Overview
Ferryscanner is essentially a search engine for maritime travel. Based in Athens, it aggregates schedules and prices from over 125 ferry operators across 24 countries. While they cover Italy, Spain, and the UK, their primary strength lies in the complex Greek ferry network.
If you have ever tried to book a Greek island-hopping trip manually, you know the pain of visiting five different websites to check schedules for Blue Star, Seajets, and Minoan Lines. Ferryscanner solves this by pulling over 4,500 routes into a single interface. It is designed for the independent traveler who wants to compare prices in real-time and manage everything digitally.
The platform distinguishes itself from generic travel agencies by focusing heavily on post-booking support and a "Best Price Guarantee." If you are planning a multi-island itinerary or just need a simple transfer from Athens to Santorini, this tool replaces the need to visit physical port offices.
Key Features
Interactive Route Map
The desktop version features a drag-and-drop map interface that is genuinely useful for visual planners. Instead of typing in port names you might not know how to spell, you can navigate the map, click on different islands, and see available connections instantly. It helps you visualize the geography of your trip, which is critical when planning a logical route through the Cyclades or Dodecanese.
Self-Service "Manage My Booking"
This is where the platform shines technically. Most ferry sites force you to call or email for changes. Ferryscanner provides a dashboard where you can cancel tickets or request invoices on your own. The standout feature here is the ability to convert tickets to "Open Dated." If you have to cancel but plan to return within a year, this option saves you from a total loss.
Fleet Exploration
Ferryscanner provides detailed metadata on the actual vessels. Before you book, you can view the specific ship operating the route. The listings include interior and exterior photos, seat descriptions, and pet policies. This adds a layer of quality control for the user. You can see if you are booking a high-speed catamaran with airline-style seats or a larger, slower conventional ferry with deck space.
FLEXI Service
Travel plans in the Mediterranean often change due to weather or strikes. The FLEXI add-on allows you to cancel for a full refund up to 48 hours before departure. It also grants free modifications to the date, company, or route. This is an optional paid service, but for complex itineraries, it acts as necessary insurance.
Pricing
Ferryscanner operates with a transparent pricing model where the price you see is usually what you pay, inclusive of taxes.
Booking & Payment Fees
- Standard Cards: Visa and Mastercard transactions are free.
- Premium Cards: American Express and Diners Club come with extra processing fees.
Modification & Service Fees
- Self-Service Changes: €0.00. If you use the online portal to modify your booking, Ferryscanner does not charge a service fee (though you still pay any fare difference charged by the ferry operator).
- Manual Support Changes: €3.00 per ticket. If you require their support team to manually handle the change for you, this administrative fee applies.
- Physical Tickets: If you require paper tickets delivered (rare these days), costs range from ~€3.50 for Athens delivery to €30.00 for international courier.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Support Speed: They aim for sub-40-second responses on chat. Users consistently report that the support team feels human and empathetic, not like a scripted bot.
- Cancellation Handling: They are proactive regarding refunds when ferry operators cancel due to bad weather (a common occurrence in the Aegean).
- Visual Confidence: Seeing photos of the ship and seats beforehand prevents the disappointment of expecting a luxury liner and getting a small water taxi.
Cons
- Weekend Support Gaps: While they have email support on Saturdays, their live chat offices are generally closed on weekends. If you have an urgent issue on a Sunday morning, this is a friction point.
- Indirect Routes: The search engine is excellent for direct connections. However, it sometimes misses creative "indirect" routes (Island A to Island C via Island B) that competitors like Ferryhopper might surface.
- Fees for Manual Help: If you aren't tech-savvy and prefer having an agent change your ticket for you, the €3.00 per ticket fee can add up for groups.
Verdict
Ferryscanner is a robust, user-friendly tool that modernizes the fragmented ferry booking process. It is the ideal choice for the organized, independent traveler who values a good UI and self-service capabilities.
The "Open Dated" ticket conversion and the ability to modify bookings online without fees make it safer than booking directly with operators who might have outdated websites. While weekend support could be better, the overall reliability and the visual planning tools make it a top-tier recommendation for anyone traveling by sea in Greece and Southern Europe.