Ferries from Athens & Transport to the Greek Islands

One of the best things about visiting Athens is how easy it is to hop on a ferry to the Greek islands. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Hydra or Aegina, heading to Santorini or Mykonos, or exploring the less touristy islands of the Saronic Gulf, Athens has multiple ferry ports that serve destinations across the Aegean. But before you set sail, you need to know how to reach the ports, how much ferry tickets cost, and where to buy them.

The three main ports in Athens (Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio) each serve different islands, and the best one for you depends on where you’re going. Here’s how to navigate Athens’ ferry transport like a pro.

Getting from Athens to Piraeus Port by Public Transport

Piraeus is the largest and busiest port in Greece and the main gateway to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, and Saronic Gulf islands. If you’re heading to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, Naxos, or Aegina, this is where you need to go.

How to get to Piraeus from Athens

• Metro Line 1 (Green Line) is the fastest and most reliable option.

• Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) is ideal if coming from Athens Airport or Larissa Train Station.

• Buses X80 & 040 are great if you’re staying near Syntagma or the Riviera.

• Taxi / Uber costs €15-€25 depending on traffic.

👉 If you’re catching a morning ferry, leave at least 1 hour earlier than you think. You don’t want to miss your boat because of metro delays!

Public Transport Options to Rafina & Lavrio Ports

If you’re heading to Andros, Tinos, or Mykonos, Rafina Port is closer to the airport and often has cheaper, faster ferries than Piraeus. Lavrio Port is smaller but serves islands like Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos.

How to get to Rafina Port from Athens

• KTEL Bus from Mavromateon Street (Pedion Areos) runs every 30-45 minutes and costs €3.

• Taxi / Uber from Athens to Rafina Port costs around €40-€50.

• Taxi from Athens Airport costs around €35-€40 and takes 30-40 minutes.

How to get to Lavrio Port from Athens

• KTEL Bus from Pedion Areos runs every 1-2 hours and costs €5.

• Taxi from Athens to Lavrio Port costs €50-€70, depending on traffic.

👉 If you’re flying into Athens Airport and heading straight to an island, Rafina is much closer than Piraeus, saving you time and money.

Athens Ferry Tickets. Where to Buy, How Much They Cost

Where to buy Athens ferry tickets

• Online (best option). Use sites like Ferryhopper, Viva.gr, and Direct Ferries for real-time availability & e-tickets.

• At the port. Ticket kiosks in Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio sell last-minute tickets, but ferries often sell out in summer.

• Travel agencies in Athens. Many travel agencies near Syntagma & Monastiraki sell ferry tickets, often with small booking fees.

👉 If you’re traveling in July, August, or on a weekend, book your ferry tickets at least a few days in advance. Popular routes sell out fast.

How much do Athens ferry tickets cost?

Ferry prices depend on the route, speed, and class. Here’s what to expect:

👉 The slow ferries (Blue Star Ferries) are cheaper and more stable in rough seas. If you’re prone to seasickness, avoid high-speed ferries on windy days!

Best Ferry Day Trips from Athens

If you’re short on time but want a Greek island experience, consider a day trip from Athens.

1️⃣ Aegina (Quick & Easy Island Escape)

• Why go? Close to Athens but feels like a different world!

• Journey time: 40-90 mins.

• Ferry cost: €9-€14 (slow ferry), €15-€25 (fast ferry).

• Best for beaches, pistachios, and temples.

2️⃣ Hydra (No Cars, Just Donkeys & Stunning Views!)

• Why go? One of the most beautiful and unique islands near Athens.

• Journey time: ~1.5-2 hrs.

• Ferry cost: €30-€40 (high-speed ferry only).

• Best for romantic walks, art, and traditional Greek charm.

👉 If you want to visit multiple islands in one day, consider a Saronic Gulf day cruise that includes Aegina, Hydra & Poros.

Best Ways to Reach the Greek Islands from Athens

✅ For Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) use Piraeus Port for the most frequent ferries.
✅ For Andros, Tinos, Mykonos (alternative route), Rafina Port is closer to the airport & has faster boats.
✅ For the Saronic Islands (Aegina, Hydra, Poros), Piraeus Port has fast and frequent ferry connections.
✅ For Kea & Kythnos, Lavrio Port is your best bet.

👉 Want to travel like a local? Check Ferryhopper for real-time ferry availability, use Google Maps for public transport routes to the ports, and always arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before departure!