Ferry from Naxos to Andros is a handy link between the central Cyclades and the northern Cyclades, with journey times usually around 3 hours and a regular summer schedule that makes this a realistic move within an island hopping itinerary. The route is mainly operated by Seajets, with some sources also mentioning Cyclades Fast Ferries involvement, and there are typically about 6 to 7 weekly crossings in the main season, with departures around mid morning and early afternoon and ticket prices for foot passengers starting from about €40. Ferries depart from the main port of Naxos in Naxos Town and arrive at Gavrio, the main port of Andros, where buses and taxis connect you to Batsi, Chora and other parts of the island, making this route useful for linking Naxos with Andros without returning to the mainland.
Key information for the Naxos to Andros ferry route
Ferry duration
The Naxos to Andros ferry duration is typically around 3 hours, with multiple route guides and booking platforms giving values of 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes. Average travel time is often summarised as about 3 hours 7 minutes, so for planning it is safe to assume a 3 hour crossing.
Ferry companies
Most recent schedule summaries state that Seajets is the main operator on the Naxos to Andros route, providing around 7 to 14 weekly sailings, depending on the season. Some fare comparison sites also list Cyclades Fast Ferries as an operator on the wider Andros to Naxos connection, although current outbound schedules from Naxos are dominated by Seajets.
Fast vs slow ferry
For this route there is effectively a single speed category, as the Seajets Superrunner Jet and similar vessels complete the Naxos to Andros crossing in around 3 hours and there are no slower conventional ferries listed on this direct leg. Differences in duration between specific days mainly reflect minor timetable variations and weather conditions rather than distinct fast and slow options.
Best time to travel
Direct ferries from Naxos to Andros usually run from June to September, with schedule summaries mentioning about 6 weekly crossings, often clustered in the main summer months. Outside this period, direct services can be reduced or absent, so travellers in spring or autumn may need to route via another island or return to the mainland.
Sea conditions and wind
This route crosses a stretch of sea that is exposed to the Meltemi, the strong summer north wind that can cause choppy conditions and occasional delays, especially in July and August. Seajets high speed vessels are designed for such routes, but in strong winds the ride can feel bumpy, so it is wise to allow some schedule flexibility and be prepared for motion if you are prone to seasickness.
Port guide
In Naxos, ferries to Andros depart from the main port in Naxos Town, close to the old town, harbourfront and accommodation around Saint George Beach, so it is easy to reach on foot from most central hotels. In Andros, ferries arrive at Gavrio, the island’s main port on the west coast, where buses and taxis connect to Batsi, Chora and other villages, and where you will also find car rental offices and basic services.
Car rental advice
Seajets vessels on this route operate as car ferries, and fare examples show average vehicle prices around €48 for the Naxos to Andros leg, with foot passenger tickets from about €40. However, many travellers choose to travel as foot passengers and rent a car in Gavrio or Batsi, as Andros is a larger island with good road access and local rentals are widely available.
Foot passenger tips
For foot passengers, it is recommended to arrive at Naxos port at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, especially in high season, because several ferries may be using the port around the same time. Ticket comparison sites note that there is only one outbound Naxos to Andros ferry per day in some timetable periods, so you should book ahead, double check the time and be ready to board promptly when the ferry arrives.
Is this route worth it?
The Naxos to Andros ferry route is worth including if you want to combine the more central Cyclades with the northern Cyclades, as Andros offers a greener, less crowded island with good hiking, villages and beaches. Many itineraries mentioned in travel forums link Naxos with Andros via this route rather than returning through Athens, making for a varied and efficient island hopping plan.
Alternative route if cancelled
If a direct Naxos to Andros ferry is cancelled, one alternative is to travel via another island or via Rafina, for example taking a Naxos to Mykonos or Naxos to Paros ferry and then continuing to Andros, or routing Naxos to Rafina and then Rafina to Andros. Indirect routes can be longer and require careful coordination of timetables, so they are best used as backups rather than primary plans.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Andros to Naxos is more widely documented, with Cyclades Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets all operating services that typically take around 3 hours 5 minutes, with about 7 weekly sailings. This means that travelling from Andros to Naxos is straightforward in summer and can easily be combined with the Naxos to Andros leg to form a loop or multi island itinerary.
Frequently asked questions about the Naxos to Andros ferry route
How long does the Naxos to Andros ferry take?
Most sources state that the Naxos to Andros ferry takes around 3 hours, with some listing durations up to about 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the specific sailing. For planning, you should assume a 3 hour crossing and allow a little extra time for boarding and disembarkation.
How often does the Naxos to Andros ferry run?
In the main summer season, there are typically about 6 to 7 weekly crossings from Naxos to Andros, with Seajets sailing most days and departures usually around 09:00 or early afternoon. Outside summer, the direct route may be reduced, so always check current schedules for your dates.
Which ferry company is best for the Naxos to Andros route?
Seajets currently provides the main direct Naxos to Andros service and is therefore the default choice, offering a consistent 3 hour crossing time. Cyclades Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries appear more often on the reverse Andros to Naxos leg and on Rafina based routes, so they become relevant if you plan a more complex itinerary via the mainland.
Can I do a day trip from Naxos to Andros by ferry?
Ferry route summaries explicitly say that you cannot realistically make a day trip on the Naxos to Andros route, because the shortest one way journey is about 3 hours and there is no same day return ferry. This route is better suited to multi day stays on Andros rather than short excursions.
Do I need to book the Naxos to Andros ferry in advance?
Because there is often only one direct Naxos to Andros sailing per day and these ferries can fill up in high season, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for July and August travel. Booking early helps you secure your preferred date and ensures you have a seat on this relatively limited but useful connection.