Illustration after a photo: the ferry quay at Kyllini
After a photo by Georgios Pazios (Alaniaris) (Attribution). Credits

Athens Kyllini port

The Zakynthos ferry leaves from Kyllini in Ilia, on the far side of the Peloponnese from Athens, not from Piraeus. There are three practical ways to reach it.

1. From the airport to Kifissos bus station

Athens International Airport lists the X93 express bus between the airport and the Kifissos and Liosion intercity bus stations. Intercity buses for the Peloponnese start at Kifissos KTEL station (airport-listed phones +30 210 5124910 and +30 210 5124911). Tickets and real-time info for X93: OASA (oasa.gr, 11185).

2. The KTEL Zakynthos bus (Athens to Zakynthos)

  • KTEL Zakynthos runs a scheduled bus between Athens, Kifissos Intercity Bus Station (100 Kifissou Ave) and Zakynthos town, crossing on the Kyllini ferry.
  • KTEL states clearly that its bus fare does not include the ferry (“the above price does not include shipping”): you pay the crossing separately.
  • Phones published by KTEL Zakynthos: Athens KTEL +30 210 5129 432; Zakynthos +30 26950 22255 and +30 26950 42656; info@ktel-zakynthos.gr.
  • From Patras, KTEL Zakynthos also lists a Patras–Zakynthos bus (KTEL Patras phone +30 2610 623886), again with the ferry not included.

3. By car

Drivers usually take the Olympia Odos motorway from Athens via Corinth towards Patras and continue south-west to Kyllini. Check tolls and roadworks with the motorway operator. Levante's ferries carry cars; book the vehicle on your ticket and see the ferry page for when to be in the vehicle waiting area.

By pre-booked transfer

A private transfer from the airport or a city hotel to Kyllini port avoids the change at Kifissos, which helps with luggage or a tight connection. Confirm the drop-off as the Levante Ferries quay at Kyllini.

Bus times and fares are not listed here. Check KTEL Zakynthos and OASA on the day you travel.

Sources: Athens International Airport – public transportation (X93 to Kifissos, Suburban railway) · OASA – Athens buses, including airport express lines · KTEL Zakynthos – Zakynthos–Athens–Zakynthos intercity bus · KTEL Zakynthos – Zakynthos–Patras–Zakynthos intercity bus · Olympia Odos – Athens–Corinth–Patras motorway operator