Greece › Ferries › Athens to Naxos
Updated: March 14, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Best Hotels in Athens
- Piraeus (Athens) Ferry Port Guide
- Where to Stay in Naxos
- Best Hotels in Naxos
The port of Piraeus is 30-minutes by taxi or train from downtown Athens. Ferries to Naxos depart from gates E6, E7, and E8. You can purchase tickets in Piraeus but I prefer to buy ferry tickets in advance.
If You Only Read 5 Things
- Choose your ferry based on comfort vs speed. The large conventional Blue Star ferries are slower (about 5 to 6 hours) but much more comfortable, more stable in rough seas, and usually cheaper. The high-speed ferries are faster (about 3 to 4 hours) but bumpier and more enclosed.
- Book early for summer travel. Standard seats on the big conventional ferries rarely sell out, but high-speed ferries, Business/VIP seats, cabins, and vehicle spots absolutely can in July and August. Book 2 to 3 months in advance . I use Ferryhopper.com to buy tickets and compare schedules.
- Do not underestimate Piraeus Port. The early morning ferries to Naxos are the most popular, and Piraeus can feel chaotic for first-timers. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early, confirm your departure gate on the day of travel, and save your boarding pass QR code to your phone before leaving your hotel.
- Naxos arrival is easy if you are staying in town, less easy if you are heading to the beaches. The ferry port is right beside Naxos Town, so many hotels there are walkable. But if you are staying at Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, or Plaka, have a bus, taxi, rental car, or transfer plan before you arrive.
- The ferry ride itself is part of the experience. On the big Blue Star ferries, the outdoor decks, sea views, and dramatic arrival past the Portara are often a highlight of the trip. If you are not in a rush, I usually recommend the big ferry over the fast ferry.
Athens to Naxos Ferry Realities: Direct Feedback from My Readers
I get lots of emails and comments every year from travelers who have taken ferries in Greece. These are the most common themes I hear from readers who have done the Athens-to-Naxos route: what they liked, what caught them off guard, and what they wish they had known before booking.
My wife and I arriving at the Naxos ferry port.
The Pros: Why People Like the Ferry
- The big ferries feel like part of the holiday: Readers consistently say that the large conventional ferries are not just transportation — they are part of the experience. Being able to walk outside, sit on deck, and watch the islands come into view makes the trip feel like a mini cruise rather than a transfer.
- They are great for families: The conventional ferries are especially good with kids because there is room to move around, food is easy to find, and you are not stuck in one airplane-style seat for hours.
- The larger ships are far more stable: Readers who are prone to motion sickness often report that they were completely fine on Blue Star even when the sea was choppy. That is one of the biggest advantages of the slower ferries.
- The arrival in Naxos is beautiful: First-timers are often surprised by how dramatic the approach to Naxos feels. Seeing the Portara as the ferry pulls into the harbor is a memorable first impression of the island.
The Cons: The Honest Truth
- Piraeus can be stressful in the early morning: The most popular ferries leave early, and readers often mention that navigating Piraeus while tired, with luggage, can feel hectic and confusing.
- The fast ferries are much less pleasant: Readers who book a high-speed ferry for the time savings sometimes regret how enclosed, crowded, or bumpy the ride feels compared with the larger conventional ships.
- The slower ferries really are slower: The comfort of Blue Star comes with a tradeoff. If you are short on time, 5 or 6 hours can feel like a big chunk out of the day.
- Luggage storage can feel awkward for first-timers: Large bags are usually left in the designated luggage area near the entry/car deck, which can feel disorganized if you have never done it before. It is usually fine, but many readers find it unnerving the first time.
Regrets: What People Wish They Had Known
- Not checking the type of ferry before booking: This is one of the most common regrets. Many readers do not realize how different the experience is between a large conventional ferry and a smaller high-speed boat. For this route, the ship itself matters almost as much as the departure time.
- Not having a plan for getting from the port to their hotel: If you are staying in Naxos Town, arrival is easy. If you are staying at one of the beach resorts, it is less simple. Readers often regret assuming they would “figure it out” after arrival.
- Not booking a cabin or better seat for young kids: Families traveling with babies, toddlers, or anyone who needs to nap often say the trip would have been much easier with a day cabin or more comfortable reserved seating.
