Greece › Ferries in Greece
Updated: March 10, 2024
By Santorini Dave
Popular Routes
- Athens to Crete Ferry
- Athens to Milos Ferry
- Athens to Mykonos Ferry
- Athens to Naxos Ferry
- Athens to Paros Ferry
- Athens to Santorini Ferry
- Santorini to Athens Ferry
- Santorini to Crete Ferry
- Santorini to Milos Ferry
- Santorini to Mykonos Ferry
- Santorini to Naxos Ferry
- Santorini to Paros Ferry
Ferry Ports
Most tickets booked through FerryHopper will be electronic tickets that you will download to your phone and show as you’re boarding the ferry.
Greek Ferries – Tickets & Schedules
Electronic ticket on a phone for boarding a Greek ferry.
- How I book ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com – the best site to book ferries in Greece (in advance). Great for researching ferry timetables, costs, and schedules. This is how I book almost every ferry ticket I buy in Greece.
- Most ferries do not sell out. But for peace of mind, I book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance.
- Most tickets are electronic tickets, which means you do not have to pick up a paper ticket before boarding. Instead, online check-in is available 48 hours to 30 minutes before departure; after check-in you can download your boarding pass to your phone.
- If a ticket purchased online doesn’t have a barcode that usually means you’ll need to pick up a paper ticket when in Greece. This is most often done at the ferry port 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Don’t worry about pick up – it’s easy and effortless and usually very close to your actual ferry.
- Ferries will leave on time from their first departure port in the morning (usually large ports like Piraeus, Heraklio, and Rhodes) but will often be late arriving and departing from all onward ports – usually getting later as the day progresses.
- Most areas in Greece have public transportation strikes on various dates throughout the year. These strikes can affect all forms of transit, including, buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes no buses, no ferries, and only a handful of trains and domestic flights will depart on time (or at all); taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transport. Though strikes can occur at any time, there is always a huge strike on May 1. Avoid booking any ferries or trains that day.
Ferries in Greece – The 2024 Guide
A ferry departing to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini from the Piraeus ferry port near Athens.
The Greek ferry system is the lifeblood of the Aegean, connecting the mainland with the dozens of inhabited islands. As a traveler to Greece, you’ll find that the ferries are an indispensable and quintessential part of your journey, offering a unique and enjoyable way to explore the landscapes and cultures of the islands. I much prefer taking a ferry than flying between the islands.
Main Ferry Companies
• Blue Star Ferries: Known for their reliability and comfort, Blue Star Ferries offers frequent connections between the mainland and islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and the Cyclades.
• Hellenic Seaways: Operating both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries, Hellenic Seaways covers numerous routes throughout the Aegean and Saronic Gulf.
• SeaJets: Specializing in high-speed vessels, SeaJets provides quick connections between popular island destinations in the Cyclades, Crete, and the Saronic Gulf.
• ANEK Lines: Focusing primarily on routes between the mainland and Crete, ANEK Lines also serves several other island destinations.
• Minoan Lines: Known for their luxurious amenities, Minoan Lines operates routes between the mainland and Crete, as well as international routes to Italy.Main Ferry Routes
• Cyclades: A favorite among tourists, the Cyclades include popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Ferries depart frequently from Piraeus and Rafina ports near Athens.
• Dodecanese: This island group, including Rhodes and Kos, is located close to the Turkish coast and is well-connected by ferries from Piraeus and other nearby islands.
• Ionian Islands: Located on the western side of Greece, the Ionian Islands, such as Corfu and Zakynthos, are accessible from the mainland ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras.
• Crete: As Greece’s largest island, Crete has a robust ferry network with connections from Piraeus, as well as the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands.
• Saronic Gulf: The islands of the Saronic Gulf, including Aegina and Hydra, are a short ferry ride from Piraeus and are popular day trip destinations for visitors to Athens.Types of Ferries
• High-Speed Catamarans: These vessels are the fastest option, reducing travel time significantly. They offer a smooth ride but can be more expensive and are more susceptible to cancellations due to rough sea conditions.
• Conventional Ferries: These are slower but offer more space and amenities, such as open decks, restaurants, and cabins. They are also generally more affordable and better suited for those traveling with vehicles.
