Ferry from Ios to Kimolos is a very scenic Cycladic crossing that links the lively island of Ios with the quieter, traditional island of Kimolos in under 3 hours on most sailings. This route is operated mainly by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries and Cyclades Fast Ferries, usually with 2 or more departures per week in the main season and a sailing distance of about 77 kilometres or 42 nautical miles. Typical journey times range from about 1 hour 55 minutes on the quickest departures to around 2 hours 55 minutes on slower sailings, depending on the vessel and weather. The ferry normally runs throughout a long season, often with availability from spring to autumn and sometimes all year, making it a flexible option for island hoppers planning a wider Cyclades itinerary. Because Kimolos is much less busy than nearby Milos, the Ios to Kimolos ferry route is perfect if you want to move from a popular party and beach island to a quieter, authentic Cycladic destination without detouring via Piraeus.
Key Information
Ferry duration
The Ios to Kimolos ferry usually takes around 2 hours 50 minutes, which is the standard journey time quoted by several operators. Depending on the ship and exact timetable, crossing times can range from about 1 hour 55 minutes on the fastest departures to a maximum of roughly 2 hours 55 minutes. This means you can comfortably travel between Ios and Kimolos within half a day, leaving enough time to enjoy both ports on the same day of travel.
Ferry companies
Ferries from Ios to Kimolos are mainly operated by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries and Cyclades Fast Ferries, which together provide a small but regular seasonal schedule. These companies normally offer around 2 weekly sailings in total on this route, with departures often on specific weekdays such as Tuesday and Friday, though the exact pattern varies by year. Kimolos is also served by Zante Ferries and other lines from different islands, so it fits into a wider network of Cycladic routes even if the direct Ios link is not running on every day.
Fast vs slow ferry
On the Ios to Kimolos route, Cyclades Fast Ferries operates some of the quickest crossings, with typical journey times of about 2 hours 50 minutes. Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries also runs this route with very similar durations, normally around 2 hours 55 minutes, using conventional ferries that are comfortable and suitable for vehicles. In practice there is not a very big difference in travel time between the “fast” and “slow” options here, so you can choose mainly based on the departure time, price and onboard comfort rather than speed alone.
Best time to travel
The Ios to Kimolos ferry connection operates with regular crossings and usually has availability from spring through autumn, with the highest frequency in the main summer months. In June, for example, schedules often show weekly sailings by Blue Star and additional departures by Fast Ferries, giving several options per week. Outside peak season there may be fewer sailings or changes to the timetable, so it is always wise to check a current schedule for your exact travel dates.
Sea conditions and wind
The sea between Ios and Kimolos is part of the open Aegean, which can be affected by the northerly Meltemi winds in summer, bringing choppy conditions on some days. When the wind is strong, ferries may adjust speed or arrive later than planned, and very occasionally crossings can be cancelled or rescheduled for safety. If you are prone to seasickness it is a good idea to choose a morning sailing if possible, sit in the middle sections of the ship and bring motion sickness tablets for this route.
Port guide
On Ios, ferries to Kimolos depart from the main port in Ios town (Gialos), where you will find cafés, tavernas, ticket offices and shops within easy walking distance of the pier. In Kimolos, ferries arrive at Psathi, the island’s small port village, which serves as the main gateway to the island and has a few tavernas, rooms to let and access roads towards Chorio, the main settlement. Both ports are compact, but in high season you should still arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure in Ios to collect tickets and find your boarding point without stress.
Car rental advice
Ios has several car, quad bike and scooter rental agencies around the port and in the Chora, and hiring a vehicle can be very useful if you want to explore beaches and viewpoints before or after your ferry to Kimolos. Kimolos is smaller and quieter, but car or scooter rental is still useful if you want to reach remote beaches and explore beyond Psathi and Chorio, especially given limited public transport compared with larger islands. If you are taking a car on the Ios to Kimolos ferry, you must book a vehicle space in advance and arrive early at the port, as car capacity on these vessels is limited and boarding starts well before the departure time.
