Quick Answer
To get from Brindisi Airport (BDS) to Greece, you must first transfer to the Brindisi Ferry Port (Porto di Brindisi), 6 km away. The best overall way for most travelers is a taxi or shuttle (15 min, €15-25) to the port, then a direct overnight ferry to destinations like Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras. The cheapest method is the public bus to the city center (€1) followed by a short walk/taxi to the port and a standard ferry ticket (from €30). The total journey time ranges from 6 hours to Corfu up to 19 hours to Patras, including transfers.
The Two-Step Journey: Airport → Port → Greece
Understanding this journey's structure is key. It is always a two-part process:
- Land Transfer: Get from Brindisi Airport (BDS) to the Brindisi Ferry Terminal (Porto di Brindisi).
- Sea Crossing: Board your chosen ferry from Brindisi Port to your final destination in Greece.
Your choice in Step 1 affects your cost, convenience, and time before the ferry. Your choice in Step 2 defines your overall travel time, comfort, and which Greek port you arrive at. The map below illustrates the main ferry routes. (Source: Ferryscanner)
[Visual: Map showing BDS airport, Brindisi port, and arrows to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Cephalonia, Patras]
Step 1: Getting from Brindisi Airport to the Ferry Port
You have four main options to cover the 6 km to the port. The right choice depends on your budget, luggage, and group size.
Option A: Taxi or Pre-Booked Transfer (Best for Convenience)
The most straightforward method. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal.
Journey: Direct, door-to-door.
Time: 10-15 minutes.
Cost: €15 - €25 (fixed rate for the port should be displayed; always confirm before boarding). For guaranteed rates and no wait, pre-book a private transfer.
Best for: Families, groups of 3-4, travelers with heavy luggage, late-night arrivals.
Option B: Local Public Bus (STP Line 10) (Best for Budget Travelers)
The official urban bus connects the airport to Brindisi city center, from which you walk/taxi to the port.
Journey: Airport → Brindisi Central Station (Piazzale Lenio Flacco) → 15-20 min walk to port.
Time: ~30-40 min total (bus + walk).
Cost: Bus ticket ~€1. Tickets from the driver or kiosk.
Schedule: Limited frequency (approx. every 40-60 mins). Check STP Brindisi for current timetables.
Best for: Solo travelers/backpackers with light luggage arriving during daylight hours.
Option C: Rental Car (Best for Flexibility)
Rent a car at the airport and drop it off at the port before sailing.
Journey: Full flexibility to explore Puglia before your ferry.
Key Tip: You MUST book a rental company with a drop-off office at Brindisi Port (e.g., Europcar, Sicily by Car). Confirm this explicitly when booking.
Cost: Varies widely (€30-€80/day) + one-way drop fee.
Best for: Travelers touring Southern Italy before crossing to Greece with their vehicle.
Option D: On Foot / Not Recommended
The 6 km walk is along busy, pedestrian-unfriendly roads with no pavement for long sections. Not safe or practical.
Step 2: Choosing Your Ferry from Brindisi to Greece
This is the core of your journey. Brindisi is a major gateway to western Greece.
Main Ferry Companies & Destinations
Key operators include Grimaldi Lines, Anek Superfast, and Ventouris Ferries. Routes and frequency are highly seasonal (peak: June-Sept).
| Destination (Greece) | Approx. Sailing Duration | Key Operator(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corfu (Kerkyra) | 5 - 9 hours | Ventouris, Grimaldi | Most popular & frequent route. Multiple daily departures in summer. |
| Igoumenitsa (Mainland) | 7 - 9 hours | Grimaldi, Anek | Gateway to mainland Greece (Epirus). Often combined with bus to Athens. |
| Cephalonia (Kefalonia) | 7 - 10 hours | Grimaldi (seasonal) | Direct island connection, mainly summer. |
| Patras (Mainland) | 15 - 17 hours (Overnight) | Grimaldi, Anek Superfast | Long haul to the Peloponnese. Almost always an overnight journey with cabin options. |
Ticket Types & Onboard Experience
- Deck Passage (Ponte): Basic ticket. You find a seat in public lounges. Fine for short day crossings; challenging for overnight.
- Airplane-Type Seat (Poltrona): A reserved reclining seat in a dedicated lounge. Good mid-range option.
- Cabins (Cabina): Private rooms with beds (2-4 berths). Essential for overnight journeys (e.g., to Patras). Book well in advance.
- Vehicle Transport: You can bring your car, motorbike, or campervan. Prices vary by size and season. Mandatory to book vehicle space ahead of time.
Booking Platform: Use aggregators like Direct Ferries or Ferryhopper to compare all companies and schedules in one place.