• Flying Dolphins: Small, high-speed hydrofoil boats that provide quick connections between nearby islands, especially in the Saronic Gulf.Booking Tickets
Ferry tickets can be purchased online (recommended), at travel agencies, or directly at the port. It is advisable to book in 2 to 3 months in advance, especially for the peak summer season (June to September) when popular routes can sell out quickly. Be sure to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, as boarding procedures can be unpredictable and boarding gates can change with little notice.
Note about Greek ferries, routes, and schedules: all the information below can change with little notice. Please double-check everything on your own to ensure the ferry schedules work with your plans.The Best Website for Booking Greek Ferry Tickets
FerryHopper.com is great for buying Greek ferry tickets in advance. If you don’t want to book in advance then it’s fine to book in Greece at any shop that says “Ferry Tickets for Sale”. Booking online will occasionally have a small extra fee but that’s usually only if you want to have them delivered to you. Within Greece, ticket prices are all the same regardless of where you purchase.
Greek Ferry Schedules and Costs for 2024
To research ferry timetables and ticket prices, visit FerryHopper.com – it’s the best site for booking ferry tickets in Greece. They make it super easy to find what routes are available for your itinerary, and ticket prices are clearly communicated.
Greek Island Route Map
Direct connections between every island are not the norm. Ferries typically connect Athens with every major island, then hop to other nearby islands.
Common Ferry Routes for the Greek Islands
- Athens to the Greek Islands – For almost all Greek islands in the Aegean there is at least one ferry per day to and from Athens, 365 days a year. There are two ferry ports that serve Athens – Piraeus is closer to the city, and Rafina is closer to the airport. Most travelers will want to use Piraeus, as it is easy to access via central Athens and serves the most ferry routes to the islands.
- Mykonos to Santorini – Daily ferries usually run from late March to early October. In other months you’ll need to ferry or fly via Athens.
- Naxos, Paros, Ios to Santorini – Daily ferries usually run year-round.
- Crete to Santorini – Daily ferries usually run from late March to late October. In other months you’ll need to ferry or fly via Athens.
- Rhodes to Crete – Sporadic service year-round, often on an overnight service.
- Rhodes to Santorini, Mykonos, Cyclades – There are daily ferries from Rhodes to Athens that will sometimes make stops in a Cycladic island (usually Syros, Naxos, or Paros). From there you can take a ferry to other Cycladic islands.
- Corfu to Santorini, Crete, Mykonos – There are no ferries from the west coast islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia) to the Cycladic islands, Crete, Rhodes, or any of the islands in the Aegean.
- Italy to Greece – There are summer ferries from the east coast of Italy to the west coast of Greece (Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Patras) but no ferries from Italy to Crete, Italy to Santorini, Italy to Mykonos, or any of the islands in the Cyclades.
Greek Island Ferry Pass
There is no ferry pass for Greece or the Greek islands. Eurail does have a pass that includes a ferry ticket from Italy to the west coast of Greece and then a limited number of ferry passes within the Aegean. Whether this train and ferry pass is worth it depends on a wide range of variables and how much you plan to use the train while in western Europe (there are few functional train routes for tourists in Greece.
Occasionally, there will be Greek island package vacations advertised that include a “Greek Island Ferry Pass” – the ferry passes are just individual ferry tickets purchased by the Holiday company. These holiday packages are rarely a good deal – you’ll usually get better prices by booking hotel, ferry, and flight on your own.
Greek Ferry App for Maps and Routes
I highly recommend downloading the Marine Traffic app. It shows the position of all ferries on their routes. It’s super handy. If you’re catching a ferry you’ll be able to see where it is and take a pretty good guess on how late it will be (they’re always late) and when you should actually get to the port. It’s a lot of fun – you’ll be that guy standing on the dock saying to no one in particular, “Yeah, that must be the 9 o’clock from Naxos. Running a little late today.”
FAQ – Greek Ferries
How much do ferry tickets cost on Greek ferries?
Every route is different. It’s based partially on distance but a 20-mile ferry hop will still be 50% of a 200-mile run – so you pay more for each stop then you do for each mile. There are no return tickets or multi-stop ticket. Every destination is an individual ticket.How many ferries per day run on most island routes?
