Ancona Ferry Port

Why Ancona?

When travellers from northern and central Europe ask where to take the ferry to Greece, Ancona is almost always the answer. It sits roughly in the middle of Italy's Adriatic coast – geographically closer to Germany and Austria than either Venice (to the north) or Bari (to the south) – and it offers the widest choice of operators, schedules and cabin classes of any Italian port on the Greece run.

From Ancona you can reach Patras (the gateway to Athens and the Peloponnese) in around 20–21 hours, stopping at Igoumenitsa after about 15 hours along the way. If Igoumenitsa or Corfu is your destination, you can disembark there without continuing to Patras. The overnight crossing is long enough to make a proper cabin feel worthwhile – which is why Ancona is particularly popular with families and with motorhome travellers who want to wake up in Greece.

Terminal & Location

The Ancona ferry terminal is officially called the Stazione Marittima and sits at the tip of Molo Vittorio Emanuele, right in the city's working harbour. It is a modern, well-equipped terminal with check-in desks for all major operators, a departure hall with cafés and duty-free shops, and a large vehicle marshalling area outside.

Getting there by road is straightforward: take the A14 motorway to the Ancona Nord or Ancona Sud exit, then follow the brown "Porto" and "Stazione Marittima" signs. The drive from the motorway to the check-in area takes about 10–15 minutes. GPS coordinates for the terminal entrance: approximately 43.610° N, 13.510° E.

If you are arriving by train, Ancona Centrale station is around 1.5 km from the terminal – walkable with light luggage, or a short taxi/bus ride. The city centre itself is just uphill from the port.

Operators from Ancona

Four major ferry companies operate from Ancona to Greece, giving you more choice here than at any other Italian port on this route:

• Superfast Ferries – modern, high-speed ro-pax vessels; known for punctuality and contemporary on-board facilities including cabin-class options, restaurants and lounge bars. Often the first choice for travellers who want a comfortable, reliable crossing.
• ANEK Lines – a long-established Greek operator, frequently working in partnership with Superfast on shared sailings. Their ships are large and well-equipped; popular with Greek travellers and vehicle-carrying passengers alike.
• Minoan Lines – runs large cruise-style ferries from Ancona with a resort-like on-board atmosphere: multiple restaurants, a casino, duty-free shopping and spacious sun decks. A good pick if you want the crossing itself to feel like a highlight of your trip.
• Grimaldi Lines – offers competitive fares and is particularly strong for freight alongside passenger bookings. Good value if you are flexible on cabin class.

Always confirm camper-on-board availability when booking, as not every sailing offers this option.

Check-In & Boarding Procedures

Arriving at the right time makes the Ancona embarkation process smooth and stress-free. Here is what to expect:

• Vehicle passengers (car, camper, motorcycle): check-in typically opens 3–4 hours before the scheduled departure. Aim to join the queue early, especially in July and August when the terminal is at its busiest. Check-in closes around 2 hours before departure – miss that window and you risk losing your space.
• Foot passengers: you can check in 1–2 hours before departure. Bring your booking confirmation (paper or digital) and a valid ID or passport.
• Documents: EU citizens travelling to Greece need a valid national ID card or passport. Non-EU travellers should check visa requirements in advance. Vehicle documents (registration, insurance) are checked at the terminal.
• Customs & border control: Greece is inside the EU Schengen Area but outside the Schengen travel zone for border checks in some contexts – in practice, most travellers experience a routine document check without delays.

Motorhomes & Campervans

Ancona is arguably the best Italian port for motorhome travellers heading to Greece. The large vehicle marshalling area can accommodate high-roofed vans and oversized motorhomes, and the port staff are experienced with directing RV convoys. Several sailings from Ancona offer a camping-on-board rate: you drive onto the car deck and park your camper there for the night, with an electricity hookup provided. This means you sleep in your own bed, wake up in Greece and drive off – no need to pay for a separate cabin.

Camper spaces are limited and sell out quickly in summer. Book the camping-on-board fare specifically – it is a separate booking category from the standard vehicle ticket. For a full breakdown of costs, cabin alternatives and which operators support this, see our dedicated camper guide.

Onward Travel from Ancona

If you are arriving in Ancona (rather than departing), the city makes a pleasant overnight stop. The historic centre – with its ancient Roman triumphal arch and medieval cathedral perched above the port – is worth a couple of hours. There are several hotels within walking distance of the terminal, and a good choice of restaurants near the waterfront.

For travellers in transit, the A14 motorway provides fast connections north towards Bologna and beyond, and south towards Pescara and Bari.

FAQ

Where is Ancona ferry terminal?

The Stazione Marittima is on Molo Vittorio Emanuele in Ancona's working harbour. From the A14 motorway, take the Ancona Nord exit and follow "Porto" signs. The terminal has its own large parking and marshalling area.

Which ferry companies sail from Ancona to Greece?

Superfast Ferries, ANEK Lines, Minoan Lines and Grimaldi Lines all operate from Ancona to Greece (Patras, Igoumenitsa, Corfu). They offer a range of vessel types and cabin classes.

How early should I check in?

Vehicle passengers should arrive 3–4 hours before departure; check-in closes 2 hours prior. Foot passengers can check in 1–2 hours before. In peak summer, arriving early is strongly advised.

Can I take a motorhome from Ancona?

Yes – Ancona is one of the best Adriatic ports for motorhomes. Camping on board (sleeping in your vehicle on the car deck with electricity) is available on several sailings. Book this rate specifically, as spaces are limited.

Is there parking near Ancona ferry terminal?

Yes. Several car parks operate near the Stazione Marittima, including long-stay options for travellers leaving their car in Italy while crossing as foot passengers.