Getting from Zakynthos to Astakos

If you are heading to Astakos from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to a port town on the western coast of central Greece, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit on the western side of Greece. Astakos sits on a quiet bay surrounded by hills and is the departure point for ferries to Kefalonia and Ithaca.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Astakos. Getting there means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and runs frequently, and then driving north via Patras and Agrinio to Astakos, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Kyllini. This avoids Athens entirely and keeps the journey within western Greece making it one of the most natural road connections from Zakynthos.

Getting there by air

Astakos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then driving or taking the KTEL bus to Astakos, which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours from Athens, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive north via Patras and Agrinio to Astakos. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural and direct approach at around 3.5 to 4.5 hours total. If you are traveling with a car this is the most practical route and puts you at the departure point for ferries to Kefalonia and Ithaca.