Ancona to Patras Ferry

Route Overview

The Ancona–Patras ferry is the classic choice for anyone crossing from Italy to Greece with a car, camper or simply as a foot passenger. Ancona sits roughly halfway down Italy's Adriatic coast, making it the most accessible Italian departure port for travellers from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and even the UK. Once on board, you have a full evening and night at sea before arriving in Patras the following morning or afternoon.

Most sailings make an intermediate stop at Igoumenitsa, reached after around 15 hours. If Igoumenitsa is your destination – or if you want to visit Corfu – you can disembark there. The ferry then continues for another five or six hours to Patras, which is the closest Greek port to Athens and an excellent base for exploring the Peloponnese.

Exact times vary by season and sailing. Always confirm the schedule when booking.

Operators on This Route

Superfast Ferries are known for their modern, fast vessels and efficient service. Their ships offer multiple cabin classes, a self-service restaurant, bar lounges and spacious sun decks – a comfortable choice for longer overnight crossings.

ANEK Lines is a Greek institution on the Adriatic, often operating in partnership with Superfast on shared schedules. Their vessels are well-equipped and popular with Greek travellers and tourists alike.

Minoan Lines runs large cruise-style ferries that feel more like a small ocean liner than a basic ferry. On-board facilities typically include a restaurant, café, casino, duty-free shop and outdoor pools on some ships – a good option if you want the crossing to feel like part of the holiday.

Prices, Seats & Cabins

Given the 20–21-hour crossing, most travellers choose at least a basic cabin rather than sitting in an airline-style recliner for the whole journey. Here is a rough breakdown of what to expect:

• Airline/recliner seat: the cheapest option, included in the base fare or a small surcharge. Fine if you sleep well in a seat – but a full night is long.
• 4-berth interior cabin: a shared cabin with bunk beds, no window. Good value, especially for groups or families.
• 2-berth interior cabin: private twin cabin, no porthole. Popular with couples.
• 2-berth outside cabin: private twin cabin with a sea-view porthole. Adds a meaningful premium in peak season but worth it for a restful night.
• De-luxe/suite cabin: en-suite bathroom, larger space, sometimes a small balcony or dedicated lounge access. Around €60–120/person extra in summer.

Prices rise steeply in July and August, particularly for peak-week departures. Booking two or three months ahead in summer can save you 30–50% compared to last-minute fares. Shoulder season sailings (May–June, September–October) offer significantly better value.

Taking Your Camper or Car

All three operators accept cars, vans, motorcycles and motorhomes. Vehicle fares are added on top of the passenger price and depend on vehicle length (and sometimes height). A standard family car typically adds around €100–200 to the foot-passenger fare depending on the season.

For motorhomes, the Ancona–Patras route is one of the best options on the Adriatic. Several sailings offer "camping on board": you drive onto the car deck, stay in your camper overnight with an electricity connection, and simply drive off at Patras the next day. This avoids the need for a cabin entirely and is often cheaper than paying for two cabin berths – though it requires booking the specific camping-on-board rate rather than a standard vehicle ticket.

Book camper spaces well in advance in July and August – they are limited and sell out early. See our camper guide for full details.

Practical Travel Tips

• Check in early: vehicle check-in at the Port of Ancona typically opens 3–4 hours before departure. Arriving late risks losing your slot.
• Port location: the Ancona ferry terminal is at the Stazione Marittima, easily reached from the A14 motorway. Parking is available near the port.
• Onward travel from Patras: Patras is well connected by motorway (E65/A8) to Athens (~3 h), Olympia (~1.5 h) and the rest of the Peloponnese. Trains and buses also run to Athens.
• Intermediate stop – Igoumenitsa: if you want to head to Epirus, Meteora or northwestern Greece, you can disembark at Igoumenitsa after ~15 hours instead of continuing to Patras.
• Currency: Greece uses euros, and most on-board spending is by card.

FAQ

How long is the Ancona to Patras ferry?

Around 20–21 hours in total. Most sailings stop at Igoumenitsa after roughly 15 hours; if Patras is your final destination, you stay on board for the rest of the crossing.

Which ferry companies sail Ancona to Patras?

Superfast Ferries, ANEK Lines and Minoan Lines are the main operators. They run modern ro-pax or cruise-ferry vessels with full on-board facilities.

How much does the Ancona–Patras ferry cost?

A foot passenger starts from around €55 in low-to-mid season. Adding a car typically costs €100–200 extra, depending on vehicle size and the time of year. Cabins add €20–120 per person on top. Summer peak fares can be considerably higher.

Can I take a camper on this route?

Yes. Camping on board (staying overnight in your motorhome on the car deck with electricity) is available on many Ancona–Patras sailings. Book this rate specifically when reserving.

Where does the ferry arrive in Patras?

At the Port of Patras (Limani Patron), about 3 hours from Athens by road via the E65 motorway. It is also a short drive from the ancient site of Olympia and the Peloponnese.