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How to get from Ithaca to Zakynthos
There is no regular direct ferry from Ithaca to Zakynthos. The usual route is a short ferry from Ithaca to Kefalonia, a drive across Kefalonia, and then a second ferry: in summer from Pessada to northern Zakynthos, otherwise via Kyllini on the mainland. Allow about 5–8 h.
Best option: Ferry. Two ferries via Kefalonia, with a car in between, is the only practical way to make this trip in a day.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Ferry from Pisaetos (Ithaca) to Sami (Kefalonia), drive about 1 h to Pessada, then the summer ferry to Agios Nikolaos (Skinari) in northern Zakynthos | about 5–6 h including drives and waits | Ithaca–Sami several a day; Pessada–Zakynthos 1–2 a day in summer only | about €20–40 per person, more with a car | The Pessada–Zakynthos ferry runs only in summer; check current timetables. |
| ferry Ithaca–Kefalonia ferry, then Poros (Kefalonia) to Kyllini on the mainland, then Kyllini to Zakynthos town | about 6–8 h including waits | daily, year-round | about €30–60 per person, more with a car | This is the year-round alternative when the Pessada route is not running. |
| car Car on all the ferries above, driving across Kefalonia between ports | as for the ferry routes | fuel plus car fares on each ferry | Book car spaces in summer. Rental cars may not be allowed on ferries; check the contract. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Fix the Pessada–Zakynthos crossing first, then fit the Ithaca–Kefalonia ferry around it.
- The northern Zakynthos port (Agios Nikolaos) is close to the Blue Caves.
- Taxis are scarce on Ithaca and at Pessada; book in advance if you have no car.
- Check whether your Ithaca ferry leaves from Pisaetos or another port that season.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Ithaca to Zakynthos?
Not on a regular basis. You normally go via Kefalonia: a short ferry to Sami, then a drive to Pessada for the summer ferry to northern Zakynthos. Outside summer the route is via Poros or Argostoli and Kyllini on the mainland. Check current timetables, as routes change each season.
How long does Ithaca to Zakynthos take?
Around 5–6 hours in summer using the Pessada ferry, and 6–8 hours on the year-round route via Kyllini. Most of the time is spent waiting for connections, so plan the ferries together and leave Ithaca early in the morning to catch the day's connections.
Can I fly from Ithaca to Zakynthos?
No. Ithaca has no airport. Kefalonia and Zakynthos both have airports, but there are no regular flights between them; some years have seen small seasonal island-hopping flights, so check if one is running. The ferry route via Kefalonia is the practical choice.
Do I need a car?
It makes the journey much easier, because you must cross Kefalonia between ports, a drive of about an hour from Sami to Pessada. Without a car you need taxis, which should be booked ahead, or local buses, which are infrequent. Book car spaces on ferries in July and August.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.