Check-in & embarkation

No, ferry tickets are strictly personal and non-transferable under international maritime safety regulations. The individual named on the booking confirmation and boarding pass must be the person embarkating on the vessel.

Replacing a passenger on a reservation:

• Non-transferability policy: Ferry operators do not allow changing the name of a passenger to a completely different person on an existing ticket

• How to transfer travel to another person: You must cancel the original passenger's ticket or booking via My booking and create a new reservation under the new traveler's name

• Online check-in for group lead bookers: A primary account holder or lead passenger can complete web check-in on behalf of other travel companions listed in the same booking, provided all individual passenger details and photo IDs match

Yes, all passengers must present valid travel documents and booking confirmations before boarding the ferry. Port authorities and operators reserve the right to deny embarkation to anyone traveling without proper identification or required vehicle permits.

Essential travel documents required at check-in:

• Booking reference & tickets: Your booking reference number, digital e-tickets, or printed paper boarding pass

• Personal identification: A valid national identity card (for Schengen area travel) or a valid passport for each traveling passenger

• Vehicle documentation: Valid driver’s license and official vehicle registration documents if traveling with a car, motorcycle or camper

Important document & cross-border policies:

• Visa & consulate compliance: Passengers are responsible for ensuring they meet entry visa and border requirements for their destination country prior to embarkation

• Liability for invalid documentation: Any port authority fines, entry rejections, or return travel costs resulting from missing or expired travel documents are the sole financial responsibility of the passenger

• Mid-route disembarkation: Passengers who choose to disembark at an intermediate port must declare their intention to the ship’s accounting office and remove all personal baggage and vehicles

For detailed cross-border document formats, travel rules for minors and Schengen entry updates, please visit Τravel documents & entry rules.

Parking availability varies depending on the specific port location. Most ferry ports offer parking options either directly inside the port grounds or within walking distance of the departure gates and ticket offices.

Overview of port parking options:

• Major ferry ports: Larger ports frequently provide short-term and long-term parking areas inside or immediately adjacent to the port gates, often free of charge or at low municipal rates

• Island & smaller ports: Regional or island ports typically feature open public parking zones or commercial parking lots located nearby check-in and embarkation points

• Planning ahead: If you intend to leave your vehicle parked at the port while traveling as a foot passenger, check local port authority guidelines in advance for long-term parking availability and security

Boarding procedures vary depending on whether you are traveling on foot or bringing a vehicle. Passengers board through designated passenger gangways or stern vehicle ramps following instructions from the ship's crew and maritime safety protocols.

Embarking with a vehicle:

• Driver-only boarding: In compliance with SOLAS international safety regulations, only the driver is permitted to drive the vehicle into the ferry garage. Accompanying passengers may be asked to embark separately on foot

• Crew guidance & parking decks: The ship's crew directs vehicles on board in a predetermined loading sequence. Once parked on the designated garage deck, the driver receives a parking location slip

• Garage deck restriction: Access to the car garage is strictly prohibited while the ship is underway. Take all necessary luggage, medicines, and valuables with you before leaving the garage deck

Embarking as a foot passenger:

• Pedestrian boarding: Foot passengers and non-driving companions proceed directly on board via dedicated passenger ramps or side walkways upon presenting their boarding passes

In accordance with EU Regulation 1177/2010, passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at ports and on board all vessels.

• Notification window: Submit your assistance request through My booking or contact goferry at least 48 hours prior to departure. For late requests, notify the operator's port office immediately during check-in prior to embarkation so local staff can make best-effort arrangements

• Available services: Assistance covers embarkation/disembarkation, luggage handling, security control navigation and accessible seating or cabin assignment

• Mobility equipment & guide dogs: Medical equipment, wheelchairs and recognized assistance dogs are transported free of charge

You should arrive at the port well in advance of departure to complete check-in procedures, collect boarding passes (if not already received online), and pass through port security. Exact arrival requirements depend on your travel route and whether you are traveling with a vehicle.

Important: Arriving after the operator's designated check-in deadline may result in denied boarding and forfeiture of your ticket without refund. Always verify exact departure times on your goferry booking confirmation.

