Samos to Ikaria Ferry at a Glance
The Samos to Ikaria ferry covers 31 nautical miles (58 km) in 1h 10m–3h 5m. Blue Star and Dodekanisos Seaways run 5–10 sailings weekly (2026 figures; verify current fares), foot tickets from €7 Ikaria: Therma's thermal springs, vineyards, slow villages. Check live times on my ferry hub.
Samos to Ikaria Ferry Routes and Ports
The ferry from Samos to Ikaria uses five port pairs, so which port you choose shapes both crossing time and where you land.
| Route | Operator | Duration | Frequency (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karlovasi–Evdilos | Blue Star Ferries / Dodekanisos Seaways | 1h 10m | 3/week |
| Pythagorio–Agios Kirykos | Dodekanisos Seaways | 1h 25m | 2/week |
| Vathi–Evdilos | Blue Star Ferries | up to 3h 5m | seasonal |
The fastest option is the Karlovasi to Evdilos ferry: about 1h 10m, with roughly three sailings a week on Blue Star — always check the summer versus winter timetable for 2026. Evdilos is Ikaria's second port and the natural gateway to the north's vineyard villages. Karlovasi sits about an hour from Vathy and the north-coast resorts by bus or taxi (verify local transport). Even on this quick hop, a same-day return is rarely realistic.
Pythagorio to Agios Kirykos takes 1h 25m, roughly twice weekly, usually on Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran — the best pick for Therma's thermal springs and the island capital. Pythagorio suits south-coast Samos beach stays, and the UNESCO-listed Heraion and Pythagoreion are nearby.
From Vathi, Samos's capital, the crossing stretches to 3h 5m because many Blue Star sailings call at Fourni en route — a bonus if you're chaining islands. The port address is Sofouli, Vathy 831 00. My island-hopping guide covers the wider network; then confirm your 2026 timetable before booking.
How Long Is the Ferry from Samos to Ikaria?
Crossing times typically range from a brisk 1h 10m to a leisurely 3h 5m, and the difference comes down almost entirely to which ports you sail between.
Seasonal Frequency and Schedule Quirks
Off-season I'd expect around five sailings a week, rising to roughly seven to ten between June and September. Never build your plans around a single departure: timetables shift with the season, and the meltemi winds cancel sailings at short notice. I check live schedules one to two days before travelling, then on departure morning. Blue Star's additions and subtractions will surprise you.
How Much Is the Samos to Ikaria Ferry?
So how much is the ferry from Samos to Ikaria? Fares in 2026 start lower than most people expect: foot passengers have travelled for as little as €7 in low season, though you should always verify current fares with the operator before booking.
Deck or economy tickets run from around €7 on Blue Star in low season up to roughly double that on the faster Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans, whose listed adult Samos–Agios Kirykos fare sits at about twice the deck minimum. Fares climb in July and September, the high season, so a summer crossing can cost double the winter minimum.
Both operators carry cars, motorbikes and campers. Vehicle fares are quoted per crossing and run well above foot passenger rates (verify current fares), with motorbikes markedly cheaper than cars and longer vehicles paying a premium on that route.
Conventional ferries distinguish deck/economy tickets from numbered seats or cabins. Children under five sail free, ages five to ten get roughly 50% off, and student, senior and family discounts combine with early-booking offers; booking around 28 days ahead typically secures the lowest rate. Carry ID or passport, plus vehicle papers and booking reference if driving.
Which Ferry Companies Sail Samos to Ikaria?
Two ferry companies share the Samos to Ikaria route, and they suit rather different travellers: one runs conventional car ferries at a gentler pace, the other fast catamarans that turn the crossing into a quick hop.
Blue Star, founded in 1965 and based in Piraeus, is the conventional workhorse: around six sailings weekly averaging about two hours on vessels such as BLUE STAR MYCONOS and DIAGORAS. Its deck fares are the cheapest on the route, and cars, motorbikes and campers are all carried aboard.
