How do I book Greek island ferries?

Ferryhopper (ferryhopper.com) is the most useful aggregator — it searches across all operators on any route, shows schedules and prices, and allows online booking. You can also book directly through individual ferry company websites. For peak-season travel (July–August), book 2–4 weeks in advance. Outside peak season, same-day tickets are usually available.

What is the difference between conventional ferries and high-speed ferries?

Conventional large ferries (Blue Star, Minoan) are slower (5–9 hours on major routes) but significantly cheaper and more comfortable for overnight journeys — they have cabins, restaurants, and open decks. High-speed catamarans (SeaJets, Golden Star) are 50–70% faster but more expensive and can be uncomfortable in rough seas. For daytime travel on a clear day, fast ferries save hours. For overnight journeys, the slow ferry with a cabin wins.

Can I take my car on a Greek ferry?

Yes. Most conventional ferries and some high-speed ferries carry vehicles. Car ferry tickets cost approximately €80–150 for a standard car on major routes such as Piraeus–Heraklion or Piraeus–Santorini, depending on the season and operator. Book car spaces well in advance for peak season — they sell out faster than passenger seats.

Which port should I use for island ferries from Athens?

Piraeus (the main port, accessible by Athens metro Line 1) serves the most routes to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, and the Saronic Gulf islands. Rafina (northeast of Athens, reached by KTEL bus from Mavromateion terminal) is actually closer to many Cyclades routes — Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Santorini — and often less crowded. Lavrio (southeast Athens) serves a smaller number of Cyclades and eastern Aegean routes.

Greek Island Ferry Guide 2026 | The Greece Guides

Ferries are the default way to travel between Greek islands — and understanding how the system works makes island hopping significantly easier and cheaper. This guide covers every ferry company operating in Greece, the major routes, booking platforms, and practical port information.

All prices below are approximate as of 2026 and represent economy deck seats unless otherwise stated.

Ferry Companies Operating in Greece

Blue Star Ferries

The largest conventional ferry operator in Greece. Blue Star runs large, well-maintained ships on the Piraeus–Cyclades–Dodecanese routes and Piraeus–Crete. Their ferries carry passengers, cars, trucks, and freight. Onboard facilities include restaurants, cafés, cabins (basic to premium), and open deck seating. Suitable for overnight crossings.

Website: bluestarferries.com

Minoan Lines

Specialises in the Piraeus–Heraklion (Crete) overnight route with large cruise-style ferries. Higher cabin and restaurant quality than most competitors. Also operates the Heraklion–Piraeus–Ancona route for travellers crossing to Italy.

Website: minoan.gr

SeaJets

Greece’s main high-speed catamaran operator. SeaJets runs fast services on most Cyclades routes from both Piraeus and Rafina, plus routes to the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos) in season. Significantly faster than conventional ferries but more expensive and susceptible to cancellation in rough Aegean weather.

Website: seajets.gr

Golden Star Ferries

Another high-speed operator primarily serving the Piraeus–Cyclades corridor (Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini). Competitive pricing with SeaJets on many routes.

Website: goldenstarferries.gr

Hellenic Seaways

Part of the Attica Group (same parent as Blue Star). Hellenic Seaways covers the Saronic Gulf islands (Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina) from Piraeus, plus some Cyclades routes.

Website: hellenicseaways.gr

Levante Ferries

Operates between the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca) and Patras on the western mainland.

Website: levantefeiries.gr

Anek Lines

Covers the western Crete ports (Chania’s port at Souda) and cross-Adriatic routes to Italy.

Website: anek.gr

NEL Lines, Zante Ferries

Smaller operators serving specific island groups and regional routes. Check Ferryhopper to see which operator runs the route you need.

Conventional vs High-Speed Ferries

	Conventional Ferry	High-Speed Catamaran
Speed	Slower (5–9hrs on major routes)	Faster (2–5hrs on same routes)
Price	Lower (deck seat)	40–70% more expensive
Comfort	Larger decks, restaurants, cabins	More compact, rougher in swell
Weather	Operates in most conditions	More likely to cancel in rough seas
Car spaces	Yes	Limited or none
Overnight use	Yes (cabins available)	Day travel only (most routes)

When to choose conventional: overnight crossings to Crete or Santorini, travelling with a car, rough weather forecast, budget travel.

When to choose high-speed: short island hops (Paros to Naxos, Mykonos to Santorini), daytime travel when sea conditions are good, time-sensitive itineraries.

