Brindisi to Igoumenitsa Ferry

Route Overview

Brindisi and Igoumenitsa face each other across the narrowest part of the Adriatic Sea – the Otranto Channel. At around 8 hours, the ferry crossing here is the quickest of all the main Italy–Greece routes, and for travellers already in Puglia this is the obvious choice: no long detour up the coast to Bari, Ancona or Venice, just a straightforward hop across to Greece.

The route is operated primarily by Grimaldi Lines, whose focus on efficient vehicle transport makes this a practical option for cars and motorhomes. Some sailings continue beyond Igoumenitsa to Patras, which can be convenient if Athens or the Peloponnese is your final destination – though the total journey then extends by several hours.

Unlike the longer overnight crossings from Ancona or Venice, the Brindisi–Igoumenitsa crossing can run during the day in peak season, meaning you arrive in Greece with daylight to spare for driving onward. In quieter months, evening departures are common, making it a compact overnight option similar to the Bari route.

Schedules change by season. A daytime sailing in summer may shift to a night departure in winter. Always confirm times when booking.

Operator: Grimaldi Lines

Grimaldi Lines is a large Italian shipping group best known for its ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) cargo ferries and mixed passenger-freight vessels. On the Brindisi–Igoumenitsa route, you will typically board a ro-pax ship – these vessels are primarily designed around vehicle decks but carry passengers in comfortable lounges, café-bars and cabin areas.

Do not expect the cruise-ferry experience of Minoan Lines on the Venice route. Grimaldi's ethos is efficient transport at competitive prices, and the on-board atmosphere reflects this. Facilities are perfectly adequate for an 8-hour crossing: recliner seats, basic cabin options, a cafeteria and a bar. The ship gets you there in good time and at a fair price.

Grimaldi is particularly popular with motorhome travellers and those transporting larger vehicles, as the wide vehicle decks and no-frills approach often translate into competitive camper and van fares.

Prices & What to Expect On Board

The Brindisi–Igoumenitsa crossing is generally one of the more affordable Italy–Greece routes. Base fares for a foot passenger start from around €50, with cars adding approximately €70–150 depending on vehicle size and season. Motorhomes are priced by length.

On an 8-hour crossing you have several choices:

• Open deck or recliner seat: perfectly adequate for a daytime crossing, and fine for overnight if you can sleep in a seat.
• Basic cabin: Grimaldi's cabins are functional and clean – useful for a night departure but not particularly spacious. A 2-berth or 4-berth cabin adds €20–40 per person.
• On-board dining: cafeteria-style food and a bar for snacks and drinks. Bring your own food and snacks if you want more choice or want to save money.

Peak-summer fares (July–August) can be 30–60% higher than shoulder-season prices. Booking ahead is worthwhile, especially for vehicles.

About Brindisi

Brindisi is one of Italy's oldest port cities, with a history stretching back to ancient Rome – the Appian Way (Via Appia) once ended here, and a Roman column still marks the spot in the city centre. The port has been a gateway to the East for two millennia.

Today, Brindisi is a pleasant mid-sized city in Puglia with good transport links. It is well-connected by motorway (SS16 / A14 from Taranto or Bari), and Brindisi Airport (BDS) serves flights from across Europe, making it a viable start point for a one-way road trip to Greece.

If you arrive in Brindisi with time to spare before your ferry, the city offers a lovely harbour promenade, a small cathedral and several trattorias serving excellent Puglian cuisine – fresh seafood, burrata and orecchiette with broccoli rabe are local staples worth trying.

Practical Travel Tips

• Check-in time: arrive at Brindisi's ferry terminal (Costa Morena) at least 2 hours before departure for vehicles, 1 hour for foot passengers.
• Terminal location: the Costa Morena terminal is about 3 km from Brindisi city centre, signposted from the SS16. Free parking is available nearby.
• Onward from Igoumenitsa: the Egnatia Odos motorway (E90) runs east across northern Greece from Igoumenitsa. Athens is about 6 hours south via the E90 and E65. Corfu is a 45-minute ferry from Igoumenitsa port.
• Compare with Bari: Bari is only about 1.5 hours north of Brindisi by road. If you have a flexible start point, compare both routes – Bari has more operator choice and sometimes better fares, while Brindisi may offer timing advantages.
• Return trip: Grimaldi also operates the return sailing Igoumenitsa–Brindisi, which can be convenient for a round-trip itinerary through Puglia.

Overnight crossing with car and cabin

Depending on the day and the season, Grimaldi sails this route during the day or in the evening. The evening departure is the favourite among drivers: load the car at night, sleep through the roughly 8-hour crossing and drive off the ramp early in the morning with a full day of driving ahead – Athens is still about 6 hours from Igoumenitsa on the Egnatia Odos motorway.

For a night sailing the cabin is worth it: a 2- or 4-berth inside cabin adds around €20–40 per person on top of the deck fare and comes with a private bathroom. On a budget, the reclining seat works for a single night, though the lounges get crowded and noisy in mid-summer. One thing to know for July and August: cabins on evening sailings often sell out weeks ahead. If you want to cross with car and cabin in summer, book early.

FAQ

How long is the Brindisi to Igoumenitsa ferry?

Around 8 hours – the shortest Italy–Greece crossing. Day or night departures depending on season and sailing.

Which company sails this route?

Grimaldi Lines is the main operator. Some sailings continue beyond Igoumenitsa to Patras – check the itinerary when booking if Patras is your goal.

How much does it cost?

A foot passenger starts from around €50. Adding a car costs approximately €70–150 more, depending on vehicle size and the season. Peak summer fares are higher – book in advance for the best prices.

Is Brindisi the right port for my trip?

If you are already in southern Italy or Puglia, yes – it avoids a long drive north. If you are coming from northern Europe or central Italy, Ancona or Venice are more efficient departure ports that save you hours of driving.

Does the Brindisi ferry continue to Patras?

Some Grimaldi sailings do continue from Igoumenitsa to Patras. The total journey from Brindisi to Patras then takes around 12–14 hours. Confirm your specific sailing when booking.

Is there an overnight ferry with a cabin on this route?

Yes. Part of the Grimaldi schedule runs overnight: board with your car in the evening, sleep in a cabin and arrive in Igoumenitsa early in the morning. Cabins (2- or 4-berth) add roughly €20–40 per person and should be booked early for summer sailings.