How to get to Samothraki
Samothraki has no airport. Take the ferry from Alexandroupolis to Kamariotissa: about 1 hour 45 minutes, with one or two sailings a day. In July and August, book ahead, above all with a car.
The ferry from Alexandroupolis
Every trip to Samothraki ends with the same crossing: the car ferry from the port of Alexandroupolis to Kamariotissa, about 1 hour 45 minutes. It sails every day in summer and most days the rest of the year, and takes cars and campervans.
The sailings by season, booking tickets, taking a car and what happens when the wind is up: see the ferry to Samothraki.
From Athens
The quickest way is to fly from Athens to Alexandroupolis, about an hour, then take a taxi or a transfer to the port. By land it is a long day: the bus takes about 10 hours, and the drive most of a day.
From Thessaloniki
Drive east on the Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupolis, about three and a half hours, or take the bus, about 5 hours. The train also runs to Alexandroupolis. Leave enough time to make the ferry, or stay a night in Alexandroupolis and take the morning boat.
Is there a ferry from Kavala?
No. There is no ferry from Kavala to Samothraki. Most people drive or take the bus from Kavala to Alexandroupolis, about two hours, and take the ferry from there.
In summer you can also go by sea through Lemnos: ferries run from Kavala to Lemnos, and on two or three days a week the Samothraki ferry calls at Lemnos, about 2 hours 30 minutes away.
Driving from Bulgaria, Romania or Turkey
Alexandroupolis is close to the borders. From Bulgaria and Romania, cross into Greece and join the Egnatia motorway east to Alexandroupolis. From Turkey, the border at Kipoi is under an hour from the port. In summer, book the car’s place on the ferry before you set off.
When you arrive
The ferry docks at Kamariotissa, the island’s port village, with taxis, the island bus, and car and scooter hire by the harbour. See getting around Samothraki and Kamariotissa.
Book your journey
Tickets and transfers from the partners we use.
A night in Alexandroupolis
Arriving late, or driving from Thessaloniki? Sleep in Alexandroupolis and take the morning ferry.
Flights
The nearest airport is Alexandroupolis (AXD), with connections through Athens and Thessaloniki.
Kiwi.com
Trains
Trains and buses reach Alexandroupolis from Athens (about 10 hours by bus) and Thessaloniki (about 5).
Rail Europe
Transfers
GetTransfer
Car and bike rentals
Reserve cars, scooters and bikes before July and August, when they run out. Taking the car to Samothraki? Ask the rental company before you book whether it may go on the ferry.
Travel insurance
VisitorsCoverage
Phone, internet and luggage
Mobile signal is patchy away from the villages: an eSIM with data set up before you travel helps.
Radical Storage
Good to know
How do I get to Samothraki and is it easy?
Samothraki has no airport: everyone arrives on the ferry from Alexandroupolis, about 1 hour 45 minutes to Kamariotissa. It sails most days of the year, with two sailings on some days in July and August. There is no ferry from Kavala. Reach Alexandroupolis by plane from Athens (about an hour), by car or bus from Thessaloniki, or by train, then take the ferry. It takes some planning, which is part of why the island stays quiet. In July and August book the ferry ahead, above all with a car. More in how to get to Samothraki.
What documents do I need and are visas required?
Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area. EU and EEA citizens can travel with a valid ID card or passport. Others need a passport valid for at least three months after the day you leave; many nationalities, among them the UK, US, Canada and Australia, need no visa for short stays, but entry rules for non-EU visitors are changing, so check the current rules for your country before you book. Nothing extra is needed for Samothraki or its ferry.
Do I need a car on Samothraki?
For most visitors, yes. The island’s buses are run by the municipality and mostly in summer, taxis are few, and many beaches, waterfalls and villages are a drive apart. Car and scooter hire is in Kamariotissa, by the port; book ahead for July and August, or bring your car on the ferry. If you stay in Kamariotissa or Therma and mostly walk, you can manage a few days without one. More in getting around.
More before you go
-
FAQs
Answers about getting there, where to stay, hiking, beaches, food, costs and more.
-
Travel planner
Flights, ferries, transfers, car and scooter rental, insurance and eSIMs, in one place.
-
When to go
Warm summers, quiet springs and autumns, mild winters: what each season is like and what to do.
-
Ferry to Samothraki
Sailings from Alexandroupolis, tickets for passengers, cars and campervans, and when to book.
-
Stay safe
Save 112 and the local police (+30 25510 41203) before you arrive: signal varies across the island.
-
Get in touch
Questions about your trip, a listing or the booking system? Write to us.