The Andros to Lavrio ferry route connects the Cycladic island of Andros with the mainland port of Lavrio in Attica, giving travellers a useful but quite long sea link that is often scheduled only once or twice per week. Ferries usually depart from Gavrio, the main port of Andros, around 07:00 in the morning and arrive in Lavrio after about 9 hours 20 minutes on multi stop itineraries, so this is a full day journey rather than a quick crossing.
The route is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries, with vessels like Artemis listed in timetables, and some booking tools also show Andros to Lavrio options under brands that include Cyclades Fast Ferries or other operators, although the core weekly service is a conventional Blue Star ferry. Ticket prices for a foot passenger on the long Andros to Lavrio ferry route start from around €10.50 to €11 in low season, making it a budget friendly option if you are not in a hurry, but because it runs only about once a week and stops at other islands, travellers must plan carefully and treat it as part of a wider island hopping route.
Key Information
Ferry duration
The Andros to Lavrio ferry route usually takes around 9 hours 20 minutes from Gavrio to Lavrio. Some sources mention a fastest connection of about 5 hours 25 minutes, but current schedules for the standard weekly service show a consistent journey time of roughly 9 hours 20 minutes, reflecting the fact that the ship calls at other ports on the way.
Ferry companies
The main operator on the Andros to Lavrio ferry route is Blue Star Ferries, sometimes under the combined branding Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, operating conventional vessels like Artemis. More general Andros ferry guides list Cyclades Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries as companies serving Andros on other routes, but these focus on Rafina connections, while the long Andros to Lavrio route itself is primarily a Blue Star service according to current timetables.
Fast vs slow ferry
The Andros to Lavrio ferry is effectively a “slow” conventional ferry because of its multi stop pattern and long total duration. Even though the ship travels at a normal cruising speed, calling at intermediate islands means there is no dedicated high speed option on this exact line, so travellers who want a fast journey between Andros and the mainland usually use Rafina routes, which take about 1 to 2 hours and are served by operators like Cyclades Fast Ferries and others.
Best time to travel
The Andros to Lavrio ferry route is mainly a seasonal and low frequency service, with around 1 to 2 weekly departures, often concentrated between late spring and early autumn. For calmer seas and slightly lighter crowds, many travellers prefer May, June or September, when weather is still pleasant, the Meltemi winds are often a little less intense than in August, and the port of Lavrio is not as busy as during peak holiday weeks.
Sea conditions and wind
The route between Andros and Lavrio crosses exposed sections of the Aegean Sea, where the strong Meltemi wind can create rough conditions, especially in July and August. On windy days, waves can cause an uncomfortable ride and sometimes lead to delays or cancellations, so travellers on the Andros to Lavrio ferry route should monitor forecasts, allow buffer time in their schedule and be ready for possible changes announced by the operator.
Port guide
On Andros, the Andros to Lavrio ferry departs from Gavrio, the main port on the west coast, which also handles many sailings to and from Rafina and other Cycladic islands. Gavrio has ticket offices, cafés, bakeries, supermarkets, car rentals and accommodation close to the harbour, so you can arrive at least 1 to 2 hours before this long ferry, collect tickets and prepare comfortably before boarding. Lavrio is a small but important port town in south eastern Attica, near Cape Sounion, which serves as a gateway to Kea, Kythnos and other islands. The port area has ticket agencies, tavernas, shops and bus links towards Athens, as well as road connections that make it easy to reach the city or the airport, so arriving passengers from Andros can continue their journey on the mainland without difficulty.
Car rental advice
The Andros to Lavrio ferry route, operated by Blue Star Ferries, usually allows vehicles on board, so you can bring your car or motorbike if your rental agreement permits ferry travel. When renting a car, always check whether the company allows the vehicle to be taken on inter island and mainland ferries and whether extra insurance or fees apply, and book early in high season to secure automatic or larger cars in both Andros and the Lavrio area. If you prefer not to move a vehicle between islands and mainland, you can rent separate cars on each side, for example returning your Andros rental before boarding and then picking up a new car in Lavrio or in Athens after you arrive. This can sometimes simplify insurance and reduce risk of ferry related damage charges.
