardless of the season.
During late spring, summer and early autumn, ferry operators introduce additional sailings to destinations including Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, the Diapontia Islands and several Italian ports. Frequencies are usually at their highest during July and August, when demand from both holidaymakers and international travellers peaks.
Seasonal routes can vary from one year to the next depending on passenger demand and ferry operator schedules. Some services operate daily throughout the summer, while others may only run several times each week.
If youโre planning an island-hopping itinerary or travelling to a less frequently served destination, itโs always worth checking departure dates well in advance. Booking early is especially important during the busiest holiday periods, when popular sailings can sell out several weeks before departure.
Ferry Companies Operating from Corfu
Several major ferry operators provide services from Corfu, offering everything from short passenger crossings to large international ferries capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles across the Adriatic Sea.
Domestic routes to Igoumenitsa, Paxos and the Diapontia Islands are operated by a number of regional ferry companies using both conventional ferries and fast passenger vessels. These services provide reliable year-round connections while increasing frequencies during the summer months.
Crossings to Saranda and Himarรซ are operated by several companies using high-speed catamarans and passenger ferries, making the journey between Greece and Albania quick and convenient.
International sailings to Italy are generally operated by larger ferry companies including Superfast Ferries, ANEK Lines, Grimaldi Lines and other Adriatic operators, depending on the route and season. These ships are designed for long-distance travel and offer facilities such as private cabins, reclining seats, restaurants, bars, cafรฉs, duty-free shopping, childrenโs play areas and extensive vehicle decks.
Whether youโre travelling as a foot passenger, with a hire car, motorcycle, campervan or motorhome, Corfu offers a wide range of ferry services to suit almost every style of journey.
Booking Ferry Tickets
Booking your ferry tickets before travelling is the easiest way to secure your preferred departure time, operator and ticket price, particularly if youโre visiting during the busy summer season.
Popular routes such as Corfu to Saranda, Corfu to Igoumenitsa, Corfu to Paxos and the international crossings to Italy can become extremely busy during July and August. If youโre travelling with a vehicle, or wish to reserve a private cabin on an overnight ferry, booking several weeks in advance is highly recommended.
Most travellers now book online, making it easy to compare crossing times, journey durations, operators, ticket prices and onboard facilities before choosing the best sailing.
Many ferry operators issue electronic tickets, allowing passengers to check in using their smartphone, although some services still require tickets to be collected before boarding. Always check your booking confirmation carefully so you know exactly whatโs required.
As a general guide, foot passengers should aim to arrive at the port around 45 to 60 minutes before departure, while passengers travelling with a car, motorcycle, motorhome or campervan should allow at least 90 minutes, particularly when travelling on international routes where passport and security checks take additional time.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Corfu is one of Greece’s best islands for ferry travel. With routes to mainland Greece, Albania, Italy and the Ionian Islands, it’s the perfect place to start an island-hopping adventure.
- Compare operators before booking. Departure times, journey lengths and onboard facilities vary, so it’s worth comparing several sailings before choosing your ferry.
- Book summer sailings early. Popular routes to Saranda, Paxos and Italy often sell out well in advance during July and August, especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle.
- Allow extra time for international ferries. Crossings to Albania and Italy involve passport and border checks, so arrive at the port at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Use Corfu as your island-hopping base. It’s easy to combine Corfu with Paxos, mainland Greece and even Albania without needing another flight.
- Book through a comparison platform. Using a ferry booking site lets you compare routes, operators, prices and sailing times in one place, making it much easier to find the journey that best suits your plans.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do ferries leave from in Corfu?
Almost all scheduled ferry services depart from Corfu Port (Neo Limani), located just north of Corfu Town and around 10 to 15 minutes from Corfu International Airport.
Can you get a ferry from Corfu to Albania?
Yes. Regular ferries operate between Corfu and Saranda, with seasonal services also available to Himarรซ. The crossing to Saranda can take as little as 30 minutes on the fastest services.
Can you take a ferry from Corfu to Italy?
Yes. International ferries connect Corfu with Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice, making the island an important gateway between Greece and Italy.
Can you island hop from Corfu?
Absolutely. Corfu has ferry connections to Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Meganisi and the Diapontia Islands, although some routes operate only during the summer season.
Can I take my car on ferries from Corfu?
Yes. Most ferries operating from Corfu carry cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, campervans and bicycles. Vehicle spaces should be booked in advance during busy periods.
Do ferries from Corfu operate all year?
Many routes, particularly the ferry to Igoumenitsa, operate throughout the year. Other services, especially those to some Ionian Islands and Italy, may be seasonal or have reduced winter schedules.
How early should I arrive before my ferry departs?
Foot passengers should usually arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. If youโre travelling with a vehicle or on an international sailing, arriving 90 minutes before departure is recommended.
Can I buy ferry tickets at Corfu Port?
Yes. Ticket offices are available at Corfu Port, but booking online before travelling is recommended during the busy summer months to secure your preferred sailing.
Further Reading
Continue planning your Corfu adventure with our Things to Do in Corfu guide, where you’ll discover the island’s beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, scenic viewpoints and family-friendly attractions. If you’re arriving by air, our Corfu Airport Transfers guide compares buses, taxis, private transfers and car hire, helping you choose the best way to reach Corfu Town and the island’s popular resorts.
For inspiration once you’ve arrived, don’t miss our Corfu Boat Trips guide, which compares the best cruises to Paxos, Antipaxos, the Blue Lagoon, sunset cruises, private yacht charters and self-drive boat hire, making it easy to experience Corfu from the water. Together, these guides will help you plan every stage of your Corfu holiday, from arrival through to island-hopping across the Ionian Sea.
Last Updated
August 2026
We regularly review and update our ferry guides to ensure route information, ferry operators, seasonal schedules and travel advice remain as accurate as possible. As sailing times, operators and frequencies can change throughout the year, always check the latest timetable before booking your journey.
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