How to Get to Thassos Island: Ferry, Taxi, Bus & Car Rental

The fastest way to reach Thassos Island is to fly to Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great” (KVA) in Chrysoupoli, take a 15-minute taxi (€20-25) to Keramoti port, then board the 35-40-minute ferry to Limenas (Thassos Town) – total airport-to-island time around 1 hour. From Thessaloniki (SKG), the cheapest route is the KTEL bus to Kavala plus the connecting ferry, costing under €25 total. Thassos has no airport, so every visitor arrives by ferry from either Keramoti or Kavala on the mainland.

About this guide: Compiled by the team at Potos Car Rentals, a Thassos-based car-and-transfer operator with seven branch offices across the island. We coordinate airport pickups from Kavala and Thessaloniki daily and have first-hand knowledge of every ferry route, bus connection, and road condition described below. Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) licence #0155E81000014200 | General Commercial Registry #20470630000

Price disclaimer: All fares are indicative as of May 2026 and subject to change. Ferry prices are set by the operators (Aneth Ferries, Thassos Ferries) and vary seasonally. Always confirm current prices at the point of purchase.

Quick Comparison: All Ways to Get to Thassos

All overland routes end with the Keramoti-Limenas Roll-on/Roll-off ferry (35-40 min, €3-5/person, near-hourly in summer).

Thassos Ferry Routes – Keramoti and Kavala

Thassos is served by two ferry routes from the Greek mainland: Keramoti to Limenas (35-40 minutes, €3-5/person) and Kavala to Skala Prinos (1 hour 15 minutes, €6.50/person). Both routes run nearly every hour during summer.

Keramoti to Limenas – the fastest and most frequent route

The Keramoti-Limenas crossing is the primary ferry route to Thassos. Roll-on/Roll-off vessels operated by Aneth Ferries and Thassos Ferries depart near-hourly (every 30 minutes during peak July-August) from early morning until approximately 21:30 in summer. Foot passengers pay €3-5 (adults) and €3 (children); cars cost €16-20 (small) up to €25 (standard). The crossing is just 6 nautical miles.

Kavala to Skala Prinos – the western approach

The Kavala-Skala Prinos route serves the western side of Thassos and takes 1 hour 15 minutes. Foot tickets cost €6.50 for adults and €4 for children; cars €20-25. Departures are less frequent – typically 4-6 sailings per day in summer. This route suits travellers staying in Limenaria or western Thassos villages.

Ferry schedules, prices and ticket purchasing

Ferry tickets cannot be booked online – purchase at the port ticket office on arrival (cash and card accepted). Current schedules can be checked at ferryhopper.com or the Keramoti port authority. Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure, especially in July-August.

Getting to Thassos from Kavala Airport (KVA)

From Kavala Airport (KVA) in Chrysoupoli, a 15-minute taxi (€20-25) reaches Keramoti ferry port – making this the fastest mainland-to-island route, with total travel time under 1 hour. The airport sits just 12 km from Keramoti and approximately 30 km from Kavala city.

Budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI, and Jet2 operate routes to KVA during summer from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and several other European cities. Direct charter flights peak between June and September.

Getting to Thassos from Thessaloniki (SKG)

From Thessaloniki, the most convenient option is a taxi to Keramoti (€140-160, 3 hours) or a KTEL bus to Kavala (€15-18, 2.5 hours) plus a connecting ferry. Driving via the Egnatia Highway (E90) takes 2.5 hours and gives full island independence once on Thassos.

By Taxi from Thessaloniki – €140-160, 3-4 hours

A taxi from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Keramoti ferry port costs €140-160 and takes 2.5-3 hours over 191 km via the Egnatia Highway (E90). Including the 35-minute Keramoti-Limenas ferry, total door-to-dock travel time is 3-4 hours. Taxi desks in the SKG arrivals hall book direct transfers at fixed prices, and pre-booking through a transfer service can save up to 20% versus city taxis. The ferry crossing adds €3-4 per person.

