Ferries from Athens to the Greek islands
How long the ferry takes to the most popular islands, which port in Athens it leaves from, and when a flight is the better choice.
Journey times at a glance
| Island | From | High-speed | Conventional | Flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini | Piraeus (also Rafina in summer) | About 5 hours | About 7.5 to 8 hours | About 45 minutes |
| Mykonos | Piraeus or Rafina | About 2.5 hours from Rafina, 3 hours from Piraeus | About 4 to 5 hours | About 40 minutes |
| Crete | Piraeus | About 5 to 5.5 hours to Heraklion (summer only, weather permitting) | About 8 to 9 hours, overnight | About 50 minutes |
| Paros | Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio | About 3 to 3.5 hours | About 4 to 5 hours | About 40 minutes |
| Naxos | Piraeus or Rafina | About 3.5 hours | About 5 hours | About 45 minutes |
| Rhodes | Piraeus | No high-speed ferry | About 15 to 18 hours, longer in winter | About 1 hour |
Which port in Athens?
| Port | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Southwest of the centre, metro lines 1 and 3 | Most islands: Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese, Saronic islands |
| Rafina | East, about 30 minutes from the airport | Mykonos, Tinos, Andros, Paros, Naxos, especially if you land the same day |
| Lavrio | Southeast, about 1 hour from the centre | Kea, Kythnos and some slow, cheap ferries to the Cyclades |
Piraeus Port: which gate for which island · Athens Airport to Piraeus
High-speed or conventional?
- High-speed ferries are faster but cost more, have no outside decks, and are more affected by wind and waves.
- Conventional ferries are slower and cheaper, carry cars, and are much more comfortable when the sea is rough.
- In July and August the meltemi wind can delay or cancel small high-speed boats. Keep some time between your ferry and your flight home.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the fastest ferry from Athens?
High-speed ferries reach Mykonos in about 2.5 hours from Rafina and Santorini in about 5 hours from Piraeus.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
In July and August, yes: book a few days ahead, and weeks ahead for cabins or a car. Outside summer you can usually buy on the day.
Piraeus or Rafina?
Rafina is closer to the airport and has fast ferries to Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. Piraeus has the most ferries and is the only choice for Crete and Rhodes.
Ferry times, prices and the number of sailings change every season and can change because of weather or strikes. Always check your ticket and the ferry company before you travel. Prices are approximate, per person, one way. Last checked: 27 October 2026.
Something wrong or out of date? Report a mistake