Embarking on a road trip from Serbia to the enchanting island of Kefalonia offers a blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. This guide covers the most popular driving routes, ferry options, toll expenses, and the pros and cons of each path to help you plan your journey efficiently.
🚗 Route 1: Serbia → North Macedonia → Greece → Kyllini → Poros (Kefalonia)
Overview:
This is the most direct and frequently chosen route, balancing driving time with scenic landscapes.
- Serbia: Drive south from Belgrade via the A1 motorway to the Preševo border crossing.
- Toll Costs: Approximately €13.00 for cars.
- North Macedonia: Continue on the A1 motorway through Skopje to the Bogorodica border crossing.
- Toll Costs: Around €7.50.
- Greece: Enter at Evzoni and proceed on the A1 motorway south to Kyllini.
- Toll Costs: Approximately €30.00.
- Ferry: From Kyllini, take a ferry to Poros on Kefalonia.
- Ferry Duration: 1.5 hours.
- Ferry Costs: €14.50 per passenger and €45.00 per car.
Pros:
- Shortest driving distance.
- Frequent ferry departures.
- Scenic coastal views.
Cons:
- Multiple border crossings may lead to delays.
- Toll costs can add up.
🛣️ Route 2: Serbia → North Macedonia → Greece → Patras → Sami (Kefalonia)
Overview:
A longer route offering a different ferry experience from Patras to Sami.
- Serbia & North Macedonia: Same as Route 1.
- Greece: After entering at Evzoni, continue on the A1 and then switch to the A8 motorway towards Patras.
- Ferry: From Patras, take a ferry to Sami on Kefalonia.
- Ferry Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours.
- Ferry Costs: €15.40 per passenger and €52.90 per car.
Pros:
- Opportunity to explore Patras.
- Less crowded ferry route.
Cons:
- Longer driving distance and time.
- Higher fuel and toll costs.
🛤️ Route 3: Serbia → Bulgaria → Greece → Kyllini → Poros (Kefalonia)
Overview:
An alternative path through Bulgaria, offering different landscapes and experiences.
- Serbia: Take the A4 motorway to the Gradina border crossing.
- Toll Costs: Approximately €6.50.
- Bulgaria: Proceed on the A1 motorway to the Kulata border crossing into Greece.
- Toll Costs: Around €5.00.
- Greece: Continue on the A25 and then the A1 motorway to Kyllini.
- Toll Costs: Approximately €30.00.
- Ferry: Same as in Route 1.
Pros:
- Different cultural and scenic experiences.
- Potentially less traffic.
Cons:
- Longer distance.
- Additional border crossing.
🚢 Route 4: Serbia → North Macedonia → Greece → Astakos → Sami (Kefalonia)
Overview:
A scenic route through western Greece, leading to the port town of Astakos.
- Serbia & North Macedonia: Same as Route 1.
- Greece: After entering at Evzoni, continue on the A1 motorway, then take the A5 (Ionia Odos) towards Astakos.
- Ferry: From Astakos, take a ferry to Sami on Kefalonia.
- Ferry Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Ferry Costs: €12.00 per passenger and €43.00 per car.
Pros:
- Less crowded ferry route.
- Scenic drive through western Greece.
Cons:
- Longer ferry duration compared to Kyllini-Poros route.
- Fewer ferry departures per day.
⛴️ Route 5: Serbia → North Macedonia → Greece → Lefkada (Vasiliki) → Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
Overview:
Ideal for travelers wanting to explore the Ionian Islands, this route includes a ferry from Lefkada to Kefalonia.
- Serbia & North Macedonia: Same as Route 1.
- Greece: After entering at Evzoni, continue on the A1 motorway, then take the A5 (Ionia Odos) towards Lefkada, reaching the port town of Vasiliki.
- Ferry: From Vasiliki, take a ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia.
- Ferry Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
- Ferry Costs: €10.00 per passenger and €38.00 per car.
Pros:
- Opportunity to explore Lefkada.
- Short ferry duration.
Cons:
- Limited ferry schedules.
- Smaller ferry capacity.
💰 Cost Summary
| Route | Toll Costs | Ferry Costs | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | €50.50 | €59.50 | €110.00 |
| Route 2 | €50.50 | €68.30 | €118.80 |
| Route 3 | €41.50 | €59.50 | €101.00 |
| Route 4 | €50.50 | €55.00 | €105.50 |
| Route 5 | €50.50 | €48.00 | €98.50 |
📝 Final Thoughts
Each route from Serbia to Kefalonia offers unique experiences:
- Route 1: The most straightforward and time-efficient.
- Route 2: Ideal for exploring Patras.
- Route 3: Cultural journey through Bulgaria.
- Route 4: Scenic drive through western Greece.
- Route 5: A chance to visit Lefkada.
Consider your preferences for driving time, scenery, and cultural experiences when choosing your route.
Safe travels to the beautiful island of Kefalonia!
