Greece › Ferries › Athens to Milos
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: February 15, 2026
See Also
- Best Hotels in Athens
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Best Hotels in Milos
- Where to Stay in Milos
- Piraeus (Athens) Ferry Port Guide
The Piraeus Ferry Port is 30-minutes by taxi or train from central Athens. Ferries to Milos depart from Gates E6, E7, and E8 which are directly across the street from the train station. Tickets can purchased in Piraeus but it’s better to buy ferry tickets in advance.
The Milos Port as seen from an arriving ferry from Athens. Buses and taxis are steps from the ferry dock.
Athens-Milos Ferries – My Tips
- FerryHopper.com is the single best way to buy ferry tickets. It is easy to use, handles complex island-hopping itineraries better than any other site, and works perfectly for international credit cards.
- Do tickets sell out? Economy tickets on large conventional ferries (like Blue Star) rarely sell out. However, tickets for High-Speed Ferries (SeaJets), VIP/Business Class seats, and vehicle spots absolutely do sell out in July and August. For peace of mind, I recommend booking 2 to 3 months in advance.
- E-Tickets are now the standard. The days of picking up paper tickets at a kiosk are over. After you book on FerryHopper, you will receive a confirmation email. About 48 hours before departure, you check in online to get your mobile boarding pass (QR code). You simply scan this from your phone as you walk onto the boat.
- Expect delays later in the day. Ferries almost always leave their first port of the morning (e.g., Piraeus at 07:00) exactly on time. However, delays accumulate throughout the day due to wind and loading times. If you are catching a ferry in the afternoon or evening, do not be surprised if it is 30 to 60 minutes late.
- Strikes happen. Public transportation strikes can occur year-round in Greece and affect ferries, buses, and trains. While random strikes are hard to predict, there is always a massive General Strike on May 1st (Labor Day). Ferries will not run on this day. Do not book travel for May 1st.
How do I buy tickets and use E-Tickets?
The process is now fully digital and simple. The days of waiting in lines at dusty port kiosks are over.
- Where to buy: I use Ferryhopper.com. It connects to all the ferry databases, allows you to compare fast vs. slow boats easily, and handles E-Tickets seamlessly.
- The E-Ticket Process: After you book, you will receive a confirmation email. For most companies (like Blue Star and SeaJets), you complete a quick Online Check-in (usually available 48 hours before departure) to generate your actual Boarding Pass.
- Boarding: Download the Boarding Pass (which is a QR Code) to your phone. When you walk up to the ferry ramp, a crew member scans your phone screen. That is it. You do not need to print anything.
How much does the ferry ticket cost?
Ferry prices vary significantly depending on the type of boat (high-speed vs. conventional) and the class of seat you choose. Prices are fixed by the government and do not fluctuate like airline tickets, though they can sell out in high season (June to September). Ferries take about 2.5 to 4 hours and cost €70 to €100 for Standard Economy seats and €110 to €120 for VIP or Business Class seats.
Example Athens to Milos Schedule
Athens-Milos ferry schedule and prices on Ferryhopper.com.
Ticket Classes Explained
VIP and Business Class seating has more room and a more relaxed vibe than standard seating.
- Economy (Blue Star / Conventional Ferries): Also known as ‘Deck’ or ‘Lounge’ tickets. This gives you access to the open decks and indoor cafes/lounges, but it does not provide a specific seat. You sit wherever you find an empty chair or sofa. If you get up to buy food or use the restroom, you risk losing your spot. In July and August, these ferries are packed and I strongly recommend arriving early to claim a seat.
- Economy (SeaJets / High-Speed Ferries): Usually called ‘Silver’. Unlike conventional ferries, every ticket on a high-speed ferry corresponds to a specific, numbered airplane-style seat. You are guaranteed a seat, but you are generally confined to the indoors. (Note: The WorldChampion Jet is the only high-speed vessel on this route with a small outdoor deck that is accessible during the trip).
- Air Seat / Airplane Type: Available on conventional ferries (Blue Star). This buys you a reserved, numbered, reclining seat in a quiet, dedicated indoor lounge. This is the best value option. For only a few euros more than Economy, you have a guaranteed comfortable spot and can wander the ship without worrying about losing your seat.