- Showing up too late because they had an e-ticket: Having a QR code does not mean you can arrive 10 minutes before departure. Readers often regret not giving themselves more buffer time at Piraeus.
Happy Surprises: The Unexpected Wins
- The approach to Naxos is one of the best ferry arrivals in Greece: Many readers say seeing the Portara and waterfront from the deck was one of their favorite moments of the entire journey.
- Disembarkation is faster than expected: Even on large ferries, the crew is usually very efficient and passengers are often off the boat surprisingly quickly.
- Business Class can feel worth the small upgrade: Readers who spend a little extra for more space and a quieter lounge often feel it was money well spent, especially on a longer crossing.
- The onboard cafes and lounges are better than expected: Many first-time ferry travelers expect something bare-bones, but are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to get coffee, snacks, and a reasonably comfortable place to sit.
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).
- High-Speed Ferries (e.g., Seajets): These are the fastest option (approx. 3 to 4 hours) but the most expensive. Expect to pay roughly €85 to €95 for a standard Economy seat. Business/VIP seats usually range from €105 to €140.
- Conventional Ferries (e.g., Blue Star): These are larger, slower (approx. 5 to 6 hours), and more stable in rough seas. Standard Economy tickets cost about €50 to €60. Business Class seats (highly recommended for the extra space and quiet) are usually around €70 to €80.
- Discounts: Children under 5 usually travel for free, and children aged 5-10 typically get a 50% discount. There are rarely discounts for booking early; the price is the price.
Example Athens to Naxos Schedule
Athens-Naxos ferry schedule and prices on Ferryhopper.com.
Departure Ports in Athens: Piraeus vs. Rafina
Ferries to Naxos depart from two primary ports. Choosing the right one depends entirely on where you are starting your day.
- Piraeus Port (Best for City Center Stays): This is the main port of Athens, located about 10km southwest of the city center. Choose this if you are staying in downtown Athens (Plaka, Syntagma, or Monastiraki). It is easily reached via Metro Line 1 or Line 3 directly from the city center. Most ferries to Naxos depart from here.
- Rafina Port (Best for Airport Arrivals): This is a smaller port located on the east coast of Attica. Choose this if you are landing at Athens Airport and heading straight to the ferry. It is only a 20 to 30-minute taxi ride from the airport (compared to 60+ minutes to Piraeus). Rafina-Naxos ferries take about 4 hours. Book Rafina ferries through 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 Naxos ferry port to my hotel?
The ferry port is located on the edge of Naxos Town (Chora). A long causeway connects the ferry dock to the main town. When you disembark, you will join a stream of people walking down this causeway. At the end, you reach the main waterfront road where the bus station and taxi stand are located.
- Walking: If you are staying in Naxos Town (Chora) or at St. George Beach (Agios Georgios), you can often walk to your hotel. The walk to St. George Beach is mainly flat and takes 10 to 15 minutes. Conversely, the streets in the Old Town (Kastro) are steep, narrow, and cobblestoned – dragging rolling luggage here is difficult.
- Bus: The KTEL bus station is conveniently located right at the end of the ferry pier. It is the hub for the island’s bus network. Frequent buses run to the popular west coast beaches: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka. You must buy your ticket at the kiosk before boarding. The cost is roughly €1.80 to €2.50 depending on the destination.
- Taxi: The taxi stand is located next to the bus station. In high season (July/August), the queue for a taxi can be very long (30 to 45 minutes) immediately after a ferry arrival. There are a limited number of taxis on the island.
- Private Transfer: To avoid the taxi queue and the chaos of the port arrival, I recommend pre-booking a transfer. Welcome Pickups operates on Naxos and is the most reliable service. The driver waits for you at the end of the pier with a sign.
- Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels (especially those at Plaka or further out) offer complimentary arrival transfers. Always email your hotel a few days in advance to ask if they provide this service.
The SeaJets Worldchampion Jet is the fastest ferry from Athens to Naxos.
Walking off the Athens ferry in Naxos Town. Taxis are usually steps from the arriving ferries (off to the right). Buses are straight ahead.
The Blue Star ferry from Athens to Naxos at the Piraeus Port.
There is now a direct train from the Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port. The station is directly across the street from the E6 port entrance.
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