This can range from a half-dozen ferries between popular islands per day in summer (say, Naxos to Paros) to one ferry per day for some routes in the winter months. And, of course, many islands are not connected at all (e.g. Corfu and Santorini) or are only connected during the summer months (Mykonos and Santorini; Santorini and Crete). The closer two islands are the more likely they’ll be connected by a direct ferry.Where to buy ferry tickets in Athens?
Ferry tickets are easily purchased at numerous travel agents located all around central Athens. Travel agencies will typically have large sidewalk signs outside their shop with the words Ferry to Islands, Blue Star, or Hellenic Ferries in big bold headings. All travel agencies will sell all ferry tickets and price will not differ from one agency to the next. You can also purchase at the Piraeus Ferry Port just before boarding your ferry.Do Greek island ferries sell out?
Yes, some Greek ferries do sell out. Especially on popular routes between islands (e.g. Mykonos to Santorini). Large Blue Star ferries almost never sell out.Is it cheaper to buy Greek ferry tickets in advance?
No, it’s not cheaper to buy ferry tickets in advance. The reasons to buy ferry tickets in advance is convenience and to avoid sold-out ferries.Can you buy food on board a Greek ferry?
Yes. Sandwiches, ice cream, pastries, chips, cookies, beer, wine, coffee, and soft drinks are available on almost all Greek ferries.What are the bathrooms like on a Greek ferry?
Toilets and bathrooms are quite nice and kept in a good level of cleanliness.Are ferries rough? Will I get seasick on a Greek ferry?
Ferries can be bumpy during rough seas and windy weather. Generally, the bigger the ferry the smoother the ride. If you’re susceptible to seasickness then try to travel on the Blue Star ferry. I find getting up and walking about can lead to seasickness even if you were feeling fine. Try to stay seated as much as possible. They do have sick bags, so ask for them when you board if you think it might be an issue.How long before departure should I arrive at the ferry port?
30 minutes is fine, maybe 45 minutes if you have to pick up your reserved tickets. Ferries do not wait for anyone.
Passengers at the Santorini ferry port boarding the Santorini to Mykonos ferry. The Seajets Worldchampion Jet is one of the most popular ferries in Greece. Island hopping by ferry is a fun and easy-going way to get between the Greek Islands.
What if my ferry gets rescheduled?
Ferry schedules can and do change, often within days of a scheduled departure. (This is a good reason to wait to pick up your tickets until you’re at the port. If you print your ticket before a schedule occurs, you’ll have to deal with the hassle and fees involved with getting a new, correct, ticket printed.) In the case of a schedule change, you will receive a notification via email or text. Usually, the change in departure time is minimal, but if the new scheduled time doesn’t work for your itinerary, you will have to cancel your ticket and make alternate travel plans. Note that a scheduling change may be due to a routing change, making your trip longer – or shorter – than expected. If you have timing concerns, it’s a good idea to double check the vessel’s route.What if my ferry gets canceled?
In the rare case that your ferry route is canceled altogether, you will be responsible for finding and making new travel plans. Cancellation fees are generally not incurred. Here is a ferry cancellation notice that I received from FerryHopper:
What is the best way to get from central Athens to the Piraeus ferry port?
There is a direct train from downtown Athens (Monastiraki station) to the Piraeus ferry port. It takes about 20 minutes from central Athens to the ferry port.What is the best way to get from the Athens airport to the Piraeus ferry port?
The easiest way from the airport to the ferry port is the train. First, take the airport train into Athens. Switch trains at the Monastiraki station to the M1 line which will take you straight to the ferry port. Trains do not run 24 hours so if you’re traveling in the middle of the night then use the X96 bus to the ferry port.What are the main ferry companies in Greece?
There are more than two dozen ferry companies operating in Greece. The largest companies with the most routes are Blue Star, Minoan Lines, Golden Star, Seajets, Fast Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways.
A Blue Star ferry docked in Chania, Crete.
A Seajets (Worldchampion Jet) ferry docked at a port in the Cycladic Islands.
Hellenic Seaways ferry in the Piraeus port.
Minoan Lines ferry in the Piraeus port.