Foot passenger tips
Because the Andros to Lavrio ferry takes about 9 hours 20 minutes, foot passengers should prepare for a full day at sea with comfortable clothing, a light jacket, water, snacks and things to do. Check in at Gavrio at least 1 to 2 hours before departure, keep important items in a small bag you can carry around the ship, and choose seating that suits you, for example an indoor lounge seat or a quieter corner if you plan to rest during the long journey. Given the weekly frequency and long duration, it is better not to schedule critical onward flights or events on the same day as your Andros to Lavrio crossing, because any delay could affect your arrival time in Lavrio and onward travel to Athens.
Is this route worth it?
The Andros to Lavrio ferry route can be very worthwhile if you want a direct sea connection from Andros to the lesser used port of Lavrio, and if you enjoy long, scenic journeys that may include stops at other islands. It suits travellers who are not in a hurry, who want to avoid the busier Rafina and Piraeus ports, or who are building a multi island itinerary that naturally fits the ship’s route. However, because it is long, infrequent and not ideal for day trips, many travellers with limited time or tight schedules prefer to travel via Rafina, using shorter Andros to Rafina crossings and then continuing by road to Athens or other destinations instead of relying on this weekly Andros to Lavrio line.
Alternative route if cancelled
If your Andros to Lavrio ferry is cancelled or there is no sailing for your dates, the most practical alternative is to sail from Andros to Rafina and then travel by road or public transport from Rafina to Lavrio or directly to Athens. Rafina to Andros ferries are frequent and take about 1 to 2 hours, and once you reach Rafina you can continue to Athens, or if you specifically need Lavrio, drive along the coastal road or use buses and taxis to reach it. Another alternative is to use Lavrio as your starting or ending point for other islands like Kea and Kythnos, and handle Andros separately via Rafina, building your trip around reliable high frequency routes and treating the Andros to Lavrio ferry as an optional scenic extra rather than your only connection.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Lavrio to Andros follows the same general pattern, with departures from Lavrio and arrivals at Gavrio, although some Lavrio to Andros schedules show more flexible options and slightly different durations in some seasons. For your website, you can create a Lavrio to Andros route page and link it clearly from this Andros to Lavrio page, explaining that it is the same ferry corridor in reverse and that travellers should always check which direction offers more suitable days and times for their trip.
How long does the Andros to Lavrio ferry route take and how often does it run?
The Andros to Lavrio ferry route usually takes around 9 hours 20 minutes, with current schedules showing 1 to 2 weekly sailings, often with a morning departure at around 07:00 from Gavrio. Because the frequency is low and the journey is long, you should always check the exact day and time of departure for your travel dates before making other bookings.
Is the Andros to Lavrio ferry route suitable for a day trip?
The Andros to Lavrio ferry route is not suitable for a day trip, because the one way journey takes about 9 hours 20 minutes and there is no same day return ferry from Lavrio back to Andros. Anyone using this route should plan it as a one way transfer with at least one overnight stay on the mainland or as part of a longer multi day trip, rather than expecting to go there and back in a single day.
How much does a ticket cost on the Andros to Lavrio ferry route?
Foot passenger ticket prices on the Andros to Lavrio ferry route start from around €10.50 to €11 for a simple deck seat in low season, based on current fare information. Prices can increase if you choose cabins, reserved seating or travel in high season, so it is best to check up to date fares when you book and to look out for any discounts offered by Blue Star Ferries for different routes and combinations.
What is the best alternative if the Andros to Lavrio ferry route is cancelled?
If the Andros to Lavrio ferry is cancelled or does not fit your dates, the best alternative is usually to sail from Andros to Rafina and then continue by road to Athens or to Lavrio. Andros to Rafina ferries are frequent and much shorter, and from Rafina you can use buses, taxis or a rental car to reach Lavrio or other destinations with more flexibility than the long weekly Andros to Lavrio line.
Is the Andros to Lavrio ferry route comfortable for travellers prone to seasickness?
Because the Andros to Lavrio ferry route is long and travels through areas affected by the Meltemi winds, it can feel challenging for travellers who easily get seasick, especially in mid summer. If you are sensitive to motion, you may prefer shorter crossings like Andros to Rafina, or choose calmer months like May, June or September, and you should consider seasickness remedies and selecting seating in the middle of the vessel where movement is less pronounced.