If you’re travelling overland (and sea) through Europe, the journey itself can be half the adventure. Our Greek Island Pass by Eurail didn’t just get us between the Greek islands—it also included an international ferry route. That’s how we found ourselves on an unforgettable 36-hour voyage from Patras to Venice, sleeping on couches, scrambling for cabins, and eventually turning a dreaded crossing into a surprising highlight of our family trip.
Here’s everything you need to know about booking international ferries with the Eurail pass—and what it’s really like to take one with kids.
What Is the Eurail Greek Island Pass?
The Greek Island Pass by Eurail offers flexible travel across many of Greece’s domestic ferry routes, perfect for island-hopping between places like Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Crete. But what many travellers don’t realize is that some versions of the pass also include one international ferry crossing.
We used a 6-trip Greek Island Pass through Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways, booking four domestic ferry routes and one international journey, which took us from Patras to Venice.
To learn more about the Eurail Pass and tips on Island hopping through Greece, read our full post, Navigating Greek Island Ferries: Know Before You Go.
Booking the International Ferry: Be Persistent
There was a completely different process for booking international ferries compared to domestic ones. Domestic reservations required calling a ticketing agent by phone. But for the Patras–Venice route, the system was less straightforward. You must email a separate agent with your preferred ferry and travel date… and then wait. And wait. And follow up. And then follow up again.
Our first email was lost in the system, and by the time we reconnected, all the cabins were booked. The only option was to arrive early, board as foot passengers, and hope we could join a waitlist for a cabin upgrade onboard.
So we did just that—preparing ourselves for 36 hours on a ferry with no beds and two kids in tow.
Boarding Day: Racing for a Couch
We’d read that there were a few sofa areas on board, and we aimed to be first in line to claim one. Unfortunately, vehicles board first, and by the time we got through security and sprinted up nine decks with our bags and boys, most decent spaces were already taken.
We grabbed the last small couch, just enough for our kids to curl up. Derek and I prepared for two nights on the floor. Around us, other passengers unrolled sleeping bags and blow-up mattresses—it was clear they knew the drill. We were unprepared and cabin-less. The realization of how gruelling the next 36 hours would be began setting in. It was going to be rough. We stayed glued to our small couch, afraid to leave it unattended.
Surprise Cabin Upgrade (for a Price)
Once settled, Derek went to the service desk to add our name to the waitlist—and surprisingly, we were called at 10 PM, even before final check-in had closed. Though the ferry was supposedly sold out, it appeared the company was holding cabins for onboard upgrades at a premium price.
Since we hadn’t confirmed a cabin in advance, we were charged €200 to upgrade—even though our Greek Island Pass technically included a cabin at no extra cost if booked early. A frustrating surcharge, but after a quick family vote, we knew it was worth every cent.
From Chaos to Cruise
Our cabin came with two sets of bunks, a small desk, and a private bathroom with a shower—a total game changer. What had started as a nightmarish two-night passage suddenly felt like a mini cruise. The smiles on the boys’ faces say it all.
We spent most of the next day relaxing in our cabin, escaping the overcrowded decks and uncomfortable seating areas. The food onboard was nothing special (and overpriced), but the journey itself turned out to be unexpectedly fun.
Tips for Long Ferry Travel with Kids
Book cabins early, especially for overnight or multi-night ferries. If you don’t see availability online, call or email well in advance.
Be persistent with the booking agent—follow up if you don’t hear back within a few days.
If you miss the cabin booking window, arrive early and ask to be added to the onboard waitlist.
Pack snacks and meals: Onboard food is limited and expensive. A loaf of bread and peanut butter, granola bars, and fruit go a long way.
No Cabin? Bring blankets, inflatable mats, or sleeping bags if you can.
An Unforgettable Way to Arrive in Venice
We didn’t expect much from the ferry—just a means to get from Greece to Italy—but it turned into a journey we’ll never forget. From racing for couches to relaxing in our private cabin, it was a wild ride that ended with us gliding into Venice just as the sun broke through the clouds.
If you’re considering the Greek Island Pass and you’re flexible with dates and logistics, the international ferry route is well worth it, especially if you can land a cabin and treat it like a mini family cruise.
Ready to Explore Greece?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
- 3-Day Itinerary in Athens with Kids
- Getting Into Greek Mythology: Visiting Poseidon’s Temple
- Navigating Greek Island Ferries: Know Before You Go
- Fun Things to Do in Naxos with Kids
