The Andros to Kythnos ferry route links the island of Andros with the western Cycladic island of Kythnos, usually with a single weekly sailing operated by Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways using the vessel Artemis. It departs from Gavrio, the main port of Andros, typically around 07:00 in the morning and arrives at Merichas, the main port of Kythnos, after about 6 hours 15 minutes at sea, so this is a medium length crossing that often forms part of a multi stop route continuing on to Kea and Lavrio.
Ticket prices for the Andros to Kythnos ferry route generally start from about €12.50 to €14 for a one way foot passenger in low season, with higher fares if you book cabins or transport a vehicle. Because it runs only once per week in most seasons, this route suits travellers who are planning a wider island hopping itinerary rather than those looking for a frequent commuter style ferry.
Key Information
Ferry duration
Most sources agree that the Andros to Kythnos ferry route takes around 6 hours 15 minutes under normal conditions. Some listings mention a range of crossing times between about 3 hours 35 minutes and 6 hours 15 minutes, but current schedules for the regular weekly service with Artemis show a consistent journey of roughly 6 hours 15 minutes between Gavrio and Merichas.
Ferry companies
The Andros to Kythnos ferry route is covered by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, often marketed simply as Blue Star Ferries, using the conventional vessel Artemis. Hellenic Seaways is part of the same wider group and appears in route lists and booking tools, which show Andros, Kythnos, Kea and Lavrio connected on a single line, but the actual operator visible to travellers is usually Blue Star Ferries on this crossing.
Fast vs slow ferry
This Andros to Kythnos ferry route is operated by a conventional ferry rather than a high speed catamaran, so it is best understood as a “slow” but steady service with comfortable indoor lounges and outdoor decks. There is no separate fast ferry option on this exact line, so travellers wanting a shorter overall travel time between Andros and Kythnos sometimes combine Andros to Rafina and then Rafina to Lavrio and Lavrio to Kythnos, but that involves extra changes and planning.
Best time to travel
The Andros to Kythnos ferry route is mainly scheduled in the summer season, with about 1 weekly sailing between June and September and some variations depending on year and fleet deployment. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, many travellers choose late May, June or September, when the sea can be calmer than in August and Kythnos is still lively but not overwhelmed by visitors.
Sea conditions and wind
The crossing between Andros and Kythnos runs through the central Cyclades, an area affected by the strong Meltemi winds that blow from the north, especially in July and August. On windy days, waves can make the sea choppy and the ferry may be delayed or, in some cases, cancelled, so passengers should watch forecasts, keep some flexibility in their schedule and follow any updates from Blue Star Ferries or their booking platform.
Port guide
On Andros, the ferry to Kythnos departs from Gavrio port on the west coast, which is about a 30 minute drive from the main town of Chora and is served by buses and taxis. Gavrio has ticket agencies, cafés, bakeries, mini markets, car rental outlets and accommodation close to the quay, so arriving 1 to 2 hours before departure gives you enough time to collect tickets and board calmly for this medium length crossing. On Kythnos, ferries from Andros arrive at Merichas, the main port on the west side of the island. Merichas has a cluster of tavernas, cafés, small hotels, car rentals and a beach within walking distance, and there are buses and taxis to other villages such as Chora and Loutra, so it is an easy arrival point for continuing your stay on the island.
Car rental advice
Ferries on the Andros to Kythnos route are able to transport both passengers and vehicles, which means you can bring your own car or motorbike if your rental agreement allows ferry travel. When hiring a car, always confirm that the company permits ferry use and check for any extra insurance or restrictions, and book early if you need an automatic car or a larger vehicle, as these are limited in both Andros and Kythnos during high season. If you prefer not to move a vehicle between islands, you can rent separate cars on each side, returning your Andros rental in Gavrio and picking up a new car in Merichas or another village on Kythnos after you arrive. This approach can simplify insurance and give you more flexibility if ferry schedules change.
Foot passenger tips
For foot passengers, the Andros to Kythnos ferry route is a medium length journey, so it is sensible to pack a small day bag with water, snacks, sun protection, a light jacket and entertainment such as a book or downloaded films. Aim to check in at Gavrio at least 1 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure around 07:00, choose a comfortable seat in an indoor lounge or a shaded outdoor area, and enjoy the views as the ferry passes other Cycladic islands on its way to Merichas. Because there is only about 1 weekly sailing, avoid planning tight onward connections on the same day, and allow for the possibility of delays if weather conditions change.
Is this route worth it?
The Andros to Kythnos ferry route is very worthwhile if you want a direct, once weekly link between two quieter Cycladic islands without having to route through mainland ports like Rafina or Piraeus. It suits travellers who enjoy spending time on a conventional ferry, who want to add Kythnos to a wider island hopping itinerary that also touches Kea and Lavrio, and who do not mind the 6 hour 15 minute duration. However, its low frequency means it is less suitable for short trips or highly structured schedules; if you need more flexibility, combining Andros to Rafina and Lavrio to Kythnos may be a better option, even though it adds an extra transfer.
Alternative route if cancelled
If your Andros to Kythnos ferry is cancelled or there is no service on your travel dates, the main alternative is to travel from Andros to Rafina and then from Lavrio to Kythnos. Ferries between Andros and Rafina are frequent and take around 1 to 2 hours, and from Rafina you can reach Lavrio by road, then board one of the regular Lavrio to Kythnos ferries which usually last about 1 hour 40 minutes. Another option is to route via another island, for example Andros to Syros or Tinos and then onward to Kythnos, though this depends on seasonal connections and can require overnight stays. Whatever path you choose, plan for extra time and avoid relying on same day tight connections between different ferries.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Kythnos to Andros follows the same general line, with departures from Merichas and arrivals at Gavrio, and is also operated by Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways as part of the wider network connecting Kythnos, Kea and Lavrio. For your website, it is a good idea to create a separate Kythnos to Andros route page and link it clearly from this Andros to Kythnos page, explaining that schedules and duration are similar and that travellers should check both directions when planning multi island trips.