Arriving and Departing from and to Leros
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:
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:
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 SEAWAYS
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.
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.
SAOS Ferry (Stavros)
The ferry Stavros, operated by SAOS Ferries, is another vital link for Leros and the surrounding Dodecanese islands.
Departing from Lakki port, it offers regular routes connecting Leros to Kalymnos, Lipsi, Patmos, Agathonisi, Samos (Pythagoreio), and other neighboring islands. Stavros provides both residents and visitors with a reliable and comfortable travel option.
You can find Saos timetable here
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
*Updated June 6, 2025*
If you’re planning to visit Leros from Turkey, you’ll be stoked to know that there is a daily ferry connection between Leros and the Turkish port of Turgutreis, offering fast and comfortable travel.
Daily Schedule:
Departure from Leros to Turgutreis
Departure Time: 17:30
Arrival Time: 18:15
Departure from Turgutreis to Leros
Departure Time: 09:00
Arrival Time: 10:00
For more information and reservations, please contact local travel agencies in Leros.
Kalo Taxidi! (in Greek: Have a safe travel)
