How to Get Discounts on Ferry Tickets in Greece

Thinking of a sun-drenched escape to the Greek islands, full of ancient history, sparkling waters, and delicious food? It's a dream for many a holidaymaker, and rightly so! While the allure of island hopping is undeniable, those ferry tickets can sometimes add up quicker than you can say, Opa! 

But fear not, savvy travellers! You don't have to sacrifice your adventure to stay within budget. In this guide, we'll reveal how to get discounts on ferry tickets in Greece. Whether you're a student, an early bird, or travelling with the whole family, there are plenty of clever ways to trim the cost without cutting any of the magic from your Greek island escapade.

1. Book Early for the Best Prices

Just like flights, ferry fares in Greece tend to climb as the vessels fill up. So, if you've got your heart set on specific islands and know your travel dates, booking in advance is a truly savvy move. How early should you aim for, you ask? We recommend booking your tickets about three or four weeks in advance if you're travelling during the busy summer months. For the quieter off-season, a week or two should give you plenty of time.

Now, where's the best place to secure these precious tickets? Always head straight to Openferry. It's your go-to hub for real-time prices and effortless route comparisons, all neatly presented in one place and crucially, without any pesky hidden fees. It's designed to make your booking experience as smooth as the Aegean Sea on a calm day!

2. Look for Return Trip & Group Discounts

Are you planning a lovely round trip, perhaps from Athens to the majestic island of Crete, or embarking on a charming hop from Rhodes to Symi and back? Or are you gathering your nearest and dearest for a group adventure? You're in luck, as many Greek ferry operators offer some rather handy discounts for these scenarios!

Keep an eye out for:

• Return trip savings: These can be particularly significant on longer, more popular routes, such as Athens to Crete or Rhodes to Symi, where committing to a return journey can net you a substantial percentage off the overall fare.
• Group discounts: Travelling with a party of four or more? Some operators extend special group rates, making it more affordable for families or friends journeying together.

Pro tip: It's worth noting that these offers can vary significantly depending on the specific route you're taking and the time of year. So, when you're diligently comparing your options on Openferry, be sure to scrutinise the fare options carefully during checkout. You might just spot a fantastic deal that makes your Greek island dreams even more attainable!

3. Student & Youth Discounts

For our younger explorers or those still in school, Greece offers some fantastic savings on ferry travel. If you're under 26, or if you hold a valid student card – especially the internationally recognised ISIC (International Student Identity Card) – you could be in for a treat!

You can often snag:

• 20–50% off economy fares: This can make a significant difference to your travel budget, leaving more pennies for delicious Greek mezes!
• Reduced prices on select cabins and VIP seats: If you prefer a bit more comfort on a longer journey, these discounts can make it significantly more affordable.

A crucial point to remember: always carry your physical student ID or ISIC card with you. You'll likely need to present it for verification when you're boarding the ferry to prove your eligibility for the discount. Don't let a forgotten card be the reason you miss out on these excellent savings!

4. Travel Off-Peak

If your schedule allows for flexibility, embracing off-peak travel can significantly reduce your ferry fares. Just like flights, demand dictates pricing, and the Greek ferries are no exception.

You'll often find prices are considerably lower when you opt for:

• Midweek sailings: Tuesdays to Thursdays tend to be less busy than the bustling weekend routes, resulting in cheaper tickets.
• Early-morning or late-night sailings: These less-convenient times often come with a more budget-friendly price tag, appealing to those who don't mind an early start or a late finish.
• Outside of the summer peak (June–August): This is perhaps the most significant saving opportunity. The shoulder seasons (think May, early June, and September, early October) still offer beautiful weather but with far fewer crowds and, crucially, lower ferry costs.

By being savvy with your timing, you can enjoy all the beauty of the Greek islands without paying peak-season prices for your journey across the sparkling Aegean.

5. Travel Light and On Foot

One of the biggest budget boosters for Greek ferries is leaving your vehicle behind. Bringing a car, motorbike, or camper van can significantly increase the cost of your ferry tickets. If you're able to travel on foot, you'll find a world of savings opens up!

Here's why it's a brilliant idea:

• You'll pay much less: Passenger fares are significantly cheaper than vehicle fares, sometimes by a considerable margin, especially on popular routes.
• Boarding is faster and simpler: No need to queue with the cars –  you can simply walk straight on, making for a much smoother and less stressful experience.
• You can still explore islands with ease: Don't worry about being stranded! Most Greek islands have excellent local bus networks connecting ports to main towns and popular beaches. Taxis are readily available, and for a truly Greek experience, hiring a scooter for a day or two is a popular and affordable way to discover hidden coves and charming villages. You'll likely pay around €20-€40 per day for a scooter, which is significantly less than the cost of bringing your car over.

6. Check for Seasonal Promotions

It's always worth keeping an eye out for those fleeting, limited-time deals that appear on specific ferry routes, especially as the summer season begins to warm up or as it comes to a close. Ferry operators often release these promotions to entice travellers during slightly less busy periods or to fill up specific sailings.

Here's how to ensure you don't miss out:

• Use Openferry to spot live promotions: Our platform is designed to highlight these deals, so when you're searching for your ideal route, keep an eye out for any special offers or reduced fares.
• Look for banners and seasonal alerts: Often, these promotions are advertised prominently with banners or alerts during the booking process on Openferry.

7. Consider Lesser-Known Routes

While the allure of iconic islands like Mykonos and Santorini is undeniable, the ferry routes to these popular destinations often carry a higher price tag due to demand. If you're keen to save some pounds and discover a more authentic side of Greece, it's well worth considering some of the lesser-known routes and their charming island counterparts.

Instead of the usual suspects, why not try:

• Lavrio to Kea: Departing from Lavrio, another port near Athens, Kea (Tzia) is a delightful, unspoiled island perfect for a quieter escape, and often has more affordable ferry connections.
• Naxos to Amorgos: While Naxos itself is pretty popular, extending your journey to Amorgos offers dramatic landscapes, a spiritual monastery, and a truly traditional Cycladic experience, often with cheaper onward ferry links.
• Piraeus to Kythnos: Kythnos, a relatively quiet island in the Cyclades, is easily accessible from Piraeus and offers a wonderful blend of traditional villages, beautiful beaches, and thermal springs, all at a more affordable price than its more famous neighbours.

These routes are not only generally cheaper, but they also offer a truly quieter, more local travel experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in Greek island life away from the bustling tourist crowds.

Smart Savings for Your Greek Adventure with Openferry!

So there you have it, fellow explorers! The best discounts on Greek ferry tickets aren't just hidden away in elusive promo codes – they're truly found in planning wisely and knowing where to look. By embracing early booking, considering your travel style, and being open to new routes, you can significantly trim the cost of your island-hopping dreams.

With Openferry, you're perfectly equipped to navigate these waters. You get real-time route information, effortless ticket comparisons, and instant access to all those crucial deals – all without any of the usual booking stress.

Save Money, See More - Book Your ferry tickets with Openferry Today!