Key Facts – Motorhome Ferry Pricing
- Pricing method
- By total vehicle length (and sometimes height)
- Length bands (typical)
- Under 6 m / 6–7 m / 7–8 m / 8–10 m / over 10 m
- Vehicle fare
- Added on top of passenger fares; not included in foot-passenger price
- Camper + 2 persons (rough)
- €150–250 off-peak; €250–400 in peak summer
- Cheapest route
- Bari – Igoumenitsa (shorter crossing, lower base fares)
- Most expensive season
- Late July to mid-August
- Camping on board
- Replaces cabin cost; saves €80–240 vs. cabin for two
How Ferry Operators Price Your Motorhome
If you have only ever taken a car on a ferry, the first thing that surprises you about campervan pricing is that there is no single "motorhome rate". Instead, your vehicle falls into a length band, and each band carries a different surcharge on top of the base passenger fares.
The logic is straightforward: a longer vehicle occupies more space on the vehicle deck, which is the ferry's most valuable real estate. A compact campervan at 5.5 m might barely exceed a large SUV in cost, while a 7.5 m motorhome will sit in a significantly higher price bracket. A big coach-built motorhome at 9 m or more will attract the highest vehicle rates.
The length bands vary slightly between operators, but a typical structure looks like this:
| Vehicle length | Typical examples | Price relative to car |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4.5 m | Standard family car | Base rate |
| 4.5–6 m | Large SUV, small campervan, VW California | +20–60% on car rate |
| 6–7 m | Compact motorhome, Fiat Ducato base, larger van conversion | +60–120% on car rate |
| 7–8 m | Mid-size semi-integrated or alcove motorhome | +100–170% on car rate |
| 8–10 m | Large coach-built, A-class motorhome | +150–220% on car rate |
| Over 10 m | Very large motorhome, some 5th wheels | Quoted separately; may need enquiry |
These are indicative bands; exact thresholds and surcharges differ between operators and routes. Use our search to get live pricing for your vehicle.
How to Measure Your Camper Correctly
This step matters more than most people realise. Measuring your motorhome incorrectly – or omitting attachments – can lead to a surcharge at check-in or, in rare cases, a dispute about which length band applies.
The rule is simple: measure total length including everything. That means:
- The body of the motorhome from front bumper to rear bumper
- Any rear bike rack or cycle carrier – these can add 30–70 cm
- A swing-out spare wheel carrier – typically 20–40 cm
- A tow bar – usually 10–20 cm beyond the bumper
- A towable trailer or caravan if you are towing one – this may require special booking as a "vehicle plus trailer"
- Any rearward-projecting roof rack overhang
Note the measurement down somewhere easily accessible. At check-in, staff may ask or spot-check vehicle dimensions. Being 20 cm over the stated length threshold will move you into the next pricing band.
When in doubt, book the longer band
If your motorhome sits right on the boundary of two length bands – say 5.98 m with a bike rack that brings it to 6.45 m – book the 6–7 m band. The difference in price is usually small; the risk of turning up with a longer vehicle than booked is not worth the saving.
Height Surcharges
Some operators and routes apply a height supplement to vehicles above a certain threshold, typically 2.5 m or 3 m. This is because tall vehicles cannot use the lower vehicle decks (which have restricted headroom) and must be accommodated on open or higher decks with less efficient use of space.
High-top vans, large coach-built motorhomes and vehicles with rooftop equipment such as satellite dishes, solar panels or roof boxes should check the operator's height policy before booking. If your vehicle exceeds the standard height, you may be required to select a "high vehicle" rate or contact the operator directly for a quote.
Measure your vehicle height at its highest point – typically the top of the air conditioning unit, rooftop tent or satellite dish – rather than just the body height.
Price Comparison by Route
The route you choose has a big impact on the total price. Shorter crossings have lower base fares; longer crossings cost more but can also include a night's accommodation in your camper if you opt for camping on board.
| Route | Duration | Camper + 2 persons (off-peak) | Camper + 2 persons (peak summer) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bari – Igoumenitsa | ~9–10 h | from ~€150 | from ~€200–260 | Best value route; no overnight stay needed |
| Brindisi – Igoumenitsa | ~8 h | from ~€140–180 | from ~€190–250 | Shortest crossing; limited camping-on-board options |
| Ancona – Patras | ~20–21 h | from ~€180–240 | from ~€270–380 | Most popular for N/C European campers; camping on board saves cabin cost |
| Venice – Patras | ~24–30 h | from ~€200–280 | from ~€300–420 | Longest; scenic; camping on board strongly recommended |
All figures are rough estimates for a motorhome of around 6–7 m plus two adult passengers, with no cabin (camping on board or daytime crossing). Actual prices depend on operator, season, exact vehicle length and availability. Always check live prices for accurate quotes.
