How to get to Zakynthos by plane, ferry or bus
HOW TO GET TO ZAKYNTHOS IN HIGH SEASON.
Flying to Zakynthos is undoubtedly the quickest and most popular way for many visitors to get to the island. From May to October there are several direct flights from most of the European cities to Zakynthos, as well as flights stopping in Athens, where there are daily direct buses or flights to the island. The ferry is still a valid solution for those travelling from Cephalonia Island, the Greek mainland, or Italy.
HOW TO GET TO ZAKYNTHOS IN LOW SEASON.
During low season, the only way to get to Zakynthos is by plane from Athens, which takes about 50 minutes, or by bus, which takes 6 hours including the ferry from Killini. The ferry is a valid option for those travelling from Cephalonia Island, the Greek mainland, or Italy.
GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS BY PLANE
All year long, daily direct flights connect from Athens International Airport (ATH) to the newlybuilt Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). The flight takes 50 minutes. The three main airlines operating this route are SkyExpress, Olympic and Aegean.
However, from May to October, charter flights, scheduled flights and low cost carriers such as Ryanair, Volotea, Wizzair and EasyJet, have direct flights connecting most European cities to the island. For more info, refer to Skyscanner.
GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS BY FERRY
In addition to flying, another available option is travelling to Zakynthos by ferry from mainland Greece, Cephalonia Island, and Italy.
From mainland Greece, ferries depart daily from the port of Killini to Zakynthos main port. The journey takes 1 hour and the service is currently offered only by Levante Ferries.
From Cephalonia Island, ferries depart twice a day from Pessada to the Agios Nikolaos port in the northern part of Zakynthos. The journey takes 1 hour and the service is currently offered only by Ionion Pelagos.
Finally, from Italy, ferries connect Bari and Brindisi directly to Zakynthos port in the months of July and August. The journey takes 17 hours and the service is currently offered by Red Star Ferries and European Ferries. That being said, it can be a long and tiring trip and we would recommend taking the ferry from Killini instead.
Ionian Ferries, tel. (+30) 210.3249.997, (+30) 211 2215502
Kefalonian Lines, tel. (+30) 2109515100, (+30) 2109518888
Before you start planning your trip to Zakynthos, you should visit the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to verify whether you need a visa.
GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS BY BUS
In recent years, more and more tourists choose this solution thanks to the numerous low cost flights connecting Athens to most European capitals. KTEL operates the Athens-Zakynthos-Athens and Patra-Zakynthos-Patra bus routes. The bus ride from Athens to Zakynthos takes 6 hours, including the ferry from Killini, whereas the ride from Patra to Zakynthos takes 3hours, including the ferry from Killini.
From ATHENS to ZAKYNTHOS (every day, 4 times a day) price € 28.60
Athens Office: Leoforos Kifisou 100, Athens 2105129432
Zakynthos Office: Iatrou Mothonaiou, 29100, info@ktel-zakynthos.gr 2695022255
From PATRA to ZAKYNTHOS (every day, 4 times a day) price € 8.60.
Patras Office: Othonos Amalias 85 & Dimitriou Gounari 1, 2610220129
Zakynthos Office: Iatrou Mothonaiou, 29100, info@ktel-zakynthos.gr 2695022255