Greek Ferries: My Complete 2026 Guide

Greece › Ferries in Greece
By Santorini Dave
Updated: January 7, 2026

Popular Routes

• Athens to Santorini Ferry
• Athens to Mykonos Ferry
• Athens to Naxos Ferry
• Athens to Paros Ferry
• Mykonos to Santorini Ferry

Ferry Ports

• Piraeus Port Guide
• Santorini Port Guide
• Heraklion Port Guide
• Mykonos Port Guide

Greek Ferries – My Tips

• How I book ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com. This is the single best site for Greek ferries. It is easy to use, handles complex island-hopping itineraries, and supports E-Tickets for almost every company. This is how I book every ticket I buy.
• 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 Car spots absolutely do sell out in July and August. For peace of mind, I book 2 to 3 months in advance.
• E-Tickets are the Standard: You no longer need to wait in line at a port kiosk to print paper tickets. Online check-in is usually available 48 hours before departure; you simply download the boarding pass to your phone and scan it as you walk onto the boat.

My electronic ticket for our ferry from Piraeus.

• Expect Delays (Later in the Day): Ferries almost always leave their first port of the day (e.g., Piraeus at 7:00 AM) exactly on time. However, delays accumulate throughout the day due to wind and boarding times. If you are catching a ferry mid-route (e.g., Santorini to Naxos) in the afternoon, do not be surprised if it is 30 to 45 minutes late.
• The Strike Warning: Transportation strikes happen occasionally. During a strike, ferries do not run. There is almost always a general strike on May 1st (Labor Day). Do not book any ferries for travel on this date.

Ferries in Greece – My Guide

Greek island hopping by ferry is the best way to travel between the Greek islands. It’s more scenic, more relaxing, and a more authentic experience than flying. While the ferry network can look complicated at first glance, it is actually very easy to navigate.

Main Ferry Companies

• Blue Star Ferries: The gold standard for Greek ferries. Known for their reliability, stability, and comfort, Blue Star operates large conventional ferries that connect the mainland (Piraeus) with the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and North Aegean islands.
• ANEK Lines: Now part of the Blue Star/Attica group, they focus on the Piraeus to Chania (Souda) and Crete to Dodecanese routes.
• SeaJets: The largest operator of high-speed vessels. SeaJets provides the fastest (and most expensive) connections between popular Cycladic islands, Crete, and Athens. They are essential for island-to-island hopping.
• Hellenic Seaways: A major operator with a mix of high-speed catamarans (Highspeed 4, Aero) and conventional ferries. They dominate the routes to the Saronic islands and have a strong presence in the Cyclades and North Aegean.
• Fast Ferries & Golden Star Ferries: These two companies primarily operate out of the port of Rafina (near the Athens airport). They offer excellent, modern ships connecting Athens to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos.
• Minoan Lines: Primarily serves the overnight Piraeus to Heraklion route with massive, cruise-like ships.

Main Ferry Routes

• Cyclades: The most popular island group, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Milos. Ferries depart frequently (dozens per day in summer) from both Piraeus and Rafina ports near Athens.
• Crete: Greece’s largest island has a robust ferry network. Large overnight ferries connect Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania daily. High-speed ferries connect Heraklion to Santorini and the Cyclades daily from April to October.
• Saronic Gulf: Islands like Hydra, Aegina, and Spetses are a short ferry ride from Piraeus. These routes are served by frequent hydrofoils and catamarans (like the new Aero Highspeeds), making them perfect for day trips.
• Dodecanese: Includes Rhodes and Kos. Located near Turkey, these are long ferry trips from Athens (often overnight) but are well-connected to each other.
• Ionian Islands: Located on the west coast (Corfu, Zakynthos), these islands are served by ports on the mainland’s west coast (Igoumenitsa, Patras, Kyllini). Note: There are no ferries connecting the Ionian islands to the Aegean islands (Cyclades/Crete).

Types of Ferries

• Conventional Ferries (e.g., Blue Star): These are massive, multi-story ships. They are slower but stable (great for preventing seasickness) and allow you to walk out on the open decks to enjoy the views. They are generally the cheapest option and carry cars.
• High-Speed Catamarans (e.g., SeaJets): These are much smaller and significantly faster, often cutting travel time in half. However, they are more expensive, do not have accessible outdoor decks, and can be bumpy in windy weather.
• Flying Dolphins and Aero: These are small catamarans or hydrofoils. They are used for short trips to the Saronic Islands, such as Hydra and Spetses. They do not have an outdoor space and can feel cramped.

Booking Tickets
Ferry tickets can be purchased online (highly recommended) or at travel agencies in Greece.

• E-Tickets: Most major ferry companies now use E-Tickets. After booking online, you check in via your phone and receive a mobile boarding pass. You no longer need to pick up physical paper tickets for most routes.
• When to Book: For travel in July and August, book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially for popular routes. For shoulder season (May, June, September), booking a few weeks in advance is usually sufficient.
• Boarding: Arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before departure. Ferries are punctual and port areas can be chaotic and confusing to navigate.

