How to Get from Athens to Corfu

There are 234 miles (377 km) separating Athens and the island of Corfu, and the best way to close the gap is by air travel. Direct flights heading to Corfu's airport depart from Athens daily, which only takes about a 1-hour duration time. Upon arrival in Corfu, it's a quick bus to the city center where you can enjoy the rest of the island. 

Another option is renting a car and driving north to the coastal city of Igoumenitsa, where you can take a ferry for the rest of the journey to Corfu. The mainland roads are in fairly good condition and easy to navigate, plus you can stop at destinations along the way, like the town of Nafpaktos or the large city of Ioannina. If you have it in the budget, booking a private transfer is a comfortable and convenient option, too. Connect with your local specialist to help you arrange a private transfer.

There's always the option of booking a guided tour with kimkim, too, like this 16-day journey that starts in Athens, goes through central Greece, and ends in Corfu. You can always book the shorter version, too.

By Plane

Duration: 1 hour (plus travel to/from the airport and 90 minutes before departure)

Flying from Athens to Corfu is the easiest and most direct way to travel. From the city center of Athens, take the metro from the Monastiraki station that gets you to the Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in 45 minutes. From there, it's a 1-hour direct flight to Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU) in Corfu. Upon arrival, take the airport bus that will drop you off in the heart of Corfu Town within minutes. 

Make sure to check the flight schedule that ranges daily. Also, take into consideration the time it takes to transit back and forth from the airport plus arrive 90 minutes early for your flight.

By Car and Ferry

Duration: 6.5-7 hours (depending on the ferry schedule) 

While it takes much longer, you can drive north of Athens to Igoumenitsa and take the ferry to get to Corfu. The roads on the mainland are easy to navigate and are in generally good condition. Plus, being in control of navigation allows you to stop and sightsee wherever you please. Without stopping and traffic, the total drive should take around 5 hours. 

After exiting the city center of Athens, take A8 autostrada (a toll road) until you merge onto A5 autostrada via the exit to Ionia. You'll head north for four hours on this autostrada until you take the exit toward Igoumenitsa/Preveza on A2 autostrada. Follow that to E92 toward Igoumenitsa-Zakinthos and you'll arrive at the ferry within 20 to 25 minutes. Although it's only about 2 hours from Athens, you might want to consider stoping in the city of Delphi.

You can take one of the ferries operated by Corfu Ferries, which runs every three hours and gets you to Corfu in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Keep in mind that ferries only operate for travelers Tuesdays through Fridays. You can email the company to book in advance. 

Remember, you can always book a private transfer to get you from Athens to Igoumenitsa so you can take driving off your own hands.