Getting from Zakynthos to Samos

If you are heading to Samos from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to an island in the eastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, on the opposite side of Greece. It is green and mountainous with wine production dating back to antiquity and the UNESCO-listed Heraion sanctuary.

Getting there by air

Samos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Samos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Samos. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Samos ferry, which runs up to 6 times a week and takes around 8 to 9 hours. The total journey by road and sea takes the better part of two days. Samos has two main ports, Vathy and Karlovassi, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and then fly to Samos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Samos ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.