Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ticketing
As ferries are prone to delays and cancellations, for short trips it's often best not to pur-
chase a ticket until it has been confirmed that the ferry is leaving. During high season, or
if you need to reserve a car space, you should book in advance. High-speed boats like
catamarans tend to sell out long before the slow chuggers. For overnight ferries it's al-
ways best to book in advance, particularly if you want a cabin or particular type of ac-
commodation. If a service is cancelled you can usually transfer your ticket to the next
available service with that company.
Many ferry companies have online booking services or you can purchase tickets from
their local offices and most travel agents in Greece. Agencies selling tickets line the wa-
terfront of most ports, but rarely is there one that sells tickets for every boat, and often an
agency is reluctant to give you information about a boat they do not sell tickets for. Most
have timetables displayed outside; check these for the next departing boat or ask the
limenarhio
(port police).
Fares
Ferry prices are fixed by the government, and are determined by the distance of the des-
tination from the port of origin. The small differences in price you may find at ticket
agencies are the results of some agencies sacrificing part of their designated commission
to qualify as a 'discount service'. (The discount is seldom more than €0.50.)
High-speed ferries and hydrofoils cost about 20% more than the traditional ferries,
while catamarans are often 30% to 100% more expensive than their slower counterparts.
Caïques and water taxis are usually very reasonable, while excursion boats can be pricey
but very useful if you're trying to reach out-of-the-way islands. Children under five years
of age travel for free while those aged between five and 10 are usually given half-price
tickets.
Classes
On smaller boats, hydrofoils and catamarans, there is only one type of ticket available
and these days, even on larger vessels, classes are largely a thing of the past. The public
spaces on the more modern ferries are generally open to all. What does differ is the level
of accommodation that you can purchase for overnight boats.
A 'deck class' ticket typically gives you access to the deck and interior, but no
overnight accommodation. Next up, aeroplane-type seats give you a reserved, reclining
seat in which you will hope to sleep. Then come various shades of cabin accommoda-
tion: four-berth, three-berth or two-berth interior cabins are cheaper than their equivalent