Foot passenger tips
Foot passengers on the Ios to Kimolos ferry should plan to arrive at Ios port at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, and a little earlier in July and August when queues are longer. Pack light because boarding often involves walking up ramps and using internal stairs, and it is easier to manage a backpack or small suitcase than very heavy luggage. On arrival in Kimolos, many accommodations are in or near Chorio, which can be reached by a short drive or taxi from Psathi, so arranging your transfer or confirming pick up details in advance will make the arrival smoother.
Is this route worth it?
The ferry from Ios to Kimolos is absolutely worth including in a Cyclades island hopping trip if you want to balance well known, lively Ios with a quieter, more authentic island. Kimolos offers a slower pace, traditional Cycladic architecture and uncrowded beaches, yet it is only about 2 to 3 hours away by ferry, so you do not lose much travel time. This route is particularly appealing if you are already in the central Cyclades and prefer to reach Kimolos directly from another island instead of travelling via Athens.
Alternative route if cancelled
If your Ios to Kimolos ferry is cancelled, a very practical alternative is to travel via Milos, which is only about 1 hour by ferry from Kimolos and has frequent connections to Ios through various operators. You can take a ferry from Ios to Milos and then connect to a local Milos to Kimolos service, including small local boats from Pollonia to Kimolos that run several times per day in summer. Another backup option, if schedules allow, is to route via other Cycladic stops such as Sifnos or Serifos, which appear together with Kimolos and Ios on longer Fast Ferries itineraries from Piraeus.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse ferry route from Kimolos to Ios operates on a similar pattern, with crossings around 2 hours 55 minutes and regular services noted in route guides. Many travellers sail from Piraeus through islands like Serifos, Sifnos, Milos and Kimolos before heading on to Ios and Santorini, and the Kimolos to Ios leg fits neatly into this chain. When planning your trip on cyclades.travel it is helpful to check both Ios to Kimolos and Kimolos to Ios timetables so you can decide which direction best matches your wider ferry plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the ferry from Ios to Kimolos take?
The ferry from Ios to Kimolos usually takes around 2 hours 50 minutes, which is the most commonly quoted duration for this route. Depending on the operator and vessel, the crossing time can range between about 1 hour 55 minutes and 2 hours 55 minutes, so you should always check the specific duration shown on your chosen departure.
How often does the Ios to Kimolos ferry run in summer?
In summer there are typically around 2 weekly sailings between Ios and Kimolos, with Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries and Cyclades Fast Ferries sharing the schedule. Some months may have additional departures, especially when vessels such as Dionysios Solomos are scheduled on the Piraeus – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Kimolos – Folegandros – Sikinos – Ios – Thira route.
Can I take my car on the Ios to Kimolos ferry?
Yes, the Ios to Kimolos route is served by conventional ferries that normally accept cars, motorbikes and other vehicles, with specific prices for cars shown in price examples. You need to reserve a vehicle space when you book and arrive early at the port, because car capacity is limited and boarding procedures start well before departure time.
Is the Ios to Kimolos ferry affected much by wind?
Like other Cycladic routes, the Ios to Kimolos ferry can be affected by strong Meltemi winds, which may make the sea choppy and lead to slower crossings or occasional cancellations. Larger conventional ships used on this route usually handle rougher seas better than very small boats, but you should still keep an eye on weather forecasts and operator updates before your trip.
What is the best alternative if there is no direct Ios to Kimolos ferry on my date?
If there is no direct Ios to Kimolos ferry on your chosen date, the most straightforward alternative is to travel via Milos, which has frequent links to Kimolos and appears with Ios and Kimolos on many ferry network maps. This usually means sailing from Ios to Milos first, then catching a short Milos to Kimolos crossing or the local Pollonia – Kimolos ferry, which runs several times per day in summer.