EXACTLY How To Travel From Athens To Kefalonia in 2026
Are you planning a journey from Athens to Kefalonia? Not sure what the best way to travel to Kefalonia is or how to get there?
This guide will detail all your transport options for travelling from Athens to Kefalonia, including the Athens-Kefalonia flight, driving via Killini, bus, private transfers, and ferry.
There are five main route options to choose from. Here’s what you need to know.
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How to get to Kefalonia from Athens – The Best Way
The best way to get to Kefalonia from Athens is to fly from Athens International Airport to Kefalonia Anna Pollatou Airport. Most flights from Athens to Kefalonia run seasonally from May to October.
View flight prices and availability for your dates here.
Athens to Kefalonia flight time – 1 hour
If you’re visiting out of season, the best way to get from Athens to Kefalonia is to drive to the mainland port of Killini and board a car ferry to Kefalonia.
The distance between Athens and Kefalonia is approximately 188 miles (303 km). It’s worth stopping by the capital, Athens, to explore Greece’s ancient history and admire its stunning architecture.
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, which also include Zakynthos, Corfu, Lefkada and Ithaka, located off the coast of western Mainland Greece.
The journey time from Athens to Kefalonia is around 5 hours and 28 minutes, depending on which mode of transport you use. The distance between Athens and Kefalonia is 334.8km (208.03 miles).
Option 1: Flights from Athens International Airport to Kefalonia
Flights from Athens International Airport to Kefalonia Airport take approximately one hour. Multiple direct flights operate daily between May and October. Some regional airlines that operate these routes include Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, and Olympic Air.
Before booking, it’s wise to run a round-trip fare search for flights departing from and returning to Athens International Airport to Kefalonia Airport.
View flight deals, prices, and availability for your dates here.
Note: Athens to Zakynthos Flight via Sky Express
If you’re looking for cheap flight deals, you’ll most likely find flights from Athens to Zakynthos, usually with Sky Express. From Zakynthos, you can board a ferry to Kefalonia. The ferry ride from Zakynthos to Kefalonia is 33 minutes.
It’s also possible to fly domestically from Zakynthos to Kefalonia. Sky Express is known to operate this short route (less than 30 minutes).
Flights to Kefalonia Airport from Europe
Many major European airports offer direct flights to Kefalonia. Popular routes include flights from London, Frankfurt, Rome, and Paris, with average one-way Economy fares ranging from €80 to €200. Of course, flying Business class will cost significantly more, but you enjoy the benefit of added comfort, priority boarding, and often lounge access at the departure airport.
Those who want the best deals should consider booking during the cheapest month, typically in May or October. During this time, the demand is lower, so prices are more favourable. Thus, it is the cheapest time to visit Kefalonia. Some tickets may include additional fees for baggage, seat selection, or in-flight services, so it’s always wise to check what’s included before booking flights.
Keep in mind, however, that October also hosts the feast of the island’s patron saint, Saint Gerasimos. There will be many local celebrations, which will slightly increase the number of visitors to the island.
If you’re island hopping in Greece, it may be better to start in the Ionian islands and make a one-way journey to Athens. Here, you can board ferries to the rest of the Greek islands from the three ports in Athens – Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.
View flight prices and availability for your dates >>>
Option 2: Bus directly from Athens to Argostoli
Buses to Kefalonia’s capital town run from Kifisou KTEL bus station in Athens. The bus takes approximately 7 hours and runs about twice a day, depending on the season. Schedules are posted monthly at the bus station/
Tickets can either be purchased on the bus, including the ferry crossing or online. Note that tickets purchased online do not include the ferry ticket; you will need to pay for it separately.
Once you reach the ferry port, you depart the bus and enjoy the journey in the foot passenger part of the ferry. Once at the port, you’ll need to board the bus again to reach Argostoli.
Argostoli is the transport hub of Kefalonia, and also somewhere you can hire a car.
View bus timetables and ticket prices here >>>
Option 3: Athens to Kefalonia by Bus – Bus to Patras, then Bus to Kefalonia
It is possible to reach Kefalonia by bus hourly. However, to do this, you’ll need to change buses in the mainland city of Patras.
