Getting from Zakynthos to Ioannina

If you are heading to Ioannina from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to a city in the mountains of Epirus in northwestern Greece, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit on the western side of Greece. It is on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis with the Pindos range behind it and the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world, an hour away.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Ioannina. Ioannina is an inland city with no sea connection. Getting there means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and then driving north via Patras, Preveza and the western Greek coast to Ioannina, which takes around 4 to 5 hours from Kyllini. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural road connection between the two given their shared position on the western side of Greece.

Getting there by air

Ioannina has its own airport with connections from Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Ioannina gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. The airport is just 4 kilometres from the city centre. 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 the western Greek coast to Ioannina. At around 4 to 5 hours from Kyllini it avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct and natural approach. If you prefer to fly, take the flight from Zakynthos to Athens and then fly to Ioannina. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal to Ioannina runs several times daily and takes around 6 to 7 hours, which is worth considering if you prefer not to fly the second leg.