Ferry to Ios 2027: routes, prices & tickets
Ios has no airport, so the ferry is the only way to get there. Here you'll find which departure port is best value, how long the journey takes and what to book early for 2027.
Ferry tickets to Ios
- Departure ports
- 3
- Travel time
- 4h 15m – 12h 10m
- Tickets from
- €23.50
- Ferry companies
- 4
Ferries to Ios from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavrio to Ios | 12h 10m | Conventional |  | €23.50 | Schedule → |
| Piraeus to Ios | 4h 15m – 9h 55m | Conventional High-speed |   | €39 | Schedule → |
| Rafina to Ios | 4h 25m – 4h 35m | High-speed |  | €78 | Schedule → |
Ferry times to Ios
Indicative schedule — times change by season. Confirm in the search before booking.
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 19:10 | Artemis | Conventional | Fri | €23.50 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 19:10 | Artemis | Conventional | Fri | €23.50 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:25 | 14:10 | Blue Star 1 | Conventional | Wed, Thu, Sat | — |
| 14:15 | 23:10 | Dionisios Solomos | Conventional | Mon, Wed, Fri | €48 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 11:15 | Olympic Champion Jet | High-speed | Mon–Sun | €84.70 |
| 07:00 | 17:25 | Dionisios Solomos | Conventional | Wed | €48 |
| 09:00 | 13:20 | Champion Jet 3 | High-speed | Mon–Sun | €84.70 |
| 14:15 | 23:10 | Dionisios Solomos | Conventional | Mon | €48 |
| 15:00 | 20:20 | Champion Jet 1 | High-speed | Mon–Sun | €84.70 |
| 17:30 | 01:20 | Blue Star Delos | Conventional | Mon, Tue, Wed (and other days) | — |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:20 | 11:45 | Golden Princess | High-speed | Mon–Sun | €78 |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:20 | 11:45 | Golden Princess | High-speed | Mon–Sun | €78 |
How much is the ferry to Ios
Conventional
from €23.50High-speed
from €78Starting prices per person, economy seat, one way.
When to book: for July–August 3–4 weeks ahead; May, June and September have more availability. Discounts for students, large families and island residents.
Ferry companies serving Ios
Port information
- Port: Gialos (Ormos), the only port on Ios. All ferries dock here.
- Distance to Chora: about 2 km. 5 minutes by bus, or a 10–20 minute uphill walk on the footpath.
- Bus: The local bus links the port, Chora and Mylopotas. In summer it runs frequently and also goes to other beaches. Times change by season, so check the notice at the bus stop.
- Taxis: There are only a few on the island. You'll need to find them at the rank in front of the quay or in Chora. When ferries arrive, ask for one early.
- Mylopotas: about 3 km from the port, by bus or car.
- Gialos: Next to the port there is a beach, along with restaurants and shops. It's quieter than Chora.
- Parking and vehicles: The area around the port is limited. If you have a vehicle, allow time for boarding and disembarking, and don't leave it on the bus routes.
- Vehicle hire: Scooters and cars can be hired at the port and in Chora. They're useful for Manganari and other remote beaches.
How to get to Ios by ferry
Ios can only be reached by sea. Three ports in Attica have connections to the island: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Before you choose, think about where you're staying in Athens and how much time you have. The difference in journey time between the high-speed ferry and the conventional ferry is big, while the difference in price isn't always proportionate.
This page shows prices from €23.50. That is the lowest fare displayed, and it depends on the route, the ship and the date. From Piraeus, fares to Ios typically range from about €40–50 up to around €85 for a seat on a high-speed ferry. On peak days, or if you're travelling with a car or in a cabin, the cost goes up considerably.
Piraeus to Ios: the most popular option
Piraeus has the most departures, with Seajets, Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries. The Seajets high-speed ferry takes about 4 hours 15 minutes and runs mainly from late April to late October. Conventional ferries usually take 6 to 7 hours. If they call at other islands, or if the sailing is a slow overnight one, the journey can stretch to 9–10 hours. Departures usually run from early morning to late afternoon, and ferries to Ios normally leave from Piraeus gates E6 and E7. The exact gate is printed on your ticket.