- Business / VIP: Known as ‘Class A’ on Blue Star or ‘Platinum’ on SeaJets. These are located in a separate, exclusive lounge (usually on an upper deck) with wider leather seats, tables, and waiter service for drinks and snacks. It is much quieter and less chaotic than the general seating areas.
Entering the Athens metro is as easy as scanning your phone. Then the Piraeus ferry port is just 20 to 30 minutes away from downtown stations.
How To Get To Piraeus Port
From Athens City Center (Syntagma/Monastiraki)
- The Metro (Best Way): Take the Green Line (Line 1) or Blue Line (Line 3) from Monastiraki or the Blue Line (Line 3) from Syntagma directly to Piraeus.
- Cost & Payment: Tickets cost €1.20. You can now tap your credit card or phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) directly at the turnstile – no need to buy a physical ticket from a machine.
- Taxi/Uber: Takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Cost is €25–€30 (metered). Uber is a little more expensive but also more convenient.
From Athens Airport
- The Metro (Blue Line): Take the Blue Line (Line 3) straight from the Airport to Piraeus. It takes an hour and costs €9. No transfers needed.
- The Bus (X96): Runs 24/7. Takes 60-90 minutes. Costs €5.50. Best for late-night arrivals.
- Taxi/Uber: Taxi: Expect to pay €55 to €65 (Day) and €70 to €80 (Night). There is no official ‘flat rate’ for Piraeus like there is for the city center, so confirm the price before getting in. Takes 45-60 minutes. Uber uses Exit 4 of Arrivals as its pickup point.
What is the luggage allowance?
It is very relaxed. There are no weight limits and no extra fees. You carry your bags onto the ship and leave them in the luggage racks on the car deck. Keep your valuables and small bag with you at your seat.
Are there food and drink options?
Yes.
- High-Speed: Small cafe/bar for coffee, sandwiches, and snacks.
- Blue Star: Full self-service restaurant (Goody’s Burger House), multiple cafes, and bars. You can also bring your own food.
What happens if my ferry is delayed or canceled?
- Delays: Common, especially later in the day. Use the MarineTraffic app to track your boat.
- Cancellations (Wind): In July/August, the Meltemi winds can cancel high-speed ferries. Conventional ferries (Blue Star) almost never cancel. If canceled, you get a full refund or rebooked on the next boat.
How do I get from the Milos ferry port to my hotel?
All ferries arrive at the port of Adamas (also spelled Adamantas). Adamas is the main hub of the island, so if your hotel is located here, you can likely walk. For all other destinations (Plaka, Pollonia, etc.), you will need transportation.
Here are the best ways to get to your hotel:
- Hotel Shuttle: Always check with your hotel first. Many properties in Milos – especially the boutique suites in Pollonia and hilltop hotels in Plaka – offer complimentary or paid transfer services. This is the most stress-free option.
- Bus: The central bus station is located right in the center of Adamas, just a 2-minute walk from the ferry dock. Buses are reliable, cheap (around €2), and connect to all major villages (Plaka, Tripiti, Pollonia) and popular beaches (Sarakiniko, Paliochori). In high season, they run frequently, but lines can get long. You buy tickets from the kiosk at the station before boarding.
- Taxi: There is a taxi stand located directly at the port exit. However, Milos has only about 15 taxis for the entire island. In July and August, it is difficult to get a taxi upon arrival without a long wait. If you need a taxi, I strongly recommend pre-booking one or using an app like Uber (which hails local taxis) or Aegean Taxi immediately upon docking, though availability is never guaranteed.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is highly recommended on Milos to see the best beaches. There are dozens of rental agencies within a 5-minute walk of the ferry dock. If you have booked a car in advance (which you should), the agency will often meet you at the boat with your vehicle or walk you to their office.
- Private Transfer: Given the taxi shortage, a pre-booked private transfer is a smart investment if you have luggage and no rental car. Welcome Pickups operates on Milos and provides a driver who will meet you at the ferry ramp.
The SeaJets WorldChampion Jet is currently the fastest ferry from Athens to Milos.
About Santorini Dave