The Andros to Kea ferry route links two Cycladic islands, Andros and Kea (also called Tzia), with a long but scenic itinerary that usually runs once a week in summer and includes stops at other islands on the way. Ferries normally depart from Gavrio, the main port of Andros, around 07:00 in the morning and arrive at Kea’s port after about 8 hours 5 minutes of sailing, so this is a full day sea journey rather than a quick hop.
The route is served by large conventional ferries such as the vessel Artemis under Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, sometimes in cooperation with other brands, and tickets for a foot passenger can start from around €8 to €9, which makes it an affordable way to move between the islands if you have time. Because there is usually only 1 weekly departure and the ferry follows a multi stop pattern like Andros – Tinos – Syros – Kythnos – Kea, it is important to plan carefully, book early and treat this as part of a wider island hopping route rather than a simple commuter line.
Key Information
Ferry duration
The Andros to Kea ferry route usually takes around 8 hours 5 minutes, with the fastest advertised crossing time also listed as 8 hours 5 minutes because this is a single scheduled service rather than a mix of different speeds. This longer duration is due to the indirect nature of the route, as the ferry calls at other islands like Tinos, Syros and Kythnos before arriving at Kea, so passengers should be prepared for a full day on board.
Ferry companies
The main company linked to the Andros to Kea ferry route is Hellenic Seaways, operating with the vessel Artemis under the wider Blue Star Ferries group. Other booking platforms also mention Blue Star Ferries and sometimes SeaJets as part of the broader Andros to Kea connection, but the scheduled weekly service with an 8 hour 5 minute duration is typically associated with Artemis and Hellenic Seaways.
Fast vs slow ferry
This particular Andros to Kea ferry route is essentially a conventional “slow” ferry, even though it runs at a normal cruising speed for a large ship, because it follows a multi island path rather than sailing directly between Andros and Kea. There are no separate high speed and slow options on this exact line, so if you want a faster connection you may need to combine other routes, such as Andros to Rafina and then Lavrio to Kea, where shorter crossings of around 1 hour between Lavrio and Kea are available.
Best time to travel
The Andros to Kea ferry route is mainly a summer service, with weekly crossings typically scheduled between June and September, and availability throughout the year can change depending on demand and fleet planning. For more comfortable conditions and slightly fewer crowds, many travellers prefer late May, June or September, when the weather is still warm, the sea often a little calmer, and the islands less busy than in the peak of August.
Sea conditions and wind
The route between Andros and Kea crosses parts of the central Cyclades, an area that can be affected by the strong Meltemi winds that blow from the north, especially in July and August. On very windy days, sea conditions can become rough and ferries may face delays or, in some cases, cancellations or changes to their schedules, so it is wise to check weather forecasts, allow extra time, and sign up for notifications from your ferry operator or booking platform.
Port guide
On Andros, departures for the Andros to Kea ferry route take place from Gavrio, the main port on the west coast of the island, which is about a 30 to 40 minute drive from the main town of Chora and is served by buses and taxis. Gavrio has ticket offices, cafés, small supermarkets, car rental agencies and accommodation nearby, so you can arrive early, pick up your tickets if needed and relax before boarding this long ferry. In Kea, the ferry arrives at the port of Korissia, which is the main harbour for the island and lies a short distance from the island capital Ioulida and from popular beaches. Korissia offers basic services such as tavernas, shops, small hotels and car rental outlets, and there are buses and taxis that connect the port with Ioulida and other villages, so travellers arriving from Andros can continue their holiday on Kea without difficulty.
Car rental advice
The Andros to Kea ferry route, operated by large conventional vessels, normally allows vehicles on board, which means you can bring your car or motorbike if your rental agreement permits ferry travel. When renting a car for this route, always confirm that the company allows you to take the vehicle on inter island ferries and check for any extra insurance or fees, and book early in high season if you need an automatic car or larger vehicle, as these book out quickly on both Andros and Kea. If you do not take a car on the ferry, you can rent one separately at either end, for example hiring a car on Andros for your stay there, returning it before departure, and then collecting a new vehicle at Kea’s port or nearby when you arrive. This can sometimes be easier than arranging cross island rental permissions, especially for shorter visits.
