Quick Answer
Best all-round option: Take the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Brindisi with Superfast Ferries or Anek Lines. Total journey time 8–10 hours, cost from €50–€90 (≈ $54–$97) for a deck seat. From Brindisi port, a 10-minute taxi (€15–€20 / $16–$22) gets you to the airport. This route offers the best balance of price, convenience, and travel time for most passengers.
If you're short on time, a flight from Athens (ATH) to Brindisi (BDS) takes just 1.5 hours, but door-to-door is 4–5 hours and costs €80–€200 ($86–$216). For budget travelers, the Corfu–Brindisi ferry is the cheapest at €40–€80 ($43–$86) with only 4–6 hours at sea.
🚢 Ferry from Greece to Brindisi — The Core Route
The ferry is the most iconic and flexible way to cross the Ionian Sea from Greece to Italy's Puglia region. Brindisi is one of the main arrival ports, with direct connections from several Greek ports. Below we break down every route, operator, and practical detail.
Main Ferry Routes at a Glance
| Route | Operator(s) | Duration | Price (deck seat) | Frequency (high season) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corfu → Brindisi | Anek Lines, Grimaldi Lines | 4–6 h | €40–€80 ($43–$86) | Daily |
| Igoumenitsa → Brindisi | Superfast Ferries, Anek Lines | 8–10 h | €50–€90 ($54–$97) | 2–3 daily |
| Patras → Brindisi | Superfast Ferries, Grimaldi Lines | 15–18 h | €60–€140 ($65–$151) | 1–2 daily |
Prices are one-way per adult in high season (June–September). Low-season fares can be 20–30% lower. Always check Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries for live pricing.
Detailed Route Analysis
🟢 Corfu → Brindisi (Shortest & Cheapest)
Ideal if you're already in the Ionian Islands or on a quick trip. The crossing is just 4–6 hours, often with modern ferries. Best for: budget travelers, day-trippers, and those who want minimal sea time. Corfu's port is well-connected by bus from Corfu Town (€1.50 / $1.60).
- Operators: Anek Lines (standard ferries) and Grimaldi Lines (cargo-passenger mix).
- Facilities: Cafeteria, bar, air-conditioned lounge, deck seating. Cabins available from €25 extra.
- Tip: Book at least 2 weeks ahead in July–August; deck seats sell out fast.
🟡 Igoumenitsa → Brindisi (Best Balance)
The most popular route for travelers coming from Athens or northern Greece via the Egnatia highway. Igoumenitsa is a major port with frequent sailings. Best for: travelers who want a reasonable overnight or day crossing without the 15+ hour commitment.
- Operators: Superfast Ferries (modern, fast ships) and Anek Lines.
- Duration: 8–10 hours — perfect for an evening departure and morning arrival.
- Onboard: Superfast ships have cinemas, shops, restaurants, and private cabins. Deck seats are comfortable recliners.
- Price range: €50–€90 deck; €80–€130 with a 2-berth cabin.
🔴 Patras → Brindisi (Longest & Most Scenic)
Departing from Greece's third-largest city, this route hugs the coastline before crossing open water. Best for: travelers coming from the Peloponnese or Athens (via Patras), and those who enjoy a proper overnight voyage with dinner and sunrise.
- Operators: Superfast Ferries and Grimaldi Lines.
- Duration: 15–18 hours — typically overnight.
- Cabins recommended: The journey is long; a 4-berth inside cabin starts at €50 extra.
- Vehicle price: Car + driver from €90–€160 ($97–$173).
From Brindisi Port to Brindisi Airport (BDS)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi | 10–15 min | €15–€20 ($16–$22) | Fixed rate from port taxi stand; available 24/7 |
| 🚌 Local Bus AP | 20–25 min | €1.50 ($1.60) | Departs from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II; runs 6:00–22:00 |
| 🚶 Walking | 50 min | Free | Possible but not recommended with luggage; no dedicated footpath part of the way |
Source: Brindisi Airport Official Site and local transport operator STP Brindisi.
Booking & Boarding Tips
- Book online: Use Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries to compare all operators in one place.
- Check-in: Arrive at the port 1 hour before departure for foot passengers, 2 hours if taking a vehicle.
- Luggage: No strict weight limit on most ferries, but keep cabin luggage under 20 kg per bag.
- Seasickness: The Ionian can be choppy in winter; pack motion sickness tablets if prone.
✈️ Flight from Greece to Brindisi — Fastest Alternative
Flying is the quickest way to reach Brindisi from Greece, but it comes with hidden time costs and a higher price tag. Here's what you need to know.
Direct & Seasonal Flight Options
| Route | Airline | Flight Time | Typical Price (one-way) | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens (ATH) → Brindisi (BDS) | Volotea | 1 h 30 min | €80–€180 ($86–$194) | May–October |
| Athens (ATH) → Brindisi (BDS) | Ryanair | 1 h 30 min | €70–€200 ($76–$216) | June–September |
| Thessaloniki (SKG) → Brindisi (BDS) | Volotea (seasonal) | 1 h 45 min | €90–€220 ($97–$238) | June–August |
Check Skyscanner for live fares. Note: flights are seasonal; no year-round service exists as of 2025.