By Rental Car from Thessaloniki – from €45/day

Renting a car in Thessaloniki lets you drive the Egnatia Highway (E90) directly to Keramoti, then load the vehicle onto the Roll-on/Roll-off ferry – giving you independent transport across the island from day one. Daily rates start at €45-75 depending on vehicle class. The drive covers 191 km in 2.5 hours; ferry car fare is €16-20 plus €3-4 per passenger. Total airport-to-island time: 3-3.5 hours. Confirm car ferry permission with your rental agency before signing.

By KTEL Bus from Thessaloniki – €15-20, 4-5 hours total

The KTEL Thessalonikis bus from Thessaloniki to Kavala (€15-18, 2.5 hours, 152 km) connects to the Keramoti ferry – the cheapest overland route to Thassos at under €25 total. From Kavala bus station, take a local bus (€5) or taxi (€10) the 30 km to Keramoti port, then board the 35-40-minute ferry (€3-5).

Getting to Thassos from Kavala City

From central Kavala, three options reach the Keramoti ferry port (40 km, 30-40 min by road).

• Taxi to Keramoti port: €50-70, 30-40 minutes. Onward ferry €3-5 per person.
• Car rental from Kavala: €30-70/day from city-centre or airport agencies; drive direct to Keramoti, take the car ferry.
• KTEL Kavalas bus: Buses depart Kavala bus station several times daily for Keramoti. Journey time 40-50 minutes; ticket €5 one-way.

For travellers already in Kavala, the Kavala port → Skala Prinos ferry (1h 15m, €6.50/foot) is an alternative that skips the road transfer to Keramoti entirely.

Organized and Private Tours to Thassos

Organized day tours from Thessaloniki or Kavala to Thassos cost €40-80 per person for groups or €160+ for private bookings, and include ferry tickets and guided island excursions.

Group Tours – €40-80 per person

Group tours pick up participants in Thessaloniki or Kavala, transport the group 191 km to Keramoti, board the ferry to Thassos, and provide guided visits to attractions such as the Archangel Michael Monastery, Aliki ancient ruins, and the village of Panagia. Tours typically include transportation, ferry tickets, guided commentary, and sometimes meals.

Private Tours – €160-400 per person

Private tours give a dedicated vehicle, ferry assistance, and a custom island itinerary – ideal for families or travellers prioritizing time over cost. Pickup from Thessaloniki or Kavala, ferry crossing, and guided exploration are all handled by a single driver-guide.

Getting Around Thassos Island

Once you arrive at Limenas (Thassos Town) or Skala Prinos, three transport options cover the island’s 95 km circular road:

• Rental car (from €30/day at port agencies): the most flexible option for exploring remote beaches and mountain villages. Roads are well-maintained, but some coastal sections are narrow and winding.
• Scooter or moped (€15-20/day): the most economical option for solo travellers and couples. Fuel costs approximately €5-8 per day.
• Local KTEL bus (€1.80-2.50/journey): connects Limenas, Skala Prinos, Golden Beach, Limenaria, and Potos. Timetables are posted at the port.

Taxis are available at both main ports; the full island circuit from Limenas costs approximately €80-120. For the most flexible exploration of beaches, villages, and viewpoints, a rental car or scooter is recommended over relying solely on the local bus network.

Origin-Specific Routes

How to get to Thassos from Xanthi

From Xanthi (47.7 km, 45-60 min from Keramoti):

• Taxi: €60-80 to Keramoti port + €3-5 ferry.
• Car rental: €30-70/day; drive direct to Keramoti.
• Bus: €5-10 to Keramoti area + €3-5 ferry to Thassos.
• Direct ferry: None – all routes connect via Keramoti.

 

How to get to Thassos from Athens?

From Athens, fly to Kavala Airport (KVA) on Aegean Airlines or Sky Express – flight time ~1 hour – then take a 15-minute taxi to Keramoti for the 35-40-minute ferry. Total Athens-airport to Thassos: 2.5-3 hours. Alternatively, drive from Athens via the Egnatia Highway (610 km, ~6 hours) and take the ferry from Keramoti.

How to get to Thassos from the UK?