First, catch a bus from Athens to Patras. The journey should be 2 hours and 30 minutes and runs hourly. If you’re travelling with kids, you may want to consider an overnight stopover in Patras.
Secondly, catch another bus from Patras to Kefalonia. This bus will take you to the mainland port of Killini, where you can board the ferry to Kefalonia. On the ferry, you will not stay on the bus. This journey will take 3 hours and 22 minutes, and buses run 2 times a day.
Ports in Kefalonia
There are four ports in Kefalonia:
- Poros: Ferries to the other islands – Zakynthos, Lefkada and Ithaca – as well as to the mainland port of Killini, with onward bus connections to Athens and other destinations in Mainland Greece.
- Fiscardo: Ferries to Ithaca and Lefkada, as well as a docking area for private yachts.
- Lixouri: Routes to the mainland port of Killini for onward connections in Mainland Greece.
- Sami: Ferries to other islands in the Ionian – Ithaca and Paxi, plus bus/ferry connections to Patra on the mainland and Brindisi in Italy.
Option 4: Athens to Kefalonia by Car – Drive to Killini, then take a car ferry to Kefalonia
If you’ve driven to Greece or hired a car in Greece, the best way to reach Kefalonia (and have more freedom to explore the island) is by car.
First, you’ll need to drive from Athens to Killini, a port on mainland Greece, 3 hours, 28 minutes away.
You’ll then need to board a car ferry from Killini to the port of Poros in Kefalonia. The ferry takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and runs up to 4 times a day.
Is there an Athens-Kefalonia ferry?
There’s NO direct ferry between Athens and Kefalonia. Ferries generally only serve one island group at a time. The Ionian Islands are farther from the Cyclades and other island groups. However, there are ferries between the Ionian islands. From Kefalonia, you can board a ferry to the neighbouring island of Zakynthos or the small island of Ithaka. There are also ferry services to Patras on the Greek Mainland.
Option 5: Pre-booked Transfer Athens to Killini, then ferry
A pre-booked transfer will be somewhat more expensive than catching the bus from Athens to Killini or driving. However, if you’re looking to make the journey fast and don’t want to hire a car, this is the best option.
The drive from Athens to Killini should take around 3 hours, depending on traffic. Transfers can be booked with Get Transfer. View transfer prices and availability here.
You’ll then need to board a car ferry from Killini to the port of Poros in Kefalonia. The ferry takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and runs up to 4 times a day. Make sure you pre-book your taxi to coincide with ferry timetables.
Travelling Between Athens And Kefalonia With Kids
The journey is definitely worth doing with kids. Many families make the journey each year when island-hopping with kids or on a multi-centre holiday. Once you get there, there are so many amazing things to do in Kefalonia.
You will ultimately know which mode of transport will work best for you and your family. The best way to get from Athens to Kefalonia island is to book a flight in advance.
If you have a car, the best way is to drive to Killini and take the car ferry to Kefalonia. If you don’t fancy flying and don’t have a car, a private transfer will be the best option. View private transfer prices and reviews from Athens to Killini here.
However, if you’re on a budget, you may also want to take the bus. If you’re travelling by bus between Athens and Kefalonia with kids, consider an overnight stop in Patras, the 3rd-largest city in Greece, with plenty to do for families. View accommodation in Patas here. There’s also the option to take a direct bus from Athens to Argostoli.
Planning a trip to Kefalonia with kids? Make sure you read our guide to:
- Best family accommodation in Kefalonia
- Top beaches in Kefalonia
- Stunning towns and villages in Kefalonia
The cheapest time to fly is usually in May or October, outside the peak summer months. Booking in advance during these months can help you save on fares.
Yes, Aegean Airlines operates flights on this route along with Sky Express and Olympic Air. They offer multiple daily flights from May to October.
Flying is usually faster and can be cheaper if booked during the most affordable month, like May or October. Ferry prices vary by season and whether you’re transporting a vehicle.
Yes, some airlines offer Business class, which includes perks like priority boarding, extra baggage, and lounge access at Athens International Airport.