A Fast Ferries ship in Piraeus port.
A Golden Star ferry sailing through the Santorini caldera.
See Also
Greek Ferries – Tips & Information
There are 4 main types of Greek ferries. The largest (and most common) is the car/passenger ferry, often called a car ferry (though some high-speed ferries also take cars). This is a Blue Star ferry. SeaJets, Golden Star, and Anek lines also have similar large ferries.
Smaller than the car ferries are the high speed catamarans. SeaJet has similar ferries: Tera Jet (a little bigger) and Champion Jet (a little smaller). These ferries can give a rough ride in choppy seas but are generally pretty stable.
The next smallest ferries are the small catamarans like the Superjet, SeaJet2, and Supercat. These will have the bumpiest rides and are not a great choice if you have trouble with seasickness. They’re also more likely to get cancelled due to bad weather.
The smallest ferries are the flying dolphins that primarily do the route between Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf Islands of Hydra, Aegina, Spetses, Angistri, and Poros.
First class and business seating is usually worth the extra cost for their roomier seats and quieter atmosphere. If you do get economy seating (on the Blue Star), then I recommend getting reserved seats (airplane-style seating) for the small extra fee.
This is airplane style seating for economy class seats. It only costs a few more euros which makes air seat reservations worth the price.
The largest ferries offer sleeping cabins, great for long overnight routes. This is a four-bunk cabin on the Blue Star Galaxy from Athens to Rhodes. Each room has a desk, as well as a small bathroom with a (very small) shower.
The large car ferries like the Blue Star are the only ones with outdoor deck seating. All outdoor seating is open for all seat classes. There’s no reserved outdoor seating.
All ferries will have food, snacks, and drinks on board. It’s reasonably priced and good quality – but nothing fancy.
In Athens there are many places to buy food and snacks before boarding the ferry. These shops (located directly across from the ferry port) are open 24-hours a day.
Boarding the ferry with luggage. Arrive at the ferry about 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Ferries generally leave Athens on time but can be late for destinations along the route. For example, the Athens to Naxos, Paros, and Santorini ferry will leave Athens on time, but might be a little late leaving Naxos and Paros for Santorini.
On large car ferries and large high speed ferries there is luggage storage on the bottom level as you enter the ship.
Getting off the ferry in Santorini. Ships do not stop for long. Be downstairs with your luggage and ready to depart when the ferry pulls into your destination port.
This is an actual Greek ferry ticket. It needs to have a barcode to be able to board the ferry. If it doesn’t have a bar code it is not a ferry ticket and you’ll need to pick up your actual ferry ticket from a ferry kiosk or travel agent (usually at the ferry port, 30 to 45 minutes before boarding).
This is the email confirmation sent from Ferryhopper.com when an E-ticket has been booked. It states: You do not need to collect any paper tickets for your trip. Get your boarding passes using the corresponding check-in links and reservation details, as listed below.
This is an email confirmation sent from Ferryhopper.com. Note: This is not a boarding ticket. It states: This email is not a boarding pass. You can collect your printed boarding passes in any of the of the collection points found on the following link.
In Athens (Piraeus), the ticket kiosks to pick up ferry tickets are to the left as you enter the port area. Get here about 45 minutes before departure if you need to pick up ferry tickets. (i.e. If you don’t have an electronic ticket.)
The ferry port in Athens is almost directly across the street from the subway station. Follow the crowds as they leave the train and you can’t miss the ferries.
In Santorini, you pick up ferry tickets at travel agents in Fira, and sometimes at the port. Your confirmation email will specify.
In Heraklio you’ll pick up ferry tickets at the port, directly in front of the departing ferries.
You can buy ferry tickets from any shop that has signs like this. But you can only pick up reserved tickets from specific agencies which should be in your confirmation email.
In summary, taking the ferry in Greece is a delight and should be your main form of transportation between the islands.
