Cheapest Ferry Tips

1. Book Early

The most reliable way to get a cheap Italy–Greece ferry ticket is simply to book as soon as you know your dates. Ferry operators release their schedules and early-bird fares months in advance, and the lowest price categories fill quickly – especially for peak summer crossings.

For travel in July and August, booking three to six months ahead makes a meaningful difference. You are not just getting a better price; you are also securing the accommodation category you want (specific cabin types and camping-on-board spaces are limited) before they sell out entirely. For shoulder season travel, two to four weeks in advance is usually fine, but the same early-bird logic still applies: the earlier you book, the more you save.

2. Travel in Shoulder Season

July and August are peak season on every Italy–Greece route. Ships are full, fares are at their highest and the choice of sailing times and cabin categories is limited to whatever is left after the early bookers have taken their pick. If your schedule has any flexibility, shifting your trip to May, June, September or October is the single biggest lever for reducing cost.

In shoulder season, the same routes and operators typically charge 30–50 % less than peak prices. The weather in the Adriatic is still excellent in June and September, the sea is calm and the Greek destinations are less crowded. For a more detailed breakdown by month, see our best time to travel guide.

3. Compare All Operators

Several different operators run on each route, and fares for the same crossing on the same date can vary considerably between them. Superfast Ferries, ANEK Lines, Minoan Lines, Grimaldi Lines and Ventouris Ferries all have their own pricing structures, and promotional fares are rarely synchronised.

The simplest approach is to use a comparison search that shows all operators side by side for your date and route, rather than going to each operator's website individually. Our search tool covers all major operators in a single query. Once you have identified the cheapest option, it is worth checking the operator's own website too, as some direct-booking discounts are not available through third parties.

4. Choose the Right Accommodation Class

Your accommodation choice has a big impact on the total price. The main options, from cheapest to most expensive, are:

• Deck passenger / no seat reserved: the cheapest option – you find a lounge seat or deck space on a first-come basis. Fine for short crossings in good weather, less comfortable overnight.
• Reclining airline-style seat: a reserved, numbered seat that reclines. Comfortable enough for an 8–10 hour overnight crossing. Typically €30–60 cheaper per person than the cheapest cabin.
• Four-berth cabin (shared): a small inside cabin with bunk beds. Cheapest cabin option; you may share with other passengers if you do not book all four berths.
• Two-berth inside cabin: a private cabin with two berths, no window. The standard choice for couples on overnight crossings.
• Outside cabin: as above but with a porthole or balcony. More expensive but adds to the cruise-like experience on longer crossings.

On crossings of 8–10 hours (Bari, Brindisi), a reclining seat is a perfectly reasonable choice that saves you meaningful money. On the 20+ hour crossings (Ancona, Venice), a cabin becomes more worthwhile if you want to sleep properly and have a private space for the day. Families with young children almost always prefer a cabin regardless of crossing time.

5. Camping on Board Instead of a Cabin (For Campervan Travellers)

If you are travelling with a motorhome, campervan or converted van, camping on board is a cost-effective alternative to booking cabin berths. Instead of a separate cabin, you spend the night in your own vehicle on the vehicle deck, connected to shore power. The total price is your passenger fares plus the vehicle fare – no cabin supplement on top.

On overnight crossings, camping on board can save around €40–120 compared with booking a two-berth inside cabin for two passengers. You also have more space and more comfort than a standard ferry cabin. Spaces are limited though, so book early. For full details, see our camping on board guide.

6. Book a Return Ticket Together

Some operators offer a discount when you book both an outward and a return crossing with the same company at the same time. The saving is typically in the range of 5–15 %, which on a two-person trip with a vehicle can amount to a worthwhile sum. Return discounts are most commonly available on the Ancona and Venice routes.

It is worth noting that return discounts may not appear on third-party comparison sites – check the operator's own booking page once you have identified who you want to sail with.

7. Flexible vs Fixed Tickets

Many operators offer both fixed (non-refundable or low-refund) tickets at a lower price and flexible tickets that allow date changes or cancellation for a higher price. The fixed fares are almost always cheaper, but they come with a penalty – or no refund at all – if your plans change.

For most leisure travellers with firm dates, the fixed fare is the right choice. If there is any doubt about your schedule, the small extra cost of a flexible ticket is worth it. Summer sailings sell out, so a cancelled ticket that you cannot rebook may leave you stranded.

8. Route Choice Affects Price

Bari–Igoumenitsa is consistently the most competitively priced route on the Italian Adriatic. The shorter crossing and multiple operators competing on the route keep fares lower than on longer crossings. If Igoumenitsa suits your Greek destination (northwest mainland Greece, Epirus, Meteora), this route saves you money on the crossing and on cabins (since the 8–10 hour crossing is manageable without one).

By contrast, the Venice–Patras crossing tends to carry higher fares partly because of the route's appeal as a scenic experience and partly because the longer crossing time almost requires a cabin. If budget is the priority, the longer scenic routes are not where you will find the cheapest prices.

9. Watch for Special Offers and Promotions

Ferry operators occasionally run promotional fares, particularly for early-season bookings (January–March for summer travel) and during quieter winter months. Grimaldi Lines, Superfast Ferries and ANEK Lines have all run promotional campaigns in the past with discounts of 20–30 % off standard fares. The best way to catch these is to sign up to operator newsletters or to use a fare alert if available on booking platforms.

Keep in mind that promotional fares are typically fixed and non-refundable, and the specific sailings included may not be the ones you need. Always read the conditions before booking a promoted rate.

10. Group and Family Discounts

Most operators offer children's discounts for passengers under 12 (often 50 % off adult fares) and infants under 4 typically travel free. If you are travelling as a family, the saving on passenger fares alone can be substantial.

Groups of 10 or more passengers are eligible for group rates on many operators' routes. If you are travelling with a larger party – an extended family, a cycling club, a school group – it is worth contacting the operator directly to ask about group pricing before booking individual tickets.