Greece › Ferries › Athens to Paros
Updated: February 14, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
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The port of Piraeus is 30-minutes by taxi or train from downtown Athens. Ferries to Paros depart from gates E6, E7, and E8. You can purchase tickets in Piraeus but I recommend buying ferry tickets in advance.
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.
Athens-Paros 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).
- High-Speed Ferries (e.g., Seajets): These are the fastest option (approx. 2.5 to 3.5 hours) but the most expensive. Expect to pay roughly €80 to €90 for a standard Economy seat. Business/VIP seats usually range from €100 to €140.
- Conventional Ferries (e.g., Blue Star): These are larger, slower (approx. 4 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 Paros Schedule
Athens-Paros ferry schedule and prices on Ferryhopper.com.
VIP and Business Class seating has more space and a quiet relaxed atmosphere.
Departure Ports in Athens: Piraeus vs. Rafina
Ferries to Paros 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.
- 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-Paros ferries take 3 to 4 hours. Book Rafina ferries through Ferryhopper.com.
Ticket Classes Explained
- 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. The Piraeus ferry port is just 20 to 30 minutes away from the 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 passports, valuables, and small bags 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.
Disembarking at the Paros ferry port with my backpack.
How do I get from the Paros ferry port to my hotel?
The ferry port is located in Parikia, the island’s capital and main transport hub. Upon arrival, the area is often chaotic with hundreds of passengers disembarking at once.
- Private Transfer: This is the most stress-free option, especially if you are staying in Naoussa or have heavy luggage. Taxis are scarce on Paros. I recommend pre-booking a ride with Welcome Pickups. The driver waits for you at the port arrival area with a sign, helps with bags, and has a pre-set price so there is no haggling.
- Bus: The central bus station is located directly next to the port (turn left when you get off the ferry and walk about 100 meters). Buses are reliable, cheap (around €1.80 to €3.00), and connect to Naoussa, Aliki, Golden Beach, and other main villages. You must buy tickets at the kiosk before boarding. Luggage is stored under the bus.
- Taxi: The taxi stand is located near the windmill at the port exit. In July and August, lines can be extremely long (30+ minutes) and there are simply not enough taxis to service everyone arriving on a large ferry.
- Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels (especially luxury properties in Naoussa and Parasporos) offer complimentary or paid shuttle transfers. Check with your hotel in advance.
- Car Rental: There are many rental agencies within walking distance of the port, but I do not recommend picking up a car immediately upon arrival. The port traffic is intense and navigating the narrow streets of Parikia while jet-lagged is stressful. It is better to take a transfer to your hotel and have the rental car delivered there later.
The SeaJets Champion Jet 2 is the fastest ferry from Athens to Paros.
Walking off the ferry from Athens at the port in Paros (the main town of Parikia). The taxi queue is straight ahead. The buses off to the right.
The Blue Star ferry from Athens to Paros at the Piraeus Port.
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