Read More
- Athens to Crete Ferries
- Athens to Milos Ferries
- Athens to Mykonos Ferries
- Athens to Naxos Ferries
- Athens to Paros Ferries
- Athens to Santorini Ferries
- Crete to Athens Ferries
- Crete to Santorini Ferries
- Milos to Athens Ferries
- Milos to Santorini Ferries
- Mykonos to Rafina Ferries
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferries
- Naxos to Athens Ferries
- Naxos to Santorini Ferries
- Paros to Athens Ferries
- Paros to Santorini Ferries
- Rafina to Mykonos Ferries
- Santorini to Athens Ferries
- Santorini to Crete Ferries
- Santorini to Milos Ferries
- Santorini to Naxos Ferries
- Santorini to Paros Ferries
- Santorini Cruises
- How to Rent a Car in Greece
- Best Hotels in Athens
- Best Hotels in Corfu
- Best Hotels in Crete
- Best Hotels in Folegandros
- Best Hotels in Ios
- Best Hotels in Kefalonia
- Best Hotels in Kos
- Best Hotels in Milos
- Best Hotels in Mykonos
- Best Hotels in Naxos
- Best Hotels in Paros
- Best Hotels in Rhodes
- Best Hotels in Santorini
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Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in 
What are the baggage weight (and pieces per person limit) on Greek ferries? We’ll probably be booking SeaJets World Champion from Athens to Santorini in September. Thanks!
It varies by company and ferry so read the baggage allowance for your specific ferry. Small catamarans might allow substantially less than larger ferries like the World Champion Jet.
Trying to determine ferry schedules between Santorini and Mykonos, and between Mykonos and Piraeus and/or Rafina in November. It’s Blue Star and Super Express between Mykonos and Athens, and Sea Jet between Santorini and Mykonos. Do you know when they will post these November sailings?
Thanks. You have a nice site with great information.
There will definitely be ferries between Piraeus and Santorini (both ways) and between Piraeus and Mykonos (both ways) in November. It’s always uncertain when the last ferry runs between Mykonos and Santorini. Some years it’s November 1st, some years November 20th or even a little later. Schedules should be out by early September.
I have a flight out of Santorini next summer at 10:55am and I’m taking the ferry from Ios to Santorini (08:15am-9:00am) on a Seajets vessel. I heard ferries are notoriously late. Am I in jeopardy of missing my flight?
That is cutting it very close. I personally would not book those plans. It could easily be 9:30 when you’re walking off the ferry (without the SeaJet really being “late”). Then find a taxi and get up to the airport would probably get you to the terminal at 10:00. Lines can be long if you need to check in or check bags, so to have any chance of making it you should be fully checked in (with boarding pass) and have only carry on bags.
Hi Dave! We are scheduled June 20 on a Seajet from Santorini to Heraklion slated to arrive at 6 pm. It makes me a little nervous that you mention the ferries get more delayed as the day goes on because when we arrive we will have to pick up our rental car and drive two hours to Chania. How long of a delay are we typically talking about? If it’s hours delayed typically at this time of day I am really reluctant, and thinking of switching to a flight. Greatly appreciate your advice!!
That ferry is typically on time or close to it.
Hi Dave,
What is a reasonable layover time to get off 1 ferry at a port (e.g. Milos) and get on another ferry?
FerryHopper is suggesting 40 min is too little time, but 50 minutes is reasonable?
Thank you!
At all island ports ferries are literally steps from each other and there isn’t really a check-in process, you just show your ticket as you board. So in theory you only need a minute or two to walk off one ferry and walk on another. What you’re really concerned about is how late on-average will the first ferry be such that you might miss the second ferry and that’s hard to generalize. I would be comfortable with a one-hour difference between two ferries. 30-minutes seems cutting it close. But there’s no right answer. Hope that helps.
Dave,
Thanks for the valuable information. Do you know when next year’s ferry schedule will be released? When has it been released in the past?
Trying to book a trip in April.
It doesn’t follow any set pattern and can change year to year. But my best guess for April ferry schedules is December or January.
Hi Dave – Would you recommend SeaJets Champion Jet 2 or Blue Star Delos from Naxos to Santorini on 30 October. We want the most reliable ferry as well as the least likely to cause seasickness. Thanks in advance!
The Blue Star ferry will be the most reliable and stable and has an outdoor deck that you can walk about for fresh air and great views as you sail through the caldera.