Unless otherwise stated in your fare terms, your ferry ticket is valid strictly for the specific departure date, time, vessel and ferry operator, listed on your booking. Missing your scheduled departure without prior notice is classified as a "no-show," which typically results in a 100% cancellation fee.

What you should do immediately:

• Contact us right away: If you know you are going to be late or miss your ship, contact goferry customer support or the local port office immediately before the vessel departs

• Check for modifications: Depending on your ticket category, we may be able to rebook you onto the next available departure

Rebooking options depend on real-time seat availability and price category rules. Reaching out before departure gives us the best chance to assist you.

Yes, you can update your booking to travel with a different vehicle, provided you notify customer support before departure so your reservation details match your new vehicle's registration.

How to update your vehicle details:

• Submit required information: Email customer support with your goferry booking reference number, new vehicle make and model, license plate number, vehicle type and country of registration

• Vehicle dimension limits: The category, length, and height of the new vehicle must match the original booking parameters

• Fare adjustments: If the new vehicle falls into a larger size category or vehicle class (e.g., changing from a compact car to an SUV or camper), fare differences and amendment fees may apply

Depending on your ferry operator and route, you can check in either online (web check-in) or in person at the local port office prior to departure.

Available check-in methods:

• Web check-in: Complete online check-in through your booking confirmation or via My booking to receive your digital boarding passes. Online check-in opens immediately after booking or 48 το 24 hours before departure depending on the carrier. Digital e-tickets allow you to proceed straight to vessel boarding without visiting the port office

• Port office check-in (in person): Collect your physical paper boarding passes at the carrier's designated port ticket office 1 to 3 hours before departure. Port office check-in typically closes 45 minutes before departure for international routes and 30 minutes before departure for domestic routes

Check-in arrival guidelines:

• Domestic routes: Arrive at the port check-in point at least 1 hour before departure

• International routes: Arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure to allow sufficient time for document checks, security clearances and baggage procedures

Important: Failing to check in before the operator's cutoff times may result in ticket cancellation and denied boarding without refund eligibility.

On average, passengers and vehicle drivers should allow approximately 30 minutes for both embarkation and disembarkation. Exact times vary based on vessel size, passenger volume and garage positioning.

Factors influencing boarding & exit times:

• Vehicle parking location: Drivers parked near garage exit ramps or on upper vehicle decks may disembark faster or experience slight delays depending on the crew's unloading sequence

• Onboard accommodation & deck placement: Foot passengers staying in cabins or lounge seats near main exit gangways can disembark more quickly once port clearance is granted

• Sailing capacity: Peak summer sailings or large cruise ferries with higher passenger and vehicle volumes require additional time for port authority checks and orderly traffic flow

To ensure a smooth boarding process, passengers must present valid travel identification, accurate vehicle details, and potential proof of payment authorization. Ferry operators and port authorities strictly verify passenger data and vehicle dimensions prior to embarkation.

Key requirements for boarding:

• Valid travel documents: Every traveler must present an official photo ID or passport matching the exact details provided during booking

• Accurate vehicle dimensions: Ferry operators reserve the right to measure vehicles at check-in. If roof boxes, bike racks or trailers cause your vehicle to exceed declared dimensions, fare adjustments will be charged before boarding

• Payment & identity security: To prevent fraud, goferry or the ferry carrier may request proof of credit card ownership or identity verification prior to issuing boarding passes

Important: Providing false traveler details, invalid payment credentials, or failing to present requested documentation upon check-in may lead to ticket cancellation subject to standard cancellation terms.

Port offices and ticket collection points are typically located inside the port terminal area near the embarkation gates. For certain domestic routes, check-in may instead be managed by designated local port agencies located outside the main terminal area.

Locating your ticket collection office:

• Finding port details: The exact address, contact phone numbers, and map coordinates for your carrier's port office are provided on your goferry booking confirmation email and in My booking

• Bypassing the port office: For most routes, you do not need to visit the physical port office if you have already completed online check-in and generated your digital boarding pass

• Port agency pickup: If web check-in is unavailable for your specific operator or route, present your goferry booking reference and valid travel ID at the assigned port agency kiosk to receive your paper tickets