Ferries Athens

When traveling by ferry from the ports of Athens, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific traveler categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can usually expect lower ferry ticket prices for:

• Children up to 10 years old
• Students of Greek Public Universities and ISIC cardholders
• Travelers with disabilities
• Greek island residents

Note: infants and toddlers up to 4 years old normally travel free of charge.

There are 3 ports near the city of Athens, which operate ferry routes to many islands in the Aegean:

• Piraeus, the largest and most important port in Greece, is the nearest to the center of Athens at about 10 km away.
• Rafina is on the northeast coast of Attica, about 30 km from Athens city center and 25 km from the airport.
• Lavrio is on the southeastern side of Attica, around 60 km from downtown Athens and 40 km from the airport.

Which Athens port to choose

Picking the right port from Athens primarily depends on your destination and where you are staying in Athens. Many islands, especially in the Cyclades, are served by more than one port. While the travel time is often similar, the frequency of departures, type of ferry, and available schedules can vary significantly.

As the closest port to the city center, Piraeus is the easiest to reach and, more importantly, offers the widest range of ferry connections. From Piraeus, you can travel to the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Northeastern Aegean islands.

Rafina, on the other hand, is the closest port to Athens International Airport, making it especially convenient if you’re flying into Greece and heading straight to the islands. Although it has fewer overall connections, Rafina serves many popular Cycladic islands, including Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, and Santorini, as well as islands in the Northeastern Aegean.

Finally, Lavrio is less central than Piraeus and Rafina, but is ideal if you’re staying in the southern parts of Attica. It mainly serves routes to the Cyclades, including Kea (Tzia), Kythnos, Syros, Milos, and Ios, along with connections to destinations in Northern Greece, such as Kavala and Samothrace.

How to get to the ports from the Athens city center

Getting from central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki, Plaka, Koukaki, etc.) to the ferry ports is quite straightforward. Depending on the port, you can reach it by metro, bus, or taxi, with travel times varying based on distance and traffic.

Getting to the port of Piraeus

Piraeus is the closest and by far the most convenient port to the city center, with multiple direct metro and bus services. Here’s how to get to Piraeus from the city center:

• By metro: you can take Line 1 (Green) and Line 3 (Blue) directly to Piraeus. From Syntagma or Monastiraki, it takes around 25-30 min to reach the port.
• By bus: there are several buses running from central Athens to Piraeus, including the 040 from Syntagma, which takes around 35-50 min depending on traffic.
• By taxi: there are taxi ranks around the city, making them a convenient option, especially if traveling with luggage. The ride can take 20-30 min, depending on your location and traffic conditions.

Getting to the port of Rafina

While Rafina has fewer direct connections from the center, it is easily accessible by car and public transport from many areas in Athens. The most straightforward ways to get there are:

• By bus: the intercity buses operated by KTEL Attikis are the most common public transport option to Rafina. You can hop on the bus at Mavrommateon Street (Pedion tou Areos) near the Victoria metro station. The trip usually takes 50-70 min.
• By taxi: you can also reach the port of Rafina from central Athens by taxi. The journey normally lasts around 45-60 min.

Getting to the port of Lavrio

Lavrio is the furthest port from downtown Athens, located southeast of the Attica peninsula, about 10 km away from Sounio. Here’s how to get there via public transport:

• By bus: there are direct bus services (KTEL Attikis) to Lavrio, which depart from Pedion tou Areos in downtown Athens or sometimes from Nomismatokopio metro station in the northern suburbs. The journey takes 1.5-2 hr.
• By taxi: you can also catch a taxi to the port, with a typical travel time of around 50-70 min, depending on traffic.

How to get from Athens Airport to the ports

The Athens International Airport is well-connected to all ports, making it easy to continue your journey toward the islands. You can reach Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio by metro, suburban railway, bus, or taxi, with travel times varying depending on the port and traffic conditions.

Piraeus

Piraeus is the best-connected port to Athens International Airport, with direct metro, suburban rail, and bus services operating throughout the day. Here’s how to reach Piraeus from the airport:

• By metro: there is a direct service on Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport to Piraeus. The ride takes around 55 min and trains normally depart every 30 min.
• By suburban railway: you can take the suburban train from the airport and be at the port of Piraeus in around 1 hr.
• By bus: the X96 is a 24/7 express bus that links the airport to the port of Piraeus, with travel time usually around 1-1.5 hr, depending on traffic.
• By taxi: there are taxis always available outside the arrivals terminal, with the ride usually taking 45 min to 1 hr.