Hi Dave…Do you know if Santorini has any ferries going anywhere besides Athens in November? I can’t find any schedules online but I’m surprised there is absolutely nothing except Athens, don’t locals need to get around too?
Cheers!
Mario
Locals typically need to go to Athens and from there towns and villages on the mainland. But they generally don’t need to go to other islands hence the limited inter-island ferry schedule. That said the Blue Star from Santorini to Athens will usually stop in Naxos and Paros on the way – and less often Ios.
Hi Dave,
We are trying to go directly from mainland Greece (any port) directly to Ithaka on Sunday, June 6. I cannot seem to find any information on car ferry schedules for this, though I have read they run. Ideally, we would like to leave in the morning.
Have they just not published the ferry routes yet or are they not running this year? Any information you have would be very helpful. Thank you!
Amanda
Yes, ferries should run but they haven’t been published/updated for the summer quite yet. The itineraries announced for Kyllini to Ithaca are up to April 23rd. Since Levante Ferries is serving the line in winter, they should serve it also during summer. A new line was also added last year from Astakos to Ithaca, serving daily itineraries. The summer itineraries are not yet announced, but again they should post in the following weeks. Check Ferryhopper for the most recent routes and timetables.
Hi Dave.
We would like to take a ferry from Crete to Santorini on the 3rd of September. There are only 2 ferries available (from Heraklion): The Naxos Jet & Champion Jet 2 (on Ferryhopper). We prefer the Blue Star (on your recommendation), but it is not available. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
The Blue Star does not run between Santorini and Crete. Those two ferries are your only options but both are fine ferries.
Hi Dave!! I have a 16 year old person traveling from Athens to Folegandros. She’s not traveling alone but couldn’t get her on her cousins’ reservation. Do you think this could be a problem as she is underage?
And also even if I purchased her ticket from another company with the same schedule as her cousins’ my guess is that it’s the same ferry, isn’t it? I imagined there is only one route a day from Athens to Folegandros?
They don’t check ID or age bording the ferry so there should not be a problem. If it’s the departing at the same time it will almost certainly be the same ferry. But the ticket should give the name and company of the ship – which will tell you for sure.
Are the ferries nonsmoking? We have an asthmatic so very curious about this or at least the nonsmoking area? Also, is there a place to find a map of sorts to show the location of each section of the reserved air seating (AK 1-5)? I am having no luck on the BlueStar website. Thank you!
There’s no smoking inside on Greek ferries. Just outside on the deck. I don’t know of a Blue Star seating map.
We are trying to book a ferry midweek from Rhodes to Symi for first week in June and staying for two nights. All the ferry companies we have tried are not offering any availability. Are the timetables not out yet or is it too late?
I just looked on Ferryhopper and there was a daily ferry leaving Rhodes for Symi at 9am.
I recently tried to purchase ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini on FerryHopper for 1 May. The site would not sell the tickets and states there will be a planned strike on that day (May Day), and no ferries will be operating. That happens to be the day my friends and I were planning to travel between the two islands.
I can’t find any information to confirm this on the web. Can you confirm? Also, are there any other reasonably-priced ways to travel between these two islands on 1 May other than a flight back to Athens and then another flight to Santorini (definitely not reasonably-priced)?
Cheers,
Les
A strike has been held every year on the 1st of May for the past 15 years. In order to save users from extra re-arrangements, Ferryhopper has blocked ticket sales on that day, even before the strike is announced officially (usually the official announcement happens in late April). It is 99% sure that the routes on that day will get canceled.
Hi Dave. We want to take the ferry from Athens to Symi on June 11. Up until April the timetable shows 3 ferries a week, one of which is the day we want (a Tuesday I think, overnight) but after that the timetable only shows a Sunday ferry. Is this because the full timetable has not been listed as yet? We want to book a cabin. Thanks and hope to hear from you.
Yes, should be many more ferries added within a month or two.
Hi Dave,
I’ve been waiting for the ferry schedule from Crete to Milos in April as I have booked accommodation on Milos. I was hoping to book on Sunday 14th. It looks like the schedule is finally out now, but there are no ferries at all that week. Do you know why?
