Greek Island Ferries from Athens 2026: Complete Guide
Athens is the gateway to the Greek islands — and with three ferry ports serving dozens of destinations, knowing which port to use for your island is the most important planning decision you'll make. This guide covers every major Greek island destination, which Athens port serves it, how long the journey takes, and how to get to your departure port from Athens Airport or city center.
Athens' Three Ferry Ports at a Glance
- Piraeus Port: Greece's largest port. Serves Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos (slower), Paros, Naxos, Saronic Islands, and most other destinations. 45–60 min from Athens Airport (€95), 20–35 min from city center (€65).
- Rafina Port: Closest port to Athens Airport (20–25 min, €82). Best for Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Andros, Evia.
- Lavrio Port: Small port on the southeastern tip of Attica (45–60 min from airport, €82). Only port with regular ferries to Kea. Also serves Kythnos.
Which Port for Each Island?
Cyclades Islands
- Santorini: Piraeus (5–8 hrs conventional, 4.5 hrs high-speed)
- Mykonos: Rafina recommended (2.5–4.5 hrs) or Piraeus (5–6 hrs)
- Paros: Rafina recommended (3–5 hrs) or Piraeus (4.5–5.5 hrs)
- Naxos: Rafina (4–5.5 hrs) or Piraeus (5–6 hrs)
- Tinos: Rafina (2–3 hrs) or Piraeus
- Andros: Rafina (2–2.5 hrs)
- Kea (Tzia): Lavrio only (1 hr) — no other port serves Kea
- Kythnos: Lavrio (2–2.5 hrs) or Piraeus
Dodecanese Islands
- Rhodes: Piraeus (12–18 hrs overnight)
- Kos: Piraeus (12–15 hrs overnight)
- Patmos: Piraeus (8–10 hrs)
Crete
- Heraklion: Piraeus (8–9 hrs overnight)
- Chania (Souda): Piraeus (8–9 hrs overnight)
Saronic Islands
- Aegina: Piraeus (35–40 min hydrofoil)
- Hydra: Piraeus (2.5 hrs hydrofoil)
- Spetses: Piraeus (3 hrs hydrofoil)
Getting to Your Port from Athens Airport
- Athens Airport → Piraeus Port – €95 | 45–60 min
- Athens Airport → Rafina Port – €82 | 20–25 min
- Athens Airport → Lavrio Port – €82 | 45–60 min
Getting to Your Port from Athens City Center
- Athens City Center → Piraeus Port – €65 | 20–35 min
- Athens City Center → Rafina Port – €130 | 40–55 min
- Athens City Center → Lavrio Port – €130 | 55–75 min
Related Guides & Transfer Routes
- All Athens Port Transfers – Complete transfer rates & routes for all three ports
- Athens Airport Transfers – All airport arrival and departure routes
- Athens to Mykonos Ferry Guide – Detailed guide for the most popular Cyclades route
- Athens to Paros Ferry Guide – Rafina & Piraeus ferries to Paros 2026
- Athens to Crete Ferry Guide – Overnight ferry guide to Heraklion & Chania
- Athens to Rhodes Ferry Guide – Long-haul overnight ferry to the Dodecanese