Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Athens to Ios with lower-cost ferry tickets. Some indicative passenger categories that are entitled to discounts of up to 50% are:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Students of Greek public universities and ISIC card holders
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

On Ferryhopper, you can also take advantage of discounts for permanent island residents (holders of Unique Islander Number).

Note: infants and toddlers up to 4 years travel free of charge on Athens - Ios ferries. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

The ferry route between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios is operated by both high-speed and conventional vessels. On board, you'll find a range of modern amenities designed for a comfortable journey, including air-conditioned lounges, snack bars, pet-friendly facilities, and services for passengers with disabilities. 

Wi-Fi is also available on the ferries, allowing you to stay connected throughout your trip.

Cabins and accommodation

There are cabins available on the conventional ferries traveling to Ios from the port of Piraeus. You can book a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bed cabin, or a bed in a shared cabin. Cabin prices usually start from about €72, while business lounge tickets are priced from about €77.

High-speed ferries do not have cabins, as travel time is quite short. On all ferries, there are numbered airplane-type seats for a more comfortable journey. Economy class tickets typically start from around €62, business from €115 and VIP from €135.

Business/VIP lounge

Luggage

Greek ferry companies are usually quite flexible when it comes to luggage size and weight. You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the ferry to Ios.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Tip: we recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg of luggage to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet free of charge on all ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios. Just remember to include your pet in the reservation.

Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios:

• As the port of Piraeus gets quite busy in summer, it is highly recommended that you arrive at least 1 hr before boarding to avoid delays, especially if you are bringing along your vehicle. 
• If you wish to reach the port of Piraeus by public transport, note that you will need some extra time to reach your departure gate. There is a free shuttle-bus service helping passengers move around the port.
• Travel by ferry from Ios to other islands of the Cyclades is easy. Check our Map of Ferries and plan your island-hopping adventure to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, or Paros.

Where to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios

Ferries from Athens to Ios normally set sail from the port of Piraeus, on the southern outskirts of the Greek capital. The port of Piraeus is located approximately 12 km south of the city center of Athens and 45 km from Athens International Airport. 

You can reach the port via the Green line on the metro from Monastiraki in about 25 min, while the journey from the airport to Piraeus on the Blue line takes about 1 hr. You can also catch a taxi or bus from downtown Athens and reach Piraeus in 25-45 min, depending on traffic conditions and route.

Which gate in Piraeus do ferries to Ios depart from?

Ferries to the Cyclades islands normally depart from port gates E6 or E7. Departure gates may change, so we recommend checking your ticket and the electronic display boards located at the port for more information.

Where does the ferry arrive in Ios?

The ferry from Athens (Piraeus) arrives at the main port of Ios, which is on the west coast of the island, less than 5 min to Chora by car and 20 min on foot.

In the port area, you can find restaurants, car rental shops, hotels, bakeries, cafés, ATMs, shops, and a public parking lot close to the ferry terminal.

The ferry connection between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios is served by:

• Blue Star Ferries, with conventional ferries with cabins, lounges & open decks, taking between 6 hr and 8 hr 15 min
• Fast Ferries, with conventional ferries with cabins, lounges & open decks, taking 8.5 hr to 9 hr 45 min
• Seajets, with high-speed catamarans for a quicker crossing taking 4 hr 15 min to about 6 hr

All ferries, whether conventional or high-speed, have car decks, allowing for the transportation of vehicles. High-speed catamarans are the quickest option, taking about 4 hr to reach Ios, however spaces in their car decks are limited. On the other hand, conventional ferries take longer (at least 6 hr), however they typically have cabins, larger car decks and cheaper tickets.

Thanks to its prime location, Ios is an amazing base to explore many more islands in the Cyclades on day trips. Here is the travel time for some of the most popular ferry routes from Ios: 

• Ios - Santorini: 20 min
• Ios - Paros: 1 hr
• Ios - Naxos: 40 min

Good to know: for more ideas and inspiration, you check out our Map of ferries to visualize and plan your island-hopping adventure in the Aegean.