Ferry to Zakynthos from Kyllini: times, prices and getting there from Athens (2026)
Zakynthos is reached by ferry from Kyllini, a small port in the western Peloponnese: about an hour and a quarter at sea after roughly three hours' drive from Athens.
- Kyllini to Zakynthos: about 1h15 with Levante Ferries. Up to 7 sailings a day in summer, about 4 in winter.
- Adult tickets from about €12.50, cars from about €38 (Ferryhopper, October 2026).
- Kyllini is about 280–290 km from Athens, roughly a 3-hour drive; buses also run from Kifissos station.
On a road trip through Athens and the Peloponnese, the Zakynthos ferry is cheap and short. If you only want to reach Zakynthos, check flights too: the drive to Kyllini is long.
Kyllini to Zakynthos: times and prices
| Company | Levante Ferries (conventional ferries) |
| Crossing time | about 1h15 |
| Sailings a day | up to 7 in summer, about 4 in low season |
| Adult ticket | from about €12.50 |
| Car | from about €38 |
| Motorbike | from about €10 |
Figures according to Ferryhopper, October 2026. Kyllini to Zakynthos is about 15 nautical miles (about 28 km). Ferries arrive at Zakynthos Town port.
Getting from Athens to Kyllini
- By car: according to Ferryhopper, about 280 km and roughly 3 hours via Corinth and Patras.
- By bus: KTEL buses to Kyllini leave from Kifissos bus station in Athens. Check departure times and whether a combined bus-and-ferry ticket is available.
Tip: aim to reach Kyllini at least an hour before sailing, earlier in summer with a car.
Taking a car to Zakynthos
A car is very handy on Zakynthos, for the Shipwreck (Navagio) viewpoint and mountain villages. Taking a car on the ferry is relatively cheap; a car rented in Athens needs written permission. Car rental in Greece.
Ferry or flight?
Zakynthos has an airport with domestic flights from Athens and, in season, international flights. If you're not driving through the Peloponnese anyway, flying can save several hours.
Tips before you book
- July and August: book ahead, especially with a car or if you want a cabin on a night sailing.
- Meltemi wind: from mid-May to mid-September a strong north wind blows. High-speed boats are cancelled first, and sometimes the port authority stops all sailings. When strong wind is forecast, a large conventional ferry is the safer choice.
- Strikes: when the seamen's union strikes, all ferries stay in port. Check today's strikes and the strike calendar.
- Spare day: never come back from the island on the day of your flight home.
- Ticket and passport: most companies send an e-ticket with a QR code. Bring your passport and arrive at least an hour before departure.
More on ports, winds and tickets: Ferries in Greece: the complete guide.
More on the island: Zakynthos destination guide.
FAQ
How long is the ferry to Zakynthos? About 1 hour 15 minutes from Kyllini, with Levante Ferries.
How much is the ferry to Zakynthos? According to Ferryhopper in October 2026, from about €12.50 per adult, and cars from about €38.
How do I get from Athens to the Zakynthos ferry? Go to Kyllini port in the western Peloponnese: about 3 hours by car, or by KTEL bus from Kifissos station.
Crossing times, companies and fares are based on Ferryhopper and the operators' sites, October 2026. Fares are "from" prices for one adult, one way, and change by season and vessel. Check the current price when you book.