Major Routes: Times and Approximate Costs

From Piraeus (Athens main port)

Route	Type	Duration	Approx. Cost
Piraeus → Santorini	Conventional	7–8 hours	€35–50
Piraeus → Santorini	High-speed	4.5–5 hours	€65–85
Piraeus → Mykonos	Conventional	4.5–5.5 hours	€30–45
Piraeus → Mykonos	High-speed	2.5–3.5 hours	€55–75
Piraeus → Heraklion (Crete)	Conventional	8–9 hours	€35–55
Piraeus → Chania via Souda (Crete)	Conventional	9 hours	€38–58
Piraeus → Rhodes	Conventional	14–18 hours	€50–75
Piraeus → Paros	High-speed	2.5–3.5 hours	€40–60
Piraeus → Naxos	High-speed	3–4.5 hours	€45–65
Piraeus → Ios	Conventional	6–7 hours	€30–45
Piraeus → Milos	Conventional	5–7 hours	€28–40
Piraeus → Hydra	Conventional/hydrofoil	1.5–2 hours	€18–25
Piraeus → Aegina	Conventional	1–1.5 hours	€8–12

From Rafina (northeast Athens)

Rafina is accessible by KTEL bus from the Mavromateion terminal in central Athens (approximately 1 hour, €3–4). It serves the same Cyclades routes as Piraeus, often in less time:

Route	Type	Duration	Approx. Cost
Rafina → Mykonos	High-speed	2.5–3.5 hours	€55–70
Rafina → Santorini	High-speed	4.5–5 hours	€65–80
Rafina → Paros	High-speed	2.5–3 hours	€40–55
Rafina → Naxos	High-speed	3–4 hours	€45–60

Island-to-Island Routes (Cyclades)

Route	Duration	Approx. Cost
Mykonos → Santorini	2–3 hours (HS)	€35–55
Santorini → Heraklion (Crete)	2–3 hours (HS)	€35–55
Paros → Naxos	30–45 min	€10–15
Naxos → Ios	1–1.5 hours	€15–20
Mykonos → Paros	45 min–1.5 hours	€20–35

Booking Ferries

Ferryhopper (ferryhopper.com) is the recommended booking platform. It aggregates schedules and prices across all operators on any route, allows comparison between conventional and high-speed options, and processes bookings directly. The website and app work well. Print your ticket or download the PDF to your phone — most ports accept digital tickets.

Direct operator websites are also reliable and sometimes offer marginally lower prices on specific routes (no Ferryhopper commission). Useful if you know which company operates your exact route.

Ticket offices at ports are an option for last-minute travel in shoulder season (May–June, September–October). In peak season, popular routes sell out — don’t rely on turning up.

When to book:

July–August peak season: 2–4 weeks in advance for popular routes. The Piraeus–Santorini and Piraeus–Mykonos routes on Friday and Saturday mornings sell out weeks ahead.
May–June, September–October: 3–7 days ahead is usually sufficient. Some routes available day-of.
Car spaces: Always book earlier than passenger seats, as vehicle capacity is limited. If you only need a car on one island, hiring a car locally is often cheaper than paying car-ferry fares in both directions — compare before committing to a vehicle ticket.

Port Guide: Piraeus

Piraeus is a large working port, not a scenic marina. It has multiple departure gates (E1–E12) spread over several kilometres of quay. Each gate serves different routes:

Gates E1–E2: Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios) and Crete (Heraklion)
Gates E3–E5: Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios)
Gates E6–E8: Saronic Islands (Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina)
Gates E9–E12: Some additional Cyclades and Crete departures

Check your ticket for the specific gate. Allow 30 minutes to walk between gates if needed. The Athens Metro Line 1 (green line) terminates at Piraeus station — from there it is a 10–15 minute walk to the main ferry gates or a short taxi ride. Coming directly from Athens airport with luggage, a pre-booked private transfer to your specific gate takes approximately 45–60 minutes and removes the metro change — worth considering for early-morning departures when the ferry won’t wait.

Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure. Car passengers and those with cabins should aim for 45–60 minutes.

Port Guide: Rafina

A smaller, more pleasant port than Piraeus. All departures leave from a compact area. Easier to navigate, with cafés and a small town nearby. The KTEL bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the port gate.

Port Guide: Lavrio

Located southeast of Athens (about 60km from the city centre). Serves routes to Kea, Kythnos, and some eastern Cyclades. Less frequently used by tourists. KTEL buses serve Lavrio from Pedion Areos park in Athens.

Practical Tips

Download the ferry company’s app. Blue Star, SeaJets, and Hellenic Seaways all have apps with real-time departure updates. Ferries can be delayed by weather or technical issues — an app notification is faster than waiting at the port.

Foot passenger vs car passenger: Foot passengers board after cars are loaded. Board early if you want to secure a good outdoor deck space or table in the onboard restaurant.

Bring food and water. Onboard cafeterias and restaurants are available on most large ferries but are overpriced. Pack snacks, especially for longer crossings.

Rough weather: The Aegean gets rough during the meltemi season (July–August) and in autumn. High-speed catamaran services are frequently cancelled in rough conditions. If your schedule is tight, book the conventional ferry as backup or add an extra day of buffer.

Night ferries to Crete: The overnight Piraeus–Heraklion crossing (departing around 21:00–22:00, arriving around 06:00–07:00) is an excellent way to save a night’s accommodation. A basic aircraft-style reclining seat is the cheapest option; a private cabin with bunk beds runs approximately €30–60 extra per person.

Greek Island Ferry Guide 2026 — Routes, Companies, Booking