Rafina

Rafina is the closest port to Athens Airport, making it ideal if you're catching a ferry shortly after landing. You can get there quickly by bus or taxi. The main options are:

• By bus: there are frequent KTEL Attikis bus services from the airport to Rafina, with an average travel time of around 30 min.
• By taxi: a taxi ride to the port from central Athens usually takes 20-25 min.

Lavrio

Lavrio is less directly connected to the airport than Piraeus and Rafina, but it’s still easy to reach with a short combination bus ride or a taxi. Here’s how to get to Lavrio from the airport:

• By bus: there is no direct bus service from the airport to Lavrio, as you have to change at Markopoulo. The first leg of the journey from the airport to Markopoulo takes 10-15 min, while the Markopoulo - Lavrio bus ride takes 30-40 min.
• By taxi: the easiest way to get to Lavrio from the airport is by taxi, with a typical travel time of around 35-45 min.

From the ports of Athens, you can catch ferries to the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese Islands, Crete and islands in the Northeastern Aegean. Here are details on some of the most popular routes:

Ferries to the Saronic Islands

There are plenty of amazing islands near Athens, which are just a short ferry trip away:

• Piraeus - Aegina: there are around 20 daily crossings to all 3 ports on the island, with durations as short as 30 min and tickets starting from about €10.
• Piraeus - Hydra: usually up to 11 daily crossings that take as little as 1 hr 20 min, while tickets are priced from around €30.
• Piraeus - Spetses: you can travel with up to 6 daily ferries that take around 2 hr to reach the island and tickets cost from about €40.
• Piraeus - Agistri: there are usually up 10-15 daily crossings to both ports on the islands, with a travel time as short as 55 min and ticket prices starting from €13.50.
• Piraeus - Poros: normally there are up to 6 daily ferries with the trip taking as little as 55 min and tickets priced from €17.

Cyclades Islands ferry routes

• Piraeus - Paros: you can travel with up to 7 daily ferries, with a duration of 2 hr 45 min to 5 hr and ticket prices starting from €41.50.
• Piraeus - Syros: there are usually up to 6 daily crossings that take 2-4 hr, while tickets cost from €37.
• Piraeus - Naxos: normally up to 8 ferries every day, with travel time of 3.5 hr to 6.5 hr and ticket prices starting from €43.
• Rafina - Tinos: there are up to 8 daily crossings, with the duration ranging from 2 hr to 4 hr and tickets costing from €35.
• Rafina - Andros: you can travel with up to 8 ferries per day, with the trip taking 1-2 hr and ticket prices starting from €25.
• Lavrio - Kea (Tzia): there are usually up to 4 daily crossings that take around 1 hr, while tickets cost from €11.50.
• Piraeus - Santorini: typically there are up to 9 crossings per day, with a travel time of 5-11 hr and tickets priced from €46.50.
• Rafina - Santorini: this seasonal route (May-October) is served with 1-2 daily ferries that take 5 hr 20 min to 6 hr 20 min, while tickets start from €82.
• Piraeus - Mykonos: there are up to 5 daily ferry crossings that last from 2 hr 40 min to 5 hr 50 min, while tickets cost from €44.
• Rafina - Mykonos: you can travel with up to 12 ferries every day, with the journey lasting 2 hr 20 min to 4 hr 40 min and ticket prices starting at €38.
• Lavrio - Kythnos: usually there are 1-2 ferries most days of the week, with a travel time of 1 hr 10 min to 2 hr 35 min and tickets costing from €15.

Dodecanese ferries

• Piraeus - Astypalea: usually there are 4-6 weekly crossings taking 7-12 hr and tickets prices start at €45.
• Piraeus - Kos: you can travel with 6-7 ferries per week, with trip lasting 9 hr to 12 hr 10 min and tickets priced from €63.
• Piraeus - Rhodes: normally there are up to 2 daily crossings most days of the week that last 12 hr 15 min to 24 hr, while ferry ticket prices start at €59.
• Piraeus - Leros: you can travel by ferry 4-5 times a week, with the journey taking 8 hr 15 min to 13 hr 40 min and tickets priced from €49.
• Piraeus - Kalymnos: usually there are up to 6-7 weekly ferries, with the journey taking 8 hr 30 min to 11 hr and tickets costing from €50.
• Piraeus - Karpathos: there are 3-4 weekly ferries that take 13 hr 30 min to 19 hr and ticket prices start at €59.