As of now the first ferry of the summer from Crete to Cyclades runs on April 15 from Heraklion to Santorini (from there you could get to Milos on a different ferry). Before the 15th you’d need to travel via Piraeus (which is a long trek). The F/B Prevelis ferry starts one-per-week runs on April 21 but some of these are overnight ferries that take 10+ hours until a different schedule starts in late May/early June.
The online reviews for all of the ferry companies are terrible. Is there one particular provider that is better than the others?
Generally, you hear about the things that went wrong but not the trips that were on time and uneventful. If someone travels from Athens to Mykonos without any problems they don’t go on Tripadvisor to rave about it. So, Greek ferries do have their shortcomings but for the most part they get you to where you’re going safely and (almost) on time. That said, of all the Greek ferry companies Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways are probably the best run and most reliable.
Now in mid-February do you think it is a good date to book June ferry travel or is it likely that some lines are yet to be announced?
Yes, it’s possible that some new routes could be announced. If you wanted a cabin I would book asap but for other tickets waiting a month or two would be fine (and booking now will very likely be fine too).
Hi Dave, if I book a ferry from Santorini to Sifnos and it has stops at Folegandros and Milos on the way, can I disembark and stay in Folegandros for a couple of nights and/or Milos for a few nights before carrying on to Sifnos and using the same ferry ticket or do you have to buy tickets for each individual leg of the journey i.e. a ticket from Santorini to Folegandros, then from Folegandros to Milos, then Milos to Sifnos? Obviously, that would be a lot more expensive however the ferry is going on the same journey, just a few days apart. How can I get a ticket that allows the multiple stops along the way?
There are no multiple stop or return ferry tickets in Greece. All tickets are one-way single stop tickets. If you get off the boat you need a separate ticket to get back on again whether it be a few hours or a few days later.
Hi Dave, do you know if I need to buy a ticket for a 6 month old baby?
Each ferry company has its own rules. On the Blue Star they should be free. On the Sea Jet they’d need a ticket. (Double check as even those rules could have changed.)
Hi Dave. What category of ferry does the SuperCat fall into? There is this option Athens to Milos and Milos to Naxos.
It’s on the smaller side but not the very smallest. For a short trip (less than 2 hours) it should be fine. But if you’re prone to seasickness a ferry ride of more than 3 hours could seem interminable (if you encountered some rough seas).
Hi we are travelling in June. We are two persons and one motorcycle. We are hoping to travel from Athens to Santorini and then want to end up in Turkey. Is this possible?
Yes, it’s possible. The most likely route is to take a ferry to either Kos or Rhodes (they run 2 or 3 times per week) and then a ferry across to Turkey (they run daily from both islands).
Hi Dave, I am looking at planning a trip to the islands In August this year. I want to go to Santorini, Ios, Mykonos, and possibly Naxos. What is the best order to see them in?
Thanks
Because of the ferry routes the best order of islands is Santorini to Ios to Naxos to Mykonos – or Mykonos to Naxos to Ios to Santorini.
Hello
Can you please let me know if there are ferries from Santorini to Rhodes? I am planning trip for June. Thank you.
Ferry schedules are not out yet for June. If there are ferries from Santorini to Rhodes they will probably be overnight ferries and run 2 or 3 times per week.
Hi Santorini Dave! I’m planning a trip to Greece in June for our Honeymoon and I’ve been researching a lot on the ferry services in the Cyclades. So far your article is the most concise and informative that I’ve read. I would just like to ask if it is advisable that we take Seajets as I’ve been reading a lot of bad reviews on them but so far, they are the only ones who a schedule available for June and have the fastest boats.
Thank you very much in advance!
SeaJets are generally fine though they do have a higher rate of cancellations. The small SeaJets will also have the roughest ride (the SeaJet2 and the Superjet) but there are many SeaJet ferries that are not small and are similar to other ferries. And finally, there are some routes where SeaJet is the only ferry so you don’t have any choice unless you want to take two ferries via another island. All that said, it is very early and ferry schedules might not be fully released until January or February – there could still be several other choices available by the time you need to book. Wait a few months before making any decisions. Ferries will not sell out before April or May (and likely won’t sell out at all).
Hi Santorini Dave. Just wanted to know if Greek ferries run in February from Athens to Mykonos and Mykonos to Santorini? Or do they just start operating in March?
