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Cross-border route · Europe
Italy–Greece ferry across the Adriatic
From Puglia to Greece by sea: overnight ferries depart from Bari and Brindisi and arrive in the morning at Igoumenitsa, in Epirus, or continue to Patras, the gateway to the Peloponnese.
Italy
Greece
5 cities 2 countries
In the photo: Ponte Rio–Antirrio
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The route
What is Italy–Greece ferry across the Adriatic
Between the Italian boot and the west coast of Greece, the crossing of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas is carried out by large ferries that carry passengers, cars and trucks. Departing from Bari, ferries usually go to Igoumenitsa, in Epirus, and some continue to Patras, in the northern Peloponnese. From Brindisi, the most common connection is to Igoumenitsa. In the summer season there are also sailings that stop in Corfu.
The journey is usually overnight: boarding in the afternoon or evening in Italy and arrival in Greece in the morning. To Igoumenitsa it takes about 9 to 11 hours; to Patras, about 16 hours. Ships have cabins, reclining seats and deck areas, a restaurant and a snack bar.
The crossing is an alternative to flying for those traveling by car through Italy who want to continue through Greece, or for those who want to reach Greece by sea. Schedules, departure days and stops change with the season: check before buying. Italy and Greece are in the Schengen area and use the euro, but Greece is one hour ahead of Italy.
The map
5 cities in 2 countries
Outlines: Natural Earth, public domain. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
The journey
City by city
Distances and times are approximate: check before you set out.
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1 · Italy
Bari
Bari is the capital of Puglia, with the old town (Bari Vecchia) of narrow streets, the basílica de São Nicolau and the waterfront. The port is close to the center, within walking distance of the old town. Ferries to Igoumenitsa and Patras depart from here.
→ Brindisi cerca de 1h a 1h30 Por terra: trem regional ou de alta velocidade pela costa da Puglia, ou cerca de 115 km de carro. Necessário só para quem embarca em Brindisi; de Bari também saem balsas para a Grécia.
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2 · Italy
Brindisi
Brindisi is about 1 hour by train south of Bari, at the end of the Via Appia, marked by a Roman column in front of the port. The port, inside a natural bay, is the departure point for ferries to Igoumenitsa. Polignano a Mare, Alberobello and Lecce are nearby for those who want to stop in Puglia before boarding.
→ Igoumenitsa cerca de 9 a 11 horas Balsa noturna pelo Adriático e pelo mar Jônico, de Brindisi (ou de Bari) a Igoumenitsa. Na temporada de verão, algumas saídas param em Corfu. Confirme horários e escalas antes.
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3 · Greece
Igoumenitsa
The ferry arrives in Igoumenitsa in the morning. The town is the main port of Epirus and the departure point for short ferries to Corfu, about 1h45 by crossing. From here, the road leads inland to Greece, toward the monasteries of Meteora, and south toward Patras.
→ Patras cerca de 3h de carro ou cerca de 6h de balsa De carro, cerca de 270 km pela estrada da costa oeste e pela ponte Rio–Antirrio. Algumas balsas que saem de Bari seguem de Igoumenitsa até Patras; a viagem inteira Bari–Patras costuma levar cerca de 16 horas.
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4 · Greece
Patras
Patras is the third largest city in Greece and the gateway to the Peloponnese. It has a castle perched above the city, the church of Santo André, a Roman odeon and one of the country's best-known carnivals. Beside the city, the Ponte Rio–Antirrio spans the Gulf of Corinth.
→ Olímpia cerca de 2h Cerca de 120 km de carro pela estrada da costa do Peloponeso, para o sul. Também há ônibus regionais, com troca em Pyrgos.
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5 · Greece
Olímpia
About 2 hours by car from Patras, Olímpia preserves the archaeological site where the Olympic Games were born, with the ancient stadium, the temple of Zeus and the archaeological museum. It is a good first destination in the Peloponnese for those arriving by sea.
How to travel
The way and the tickets
By ferry, with a ticket purchased in advance and a cabin reserved to sleep. Those taking a car must declare the vehicle when buying the ticket. To go from Bari to Brindisi there are regional trains and the coastal road; from Igoumenitsa to Patras, passengers disembarking in Epirus follow the west coast road, crossing the Ponte Rio–Antirrio.
Best time to go
When to go: month by month
From May to September, when there are more departures, the sea is usually calmer and there are summer calls at Corfu. July and August are high season, with busy ships, especially full of cars: book in advance. In winter there are fewer sailings, and the sea can delay or cancel crossings.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Planning
Planning the trip
How many days
The crossing takes one night. To see the towns on both sides, allow 5 to 8 days, with one or two in Bari, one night on the ship and the rest between Patras and Olympia, or between Igoumenitsa and Corfu.
Who it is for
For those traveling by car who want to continue from Italy to Greece, for those who want to reach the Ionian Islands or the Peloponnese by sea, and for those who enjoy sea voyages.
Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Italy–Greece ferry across the Adriatic
Quanto tempo leva a balsa da Itália para a Grécia?
De Bari ou de Brindisi a Igoumenitsa, cerca de 9 a 11 horas. De Bari a Patras, cerca de 16 horas. Os tempos mudam conforme o navio e as escalas: confira no bilhete.
Qual a diferença entre Igoumenitsa e Patras?
Igoumenitsa fica no noroeste da Grécia, perto de Corfu e do caminho para Meteora, e a travessia é mais curta. Patras fica no norte do Peloponeso, mais perto de Olímpia e de Atenas, mas a viagem de balsa é bem mais longa.
Vale a pena reservar cabine?
Para a travessia noturna, sim, se quiser dormir numa cama. Também há poltronas e áreas de convés. No verão as cabines costumam esgotar: reserve com antecedência.
Dá para levar carro alugado na balsa?
Depende da locadora. Muitas não permitem tirar o carro do país ou cobram uma autorização especial. Confirme antes de reservar o carro e a balsa.
Precisa mostrar passaporte?
Itália e Grécia estão no espaço Schengen, mas as empresas pedem documento no embarque, e pode haver fiscalização nos portos. Leve o passaporte à mão.
A balsa para em Corfu?
Algumas saídas de verão costumam parar em Corfu. Fora delas, vá até Igoumenitsa e pegue uma das balsas curtas para a ilha, que saem várias vezes por dia.