GREEK FERRIES - Tickets, Schedules, & Route Map (2024)

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

Crete to Athens Ferry
Crete to Santorini Ferry

Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
Mykonos to Athens 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

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

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.
See Also
Parts of a Boat From a Side View What Is The Boat That Carries Cars Called?What is the plural of ferry?What is the opposite of ferry?
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
Athens Travel Guide
Santorini Travel Guide
Mykonos Travel Guide
Greek Ferries – Tips & Information
See Also
Ferry Industry Facts
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.