Foot passenger tips
Because the Andros to Kea ferry route lasts around 8 hours, it is important for foot passengers to prepare for a full day on board, with comfortable clothing, a light jacket for the wind, and essentials like water, snacks and entertainment. You should aim to check in at Gavrio at least 1 to 2 hours before departure, especially in summer, and keep your valuables and tickets in a small day bag that you can easily carry between indoor lounges and outdoor decks as you enjoy the views of Tinos, Syros, Kythnos and other islands along the way. Because there is usually only 1 crossing per week, foot passengers should also keep their travel plans flexible and avoid tight onward connections on the same day, as any delay could affect hotel check in times or connecting buses and flights.
Is this route worth it?
The Andros to Kea ferry route is especially worth it for travellers who want to experience a slow, scenic island hopping journey across several Cycladic islands rather than rushing between destinations. It is a good choice if you have enough time in your itinerary, enjoy spending time at sea and want a single ticket that carries you from Andros to Kea while giving you views of other islands en route. However, because the crossing is long and only runs about once a week, it may not suit travellers with tight schedules or those who prefer short crossings and frequent departures; in those cases it can be smarter to use combinations like Andros to Rafina and then Lavrio to Kea instead.
Alternative route if cancelled
If your Andros to Kea ferry is cancelled or there is no service for your dates, the most practical alternative is to travel from Andros to Rafina and then from Lavrio to Kea, using the mainland road network between Rafina and Lavrio. Ferries from Rafina to Andros are frequent and take about 1 to 2 hours depending on vessel and operator, while ferries from Lavrio to Kea usually last about 1 hour, so this combination can be faster than the direct island hopping route, although it involves an extra transfer on the mainland. Another indirect option is to route via Syros or other Cyclades, for example Andros to Tinos or Syros and then Syros to Kea, which can work well if you already plan to visit several islands on the way. In all cases it is important to check timetables carefully and allow for overnight stays where necessary, as connections between different ferries are not always designed to line up perfectly.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Kea to Andros uses the same ferry line and pattern, with departures from Kea’s port of Korissia and arrivals at Gavrio on Andros when the service operates. For your website, you can create a separate Kea to Andros route page and link it clearly from this Andros to Kea page, explaining that schedules and duration are similar but that current data sometimes shows no active Kea to Andros sailings, which makes Andros to Kea more reliable in some seasons.
How often does the Andros to Kea ferry route run and on which day?
Timetable data shows that the Andros to Kea ferry route generally runs about once a week, with 1 sailing per week listed on many booking platforms. The main scheduled departure leaves Gavrio at around 07:00 in the morning, usually on a specific weekday in summer, so you should always check your exact travel date to see which day the ferry is available.
Can I make a day trip on the Andros to Kea ferry route?
Because the Andros to Kea ferry route takes around 8 hours 5 minutes each way and runs only weekly, it is not suitable for a day trip. There is no same day return ferry from Kea back to Andros, so anyone using this route should plan to stay at least one or more nights on Kea or continue to other islands from there.
How much does a ticket cost on the Andros to Kea ferry route?
Recent price ranges for the Andros to Kea ferry route show foot passenger tickets starting from about €8 to €9, with small variations depending on operator, season and seating choice. Extra costs apply if you book cabins, premium seating or carry a vehicle, and prices may change year by year, so it is wise to check current fares when you book.
Is the Andros to Kea ferry route suitable for travellers who get seasick easily?
The Andros to Kea ferry route is long and passes through areas where the Meltemi wind can make the sea choppy, especially in mid summer. If you are prone to seasickness, it may be better to choose shorter crossings, such as Andros to Rafina and Lavrio to Kea, or to travel in calmer months like May, June or September, and you can also bring seasickness remedies and choose an indoor seat in the middle of the ship where movement is less noticeable.
What happens if the Andros to Kea ferry route is fully booked or cancelled?
When the Andros to Kea ferry route sells out or is cancelled due to weather or operational issues, most travellers switch to alternative combinations that go via the mainland, for example Andros to Rafina and then Lavrio to Kea. As a backup, some people also consider routes via Syros or other Cycladic islands, but because this route operates only weekly, you should always have a plan B and avoid scheduling important flights or events for the same day as your Andros to Kea crossing.