The Best Website for Booking Greek Ferry Tickets

FerryHopper.com is the best site for booking Greek ferry tickets. It is user-friendly, handles island-hopping itineraries perfectly, and supports E-Tickets for all major companies. Ticket prices in Greece are regulated, so prices are generally the same regardless of where you buy, though small service fees may apply online.

Greek Island Route Map

Common Ferry Routes for the Greek Islands

• Athens to the Greek Islands – Almost every Aegean island has at least one daily ferry to and from Athens year round. Piraeus is the primary port for the Cyclades and Crete. Rafina is better for Mykonos if you are coming straight from the airport.
• Mykonos to Santorini – Daily high-speed ferries run from late March to October. In winter (Nov-March), there is no direct ferry; you must travel via Athens.
• Naxos/Paros to Santorini – Daily ferries run year-round. In summer there are multiple high-speed and conventional options daily.
• Crete to Santorini – Daily high-speed ferries run from roughly April to October. Large conventional ferries run year-round from Athens to Crete, but they do not connect Crete to Santorini.
• Rhodes to Crete – There is limited service (usually 2-3 times a week), often overnight or requiring a long stopover. This is a difficult route to coordinate.
• Rhodes to Cyclades – There are ferries from Rhodes to Athens that stop in select Cycladic islands (usually Syros, Amorgos, or Santorini), but the trip is very long.
• Corfu to the Aegean (Santorini/Mykonos/Crete) – There are no ferries connecting the west coast Ionian islands (Corfu) with the Aegean islands. To do this, you must fly or drive across the mainland.
• Italy to Greece – Ferries run from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi) to the west coast of Greece (Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Patras). There are no direct ferries from Italy to Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete.

Eurail Greek Islands Pass

The “Greek Islands Pass” (offered by Eurail/Interrail) is a specific travel pass valid only on ferries operated by the Attica Group (Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Superfast Ferries, and Anek Lines).

• Is it worth it? For most travelers, no. It can be a good value if you are planning several long-distance trips (e.g., Italy to Greece + Athens to Rhodes), but for short hops in the Cyclades, standard economy tickets are cheaper and easier to book.
• Limitations: It restricts you to specific ferry companies. If the best ferry for your schedule is a SeaJets high-speed (which is often the case in the Cyclades), the pass is not valid, and you will have to pay full price for a separate ticket.

FAQ – Greek Ferries

How much do ferry tickets cost?
Prices vary wildly by vessel type. A high-speed catamaran (like SeaJets) can cost double the price of a conventional car ferry (like Blue Star) for the same route. For example, the cheapest seats for Athens to Santorini for the summer of 2026 cost €71 on the Blue Star and €108 on the high speed SeaJets.

Are seats assigned on Greek ferries?
The answer depends entirely on what type of ferry and what type of ticket you buy.

• High-Speed Ferries (e.g., SeaJets, Hellenic Highspeed): YES. These ferries operate exactly like airplanes. Every ticket, even the cheapest Economy seats, comes with a specific, numbered seat. You will never have to stand. Your row and seat number are printed on your ticket.
• Conventional Ferries (Economy / Deck Ticket): NO. On ferries like Blue Star, an Economy ticket grants you access to the ship but not a specific seat. You can sit on the outdoor plastic chairs, the indoor cafe tables, or the sofas in the hallways. It is “first come, first served.” In August, this can mean hunting for a spot or sitting on the floor.
• Conventional Ferries (Air Seat / Airplane Type): YES. This is a reserved, numbered seat in a specific, quiet lounge. It is yours for the whole trip, so you don’t have to worry about losing your spot if you get up to buy coffee.
• Conventional Ferries (Business / Cabin): YES. These are premium tickets and always come with a specific reserved seat number or a private cabin assignment.

Reserved seating (airplane-style seating) on a SeaJets ferry.

What class should I choose? (Economy vs. Air Seat vs. VIP)
The terminology can be confusing. Here is what you get for your money.

1. Economy / Deck (Conventional Ferries Only)

• What it is: The cheapest option. You have the freedom to roam the ship, sit outside on the deck (great for views), or hang out in the cafes.
• Pros: Cheap and flexible. Best for “island vibes” and photography.
• Cons: No guaranteed seat. If you get up to buy coffee, someone might take your spot. In high season, it can feel chaotic and crowded.
• My Advice: Great for short trips (under 3 hours) or for young travelers. Avoid it for longer trips and definitely avoid for overnight journeys unless you plan to sleep on the floor (which I used to do all the time in my younger days).

2. Air Seat / Airplane Type (The Smart Choice)

• What it is: A reserved, numbered seat in a dedicated indoor lounge. It looks like a large, comfortable economy class plane seat (or a train seat).
• Pros: It is yours. You can leave your bag on it, go walk around the deck, and come back knowing your spot is waiting. It is much quieter than the loud Economy halls.
• Cost: Usually only €5 to €10 more than Economy.
• My Advice: Always pay the extra few Euros for this on Blue Star Ferries. It is the best value upgrade in Greek travel.

