Arriving and Departing from and to LerosÂ
There are a few ways to start your vacation in Leros, depending on where you’re coming from and how you’d like to arrive. If you’ve got a private yacht, just check the weather forecast and make your way to the island. If you’re yachtless, no worries! Your options are flying or taking a ferry.
By flight:Â
Leros has a small airport for domestic flights, mainly from Athens International Airport. The flight time from Athens to Leros is about 50 minutes. In winter, there are 3-4 flights per week, while in the summer, you can find 2-3 flights per day.
Two airlines serve Leros: Olympic Air and Sky Express. Olympic Air, the larger of the two, offers more frequent flights throughout the year. Sky Express provides seasonal service, typically flying twice weekly during the summer months.
It’s a good idea to book your flight tickets ahead of time during the high season.
Websites: Olimpic Air, Sky Express
By ferry:Â
Leros is well-connected and easily reachable from many Greek islands and mainland Greece by ferry.
The island has two ports: Lakki, the main port, and Agia Marina, the smaller one.
Blue Star Ferry
One of the most popular ferry operators in Greece is Blue Star Ferries. They have several routes to Leros (Lakki main port) from Athens (Piraeus) and other islands like Patmos, Kalymnos, and Kos. The journey times vary depending on the route but generally take:
Piraeus (9-10 hours), Rhodes (5.5 hours), Kos (2.5 hours), or Kalymnos (1.5 hours).
Website: BLUE STAR FERRY
Dodekanisos Seaways (Catamaran)
Another option is Dodekanisos Seaways, or as the locals call it, ‘the Catamaran.’ It’s faster, operates only during the day, and offers ferry routes from/to Leros (Agia Marina port) to/from Rhodes, Kos, and other small Dodecanese islands. Their routes can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on your departure point.
Website: DODEKANISOS SEAWAYSÂ
Leros Express
In addition to the well-known options of the Blue Star Ferry and the Dodecanese Express (Catamaran), Leros offers another local ferry service called “Leros Express.” This ferry operates from Agia Marina port and provides an alternative transportation option to Mastichari (Kos), Pitagorio (Samos), Agatonisi, Arki, and more.Â
Leros Express timetable can be found here.
ANEK LINES
There are also local ferries running between Leros and nearby islands like Lipsi, Kalymnos, and Patmos. These ferries typically have a less frequent schedule but can be a great option if you’re island hopping in the area, like ANEK.
Private Speed Boat
Ferry schedules might not always align with your travel plans. If you need more flexibility or prefer a quicker transfer to or from Leros, consider chartering a private speedboat.
This option offers a faster and more personalized experience compared to ferries. Travel times vary depending on the starting point:
- Kos to Leros: Approximately 45 minutes
- Kalymnos City to Leros: Approximately 30 minutes
Speedboats typically accommodate groups of 4 to 9 people, depending on the specific vessel.
The Leros Way team will be happy to help book the right speedboat for your needs. Text us (WhatsApp or Viber) at (+30)694-7974447
Going to and from Turkey
If you’re planning to visit Leros from Turkey, you’ll be stoked to know that there are a few ferry options available. The ferries run from/to Bodrum and Didim, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the ferry company and the weather conditions.
Keep in mind that ferry schedules and availability can change depending on the season, so always check ahead of time and book your tickets in advance. You can usually do this online or at a travel agency on the islands.
Website: Yesil Marmaris Lines