Ferries to Crete

• Piraeus - Heraklion: there are usually up to 3 daily crossings that take 7 hr 20 min to 13 hr, while ticket prices start at €33.
• Piraeus - Chania: there is 1 daily crossing, with the ferry trip lasting 8.5-9 hr and tickets costing from about €52.
• Piraeus - Rethymno: the seasonal route (June-September) is usually served with 2 weekly crossings that 5.5-6 hr, while tickets prices start from about €70.
• Piraeus - Sitia: you can travel by ferry 2-3 times a week, with the journey taking 12 hr 20 min to 15 hr and ticket prices starting at €59.

Northeastern Aegean ferry schedules

• Piraeus - Chios: there are usually 1-2 ferries most days of the week, which take 8 hr 15 min to 14 hr 15 min, while tickets are priced from €40.
• Piraeus - Lesbos (Mytilene): normally there are 1-2 daily crossings up to 6 times a week, with the trip lasting 11 hr 15 min to 18 hr and tickets costing from €44.
• Lavrio - Lemnos: you can travel 2-4 times a week, with the ferry trip lasting 8.5-9 hr, while ticket prices start from around €28.

With a history spanning over 3.400 years, Athens is the capital city of Greece, where ancient history truly meets modern Mediterranean life. Known as the Cradle of Western Civilization, wandering through the city, you will come across world-famous landmarks and lively neighborhoods around every corner, while beaches are usually a short bus or car ride away.

The Acropolis and the Parthenon are the city’s most iconic sights, offering panoramic views and a deep dive into Greek history. Just below, the charming district of Plaka invites you to wander through neoclassical streets, traditional tavernas, and small artisan shops. Nearby, the Monastiraki flea market is perfect for discovering local products, antiques, and street food.

For a different perspective, head to Mount Lycabettus for one of the best sunset views in Athens, or explore the Athenian Riviera for a quick beach escape close to the center. The suburbs to the south of Athens, such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, are ideal for swimming, dining, and relaxing by the sea. In the evening, enjoy classic Greek dishes and experience Athens’ vibrant nightlife, with plenty of rooftop bars and music venues open until late.

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when planning your ferry trip from Athens:

• All 3 ports in Athens get very busy, especially in the summer, around Easter and on major holidays, so it’s best to be there at least 45 min ahead of departure. If you are traveling with a car, it’s recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hr in advance.
• When traveling from Piraeus, make sure you confirm your departure gate before heading over. If you are arriving on foot or by public transportation, there is a free shuttle service in the port to get to your departure gate.
• The waiting areas in Rafina and Lavrio have limited shade, so bring water and sun protection if you arrive early or your ferry is delayed.
• As some islands are served by several ferries on the same day, it is important to always check the vessel name on your ticket, so you board the correct one.
• Routes to most nearby islands in the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades are served with high-speed ferries that can be bumpy on windy days, while conventional ferries tend to be smoother. If you are sensitive to the waves, you can discuss your seasickness medication options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• The air-conditioned lounges in Greek ferries can get chilly, even during the summer, so bring along a light jacket or sweater for a more comfortable journey.

The best time to book your ferry tickets from Athens depends on the season and can make a big difference in price and availability. While you may find last-minute deals, this may require greater flexibility.

During the summer, ferries from all 3 Athens ports tend to sell out quickly. This applies in particular to popular ferry routes to Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and the Saronic Islands on weekends. For trips in July and August, you should aim to book your tickets 2-3 months ahead, while for journeys in June and September, 4-6 weeks is usually enough.

Outside of summer, from October to May, you can usually afford to book your ferry tickets 1-2 weeks in advance. Keep in mind though that if you travel during long weekends and major holidays, such as Orthodox Easter or Christmas, then you should book 3-4 weeks earlier, especially for islands near the capital.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Athens, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.