Direct summer charter flights operate from London Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester to Kavala Airport (KVA) with operators including TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, and easyJet. From KVA, a 15-minute taxi to Keramoti port (€20-25) connects to the 35-40-minute ferry to Thassos Town. Budget travellers can fly Ryanair or easyJet to Thessaloniki (SKG) and take the KTEL bus + ferry route (total 4-5 hours from airport to Thassos).

How to get to Thassos from Skala Prinos (already on the island)

Once you’ve arrived at Skala Prinos, three options reach Limenas (Thassos Town, 19 km / 20-30 min):

• Taxi: €20-25 to Limenas; €30-60 to villages further south.
• Car rental: €30-70/day at agencies near the port.
• Local bus: €2.20 to Limenas; €3.10-3.30 to Limenaria/Potos.

Practical Tips

• Ferry tickets cannot be booked online – purchase at the port ticket office on arrival.
• Arrive at the ferry port at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure, especially in July-August.
• The last ferry from Kavala to Skala Prinos typically departs around 17:30; if arriving late at Thessaloniki, overnight in Kavala and take the morning crossing.
• The Keramoti route runs until approximately 21:30 in summer – more scheduling flexibility than Kavala.
• Best time to visit: ferry services run year-round but are most frequent May-October; peak season (July-August) sees near-30-minute intervals between crossings. June and September offer comparable weather with 15-20% lower rental rates and fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What airport do you fly to for Thassos?

The nearest airport to Thassos is Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great” (KVA), located in Chrysoupoli, 12 km from Keramoti ferry port and approximately 30 km from Kavala city. Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia” (SKG) is the larger alternative, 191 km from Keramoti, with significantly more international flight connections. Budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air operate routes to KVA during summer.

What is the cheapest way to get to Thassos Island?

The cheapest route is a KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Kavala (€15-18) + local bus to Keramoti (€5) + ferry to Limenas (€3-5) – total under €25 in 4-5 hours. From Kavala alone, the bus + ferry combination costs as little as €8-10.

What is the quickest way to get to Thassos Island?

Fly to Kavala Airport (KVA) + 15-minute taxi to Keramoti (€20-25) + 35-40-minute ferry to Limenas. Total under 1 hour airport-to-island, which makes this the fastest option overall. From SKG, the fastest combination is a private taxi to Keramoti for 3-4 hours total.

How long is the ferry to Thassos?

35-40 minutes from Keramoti to Limenas (Thassos Town), the primary route, or 1 hour 15 minutes from Kavala port to Skala Prinos on the western side of the island.

Are ferry tickets to Thassos bookable online?

No. Both Keramoti-Limenas and Kavala-Skala Prinos ferries sell tickets only at the port ticket office on the day of travel. Cash and card are accepted; no advance reservation is possible. Schedules can be checked online at ferryhopper.com but cannot be booked.

What time does the last ferry to Thassos depart?

In summer, the last Keramoti-Limenas ferry departs around 21:30. The last Kavala-Skala Prinos ferry departs earlier, around 17:30. Schedules contract significantly in winter – verify at the port the day before travel.

Which way to get to Thassos Island should families with kids select?

Families should fly to Kavala Airport (KVA) and book a private transfer to Keramoti (€40-50 for a family of four including luggage assistance and ferry ticket purchase). The 11 km / 15-minute drive to the port plus the 35-40-minute ferry to Limenas keeps total travel time under 1.5 hours – minimising fatigue for children. Once on Thassos, family-friendly beaches like Golden Beach, Pachys, and Pefkari offer shallow water and amenities.

Do I need to book a transfer in advance to visit Thassos Island?

Yes – pre-booking is highly recommended. Thassos has no airport, so pre-booked transfers from KVA or SKG offer fixed prices, baggage assistance, and guaranteed availability versus finding a taxi on arrival. Pre-booking saves up to 20% versus city taxis. Reserve at least 48 hours ahead in peak July-August.

Is Thassos Island worth visiting?

Yes. Thassos has some of the clearest waters in the North Aegean, traditional villages, ancient ruins (the Agora of Limenas, Aliki marble quarries, Archangel Michael Monastery), and a 95 km circular coastal road that lets travellers reach a different beach every day. It remains less commercialised than Mykonos or Santorini, with pricing significantly below the Cyclades.