Home › Meganisi Day Trip Your Definitive Guide to a Meganisi Day Trip from Lefkada Meganisi day trip from Lefkada works best from Nidri, the second-largest resort on Lefkada's east coast, because the Nidri–Meganisi car ferry connects Nidri port with Spilia port on Meganisi in 20–25 minutes. A car ticket costs €12.60 and a passenger ticket costs €1.70. The main question for Lefkada visitors is not whether the ferry runs, but whether a car hire agreement allows a vehicle on the ferry to Meganisi. Meganisi day trip from Lefkada: can a rental car go on the ferry? The MEGANISI II car ferry accepts vehicles on the Nidri–Spilia route, but most Lefkada car hire companies prohibit ferry travel unless the rental contract gives written permission. Standard CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) cover does not usually protect a rental car while the vehicle is on a ferry, and damage during loading, crossing, or unloading can remain the driver's liability. Ferry route: Nidri port, Lefkada Town area → Spilia port, Meganisi → 20–25 minutes Car ticket: MEGANISI II → €12.60 Passenger ticket: MEGANISI II → €1.70 Insurance risk: CDW → ferry transit exclusion → full liability possible MEGANISI II timetable, capacity, and ticket rules The Ionian Meganisi Nautical Company operates the MEGANISI II ferry from Nidri port to Spilia port, with some sailings continuing to Vathy on Meganisi. The vessel carries approximately 25 cars and about 200 passengers. Ticket sales are generally made at the Nidri port kiosk on the day of travel, and peak-season service in July and August reaches up to 7 daily sailings, starting at 07:00 and ending around 18:00. Off-season service drops to 2–3 daily sailings, and Sunday service is reduced throughout the year. Operator: Ionian Meganisi Nautical Company → founded 1985 Vessel: MEGANISI II → 25 cars / 200 passengers Peak season: July–August → up to 7 sailings daily Off-season: autumn–spring → 2–3 sailings daily How to take a rental car to Meganisi legally A Lefkada car hire customer should confirm ferry permission before booking and obtain written authorisation if the rental agency allows the car to travel to Meganisi. Some agencies allow ferry travel only for the Nidri–Meganisi route, while other agencies prohibit all ferry transport. A confirmed example is Ionian Car Rental, whose terms permit travel to Meganisi only, with the rental car returned to the Lefkada office. Another local supplier, ExploreLefkada.gr, may allow ferry travel only upon request. Recommended agencies to check by name Ionian Car Rental → permits Meganisi ferry travel only ExploreLefkada.gr → may permit ferry travel on request Driving on Meganisi with a car hire vehicle Meganisi is small enough to drive end to end in 30–40 minutes, and the island's main settlements are Spartochori, Katomeri, and Vathy. A compact vehicle is the most practical choice because village lanes are narrow and turning space is limited. Examples of suitable car models include the Hyundai i10, VW Up, Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio, and Citroën C3. Key driving facts Meganisi drive time: end to end → 30–40 minutes Best vehicle size: compact car → narrow village lanes Useful stops: Spartochori, Katomeri, Vathy → village centres and harbour access Fuel advice: fill up in Nidri → limited fuel supply on Meganisi Meganisi without a car Foot passengers can reach Meganisi for €1.70 per person each way on the MEGANISI II ferry and walk from Spilia port to Spartochori on a route of about 1.5 km and roughly 20 minutes uphill. Boat tours from Nidri harbour often include Meganisi, the Papanikolis sea cave, and swimming stops, with prices typically at €20–30 per person. Spilia port → ferry arrival point → walk to Spartochori Spartochori walk → distance 1.5 km → time 20 minutes Boat tours from Nidri → half-day or full-day excursions → €20–30 per person Nidri: the best base for a Meganisi day trip Nidri sits 15.5 km south of Lefkada Town and takes about 30–35 minutes to reach by road. Nidri is Lefkada's second-largest resort and a practical base for a Meganisi day trip from Lefkada because Nidri offers ferry access, parking, and car hire agencies such as Nidri Car Rentals. Parking on the Nidri waterfront is regulated: under Law 5209/2025, ordinary illegal parking is fined from €30, rising to €150 plus a 20-day licence withdrawal on the pedestrianised seafront, so drivers should use signed car parks or spaces farther back from the harbour.