Ferry Schedule

Cyclades Ferry Guide: Routes, Prices and Island Hopping

Travelling between the Cyclades islands by ferry is part of the adventure. Every year, thousands of visitors hop from one island to the next, watching the blue Aegean Sea pass by as they go. Whether you are heading to Santorini for the sunsets, Naxos for the beaches, or Mykonos for the nightlife, there is a ferry route waiting for you.

Several ferry companies operate across the region, including Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Anek Superfast, Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries. Between them, they run regular sailings connecting more than 15 islands, as well as routes to and from Athens, Crete and the Dodecanese. In peak season, from June to September, ferries run several times a day on the busiest routes. In winter, sailings become far less frequent, so it pays to plan ahead.

Ticket prices vary depending on the route, the ferry type and how far in advance you book. On most routes, a foot passenger ticket costs somewhere between 20 and 55 euros, while high speed catamarans tend to cost more than the older, slower ferries. Below, you will find a full guide to choosing the right type of ferry, an overview of the main operators, and a complete list of routes grouped by island, so you can plan your journey with confidence.

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🛳️ Cyclades Ferry Routes

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How to Choose Between Fast and Slow Ferries

When booking a ferry in the Cyclades, you will usually have a choice between a fast ferry and a slow ferry (sometimes called a conventional ferry). Each has its own advantages, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you.

Fast ferries, often run by Seajets or Blue Star Ferries, are modern catamarans that can travel at nearly twice the speed of a conventional ferry. They cut your journey time significantly, which is useful if you are short on time or island hopping across several stops in one trip. The trade off is that tickets usually cost more, and in rough weather, the ride can feel less smooth than on a larger, slower ship.

Slow ferries, such as those run by Anek Superfast or Blue Star Ferries on their conventional routes, take longer to reach their destination, but they are usually cheaper and more stable in choppy seas. They also tend to have more space on board, including outdoor decks, cafes and, on longer routes, cabins for overnight journeys. If you are travelling with a car, a slow ferry is often the better option, as they generally have more vehicle capacity.

As a general rule, choose a fast ferry if your priority is saving time, and choose a slow ferry if your priority is saving money or you prefer a steadier journey. During the summer months in particular, book your ferry as early as you can, since popular routes and sailing times sell out quickly.

Ferry Companies Operating in the Cyclades

Blue Star Ferries is one of the largest and most established operators in Greece. It runs both conventional ferries and faster services, covering nearly every major route in the Cyclades, as well as connections to Crete and the Dodecanese. Its ships are known for being reliable and comfortable, making it a popular choice for families and travellers with vehicles.

Seajets specialises in high speed catamarans and is often the quickest way to move between islands. The company runs a wide network of summer routes, connecting smaller islands that are harder to reach on slower ferries.

Anek Superfast mainly covers longer distance routes, including connections between the Cyclades, Crete and mainland Greece. Its ships tend to be larger, with more onboard facilities, which suits travellers on overnight or longer journeys.

Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries are smaller operators that fill in useful gaps in the network, particularly on routes between neighbouring islands that are not always served by the bigger companies.

Each route page on this website lists which companies operate that specific journey, along with current schedules and prices, so you can compare your options before booking.

Cyclades Ferry Routes by Island

Below you will find ferry routes grouped by departure island. Select your starting point to see every destination you can reach directly, along with journey times and prices.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the busiest ports in the Cyclades, with direct ferries to Athens, Crete, the Dodecanese and most neighbouring islands.

Milos

Milos has one of the widest route networks in the Cyclades, with ferries reaching Athens, Crete, the Dodecanese and most neighbouring islands.

Amorgos

Amorgos, reached through its two ports of Katapola and Aegiali, connects to Athens, the Small Cyclades, and a wide range of islands further afield.

Folegandros

Folegandros has a reliable network of ferries connecting it to Santorini, Ios, Athens and several smaller islands nearby.

Andros

Andros is well connected to Athens through the ports of Rafina and Lavrio, making it one of the quickest islands to reach from the mainland.

Sifnos

Sifnos has useful connections to Athens and its neighbouring islands, with a dependable schedule throughout the year.

Serifos

Serifos sits along the same route as Sifnos and Milos, with regular ferries from Athens and nearby islands.

Sikinos

Sikinos has a small but useful network of ferries linking it to Ios, Folegandros and Santorini.

Syros

Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades, connects to Tinos and other nearby islands.

Kimolos

Kimolos, a small island next to Milos, has short and regular crossings to its larger neighbour and to Sifnos.

Anafi

Anafi, one of the most remote Cyclades islands, connects mainly to Ios and Folegandros.

Ferries from Athens (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio)

Athens is the main gateway to the Cyclades, with ferries departing from three ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, depending on the island you are heading to.

Best Time to Travel and Booking Tips

he Cyclades ferry network runs at its busiest between June and September, when the weather is warm and demand for travel is at its highest. During these months, most popular routes have several sailings a day, but tickets can sell out well in advance, especially in August. If you are travelling in high season, try to book your tickets at least two to three weeks ahead, particularly if you are bringing a car or travelling with a large group.

Outside of summer, from October to May, the number of sailings drops considerably, and some smaller routes may only run a few times a week. Winter travel is also more likely to be affected by strong winds, known locally as the Meltemi, which can lead to delays or cancellations, particularly on fast ferry routes. If you are travelling during this period, it is worth building some flexibility into your plans, and checking the schedule again closer to your travel date.

Whatever time of year you travel, arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, and bring a printed or digital copy of your ticket along with valid identification.

Current Ferry / Ship / Vessels Status

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ about Cyclades Ferry

How much does a Cyclades ferry ticket cost?

Prices vary by route and ferry type, but most foot passenger tickets cost between 20 and 55 euros. Fast ferries usually cost more than slow, conventional ferries covering the same route.

Do I need to book my ferry in advance?

It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended, especially between June and September. Popular routes and preferred sailing times can sell out during peak season.

Can I take a car on the ferry?

Yes, most routes allow vehicles, though space is limited and should be booked well in advance. Conventional ferries generally have more vehicle capacity than fast catamarans.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled?

Ferries are sometimes cancelled due to strong winds or poor weather, particularly in winter. If this happens, your ticket is usually valid for the next available sailing, or you can request a refund through the ferry company or your booking provider.

How early should I arrive at the port?

Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ferry is due to depart, and earlier if you are travelling with a vehicle.

Which is better, a fast ferry or a slow ferry?

It depends on what matters most to you. Choose a fast ferry if you want to save time, or a slow ferry if you prefer a lower price and a steadier journey.

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