How Much Does Season Affect the Price?
Season is the single biggest lever on ferry prices for motorhomes, even more so than for foot passengers or cars. This is because vehicle deck space is limited and demand for campervan crossings peaks sharply in July and August when most European campervans head south.
As a rule of thumb:
- January–April: lowest prices, often 30–50% below peak. Many campervans choose this window to reach Greece for an early spring season.
- May–June: good value and excellent weather in Greece. Prices are 15–25% below peak. This is arguably the sweet spot for campervan travel to Greece.
- July–mid-August: peak prices. Camper slots can be 50–80% more expensive than the same route in May. Book months in advance.
- Late August–October: prices drop rapidly after mid-August. September is a great month – good weather, lower fares, less crowded roads in Greece.
- November–December: reduced schedules, lowest fares, but some routes operate less frequently and Greek campsites may be closed.
Peak week: last two weeks of July
The last two weeks of July and the first week of August are the peak of the peak. Vehicle deck space for motorhomes can sell out 6–10 weeks in advance on popular routes from Ancona. If you plan to travel in this window, treat booking as time-critical: do it as soon as schedules open.
How to Save Money on Your Motorhome Crossing
- Travel in shoulder season: May, June or September consistently offer the best combination of price and weather. A May crossing from Ancona can be 30–40% cheaper than the same route in August.
- Book early: most operators release schedules 6–9 months in advance. Early-bird fares, where available, offer meaningful savings. Even without a specific early-bird rate, booking early secures availability at the lower end of the dynamic price range.
- Choose camping on board: on overnight crossings, opting for camping on board instead of a cabin eliminates the cabin supplement. For two people on an Ancona–Patras crossing, this can save €80–200 depending on the cabin class and season.
- Compare all routes: if your destination in Greece is flexible, check multiple routes. Bari–Igoumenitsa consistently undercuts Ancona–Patras for similar vehicle sizes, and the saving can exceed €80–100 in peak season.
- Travel mid-week: Friday and Saturday departures attract premium pricing on many routes. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday crossings often cost less.
- Check for loyalty programmes: some operators (particularly Minoan Lines and Superfast Ferries) offer frequent-traveller benefits or early-purchase discounts if you book directly with them.
Cabin vs. Camping on Board: What Does It Cost?
On any overnight sailing, you face a choice between booking a ship cabin and opting for camping on board. The financial difference is significant on long crossings. Here is a rough breakdown for a 20-hour overnight route (two adult passengers, motorhome ~7 m):
| Option | Off-peak total (rough) | Peak summer total (rough) |
|---|---|---|
| Camping on board No cabin; sleep in camper with electricity | ~€180–240 | ~€270–360 |
| With 4-berth interior cabin Shared cabin for two | ~€240–300 | ~€370–460 |
| With 2-berth outside cabin Private cabin with sea view | ~€310–380 | ~€450–580 |
These are illustrative ranges for Ancona – Patras with a 6–7 m motorhome and two passengers. Actual prices depend on operator, specific sailing, exact length band and booking date. Search live for accurate quotes.
For most campervan travellers, camping on board delivers the best value. You are already travelling with your own comfortable sleeping space – paying for a ship cabin on top of that is a luxury rather than a necessity. The main reason to choose a cabin is if you specifically want a shower, prefer not to sleep in a cold vehicle deck environment, or your trip timing means the camping-on-board option is not available on your preferred sailing.
See our full guide to camping on board for details on what to expect, electricity connections and vehicle deck access rules.
Get live motorhome prices now
Compare real-time fares for your camper across all Italy–Greece routes – enter your vehicle length for an accurate quote.
Search live prices See prices on DirectFerriesFAQ
How much does it cost to take a motorhome on the ferry from Italy to Greece?
A rough estimate for a motorhome of around 6–7 m with two passengers is €150–400 depending on the route, season and whether you book a cabin or use camping on board. The Bari–Igoumenitsa crossing is generally the most affordable; Venice–Patras is at the higher end. July and August prices are significantly higher than shoulder season.
How do ferry operators calculate the price for a motorhome?
Vehicle fares are based on total length, and sometimes height. Your motorhome is assigned to a length band (typically 6 m, 7 m, 8 m and 10 m thresholds) and charged accordingly, on top of the standard passenger fares. Always measure your full vehicle including rear racks, bike carriers, tow bars and any other attachments before booking.
How can I get a cheaper motorhome fare on the Italy–Greece ferry?
Travel in shoulder season (May–June or September–October), book as early as possible, choose camping on board instead of a cabin on overnight crossings, and compare multiple routes. Bari–Igoumenitsa is consistently the best-value route. Mid-week departures are often cheaper than Friday or Saturday sailings.