There will be ferries in February running from Athens to Santorini and from Athens to Mykonos. But no ferries between Santorini and Mykonos until mid or late March (maybe even early April).
Hi Santorini Dave! This site has been an amazing resource for my fiance and me to plan our 2 week honeymoon for mid-late June. We’re thinking about flying from Athens into Heraklion (staying in Elounda) for several days and then would like to visit Milos and Naxos before flying back to the US from Athens. What would be the best travel order between Heraklion and Athens? Heraklion-Milos-Naxos-Athens vs Heraklion-Naxos-Milos-Athens? Many thanks! Michael
There’s really no way of knowing until the ferry schedules come out. And even then would likely be dependent on what day of the week you’re traveling.
Thank you for all the helpful information. We are planning a trip to Greece next May and would like to take an overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion, which would arrive at 6:00 a.m. Do you know if it’s possible to stay on the ferry later than the scheduled arrival time, or are we expected to be up, dressed, and ready to disembark at 6:00? We are planning to book an outside cabin–is there any way to specify the cabin location we’d prefer?
No, you won’t be able to stay in your cabin after arrival. The ferry will be buzzing with activity as they prepare it for the next departure (probably at 8:30 or 9:00). You can specify an inward-facing cabin or outward-facing – but nothing else.
Hello Dave,
I can’t tell you how helpful your site it. We are planning on going to Greece October 6-15 we are trying to figure out the ferry schedule from Ios to Mykonos but not sure if the ferry schedule is limited due that time of the year. Is there a travel agency that you know of that could help us navigate the ferry schedules and help us purchase the tickets.
Thank you soooo much.
Lisa
There is a Champion Jet2 by SeaJets that leaves Ios at 11:30am and gets to Mykonos at 1:05pm. It runs every day except for Saturday. Easy to book through Ferryhopper.com.
We are travelling from Folegandros to Santorini on September 25th and have a choice of SeaJet2 at 11:10 am or SuperJet at 9:10 pm – any recommendation for timing or seasickness reasons?
Then Santorini to Heraklion on Friday September 28th and have 3 choices all around 5PM: Champion Jet 2, Caldera Vista, and Santorini Palace. One later choice is also possible, Superferry at 7:15pm but slower. I assume it’s the largest boat from seasickness point of view despite being slower? Again any recommendation?
Thank you in advance!
Both the ferries to Santorini are small and could be bumpy. I’d prefer the earlier ferry (which stops in Ios on the way) for the timing but the later ferry is direct and a little faster. All of the ferries to Crete are bigger and there’s little difference between them.
Hi Santorini Dave, we have just booked our ferry tickets on through Direct Ferries for early September from Santorini to Mykonos. Their email suggests we pick the tickets up from the port [Thira] on the day of departure. Is it possible to pick the tickets up earlier from anywhere in Fira as this is where we are staying? Also, does this ferry depart from Thira or Athinios Port or is this the same place? It is with SeaJet Champion 2.
Thanks and looking forward to your reply
All ferries depart from the Athinios ferry port about a 20-minute bus ride from Fira. You should be able to collect tickets from Nomikos Travel on the main street in Fira. But since your email says the port maybe it’s different in your case. Try Nomikos the day before and if that doesn’t work just get them when you go down to catch your ferry.
Could you recommend which ferry to take from Mykonos to Naxos for someone who easily gets seasick? You have recommended Bluestar for a stable ride, but it does not run this route. I see Superrunner ( 1 hr 40 min) and Ekaterini (1 h 20 min) – would these be similar in stability to the large Bluestar ferries? Thank you for all your time and energy in creating these informative guides – we love them!
Both of those ferries will be fine. The best (if available on your dates) are the Tera Jet and JET1/JET2 ferries. The absolute worst is the Flying Cat 4.
How long is the ferry ride from Piraeus ferry port to Santorini?
It depends what ferry and what route but from Athens to Santorini takes about 5 hours on the SeaJet, 5 hours on the Golden Star Superrunner, 5.5 hours on a Hellenic high speed ferry, and 7.5 hours on the Blue Star. Though the slowest the Blue Star is the only one that allows you to walk and sit on the outdoor decks.