Ferry to Chios 2027: routes, prices & tickets

How to get to Chios by ferry

Chios is Greece's fifth-largest island and a hub of the North Aegean. Ferries reach its port from three departure points on the Greek mainland: Piraeus, Thessaloniki and Kavala. Prices start from around €32 for a deck ticket. On the Piraeus route, the fares we usually see are a little higher, at around €40–49, and they go up if you add an airline-style seat or a cabin.

The ferry companies shown on the page are Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Hellenic Seaways. Which ships you'll actually see depends on the season and each year's timetable. The 2027 schedules are being announced gradually and may differ from 2026. Before you pay, check the day, time and ship in your search results.

Which route to choose

Piraeus to Chios: the most frequent

This route has the most departures and runs all year round. The journey takes roughly 7 to 10 hours, depending on the ship and the stops along the way. Some sailings call at Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria or Samos, or stop at Psara, and these take noticeably longer. There have been sailings of 13–14 hours. If you're short on time, choose the fastest ship and check how many stops it makes. Don't judge by departure time alone.

Evening sailings, departing at around 20:00–23:00, are handy if you don't want to lose a day. With a cabin you arrive rested in the morning. Bear in mind that some arrivals are very early, at around 04:30–06:00.

Thessaloniki to Chios and Kavala to Chios

The routes from northern Greece are less frequent, roughly once a week based on the 2026 timetable. The journey takes about 11 to 13.5 hours, because the ship calls at other North Aegean islands. If you're starting in northern Greece (Macedonia or Thrace), it's worth planning your days around the ferry rather than travelling to Athens just to catch a boat from there. The opposite applies if you want more flexible times: Piraeus has more choice.

When to book

• Summer (July–August) and the 15 August holiday: book as early as you can, especially if you're travelling with a car or want a cabin. Evening sailings fill up first.
• Greek Orthodox Easter: Chios is a popular Easter destination, thanks to the famous Rocket War (Rouketopolemos) in Vrontados. Tickets for Holy Week sell out early.
• Spring and autumn: prices are usually lower and there is more availability, but there are fewer sailings.
• Winter: the Piraeus route keeps running, but some of the sailing options are reduced. There are fewer sailing days, so check the timetable before you book your hotel.

With a car or without?

Chios is large and mountainous. The Mastic Villages (Mastichochoria) in the south, Volissos in the north-west (about 40 km from Chios Town) and Kardamyla in the north-east (about 27 km) are all some distance away. If you're staying only in Chios Town, taxis and the local bus service will do. If you want beaches and villages, a car helps a lot. You have two options: take your own car on the ferry (reserve a space when you book, as vehicle spaces are limited) or rent one on the island. For a short stay, renting is often cheaper.

Practical tips for your trip

• Arrive at the port at least 60 minutes before departure. If you have a vehicle, check the boarding time on your e-ticket.
• For an overnight trip, a cabin is worth it if you have something to do in the morning. For shorter trips, a seat is usually enough.
• If you have time and fancy a trip to Turkey, there are sailings to Çeşme, taking 20–40 minutes, departing from Chios Town. You'll need a passport or an ID card, depending on your nationality.
• If you have a return flight, leave a margin when travelling by ferry. Weather delays are not uncommon in the Aegean.

What to do when you arrive

The port is right in Chios Town, so you can start with the castle, the market and the seafront. Buses to the Mastic Villages and the beaches leave from there. If you arrive at night, arrange a pick-up from your accommodation or take a taxi. In the same search you can also find ferries from Chios to other islands, so you can plan a trip covering more than one island.