Cost & Time Comparison: All Options from Brindisi Airport to Greece
This table summarizes the total estimated cost and time for a single adult to reach Corfu (the closest destination), excluding meals.
| Option Combination | Step 1 (Airport→Port) | Step 2 (Ferry to Corfu) | Total Estimated Cost | Total Estimated Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Backpacker | STP Bus (€1) | Deck Ticket (€30-€40) | €31 - €41 | 6 - 10 hours | Solo travelers, minimal luggage |
| Standard Traveler | Taxi (€20) | Reserved Seat (€45-€60) | €65 - €80 | 5.5 - 9.5 hours | Couples, most tourists |
| Comfort Overnight (to Patras) | Private Transfer (€30) | 2-Berth Cabin (€80-€120 p.p.) | €110 - €150 | 17 - 19 hours | Comfort seekers, long journey |
| FLYING Alternative* | Flight BDS→ATH (via Rome/Milan) | €100 - €250+ | 5 - 8 hours (with connections) | Speed to Athens, no car | |
*Flying involves traveling to Athens Airport (ATH) and does not serve Greek islands directly from Brindisi. Ferry remains the only direct option to Ionian islands from Italy.
Essential Traveler Tips & Advice
Go from prepared to pro with these insights from seasoned travelers.
1. Timing is Everything
- Arrive at the Port Early: Ferry check-in closes 60-90 minutes before departure for foot passengers and even earlier (2+ hours) for vehicles. Don't cut it close.
- Seasonal Rush: In July/August, ports are chaotic. Allow extra time for everything.
- Overnight vs. Day Ferry: An overnight ferry to Patras "saves" a hotel night and travel day. A day ferry to Corfu offers stunning sea views.
2. Booking & Documents
- Book Ferries Early: Especially for cabins and vehicle transport. Prices skyrocket and sell out.
- Have Your Documents Ready: For EU citizens, a passport or ID card is sufficient. Non-EU citizens must have a valid passport and check visa requirements for Greece.
- Print or Digital Ticket? Have a downloadable PDF or boarding pass on your phone. A printed copy is a reliable backup.
3. Onboard & Arrival
- Food & Drink: Ferry restaurants are expensive and mediocre. Pack snacks, water, and a picnic.
- Money: Have some Euros (€) for small purchases onboard (cards are widely accepted but can fail).
- Arrival Port Transport: Research how to get from your arrival Greek port (e.g., Corfu Port, Igoumenitsa) to your final hotel. Local buses or taxis are available.
FAQs: Traveling from Brindisi Airport to Greece by Ferry
Is there a direct ferry from Brindisi Airport to Greece?
No, there is no direct ferry from Brindisi Airport itself. You must first travel from the airport to the Brindisi Ferry Port (Porto di Brindisi), which is about 6 km away. From there, multiple ferry companies operate direct routes to various Greek destinations like Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Cephalonia, and Patras.
What is the cheapest way to get from Brindisi Airport to Greece?
The cheapest overall option is combining the local STP Brindisi bus (Line 10, ~€1) from the airport to the city/port, then taking a foot passenger ticket on a standard ferry (from ~€30-€50 one-way to Corfu/Igoumenitsa). Total cost can be as low as €31-€51. Booking ferries well in advance secures the best rates.
How long does the entire journey from Brindisi Airport to a Greek island take?
The total journey time varies significantly:
- To Corfu (closest): 1-2 hrs (airport to port) + 5-9 hrs ferry = 6-11 hours total.
- To Patras (furthest): 1-2 hrs (airport to port) + 15-17 hrs ferry = 16-19 hours total.
Can I travel from Brindisi Airport to Greece at night or with an early morning flight?
Yes, but with planning. Airport-to-port transport (taxi/shuttle) is limited late at night. Most ferries to Greece depart in the late afternoon or evening (e.g., 5:00 PM - 11:59 PM). If you arrive very early, you'll spend the day in Brindisi. If you arrive late, you may need to stay overnight near the port for a ferry the next day.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Brindisi to Greece?
For speed: Flying from Bari or Rome to Athens/Thessaloniki is faster (1.5 hr flight + airport time). For cost, scenery & a unique experience: The ferry from Brindisi is superior. It's often cheaper, allows you to bring your car, and offers stunning Adriatic/Ionian sea views. It's the classic Italian-Greek travel experience.
Which Greek islands can I reach directly from Brindisi by ferry?
Direct ferry connections from Brindisi primarily serve:
- Corfu (Kerkyra) (Most frequent, 5-9 hrs)
- Cephalonia (Kefalonia) (Seasonal, ~7-10 hrs)
- Zakynthos (Zante) (Seasonal, via Cephalonia)
- Igoumenitsa (mainland port for Epirus, 7-9 hrs)
- Patras (mainland port for Peloponnese, 15-17 hrs)
Do I need to book the Brindisi-Greece ferry in advance?
Highly recommended, especially in peak season (July-August) or if traveling with a vehicle. Ferries can sell out. Booking weeks or months ahead guarantees your spot, secures better prices, and allows you to choose cabin accommodations for overnight routes. Last-minute walk-up fares are possible but riskier and more expensive.
How do I get from Brindisi Airport to the ferry port with a lot of luggage?
With heavy luggage, the best options are:
- Pre-booked Private Transfer: Door-to-door service (€25-€40).
- Taxi: Readily available outside arrivals (€15-€25).
- Rental Car: Drop it off at the port (most agencies have a port office).