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.

Cyclades Ferry Ticket Prices

Cyclades.travel covers ferry connections across 15 islands and well over 200 individual routes, from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio down to Crete and Rhodes, and from island to island within the group. Because fares differ by operator, vessel, season and demand, a single price list for every route would be out of date within weeks. What stays true across the whole network is that price tracks journey length far more closely than it tracks any one island, so the table below gives average starting prices by journey time, with real example routes at each length to show what that looks like in practice.

Journey length Example routes Average price, conventional ferry Average price, high speed ferry
Under 1 hour Paros to Naxos, Naxos to Koufonisia From 7 euros to 15 euros From 10 euros to 20 euros
1 to 2 hours Syros to Tinos, Mykonos to Paros, Ios to Naxos From 15 euros to 25 euros From 20 euros to 35 euros
2 to 4 hours Piraeus to Paros, Piraeus to Naxos, Amorgos to Naxos From 35 euros to 50 euros From 45 euros to 90 euros
4 to 6 hours Piraeus to Santorini, Amorgos to Piraeus From 45 euros to 60 euros From 70 euros to 95 euros
6 hours and over Piraeus to Koufonisia and the Small Cyclades, Crete to Santorini From 45 euros to 65 euros From 65 euros to 95 euros, where a high speed option exists

These are guide prices for a single adult in economy or deck class, and they sit toward the higher end of each range during July and August. The exact fare for your specific route and travel date, including any available discounts for children, students, or return journeys, is best confirmed with our ferry price finder, which pulls live pricing for all 15 islands rather than an average.

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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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