Corfu Port Guide: Ferries, Cruises, Transport & Useful Information
Corfu’s main port is one of the busiest gateways to the island, handling domestic ferries, international passenger services, cruise ships and other maritime traffic throughout the year.
Located just north of Corfu Town, the port is particularly busy during summer, when frequent ferries connect the island with mainland Greece and thousands of cruise passengers arrive to explore the historic centre.
Corfu actually has more than one passenger port, so it is important to check your ticket carefully. Most travellers using Corfu Town arrive at or depart from the Main Port of Corfu, while passengers travelling from southern Corfu may use Lefkimmi Port.
Corfu Port at a Glance
• Main Port: Corfu Town / New Port
• Official Port Authority: Corfu Port Authority – OLKE
• Main domestic route: Corfu Town ↔ Igoumenitsa
• Typical Corfu Town–Igoumenitsa crossing: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the vessel
• Southern alternative: Lefkimmi ↔ Igoumenitsa, normally approximately 50 minutes
• Other connections: Paxos, Diapontia Islands, Albania and selected international ferry services to Italy
• Cruise terminal: located within the main Corfu Port complex
• City Bus: Line 15 connects the port with Corfu Town, the Green Bus Station and Corfu Airport
Official port website: Corfu Port Authority
Corfu Town to Igoumenitsa Ferries
The most important ferry connection is between Corfu Town and Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland.
The route operates throughout the year, with considerably more departures during the main summer season.
In summer 2026, operators such as Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways operate numerous departures each day.
The crossing normally takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the ferry.
Most vessels can carry both passengers and vehicles.
Official operators:
My tip: There are many departures in summer, but if you are travelling with a car during July or August, booking ahead is still sensible.
Lefkimmi Port to Igoumenitsa
If you are staying in southern Corfu, Lefkimmi Port can be much more convenient than driving all the way to Corfu Town.
Daily ferries connect Lefkimmi with Igoumenitsa, and the crossing is shorter — normally around 50 minutes.
This route is particularly useful for visitors staying around Lefkimmi, Kavos, Boukari, Petriti and other areas of southern Corfu.
Important: Lefkimmi Port is a separate port in southern Corfu. If your ticket says “Lefkimmi”, do not go to Corfu Town Port.
You can check current sailings on the Lefkimmi Lines website.
Corfu to Paxos
Corfu also has direct passenger connections with Paxos, one of the most popular nearby islands.
In 2026, Kerkyra Lines operates several Corfu–Paxos departures during the summer, including faster passenger vessels on selected services.
Journey times vary considerably according to the vessel, so always check the specific sailing rather than assuming all ferries take the same amount of time.
For detailed information about the different ports, boats and journey times, see our How to Get to Paxos from Corfu guide.
Ferries to the Diapontia Islands
The main port of Corfu also provides connections with the Diapontia Islands — Othonoi, Ereikoussa and Mathraki — although schedules are much less frequent than the Igoumenitsa route.
These islands lie northwest of Corfu and are among the quietest destinations in the Ionian Sea.
Because schedules can vary according to season and day of the week, check the current timetable before planning an overnight stay or same-day connection.
Read our Diapontia Islands guide for more information.
Corfu to Saranda, Albania
Corfu has a busy international ferry connection with Saranda in southern Albania.
Several operators run the route, particularly during the tourism season, with both high-speed hydrofoils and conventional passenger ferries.
High-speed crossings can take around 30–45 minutes, while conventional vessels generally take approximately 55–70 minutes.
Because this is an international journey, passengers need the appropriate travel documents and should arrive earlier than they would for a normal domestic ferry.
Important: Passport and immigration requirements depend on your nationality. Do not assume that the same documents used for domestic travel within Greece are sufficient.
Ferries Between Corfu and Italy
Corfu also receives international ferries travelling between Greece and Italy.
Depending on the season and specific timetable, Corfu may be included on routes involving ports such as:
• Bari
• Brindisi
• Ancona
• Venice
However, this is important: not every Greece–Italy sailing stops at Corfu.
Some services call at Corfu only on selected days or during particular parts of the summer season. Always search using Corfu as the actual departure or arrival port before booking.
For example, 2026 schedules include selected direct Corfu–Brindisi services as well as seasonal Corfu calls on some Bari, Ancona and Venice routes.
What About Corfu to Patras?
Do not plan your trip around a normal regular domestic ferry from Corfu to Patras.
Although Patras appears on some international Adriatic ferry routes that may also call at Corfu, it is not the standard way to travel between Corfu and mainland southern Greece.
For most travellers, the practical route is:
Corfu → Igoumenitsa by ferry → continue by road or bus through mainland Greece.
This is much clearer than treating Patras as one of Corfu’s ordinary domestic ferry destinations.
How to Check Ferry Schedules
Ferry timetables can change according to season, weather, port-authority instructions and operational requirements.
For the most reliable information, check the operator’s own website close to your travel date.
Useful sources include:
• Ionian Seaways for Corfu–Saranda
• Corfu Port Authority for port and cruise information
Should You Book Ferry Tickets in Advance?
If you are travelling as a foot passenger on the Corfu–Igoumenitsa route, there are normally many summer sailings, but advance booking can still save time during very busy periods.
If you are taking a car, camper van or motorcycle, booking ahead is more important because vehicle capacity is limited.
Advance booking is particularly recommended around:
• July and August
• Greek public holidays
• Easter
• Busy weekends
• International ferry journeys
How Early Should You Arrive?
