Ermoupoli port is the gateway to Syros and one of the busiest harbours in the Cyclades. Unlike most island ports, it is not a small fishing harbour with a quay attached but the working port of a real city, the capital of the whole Cyclades region, with grand neoclassical mansions rising up the hill behind it and the old shipyard still at work across the bay. Ferries dock right at the edge of town, so you can walk off the boat and be on Miaouli Square in minutes, with the bus terminal and taxi rank close by. This guide covers Ermoupoli port, getting around Syros from the ferry, the ferries that sail from Syros and tips for your arrival.
Syros port at a glance
Syros port is Ermoupoli, the island capital, with the bus terminal right by the quay, a flat 2 euro bus fare and Miaouli Square a short walk away.
- Location: Ermoupoli, on the east coast of Syros
- Bus: every route starts at the port terminal, with a flat fare of 2 euros bought on the bus
- Taxi: about 6 to 8 euros to Ano Syros and 12 to 18 euros to Galissas
- Ferries: Piraeus, Mykonos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Andros, Santorini and more
- Syros Airport: about 3.5 km south of the port
Where Is Syros Port?
The port is the harbour of Ermoupoli, on the east coast of Syros. Ermoupoli was founded by refugees during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s and grew into one of the most important trading and shipping centres in the eastern Mediterranean, at one point second only to Athens in Greece. That wealth built the marble squares, the Town Hall by Ernst Ziller and the little Apollo Theatre that visitors still admire today. High above the harbour, the medieval hilltop village of Ano Syros looks down on the ferries coming and going.
Ferries tie up along the quay at the edge of the town centre. From there, the waterfront promenade leads past cafés and shops to the centre, and Syros Airport is about 3.5 km to the south.
Getting Around Syros From the Port
Walk
- Ermoupoli hotels
- Miaouli Square a few minutes away
- Flat waterfront
- Best for town stays
KTEL bus
- Terminal at the port
- Flat fare, any route
- Buy on the bus
- Best for the beaches
Taxi
- Rank at the port
- 2 taxi companies
- Runs all year
- Best with luggage
Hire car or scooter
- Collect on arrival
- Parking hard in Ermoupoli
- Good for the north
- Best for exploring
Bus From Ermoupoli Port
Every bus route on Syros starts and ends at the terminal in Ermoupoli, right by the port. The fare is a flat 2 euros for any route or distance, bought on the bus, and children under 5 travel free if they do not need a seat. Buses run to Ano Syros, Kini, Galissas, Finikas, Posidonia, Megas Gialos, Vari and Azolimnos. See our Syros bus timetable for the times.
Taxis at Syros Port
There is a taxi rank at the ferry port and another near Miaouli Square. Because Syros is a year round island with a large local population, taxis are easier to find here than on many smaller islands. The 2 companies are Hermes Taxi, on +30 22810 80000, and Syros Taxi, on +30 22810 88222. See our Syros taxi guide for more numbers and fares.
| From Ermoupoli port to | Bus | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Ano Syros | 2 euros | About 6 to 8 euros |
| Kini | 2 euros | About 8 to 12 euros |
| Galissas | 2 euros | About 12 to 18 euros |
| Vari and Posidonia | 2 euros | About 15 to 20 euros |
| Azolimnos | 2 euros | Ask the driver |
| Syros Airport | No airport bus | About 10 to 15 euros |
Ferries From Syros Port
Syros is a ferry hub, with sailings to Athens and the neighbouring islands all year. Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and several other companies call at Ermoupoli, and because Syros sits so close to Tinos and Mykonos, it makes an easy first or last stop on an island hopping trip.
| Syros to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Tinos | About 15 minutes | About 35 minutes |
| Mykonos | 25 to 40 minutes | 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Paros | About 40 minutes | About 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Naxos | About 1 hour 15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Andros | About 1 hour 50 minutes | About 3 hours 5 minutes |
| Ios | About 2 hours 15 minutes | About 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Milos | About 2 hours 15 minutes | About 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Santorini | About 2 hours 40 minutes | About 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Piraeus (Athens) | About 2 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Lavrio (Athens) | Slow ferries with island stops | A few times a week |
See our Athens to Syros ferry guide and how to get to Syros for more detail.
Facilities at Ermoupoli Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry company and travel agency offices along the waterfront |
| Bus terminal | At the port, with every route starting here |
| Food and drink | Plenty of cafés, bakeries and restaurants on the waterfront, open all year |
| Money | Banks and ATMs throughout the town centre |
| Car and scooter hire | Several offices close to the port |
| Shops | A full town centre with pharmacies, supermarkets and shops, a rarity in the Cyclades |
Tips for Using Syros Port
- Walk into town. If you are staying in Ermoupoli, you rarely need a taxi from the ferry.
- Have 2 euros ready for the bus. The flat fare makes every trip simple.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry. The port is busy but easy to find your way around.
- Use Syros for island hopping. Tinos and Mykonos are only a short hop away, and ferries run all year.
- Leave time for Ermoupoli. If you have a few hours before your ferry, walk up to Miaouli Square or take the bus to Ano Syros.
Frequently Asked Questions About Syros Port
What is the port of Syros called?
The port of Syros is Ermoupoli, the capital of the island and of the Cyclades. Ferries dock at the edge of the town centre.
How far is Syros port from Ermoupoli town centre?
The port is in Ermoupoli itself. Miaouli Square and the town centre are a few minutes on foot from the ferry quay.
Is there a bus from Syros port?
Yes. Every bus route on Syros starts at the terminal by the port in Ermoupoli, with a flat fare of 2 euros for any route, bought on the bus.
How much is a taxi from Syros port?
A taxi from Ermoupoli port to Ano Syros costs about 6 to 8 euros, to Kini about 8 to 12 euros and to Galissas about 12 to 18 euros.
How far is Syros port from the airport?
Syros Airport is about 3.5 km south of Ermoupoli. There is no airport bus, but a taxi costs about 10 to 15 euros.
Which islands can I reach by ferry from Syros?
Syros has ferries to Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Andros, Ios, Milos, Santorini and other Cyclades, as well as to Piraeus and Lavrio near Athens.
How long is the ferry from Syros to Mykonos?
High speed ferries take about 25 to 40 minutes, and conventional ferries 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Syros?
High speed ferries from Piraeus take about 2 hours, and conventional ferries 3 to 4 hours.
How long is the ferry from Syros to Tinos?
The fastest ferries take about 15 minutes and conventional ferries about 35 minutes.
Do ferries run to Syros all year?
Yes. Syros is a year round island with a large population, and ferries to Piraeus and the neighbouring islands run through the winter.
How early should I arrive at Syros port?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry leaves. The port is busy but easy to find your way around.
Final Thoughts
Arriving at Ermoupoli feels different from any other Cyclades port. Instead of a quiet harbour village, you sail into a grand old city that is busy all year, with buses for 2 euros, taxis that are easy to find and Tinos and Mykonos only a short hop away. If you have time before your ferry, walk up to Miaouli Square for a coffee. Before you travel, check our guide to the Syros weather, and if you are flying, see our Syros Airport guide.
