How to get to Lefkada Island, Greece

Lefkada is the only island in the Ionian Sea that is accessible by car from the mainland. Due to its short distance from the shore of Akarnania in central Greece, the island is linked to the mainland with a 50 metre bridge. The free pass of the bridge makes visiting Lefkada by car even more tempting. There are different ways to drive to the island depending on where you are travelling from.

If you are heading to Lefkada from the north of Greece, the Balkans or eastern Europe, then you’ll have to drive the newly constructed Egnatia Highway all the way to Ioannina where you exit it. From Ioannina exit you drive to Preveza where you cross the underwater tunnel of Aktio. When you exit the tunnel, you need to drive 20 kilometres more before you arrive in Lefkada Town. If you are travelling from Athens or the South, then you will have to cross the large bridge of Rio-Antirio.

A typical Mediterranean paradise, Lefkada boasts over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year making it the perfect destination even out of season. During the summer months the island is getting increasingly busy with families, couples and youngsters longing for its stunning beaches and its cosmopolitan way of living
Ferries to Lefkada Island  – Igoumenitsa Port or Patra Port, Greece

Ferries depart from most of the major ports in the east coast of Italy to the ports of Igoumenitsa in the north and Patras in the south. After you arrive there, you can either take the bus (KTEL) to Lefkada or drive to the island as instructed above. Other nearby ports with frequent ferries to Lefkada are those on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. From there, you can take the ferry to Nidri or Vassiliki, Lefkada. At the ports there are taxi-transfer services and car hire companies available, as well as public transport on offer.

Ferries to Lefkada Island  – Igoumenitsa Port or Patra Port, Greece

Ferries depart from most of the major ports in the east coast of Italy to the ports of Igoumenitsa in the north and Patras in the south. After you arrive there, you can either take the bus (KTEL) to Lefkada or drive to the island as instructed above. Other nearby ports with frequent ferries to Lefkada are those on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. From there, you can take the ferry to Nidri or Vassiliki, Lefkada. At the ports there are taxi-transfer services and car hire companies available, as well as public transport on offer.

Flights to Lefkada island  – Preveza, Aktion National Airport (PVK), Greece

If you would like to travel by plane, during the summer months there are usually chartered flights to the airport in Preveza (Aktio). The airport is located only 20 kilometers away from Lefkada island and the travel time will be about 25′. At the airport there are taxi-transfer services. The KTEL bus to Lefkada provides a cheaper alternative to the taxi. There are also car hire companies available at the airport, which also gives you the freedom to explore Lefkada and its many beaches on your time during your stay.

In case, you can’t find any flights to Preveza airport, there is always the option to fly to Athens or Thessaloniki airports which are connected with frequent flights from all over the world. At the airports there are taxi-transfer services and car hire companies available, as well as public transport on offer. The journey to Lefkada from both cities takes approximately 4 hours by car. Nearby airports with frequent chartered flights from overseas are those on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. From there, you can take the ferry to Nidri or Vassiliki, Lefkada. At the ports there are taxi-transfer services and car hire companies available, as well as public transport on offer.