How to get there

International Entry Points

Most travelers begin their journey to Andros by arriving in Athens. Unlike some other islands, Andros does not have an airport, but it is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, making the connection seamless.

Flying to Athens International Airport (ATH)

This is the standard entry point. Athens International Airport handles flights from all major global hubs.

• Major Airlines: British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, Delta, American Airlines.
• Flight Duration:
  • UK (London): ~3.5 to 4 hours.
  • USA (New York): ~9 to 10 hours (direct).
  • EU (Paris/Frankfurt): ~3 hours.
• Best Booking Time: 3-6 months in advance for summer travel.
• Facilities: The airport is modern with excellent signage, free WiFi, and plenty of dining options.

Direct International Flights to Mykonos (JMK)

An alternative strategy is to fly directly into Mykonos, which is the closest island with an international airport.

• Availability: Seasonal direct flights (May-October) from major European cities like London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome.
• When to use: Choose this if you want to combine Andros with Mykonos or if flight prices to Mykonos are competitive.
• Connection: From Mykonos airport, you take a 10-minute taxi to the New Port and then a ferry to Andros (approx. 2 hours).

Main Transportation Methods

A. Flying to Andros

There is no airport on Andros.
You cannot fly directly to the island. The “flying” option really means flying to Athens (ATH) and taking a ferry, or flying to Mykonos (JMK) and taking a ferry.

B. Ferry Options from Rafina Port (The Main Way)

Important: Do not go to Piraeus Port for Andros. The ferries to Andros depart almost exclusively from Rafina Port, which is much closer to the airport.

• Duration: 1 hour (Fast Ferry) to 2 hours (Conventional Ferry).
• Cost: €25 for economy, up to €55 for business class.
• Ferry Companies:
  • Golden Star Ferries: Runs the Superferry (comfortable, reliable).
  • Fast Ferries: Runs the Theologos P and Fast Ferries Andros.
  • SeaJets: Occasional high-speed vessels.
• Frequency: 3-4 departures daily in the morning (07:00-08:00) and afternoon (17:00-18:00). High season adds more mid-day options.
• Comfort: These ferries are like small cruise ships. You can sit on the open deck, enjoy a coffee, and watch the sea.
• Port Details: Rafina Port is small and easy to navigate. It is only a 30-minute drive from Athens Airport.

C. Inter-Island Connections

Andros is the northernmost island of the Cyclades, making it a great starting point for island hopping.

• To/From Tinos: 1.5 hours. Very frequent.
• To/From Mykonos: 2 hours 15 minutes. Daily connections.
• To/From Syros: 3-4 hours. Usually connects via Tinos.
• To/From Paros/Naxos: Possible but often requires a change of ferry in Mykonos or Tinos.

D. Cruise Ship Arrivals

Andros is not a major cruise ship destination like Santorini. Small boutique cruises or private yachts may dock at Gavrio or the Chora harbor, but large liners generally bypass the island. If you arrive by private boat, Chora offers a scenic but exposed anchorage, while Batsi is more sheltered.

Phase 4: Getting From Airport/Port to Your Destination

From Athens Airport (ATH) to Rafina Port

Since you must go to Rafina Port, here is how to get there from the airport:

• Taxi: The easiest option. Cost is roughly €35-€40 during the day (€50+ at night). The ride takes 20-30 minutes. Available 24/7 at the arrivals curb.
• KTEL Bus: The budget option. The orange KTEL bus departs from the Arrivals level (between Exit 2 and 3). Cost is roughly €4. It takes about 40 minutes and drops you directly at the ferry terminals.

From Andros Port (Gavrio) to Town/Hotel

All ferries arrive at Gavrio Port on the west coast. Most accommodation is in Batsi (7 km away) or Chora (32 km away).

• Local Bus (KTEL Andros):
  • Schedule: Buses are timed to meet the arrival of every ferry. They line up right in front of the ship.
  • Cost: €2-€5 depending on destination.
  • Route: Gavrio -> Batsi -> Chora -> Korthi.
  • Travel Time: 15 mins to Batsi, 45-60 mins to Chora.
• Taxi:
  • Availability: Limited number of taxis wait at the port.
  • Cost: ~€15 to Batsi, ~€40-€50 to Chora.
  • Tip: If you arrive in July or August, pre-book your transfer. The queue can be long.
• Rental Car:
  • Availability: Several rental agencies have offices right at Gavrio port.
  • Advice: Renting a car is highly recommended on Andros due to its large size and dispersed attractions.

Practical Tips & Logistics

Best Time to Travel

• Peak Season (July-August): Best for beach weather and vibrant nightlife in Batsi. Ferries are frequent but require booking.
• Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Ideal for hiking the famous Andros Routes. The weather is cooler, and the island is lush and green.

Booking & Planning

• Ferries: Book via Ferryhopper or the ferry company websites. For summer weekends (Friday afternoon departures from Rafina), book at least 3 weeks ahead.
• Flights: Book flights to Athens 3-6 months out for the best rates.
• Duration: Allow at least 2 hours between your flight landing and your ferry departure to be safe.

Travel Documents

• Visas: UK, USA, Canada, and Australian citizens do not currently need a visa for short stays (under 90 days) in the Schengen area.
• Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining.