Getting from Chios to Kefalonia

If you are heading to Kefalonia from Chios you are making your way from one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean to the largest of the Ionian islands, on the opposite side of Greece. It is mountainous with dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays and some of the finest beaches in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Chios to Kefalonia. No Aegean island is connected by sea to any Ionian island. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight Chios to Piraeus ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 hours, and then either flying to Kefalonia or driving to Kyllini on the western Peloponnese for the ferry to Kefalonia, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and runs up to 4 daily crossings. The total journey takes the better part of two days.

Getting there by air

Kefalonia has an international airport with connections from Athens. Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Flying from Chios to Athens and then Athens to Kefalonia takes around 45 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Chios to Athens and then fly to Kefalonia. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chios to Piraeus and drive to Kyllini for the ferry across to Kefalonia, which at around 1 hour 30 minutes is the shortest mainland to Kefalonia connection.