If you’re planning to travel from Athens to Corfu, get ready to experience one of Greece’s most beautiful journeys. Corfu, known as the “Emerald Isle,” lies off the northwest coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. It’s famous for its lush landscapes, Venetian architecture, and golden beaches. The good news? Getting there from Athens is simple — you can fly, take a bus-and-ferry combination, or even drive across mainland Greece for a scenic route.
Whether you’re heading to Corfu for its old-town charm, beach resorts, or to explore Ionian island life, this guide explains every option in detail — with travel times, prices, and tips to help you plan your trip smoothly.
Overview of the Route
Corfu (Kerkyra) sits approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) northwest of Athens. The island is part of the Ionian Islands group, located near the Albanian coast. Because it’s separated from the mainland by the Ionian Sea, reaching it requires either a flight or a ferry crossing from one of the mainland ports — most commonly Igoumenitsa.
You can reach Corfu from Athens in three main ways:
- ✈️ By plane – the fastest and most direct option
- 🚌 By bus + ferry – a convenient and affordable alternative
- 🚗 By car + ferry – perfect for a scenic self-drive road trip
Flying from Athens to Corfu
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Corfu from Athens. Several airlines operate multiple flights daily, especially between April and October.
Flight Duration and Schedule
- Flight time: Around 1 hour
- Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, Ryanair, Volotea
- Departure airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)
- Arrival airport: Corfu International Airport (CFU)
Flights depart throughout the day — typically from early morning until late evening. During summer, you’ll find 5–8 daily connections, while in winter, there are usually 2–3 flights per day.
Flight Prices
Airfare varies depending on the season and how early you book:
- Low season: €40–€70 one way
- High season: €80–€150 one way
Budget airlines like Ryanair or Volotea offer the cheapest fares but may charge extra for luggage. Booking in advance, especially for summer travel, ensures the best prices and schedules.
Arrival in Corfu
Corfu Airport (CFU) is located just 3 km (2 miles) south of Corfu Town, the island’s capital. You can reach your hotel by:
- Taxi: 10–15 minutes to central hotels (€10–€20)
- Bus Line 15: Regular service between the airport, Corfu Town, and the main port
Best for: Travelers short on time or connecting to other European destinations.
Traveling from Athens to Corfu by Bus and Ferry
If you prefer an overland journey or want to experience more of mainland Greece, taking a bus-and-ferry combination is a great choice. It’s slower than flying but often more affordable and scenic.
Step 1: Athens to Igoumenitsa by Bus
Buses to Corfu depart from Kifissos Bus Station (KTEL) in Athens and travel to Igoumenitsa, a port city on Greece’s northwest coast.
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Distance: About 470 km (290 miles)
- Cost: Around €35–€40 one way
Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and make a few rest stops along the way. Most Corfu-bound routes are coordinated with ferry departures, so connections are smooth.
Step 2: Igoumenitsa to Corfu by Ferry
Once in Igoumenitsa, you’ll board a ferry to Corfu. Ferries run frequently throughout the day — roughly every 1–1.5 hours — and the crossing is short and pleasant.
- Ferry time: 1.5–2 hours
- Cost: €5–€12 for passengers, €40–€60 with a car
- Ferry companies: Kerkyra Lines, Kerkyra Seaways, Lefkimmi Lines
Most ferries arrive at Corfu Town Port, while some continue to Lefkimmi Port in the island’s south.
🚌 Total travel time: Around 8–9 hours (including transfers)
💶 Total cost: Around €50–€60 per person
Tip: Buy a through-ticket from KTEL Athens–Corfu, which includes both bus and ferry segments. This ensures a coordinated connection and saves hassle at the port.
Driving from Athens to Corfu
If you’re renting a car or traveling as a family, a road trip from Athens to Corfu offers flexibility and beautiful scenery along the way. The journey takes you across mainland Greece via modern highways and coastal roads.
Route Overview
- Distance: ~500 km (310 miles)
- Driving time: Around 6–7 hours (to Igoumenitsa)
- Main route:
Athens → Corinth → Patras → Rio-Antirrio Bridge → Ioannina → Igoumenitsa
The roads are well maintained, with frequent service stations and scenic mountain stretches through Epirus. After reaching Igoumenitsa, drive your car onto the ferry to Corfu, which takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Costs
- Fuel & tolls: Approx. €60–€80
- Ferry (car + passengers): €50–€70
- Total (one way): Around €120–€150
Best for: Travelers who want to explore more of mainland Greece — such as Meteora, Ioannina, or Parga — before heading to the island.
Traveling from Athens to Corfu by Train
There’s no direct train route between Athens and Corfu. However, you could technically take a train to a nearby mainland city such as Patras or Ioannina, then transfer to a bus toward Igoumenitsa and continue by ferry. In practice, though, this option is slower and more complicated than flying or taking a direct bus-ferry combo.
Ferry Information: Igoumenitsa to Corfu
Ferries between Igoumenitsa and Corfu are frequent, especially in summer. Here’s what you should know:
| Ferry Type | Duration | Frequency (Summer) | Price (Adult) | Operator Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Ferry | 1 hr 45 min | Every 60–90 min | €5–€12 | Kerkyra Lines, Kerkyra Seaways |
| Car Ferry | 1 hr 45 min | Every 90 min | €45–€60 (vehicle) | Lefkimmi Lines, Corfu Ferries |
Ferries have snack bars, shaded decks, and indoor seating. If traveling during July or August, it’s best to book ferry tickets online in advance, as routes can fill up quickly.
How Far Is Corfu from Athens?
- By air: 400 km (250 miles), ~1 hour
- By road + ferry: 500 km (310 miles) + 1.5–2 hours ferry
- By bus + ferry: 8–9 hours total
All routes are straightforward, but your best choice depends on budget, comfort, and time.
Best Time to Travel from Athens to Corfu
The best time to visit Corfu — and to make the journey from Athens — is April through October. During these months, weather is warm, ferries are frequent, and flights operate daily.
- April–June: Ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds
- July–August: Peak travel season; book early
- September–October: Warm seas, great value, and relaxed travel
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Limited ferry schedules; flights still operate but with fewer options
Combining Athens and Corfu in One Trip
Spending time in both Athens and Corfu offers a perfect balance of history and relaxation.
- In Athens, explore the Acropolis, Plaka, and National Archaeological Museum.
- Then in Corfu, unwind on beaches like Paleokastritsa, stroll through Corfu Old Town (UNESCO), and visit Achilleion Palace.
If you have 7–10 days, plan 2–3 days in Athens followed by 4–5 days in Corfu for a well-paced itinerary.
Travel Options Summary
| Route | Mode | Duration | Approx. Cost (€) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens → Corfu | Flight | 1 hr | 40–150 | Speed and convenience |
| Athens → Corfu | Bus + Ferry | 8–9 hrs | 50–60 | Budget travelers |
| Athens → Igoumenitsa → Corfu | Car + Ferry | 7–9 hrs total | 120–150 | Road trip lovers |
| Athens → Corfu (via Train) | Train + Bus + Ferry | 9–10 hrs | 60–80 | Scenic but slow |
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Athens to Corfu is one of the most rewarding routes in Greece. Whether you fly directly in under an hour or choose the slower, scenic journey through mainland Greece and across the Ionian Sea, the trip is part of the adventure.
For speed and comfort, flying is unbeatable. For budget-conscious or slow travelers, the bus-ferry combo offers great value and authentic Greek scenery along the way. And for freedom and exploration, driving is perfect — letting you discover hidden gems before reaching the island.
Whichever route you choose, your destination — Corfu’s lush landscapes, turquoise waters, and timeless charm — will make the journey worth it.