Rafina to Ios: for those staying in east Attica or flying into Athens airport
Rafina is closer to Athens International Airport. The route is mainly served by Golden Star Ferries and, in some periods, by Fast Ferries. The journey takes about 4.5 to 5 hours and sailings are seasonal, running from May or June to October. In winter you won't find frequent connections from Rafina. If you're travelling outside the summer season, Piraeus is the safer choice.
Lavrio to Ios
Lavrio has a limited number of sailings, mostly in summer. If it suits you geographically, compare the timetable on this page with Piraeus before booking, as schedules change from year to year.
Which ferry should you choose?
- High-speed ferry (Seajets): If you're spending 3–4 days on the island, the 4-hour crossing is worth it. However, in strong meltemi winds high-speed ferries are cancelled more readily than large ferries. Don't book your return with only a few hours' margin before a flight.
- Conventional ferry (Blue Star, Fast Ferries): It's slower, but it has outdoor decks and cabins, carries vehicles and copes better with rough weather. It's the sensible choice if you have luggage, children or a car.
- Golden Star from Rafina: Convenient if you're starting from east Attica, and it also links with other Cyclades islands.
When to book for 2027
Summer timetables are usually announced in winter and spring. If the exact 2027 sailings haven't been published yet, the ferry companies add them gradually, so check this page again. For July and August, especially weekends and departures around 15 August, book as early as you can. This applies particularly to high-speed ferries, cabins and vehicle spaces. In May, June and September, when Ios is still lively but the ferries are less full, you can usually find better prices too.
Ios and the other islands
Ios lies between Naxos and Santorini and has ferry links with Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini, so it fits easily into an island-hopping itinerary. Golden Star also runs a service to and from Mykonos, Paros and Tinos. Check the departure days, because sailings between the islands don't run daily all season.
After you arrive
All ferries dock at Gialos, the only port on Ios. Chora, the main town, sits on the hill above the port, about 2 kilometres away. The bus takes about 5 minutes, while walking up the footpath is a 10–20 minute uphill climb. If you have suitcases, take the bus or a taxi. Mylopotas, the biggest organised beach, is about 3 kilometres from the port. You can get there on the local bus, which runs between the port, Chora and the beach.
If you'd rather not hire a vehicle, the bus covers most of what a visitor needs. For more remote beaches such as Manganari, a scooter or car will help, especially at times of year when the bus runs less often.
Ios ferry FAQ
How long does the ferry from Piraeus to Ios take?
About 4 hours 15 minutes by high-speed ferry, and usually 6 to 7 hours by conventional ferry. Sailings with many intermediate stops, or overnight services, can take 9–10 hours.
Which ports have ferries to Ios?
Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Piraeus has the most departures and operates all year, while Rafina and Lavrio mainly have summer sailings.
How much is a ferry ticket to Ios?
Prices start from €23.50 and vary depending on the port, the ship, the day and the type of seat. From Piraeus they are usually higher, especially on a high-speed ferry, in a cabin or with a vehicle.
Does Ios have an airport?
No. You can only get there by ferry. If you're coming from abroad, you can fly to Athens and continue from Piraeus or Rafina, or fly to a nearby island such as Santorini and take a ferry from there.
How do I get from Ios port to Chora?
By local bus in about 5 minutes, or by taxi. There is also a stepped footpath up to Chora that takes 10–20 minutes, suitable if you aren't carrying heavy luggage.
When should I book tickets for summer 2027?
As early as possible for July and August, especially for weekends, high-speed ferries, cabins and vehicle transport. For May, June and September, you usually have more choice.
Are ferries to Ios cancelled because of bad weather?
Yes, when the Coast Guard imposes a sailing ban due to high winds. High-speed ferries are usually affected sooner than conventional ones. Don't book a return with very little margin before a flight.
Can I take a car to Ios?
Yes, conventional ferries carry vehicles. Book your space early, as vehicle decks fill up in summer. On the island, many visitors prefer the bus for getting around the port, Chora and Mylopotas.