3. Business / VIP / Club Class

• What it is: A separate, restricted lounge area with wider leather seats, less crowding, and (usually) table service for drinks/coffee.
• On High-Speed Ferries (SeaJets): Highly recommended. The standard economy area on a SeaJet is packed tight like a bus. The VIP area upstairs is spacious, has better windows, and is much more relaxing.
• On Conventional Ferries: Nice, but often unnecessary since the “Air Seat” lounges are already quite comfortable.

4. Cabins

• What it is: A private hotel room on the ship with beds (bunks) and a private bathroom/shower.
• My Advice: Essential for overnight ferries (Athens to Crete or Rhodes). Also a fantastic luxury for daytime trips if you are a family with young kids – you get a private space for naps and a clean bathroom all to yourself.

Are there return ticket discounts?
Yes. Unlike in the past, most major ferry companies (Blue Star, SeaJets, Minoan) now offer a discount (usually 20% to 30%) on the return leg if you book both tickets at the same time.

In summer ports can be packed with tourists and multiple ferries. Be prepared for a bit of chaos.

How many ferries run per day?
In summer (June to Sept), popular routes like Athens to Mykonos/Santorini or Paros to Naxos have dozens of daily connections. In winter, these drop to one or two per day. Some routes (like Santorini to Crete or Mykonos to Santorini) are seasonal and stop completely from November to March.

Where is the best place to buy ferry tickets?
Online. The days of visiting a travel agent in Athens are largely over. I recommend booking via FerryHopper. They support E-Tickets for almost every company, meaning you check in on your phone and never need to print a physical ticket.

Do Greek ferries sell out?
Yes.

• High-Speed Ferries: Frequently sell out in July and August.
• Cabins: Sell out months in advance.
• Cars: Vehicle spots sell out very fast.
• Economy Deck (Blue Star): Rarely sells out, but it can happen on peak dates (August 15th, Easter).

Is it cheaper to buy tickets in advance?
Generally, no. Ferry prices are fixed and regulated, so they don’t fluctuate like airline seats. However, booking early guarantees your spot.

The cafe on a SeaJets ferry. (The sugar donuts are delicious.)

Can you buy food on board?
Yes. Even the smallest ferries have a bar selling cheese pies, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks. Large ferries (Blue Star) have full restaurants (Goody’s Burger House) and multiple cafes. Prices are reasonable.

Are the bathrooms clean?
Yes, generally. Large ferries have cleaners working constantly. High-speed ferries are like airplanes – clean but small.

Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness, avoid high-speed ferries (SeaJets, Flying Cats) when it is windy (Meltemi season). They can be very bumpy. Blue Star Ferries are massive and stable; you will barely feel the sea.

How early should I arrive at the port?
• Without a Car: 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
• With a Car: 60 to 90 minutes before departure. Port traffic is chaotic.

What is the best type of luggage for Greek ferries?

The short answer: A travel backpack is far superior to a suitcase.

The Reality of Boarding
Boarding a Greek ferry is often a chaotic “mad dash.” Hundreds of passengers and cars exit and enter simultaneously. You must walk up a large metal ramp, often over ridges that catch small wheels.

• Why Backpacks Win: You keep your hands free to manage your ticket and steady yourself on the ramp rails. You can move quickly through the crowd without dragging a heavy bag, and they are a lifesaver on the steep stairs and narrow cobblestone alleys of Santorini and Mykonos.

I love using a backpack as I ferry hop around Greece. In this case, hands-free as I disembark the ferry in Paros.

If You Must Bring a Suitcase
If you have back issues or simply prefer rolling luggage, follow these rules:

• Choose two-wheeled luggage over four-wheeled “spinners.” The small wheels on spinner suitcases break easily on the metal ferry ramps and the uneven cobblestones of Greek island villages.
• Keep it Light: You will have to lift it at some point. Ensure you can carry it up a flight of stairs by yourself.

Where does the luggage go?
You do not keep your large suitcase with you.

• The Drop-Off: As you enter the ship on the car deck, crew members will shout at you to leave your large bags in the metal luggage racks located along the walls of the garage. It looks chaotic, but it’s standard procedure.
• The “Valuables” Rule: Do not leave computers, cameras, medication, or passports in your big bag on the car deck. You are not allowed to return to the car deck during the voyage. Have a separate small backpack or tote with your valuables and take that with you to your seat.

What if my ferry is rescheduled or canceled?
Schedule changes happen. With E-Tickets, you will receive an SMS or email notification.

• Minor Delays: Common. Just wait at the port.
• Cancellations (Wind): This happens, especially to high-speed ferries in August. You are entitled to a full refund or a rebooking on the next available vessel (usually the larger, slower Blue Star).

How do I get from Central Athens to Piraeus Port?
The Metro is the best way.

• From Monastiraki/Omonia: Take the Green Line (Line 1) directly to Piraeus.
• From Syntagma: Take the Blue Line (Line 3) 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.

How do I get from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port?
You no longer need to switch trains.

• The Metro: Take the Blue Line (Line 3) directly from the Airport to Piraeus. It takes 59 minutes and costs €9. Trains run every 36 minutes.
• The Bus: The X96 Express Bus runs 24/7 from the airport arrivals curb to Piraeus. It takes about 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent) and costs €5.50. Use this if arriving late at night when the Metro is closed.

Email I received when our ferry was cancelled.