Ferry from Brindisi to Greece: routes, the port and the night before

Why do people take the ferry from Brindisi?

On a summer evening the big white ferries slide out past the Monumento al Marinaio, lights on, trucks and campers packed below, and the whole harbour seems to watch them go. Brindisi has been a door to the east since the Romans ended the Via Appia here, and the ferries are simply the latest version of that.

The practical reason is distance. Brindisi is one of the closest Italian ports to Greece, so the crossing is short enough to do overnight and wake up on the other side. For travellers coming from northern Europe by car, or flying into Brindisi Airport and continuing by sea, it is the most direct way to reach Epirus, Corfu and the Ionian coast.

This guide covers the routes that run today, the terminal, how to reach it with or without a car, and why a night in the old town before you sail makes the whole day easier.

Which ferries go from Brindisi to Greece?

The core route is Brindisi to Igoumenitsa, on the Greek mainland opposite Corfu. It runs all year, with at least one crossing a day and sometimes two in high season. The ships are conventional ferries with cabins, seats and space for cars, motorbikes, campers and trucks. Grimaldi Lines has been the main operator on this line; operators and timetables change from season to season, so always check the current schedule before you plan.

In summer there is also a direct Brindisi to Corfu sailing, usually a few evening departures a week with a morning arrival on the island. Outside the summer months, the usual way to Corfu is the ferry to Igoumenitsa followed by the short local ferry across to the island.

There is no direct ferry to Patras from Brindisi at the time of writing. If Patras or the Peloponnese is your goal, either sail to Igoumenitsa and drive south, or look at sailings from Bari or Ancona.

Where is the ferry terminal in Brindisi?

Ferries to Greece leave from Costa Morena, the commercial part of the port on the east side of the city. It is not the old harbour you see from the waterfront. The terminal is a functional place: ticket and check-in desks, waiting areas and lanes for vehicles, with little to do once you are there.

From the historic centre it is about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic and on which berth your ship uses. By car, follow the signs for the port and for Costa Morena; the route avoids the narrow lanes of the old town. In summer, when several ships load on the same evening, give yourself more time than you think you need.

Check-in times depend on the operator and on whether you travel with a vehicle. As a rule, plan to arrive at least 2 hours before departure with a car and a little less as a foot passenger, but follow the time printed on your ticket.

How do you get to the ferry without a car?

Brindisi is easy to reach without a car, and the port is part of the same small network.

• From the airport: the STP shuttle bus links Brindisi Airport, the city centre and the Costa Morena port, roughly every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. Buy a ticket at the arrivals hall or on board (it costs a little more on board).
• From the railway station: the same bus network runs to the port in about 15 minutes, and a taxi takes less. The station is at the top of Corso Umberto, about 750 m from BDS House.
• From the old town: a taxi is the simplest option with luggage. Book it in advance for evening sailings in July and August, when demand peaks.

If you arrive by plane on the day of your sailing, leave a wide margin. A delayed flight and an evening ferry are a stressful combination; this is the main reason many travellers stay a night first. Our guide from Brindisi Airport to the city centre covers buses, taxis and transfers in detail.

Should you spend a night in Brindisi before the ferry?

In most cases, yes. Many crossings leave in the evening or at night, and many flights land in the afternoon. Arriving a day early turns a tight connection into a short holiday: walk the old town, eat fish on the waterfront, sleep well and board without watching the clock.

A simple plan for the day before you sail:

1. Afternoon: check in, leave the bags, walk down to the Roman column and the steps above the harbour.
2. Sunset: cross the harbour by the small boat to the Monumento al Marinaio when it runs, or watch the light change from the waterfront.
3. Evening: dinner in the old town, then a last drink on a terrace.
4. Next day: a slow morning, lunch, and a taxi to Costa Morena with time to spare.

For a fuller plan, see Brindisi in 24 or 48 hours. If you want a whole home for the night before, with a rooftop terrace to watch the ferries' lights, you can check availability at BDS House; check-in is from 14:00 and we can talk about a later check-out or a place for your bags when the ferry leaves in the evening.

What about travelling with a car or camper?

Brindisi works well for drivers. The motorway and the main road from Bari bring you close to the port without crossing the centre, and ferries to Igoumenitsa carry cars, motorbikes, campers and trucks.

• Book vehicle space early for July and August: car decks fill before passenger places do.
• Declare the right size of your vehicle, including roof boxes and bike racks. A wrong length can mean a supplement at check-in.
• Take what you need for the night out of the car before boarding. On most crossings you cannot return to the car deck during the voyage.
• Parking in the old town is limited. If you stay the night before, ask your host where to stop and unload. At BDS House there is free parking in Via Spalato, about 9 minutes on foot.

Deck, seat or cabin: which should you book?

On an 8-hour night crossing, how you sleep decides how your first day in Greece goes. Prices vary a lot by season, so compare the options on the operator's site when you book.

If you will drive on Greek roads the morning after arriving, the cabin is worth it. A few hours of real sleep is the cheapest safety measure you can buy.

Combining Puglia and Greece in one trip

One of the best summer routes in this part of Europe is a week in Puglia followed by a week in Greece. Fly into Brindisi, base yourself here and explore both sides of the region, then sail east.

Brindisi is a practical base for this because it sits between Salento and the Valle d'Itria. Lecce is about 35 to 40 minutes away, Ostuni about 30 to 35, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare about an hour. You can see the highlights with day trips and keep the same bed every night, then walk to dinner on your last evening and take a short taxi to the port. Our 7-day Puglia itinerary from Brindisi is designed exactly for this, and the day trips guide gives the distances.

On the way back, an early-morning arrival from Igoumenitsa leaves the whole day free. If your flight home is the next morning, one more night near the airport, which is about 10 minutes from the old town, avoids any rush.

Practical checklist before you sail

• Documents: a valid passport or ID card for each traveller, including children. Greece and Italy are both in the Schengen area, but operators still check identity at boarding.
• Timetable: confirm the departure time a few days before and again on the day. Schedules can change with weather and operations.
• Pets: rules differ by ship (kennels, pet cabins, deck areas). Read them before you book.
• Food and water: there are bars and restaurants on board, but a bottle of water and a snack bought in town are useful for late departures.
• Seasickness: the Adriatic and Ionian can be choppy, especially outside summer. If you are sensitive, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship.
• Cash and cards: cards are widely accepted, but a little cash helps for taxis and small purchases on arrival.