Ancona to Patras Ferry (Italy to Greece)

Ferry operators on the Ancona to Patras route

Two ferry operators serve the long Adriatic crossing from central Italy to Greece.

ANEK Superfast operates jointly with Blue Star Ferries on Italy-Greece routes. The ferries are large modern conventional vessels with cabins, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and shops. Cabin options include economy 4-bed interior, standard 2-bed, and deluxe suites.

Minoan Lines, founded in 1972 with headquarters in Heraklion, operates large conventional ferries on the Adriatic. Vessels include modern ships with multiple seating and cabin classes, and offer Camping On Board for camper and motorhome travelers (sleep in your vehicle, pay deck price).

Both companies offer 30 percent return discounts on connecting Greek domestic ferries when booked together with the Italy-Greece crossing.

How long is the ferry from Ancona to Patras?

The crossing takes 20 to 25 hours, with most services completing the journey in 22 hours 30 minutes. This is a true overnight ferry, most departures leave Ancona in the late afternoon and arrive in Patras the following afternoon, so a cabin or seat reservation is essential.

How much does the Ancona to Patras ferry cost?

Standard tickets start at €115 for foot passengers. With a car, prices typically start around €280 in low season. Cabin supplements start at approximately €60 for an interior 2-bed cabin. Children aged 4 to 12 receive a 50 percent discount; under 4 travel free without designated seating.

Departure and arrival ports

Ferries depart from the port of Ancona on Italy's central Adriatic coast. Ancona is well connected by train to Rome (3 to 4 hours), Bologna, Milan, and Florence. The port is in the city center.

Ferries arrive at the port of Patras on the northwestern Peloponnese, the main gateway from Italy to mainland Greece. From Patras, buses and trains connect to Athens (3 hours), Kalamata, and the entire Peloponnese.

When to book your Ancona to Patras ferry

For peak season (July and August), book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially with vehicles. Cabin space sells out earliest. ANEK Superfast and Minoan Lines often run 20 percent advance booking discounts, booking January through March for summer travel typically gives the best fares.

Travel tip: use Camping On Board with a motorhome

If you are traveling with a camper van, motorhome, or caravan, both ANEK Superfast and Minoan Lines offer Camping On Board: you sleep in your vehicle on the open vehicle deck, and pay the deck passage fare instead of a cabin supplement. This saves €60-€100+ per crossing for overnight travel. Note: Camping On Board is not allowed on certain peak summer dates on the Ancona-Greece route (typically July 1 to August 15 and August 1 to September 15).