Dodekanisos Seaways is the fast-catamaran option: the HSC Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride average roughly 1 hour 24 minutes from Pythagorio, sailing about three times weekly along a multi-island line that also calls at Fourni and Patmos.
| Vessel | Type | Average duration | Weekly sailings | Indicative fare | Vehicles | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE STAR MYCONOS / DIAGORAS | Conventional | ~2h | ~6 | from ~€7 | Cars, motorbikes, campers | Budget travel, taking a vehicle |
| Dodekanisos Express / Pride | High-speed catamaran | ~1h 24m | ~3 | from ~€8 | Cars, motorbikes | Speed, island-hopping hops |
Is a Samos to Ikaria Day Trip Realistic?
In my experience, no — outbound and return sailings rarely align into a meaningful day on Ikaria, and timetables shift with the season and weather. I recommend at least one overnight, ideally two or three nights to properly experience a summer panigiri.
Booking Tips: When, Where and What If It's Cancelled
Early Booking discounts and the best time to buy. Dodekanisos Seaways offers up to 50% off with Early Booking when you reserve at least 7 days ahead; children under 5 travel free and ages 5–10 sail at 50% off. Fares peak in July and September, and booking roughly 28 days in advance tends to secure the lowest prices.
Cancellations, changes and travel alerts. Meltemi winds and strikes can cancel sailings; if that happens, you can typically switch to an equal-value departure or request a full refund from the operator. I check operator travel alerts the day before.
What Awaits You in Ikaria
Ikaria feels a world away from Samos: an island of hot springs, ancient vines and villages that stay awake all night long.
Therma hot springs and thermal bathing. On the south-east coast, a short hop from Agios Kirykos port, Therma's radioactive thermal springs feed baths that have drawn visitors for over a century.
Ikaria's vineyards echo ancient pramnian wine; local reds from fokiano and bamboouris grapes flow in mountain villages near Evdilos. Come August, around the 15th, panigiria dance till dawn — stay the evening your ferry delivers you.
Plan the Rest of Your Samos Ferry Travels
Once you've hopped to Ikaria, remember how well-connected Samos is for island hopping. I suggest Fourni next, then Patmos — see hub and island-hopping guide. Fastest hop: Karlovasi–Evdilos, roughly 1h 10m, from €7 — verify current fares.
FAQ
I get a lot of emails about this crossing, and the same questions come up again and again. Below I have pulled together short, practical answers based on my own trips between the two islands, covering durations, fares, vehicles and frequency.
How long is the ferry from Samos to Ikaria?
The fastest crossing is Karlovasi to Evdilos at around 1 hour 10 minutes. Pythagorio to Agios Kirykos takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes, while the Vathi to Evdilos sailing, often with intermediate stops, can run to 3 hours 5 minutes. Most trips average 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, so always verify current timetables.
How much does the Samos to Ikaria ferry cost?
Foot passengers pay from around €7 for a low-season deck ticket up to roughly double that on Dodekanisos Seaways in high season. Vehicles pay more than foot passengers, with a car to Agios Kirykos costing several times the deck fare. Children usually travel at half price. Fares are seasonal, so verify current prices before booking.
Can I take my car on the ferry from Samos to Ikaria?
Yes. Both Blue Star and Dodekanisos Seaways carry cars, motorbikes and campers on this route. Book vehicle space early for July and August, when deck space fills fast. Bring your vehicle registration documents at boarding. Motorbike fares run noticeably below car fares as an indicative rule of thumb.
How often do ferries run between Samos and Ikaria?
Off-season, expect about five sailings a week, rising to roughly seven to ten between June and September. There are no overnight sailings; first departures leave from early morning to mid-afternoon. Schedules shift seasonally and strong winds can cancel sailings, so recheck one to two days before travelling.
Can I do a day trip from Samos to Ikaria?
On paper yes, given the 1 hour 10 minute fastest crossing, but return timings rarely align into a meaningful day, and a cancellation could leave you stranded. I recommend at least one overnight, ideally two to three nights to catch a Panigiri festival.
Where next
Plan the rest of the trip: Ferry guide hub, Ferry/Samos Island Hopping.