Ferry from Koufonisia to Athens (Piraeus)

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from Koufonisia to Athens all year round, usually with 1-2 daily crossings. The journey from Ano Koufinisi to the port of Piraeus takes 4-9 hr and ticket prices start at around € 42.

Blue Star Ferries and Seajets serve the ferry connection from the Cyclades to mainland Greece with both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices for 2026, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

When planning your trip from Koufonisia to Athens (port of Piraeus), you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. While these discounts differ from one company to another, you can typically expect lower-cost ferry tickets for

  • Children under 11 years old
  • Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
  • Students of Greek Public Universities
  • ISIC card holders
  • People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

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

On-board services and amenities

Blue Star Ferries and Seajets serve the Koufonisia - Athens ferry route with both conventional and high-speed vessels. On board most ferries, you will find modern amenities, such as comfortable air-conditioned lounges, outdoor decks for a view of the sea, restaurants and snack bars, where you can enjoy a bite or drink. If you wish to stay connected during the trip, on most ferries there is usually a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Accessibility

The ferries serving the Koufonisia - Athens route are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators, accessible seating areas, and adapted cabins for passengers with disabilities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

On the conventional ferries traveling from Koufonisia to the port of Piraeus in Athens, you can book a cabin for up to 4 passengers. The high-speed catamarans serving the route do not have cabins.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, in addition to standard lounge/deck seats, you can typically book numbered airplane-style seats and business-class seats on both conventional and high-speed ferries from Koufonisia to Athens.

Luggage

When traveling with Blue Star Ferries and Seajets from Koufonisia to Athens, you can bring up to 50 kg of luggage with you, free of charge.

You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the ferry.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the ferry from Koufonisia to Athens, usually for free, provided you include it in your booking.

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

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On all ferries serving the Koufonisia - Piraeus route, you can keep your pet with you. On the conventional ferries, you may also have the option of booking a place in the onboard kennels.

For more details, take a look at our guide on ferry travel with a pet in Greece.

Sailing boats, fishing boats at the marina of Mikrolimano in Piraeus, sunset hour 

Sunset at Mikrolimano in Piraeus - with the city of Athens in the background.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Athens (Piraeus) to Koufonisia

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Koufonisia to Athens:

  • The port in Koufonisia can get busy, so plan your arrival at least 1 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 2 hr in advance.
  • The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • If you wish to travel in a cabin, we recommend booking your tickets at least 3-4 months before the trip.
  • From Koufonisia, you can travel by ferry to many more Cycladic islands, such as Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini and many more. For more details on routes, ticket prices and companies, take a look at the Koufonisia ferry schedules.
  • Piraeus is the largest port in Greece and a major hub to the Greek islands. On our Map of ferries, you can see available ferry connections from Piraeus to the Aegean Sea.

Where to take the ferry from Koufonisia to Athens

Ferries to Athens typically set sail from the main port of Ano Koufonisi, the inhabited island of the Koufounisia complex. The port is in Chora, the island’s capital, on the southern shores of Ano Koufonisi, and nearby you will find many cafés, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Where does the ferry arrive in Athens?

Ferries from Koufonisia typically dock at the port of Piraeus, the largest and busiest harbor in Greece, roughly 10 km southwest of downtown Athens. Vessels from the Cyclades typically dock at Gates E4, E6, E7, E8, E9 or E10. These gates are some of the most central in the port, situated directly across from the Piraeus metro station and the main pedestrian bridge.

Around the port, you will find many traveler facilities, including travel agencies, luggage storage lockers, fast-food spots, and ATM machines. The port is and is well-connected to the rest of the capital and the airport.

Onward travel from Piraeus

  • By metro: the fastest way to reach central Athens is via lines 3 (Blue) and 1 (Green), which are accessible from the station across from Gate E6. The Blue Line reaches Syntagma Square in about 20 min and continues directly to the Athens International Airport (approx. 1 hr).
  • By train: the Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) also departs from Piraeus, offering connections to the airport and other parts of mainland Greece.
  • By bus: the X96 express bus operates 24/7, connecting the port to the airport, while line 040 runs 24 hours a day to Syntagma Square.
  • By taxi: a taxi ride to the center of Athens usually takes about 25-30 min, depending on traffic.

How long is the ferry ride from Koufonisia to Athens (Piraeus)?

The duration of the Koufonisia to Athens ferry trip normally ranges from 4 hr 15 min to 9 hr, depending on the vessel type, company and number of stops along the way.

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FAQs

Yes, the conventional ferries serving the Koufonisia - Athens route have car decks for transporting vehicles.

Prices start at around €85 to transport a car, €33 for a motorbike and €150 for a camper van.

Make sure you bring your driver’s license, as well as your vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Yes, the Koufonisia to Athens ferry route is served by bothe conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans. The fastest ferry, the Champions League Jet 1, needs about 4 hr 15 min to cover the distance.

The distance between the port of Ano Koufonisi and Piraeus is approximately 112 nautical miles (around 208 km).

Yes, there are a few overnight ferry crossings from Koufonisia to Athens. The last ferry of the day usually sets sail for Piraeus at 19:55.

When booking your Koufonisia - Athens ferry trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

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