Door-to-Door Reality Check
While the flight itself is only 1.5 hours, the total journey from your accommodation in Greece to Brindisi airport includes:
- Transfer to departure airport: 30–60 min (Athens city→ATH) by Metro (€9 / $10) or taxi (€35–€40 / $38–$43).
- Check-in & security: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Flight: 1.5 h.
- Baggage claim & exit: 20–30 min.
- Brindisi airport to city/port: 10–15 min by taxi (€15–€20).
Total door-to-door time: 4–5 hours — compared to 4–10 hours for the ferry (depending on route). The time saving is significant only if you choose the Corfu–Brindisi ferry (4–6 h), which is competitive with flying.
When to Choose Flying Over the Ferry
- You have a tight schedule and need to reach Brindisi in under 5 hours total.
- You're coming from Athens or Thessaloniki (no need to travel to a port first).
- You find a flash sale (€50–€70 / $54–$76 one-way).
- Sea conditions are rough (winter storms can cancel ferries).
🚌 Bus + Train — The Budget Land Combo
If you're truly on a shoestring and have time to spare, a combination of long-distance bus and regional train can get you from Greece to Brindisi for under €50 ($54). This option requires multiple changes and is not direct, but it's the absolute cheapest land-based alternative.
Typical Route: Patras → Athens → Bari → Brindisi
- Step 1: Bus from Patras to Athens (KTEL, 3 h, €25–€30 / $27–$32).
- Step 2: Bus from Athens to Bari (FlixBus or similar, 14–16 h, €35–€50 / $38–$54). This service runs 2–3 times per week.
- Step 3: Train from Bari to Brindisi (Trenitalia Regionale, 1 h 10 min, €8–€12 / $9–$13).
Total time: 18–22 hours (including waiting). Total cost: €68–€92 ($73–$99). This is not cheaper than the ferry from Igoumenitsa when you factor in comfort and time.
Better Land Combo: Ferry + Train from Bari
Many ferries from Greece dock in Bari instead of Brindisi. From Bari's port, a regional train to Brindisi takes just over an hour and costs €8–€12 ($9–$13). This is a practical option if the Brindisi ferry is full or more expensive.
| Ferry to Bari | Train Bari→Brindisi | Total Time (incl. transfer) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Igoumenitsa→Bari (9–11 h) | Regionale (1 h 10 min) | 11–13 h | €60–€100 ($65–$108) |
| Patras→Bari (16–20 h) | Regionale (1 h 10 min) | 18–22 h | €70–€140 ($76–$151) |
Train schedules available on Trenitalia. Buses from Bari train station to the airport are €1–€2 ($1.10–$2.20).
Bus Direct to Brindisi?
No direct bus from Greece to Brindisi exists as of 2025. All bus routes require a transfer in Bari or Ancona. FlixBus and RegioJet are the main operators for Greece–Italy bus connections.
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer — Premium Convenience
Taxis and private transfers are the most expensive way to travel between Greece and Brindisi, but they serve specific niche use cases. This option is not recommended for budget or solo travelers.
When a Taxi Makes Sense
- Late-night arrival: If your ferry docks after 22:00 and buses have stopped (last AP bus at 22:00), a taxi is your only option.
- Large group (4+ people): Splitting a private transfer can bring the cost per person down to €25–€35 ($27–$38).
- Heavy luggage or limited mobility: Taxis provide door-to-door service with no stairs or platform changes.
- Business travel: Time is money — a taxi saves 20–30 minutes compared to the bus.
Price Overview: Brindisi Port → Brindisi Airport
| Service | Price (one-way) | Capacity | Booking Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (port stand) | €15–€20 ($16–$22) | 4 pax + luggage | No (hail on arrival) |
| Private sedan (pre-booked) | €25–€35 ($27–$38) | 3 pax + 3 suitcases | Yes (24h advance) |
| Private minivan (pre-booked) | €40–€55 ($43–$59) | 6–8 pax + luggage | Yes (48h advance) |
Rates based on official Brindisi taxi tariff and pre-booking platforms such as Welcome Pickups.
Long-Distance Taxis (Not Recommended)
A taxi from Athens to Brindisi would cost €800–€1,200 ($864–$1,296) and take 10–12 hours. This is only viable for very special circumstances (medical evacuation, VIP travel).
💰 Cost & Time Comparison — All Options Side by Side
Use this table to quickly compare every available mode of transport from Greece to Brindisi Airport. The "door-to-door" time includes port/airport transfers.
| Mode | Route (example) | Travel Time | Cost Range (one-way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚢 Ferry (Corfu→Brindisi) | Corfu → Brindisi | 4–6 h | €40–€80 ($43–$86) | ⭐ Cheapest & fastest ferry |
| 🚢 Ferry (Igoumenitsa→Brindisi) | Igoumenitsa → Brindisi | 8–10 h | €50–€90 ($54–$97) | ⭐ Best balance |
| 🚢 Ferry (Patras→Brindisi) | Patras → Brindisi | 15–18 h | €60–€140 ($65–$151) | Scenic overnight |
| ✈️ Flight (ATH→BDS) | Athens → Brindisi | 4–5 h door-to-door | €80–€200 ($86–$216) | Speed (if on schedule) |
| 🚌 Bus + Train (via Bari) | Patras → Bari → Brindisi | 18–22 h | €68–€92 ($73–$99) | Ultra-budget (but slow) |
| 🚕 Taxi (port→airport) | Brindisi port → airport | 10–15 min | €15–€20 ($16–$22) | Convenience (short hop) |
All prices are per adult, one-way, in high season (June–September). Low-season discounts may apply. Source: Ferryhopper, Skyscanner, and Trenitalia (accessed April 2025).