For a straightforward domestic ferry as a foot passenger, arriving approximately 30 minutes before departure is normally a sensible minimum.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, during peak summer periods or on an international route, allow considerably more time and follow the check-in instructions issued by your ferry company.
International services may involve passport, customs or immigration checks.
Travelling with a Car
Most conventional ferries between Corfu and Igoumenitsa carry vehicles.
When booking, enter the correct vehicle type and dimensions, particularly if travelling with a camper, van, trailer or roof equipment.
Arrive early enough to join the correct vehicle queue and follow instructions from port and ferry staff when boarding.
My tip: Keep passports, tickets and anything you need during the crossing with you. Access to the vehicle deck may be restricted after departure.
Luggage
Luggage rules vary according to the ferry operator and vessel.
Foot passengers usually take their luggage aboard and may be asked to leave larger bags in designated storage areas.
If travelling on a high-speed passenger vessel to Paxos or Albania, baggage arrangements may differ from those on a large vehicle ferry.
Check your operator’s conditions if travelling with unusually large luggage, sports equipment or bicycles.
Corfu Cruise Port
Corfu is one of the busiest cruise destinations in the Ionian Sea, and the main port regularly welcomes large cruise ships during the tourism season.
The Corfu Port Authority publishes an official annual cruise schedule, although ship arrivals can change throughout the season.
The cruise terminal area provides passenger services and access to taxis, buses, excursions and other transport options.
Corfu Old Town is close enough that active visitors can also walk from the port, although in midsummer heat you may prefer a bus or taxi.
Getting from Corfu Port to Corfu Town
The historic centre is relatively close to the port.
You can:
• Walk — suitable if you have light luggage and the weather is comfortable
• Take a taxi — taxis are normally available around the port
• Use the City Bus — several routes serve the port area
• Use a private transfer — useful for families, groups or travellers with heavy luggage
If you are arriving on a cruise ship, open-top sightseeing buses also operate from the port area.
Bus Line 15: Port, Town, Bus Station & Airport
Corfu City Bus Line 15 is particularly useful for arriving passengers.
The official route connects:
Corfu Port → San Rocco / Corfu Town → Green Bus Station → Corfu Airport
and operates in the opposite direction as well.
The bus has stops inside the port, including the area serving cruise ships and ferries to Albania.
If you are transferring directly between the port and airport, Line 15 can therefore be one of the cheapest and easiest options.
For more transport information, see our Getting Around Corfu guide.
Corfu Port to the Airport
Corfu International Airport is only a few kilometres from the port, but travel time depends heavily on traffic.
You can travel by:
• City Bus Line 15
• Taxi
• Private airport transfer
If you are connecting a ferry with a flight, do not schedule the connection too tightly. Summer traffic, ferry delays and check-in requirements can easily add extra time.
See our Corfu Airport guide for more information.
Green Buses from the Port
The main Green Bus Station is not inside Corfu Port.
If you are continuing to resorts such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Acharavi, Kavos, Messonghi or Agios Georgios, you will normally need to reach the Green Bus Station first.
City Bus Line 15 connects the port with the station, making the transfer relatively straightforward.
Always check the Green Bus timetable before travelling, especially if your ferry arrives late in the evening.
Gouvia Marina
Corfu Port should not be confused with Gouvia Marina, the island’s main large-scale yachting marina.
Located north of Corfu Town, D-Marin Gouvia has capacity for approximately 1,200 yachts and provides extensive facilities for sailing and charter boats.
Services include water and electricity, fuel, technical support, security, restaurants, shops and dry-dock facilities.
Gouvia is an important base for charter yachts exploring Corfu, Paxos and the wider Ionian Sea.
Other Harbours Around Corfu
In addition to Corfu Town, Lefkimmi and Gouvia Marina, numerous smaller harbours around the island serve fishing boats, private yachts, excursion boats and local passenger services.
These include harbours at places such as Kassiopi, Benitses and several coastal villages.
However, these should not be confused with the island’s main ferry terminals. Always check the exact departure harbour when booking a boat trip or ferry.
Weather & Ferry Delays
Ferry timetables can occasionally change because of strong winds, adverse sea conditions or instructions from the port authorities.
This is particularly important if you have an onward flight or another ferry connection.
Check the latest Corfu weather information and your ferry operator’s announcements before travelling when conditions are unsettled.
Practical Port Tips
• Check the port name carefully. Corfu Town and Lefkimmi are different departure points.
• Keep your ticket accessible. Mobile e-tickets are accepted by many operators.
• Arrive early with a vehicle. Loading can become busy during peak summer departures.
• Allow extra time for international ferries. Passport and customs procedures may apply.
• Do not rely on an old timetable. Ferry schedules change throughout the year.
• Check onward transport. Late ferry arrivals may not connect conveniently with buses.
• Keep valuables with you. Do not leave passports, money or essential medication inside inaccessible luggage.
Final Thoughts
Corfu Port is much more than the island’s ferry terminal. It is the point where Corfu connects with mainland Greece, nearby islands, Albania, Italy and the wider Mediterranean cruise network.
For most visitors, the key thing to remember is simple: check the exact port, vessel and departure time before travelling. Corfu Town, Lefkimmi and the island’s smaller harbours serve different routes.
Once that is clear, travelling by sea from Corfu is generally straightforward — and arriving with the Old Fortress and Corfu Town appearing ahead of you is still one of the nicest ways to begin a visit to the island.
Ferry schedules, fares and international routes can change throughout the year. Always confirm your sailing directly with the ferry operator before travelling.
