Top Tips for Ferry Travel in Greece with Kids

Last updated: 16 Jan 2023

Most islands in Greece don’t have airports, leaving you with the hairy task of navigating the Greek ferry system. Possibly daunting for foreigners in light of local peculiarities, with a bit of practice, ferries can be an appealing way to travel. What are they main considerations for families and how do you ensure the smoothest possible ride?

TYPES OF FERRIES

Not all ferries are made the same, so choose your vessel wisely. The large, high-speed ferries and catamarans (e.g. Golden Star SuperExpress, Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 6 and 7, Seajet WorldChampion Jet and Champion Jet1) are typically the only options we take. If you are seasick-inclined, remember that the larger the ferry, the more stable on the seas. Some ferries also have sleeping cabins for overnight travel to far- flung islands. Avoid the small and bumpy Flying Dolphin hydrofoils wherever possible. You can always check on the specific features of the ferry you plan to book by searching its name (as provided by your booking engine) out online.

While ferry travel times are longer than flights, there are some advantages to large high-speed ferries, especially for families. 

ADVANTAGES OF FERRY TRAVEL

1. Comfort, space and amenities – More spacious than an airplane, if you’re travelling with kids, you can even bring your stroller on board larger ships for them to stretch out and sleep on. There’s ample space to walk around, and sometimes, a kids’ area (e.g. with a small screen playing cartoons, or even a tiny playground if you’re lucky). Hydrofoils aside, we’ve never been in a vessel without a cafe selling sandwiches, pies, and refreshment. Cafe-style seating around a table is also a feature of some vessels (e.g. Golden Star SuperExpress or Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 4 to the Cyclades). Restrooms have bad days, but are usually acceptably maintained.  Most are also equipped with baby changing tables in a separate family restroom. For added comfort, upgrade to Business Class. The actual experiential difference between class types differs from boat to boat, so you may want to wait to board the boat before deciding. There’s usually the option to upgrade onboard if space is available.
2. Timing – With ferries, it’s safe to arrive at the port 30-40 minutes ahead of your departure time. Keep in mind you might need another 15 minutes to navigate Pireaus in its largeness. So considering you don’t have to deal with the tedium of check-ins, boarding procedures, waiting for baggage, and other formalities which set a one hour flight back by another two hours, ferries start to make sense if your journey is not too long (3 hours or so), and you’re weighing it against plane travel.
3. Car transport – If you are planning to island hop, some high-speed ferries carry cars onboard (and all your baggage in it). We have a car in Greece so this makes sense for us, but if you’re renting one in Athens, you could also take this from island to island. A spot for your car is at added cost, and they fill up quickly, so you need to book ahead for this. And while this may sound like a brilliant idea, be warned that maneuvering and parking your car in ferries can be a very tricky thing you have to do with speed. Also, check your insurance policy coverage to be certain of any limitations for domestic travel. All that said, it might just be easier to rent a car at your new destination.

DISADVANTAGES OF FERRY TRAVEL

1. Unlike flights, ferries are subject to cancellations and delays due to high winds. A pretty serious inconvenience, especially if you’ve been left stranded on an island without an airport.
2. Port-side waiting areas are near non-existent, and uncomfortable. Hardly any seating and/or shade is available, so if you’re not in a car, you will have to drag your luggage around and stand in the scorching sun for a good 30 minutes as you wait for your boat. Otherwise, you simply sit in your car once you’ve parked it in the queue.
3. Boarding procedures are also chaotic, with hundreds (and their luggage) being funneled into the entryway to board at the same time.
4. Many of the ferries depart from Athens very early in the morning at about 7 a.m. – not a fun time by which to get the whole family in order.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR BOAT

Ferryhopper has the most user-friendly online booking platform we have seen. Prices on all search engine databases we have used are the same or insignificantly different. On a recent booking, it even included an early bird refundable discount advertised on the main shipper’s website.

QUICK TIPS

• Consider Rafina port as an alternative to Pireaus (available for some destinations). It’s much easier to navigate being smaller, less chaotic, and probably fewer crowds to jostle with. A third port in Athens at Lavrion is also an option.
• When you arrive at the port, it’s not always clear where to go. If you’re departing from Pireaus, look up the appropriate gate for your boat in advance so you know where you’re heading to. In the event of any confusion, ask port police for guidance. They are usually visibly around (dressed in dark blue uniform) and available to guide vehicular traffic.

• Ferries (like planes) are not always on time. For real-time location updates, check the status of your ferry on an app like Marine Traffic.
• If you’re not taking a vehicle, pack light. You will have to haul your luggage around considerably, stairs included. Luggage may be left on the racks found on both sides of the car deck as you board. These are stowed here on an at-your-own-risk basis.
• If you’re taking your vehicle, be prepared to drive on and off the boat quickly to avoid holding up traffic. It’s a mad rush so the boat is able to depart on time. Also be prepared to leave the rest of the passengers to board the boat separately (they will walk up with the rest of the passengers) while the driver parks the car. When parking the car, staff will be on deck to guide you where to park (have your windows down so you can tell them which island you are destined for). This is important to be able to exit on the right island!

• If you’re bringing your stroller on board a large ferry, be prepared to carry this up and down a flight of stairs or two. Some larger ferries will have escalators.
• When boarding the ferry, have your e-tickets or tickets (you will be given the option to select your preference) ready for boat staff to scan. It is likely to state that you will need your ID with you, but we have never been asked to show this.
• Your seats may or may not be automatically assigned (some ferries have free seating). If they are automatically assigned, check-in early so the system seats your family together.
• Have a light cardigan in hand. It can get cold inside.
• Port (and other transport) strikes happen on occasion. Keep updated on the newsfeed of official media like Ekathimerini for news updates in Greece.