🧳 Traveler Tips & Real Experience
After hundreds of crossings, seasoned travelers have learned a few things. Here's insider advice to make your journey smoother.
1. Luggage Strategy: Use Takkyubin-Style Services
While Japan's Takkyubin doesn't exist in Greece/Italy, several companies offer baggage forwarding between Greek ports and Italian airports. Luggage Agent and Send My Bag can ship your suitcase from Athens to Brindisi for ~€60–€80 ($65–$86), letting you travel hands-free. This is especially useful if you have a tight ferry-to-flight connection.
2. Navigating Igoumenitsa Port
Igoumenitsa port can be confusing. The ferry terminal has two sections: new port (east) for Superfast Ferries and old port (west) for Anek Lines. They are 2 km apart. Check your ticket for the correct terminal. A taxi between them costs €5–€7 ($5.40–$7.60).
3. Brindisi Port → Airport: The Bus Catch
The AP bus stops at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II (5 min walk from the port gate). Buses run every 30 minutes from 6:00 to 22:00. Buy tickets at the tabacchi shop (€1.50). The bus drops you directly at the airport departures entrance.
4. Peak Season Warning (July–August)
Ferries fill up 2–3 weeks in advance during peak summer. Book by mid-June for July–August travel. Deck seats are the first to sell out. If you wait too long, you may be forced to buy a cabin (€€€) or choose a different route.
5. Sea Conditions & Motion Sickness
The Ionian Sea is generally calm from May to October. In winter (November–March), storms can cause 3–4 meter swells. If you're prone to seasickness, choose a cabin on a lower deck and bring medication. The Patras–Brindisi route crosses open water and is the roughest.
6. Overnight Ferry: What to Pack in Your Carry-On
- Earplugs and an eye mask (cabins can be noisy).
- A light blanket or travel pillow (deck seats don't include bedding).
- Snacks and a water bottle (onboard prices are 30–50% higher than in town).
- Power bank (cabins have limited outlets).
7. If Your Ferry Is Delayed or Canceled
Ferries can be delayed 1–3 hours due to weather or port congestion. If you have a flight from Brindisi, allow at least 5–6 hours buffer between ferry arrival and flight departure. Operators like Superfast Ferries offer compensation only for long delays (>4 hours). Check your rights via EU Passenger Rights.
❓ FAQs: Getting from Greece to Brindisi Airport
Is there a direct ferry from Greece to Brindisi?
Yes. Direct ferries run from Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and Patras to Brindisi. Operators include Anek Lines, Superfast Ferries, and Grimaldi Lines. Some sailings also go to Bari, from which you can take a train (1 h 10 min) to Brindisi.
How long does the ferry from Greece to Brindisi take?
Corfu→Brindisi: 4–6 h · Igoumenitsa→Brindisi: 8–10 h · Patras→Brindisi: 15–18 h. Times vary with weather and vessel speed. Check your operator's schedule for the exact crossing time.
How much does the ferry from Greece to Brindisi cost?
Fares start at €40 ($43) for Corfu→Brindisi deck class, €50 ($54) from Igoumenitsa, and €60 ($65) from Patras. Cabins cost €25–€60 extra. Vehicle fares start at €90 ($97). Book early for the best rates.
Can I fly from Greece to Brindisi?
Yes, seasonal flights operate from Athens (ATH) and sometimes Thessaloniki (SKG) to Brindisi (BDS) with Volotea and Ryanair. Flights run May–October only. Flight time is 1.5 h, but door-to-door takes 4–5 h.
How do I get from Brindisi port to Brindisi airport?
The port is just 5 km from the airport. Take a taxi (€15–€20, 10–15 min) or the AP bus (€1.50, 20–25 min) from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Buses run 6:00–22:00. Walking is possible but not advised with luggage.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Greece to Brindisi?
For speed: fly (4–5 h door-to-door vs 4–18 h ferry). For cost: ferry is cheaper (€40–€90 vs €80–€200). For experience: ferry offers sea views, freedom to bring a car, and a more relaxed pace. Choose based on your budget and schedule.
Can I travel from Greece to Brindisi with a car?
Yes. All major ferry lines carry vehicles. Book a vehicle ticket in advance. Prices for a standard car start at €90–€160 ($97–$173) depending on route. You'll drive directly off the ferry in Brindisi and reach the airport in 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Greece to Brindisi?
The cheapest option is the deck-class ferry from Corfu to Brindisi starting at €40 ($43). For ultra-low cost, travel off-peak (October–April) and book a deck seat. Combine with a bus to Corfu town for maximum savings.