Ferry to Folegandros 2027: routes, prices & tickets
You can only reach Folegandros by ferry, arriving at the port of Karavostasis from Piraeus or Lavrio. Here you'll find which route is best value, how long the journey takes and when to book for 2027.
Ferry tickets to Folegandros
- Departure ports
- 2
- Travel time
- 3h 40m – 13h 50m
- Tickets from
- €28
- Ferry companies
- 3
Ferries to Folegandros from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavrio to Folegandros | 13h 50m | Conventional | €28 | Schedule → | |
| Piraeus to Folegandros | 3h 40m – 7h 25m | Conventional High-speed | €48 | Schedule → |
Ferry times to Folegandros
Indicative schedule — times change by season. Confirm in the search before booking.
How much is the ferry to Folegandros
Conventional
from €28High-speed
from €69.70Starting 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 Folegandros
Port information
- Port: Karavostasis, the island's only port, on the south-east side.
- Distance to Chora: about 3 km, roughly 10 minutes by vehicle. Chora is built at an altitude of around 200 metres.
- Bus: the stop is on the quay and the bus usually waits for the ferries. In winter, services are less frequent.
- Taxis and rentals: there are taxis and vehicle rental offices. Book earlier in summer.
- What's at the port: a quay, a beach, a few tavernas and rooms. Livadi and Vardia are within walking distance.
- Cash machines and cash: the island's two cash machines are in Chora, not at the port. Bring cash with you.
- Access by car: there is a single road, narrow in places. If you are bringing a car, make sure your ferry carries vehicles.
- Weather: in a strong meltemi, sailings may be changed or cancelled. Avoid booking tight same-day connections.
How to get to Folegandros
The island has no airport, so every journey is by sea. The two routes on this page are Piraeus to Folegandros and Lavrio to Folegandros. There are also connections with other Cyclades islands, such as Syros, Santorini, Milos and Amorgos. These depend on the season and change every year, so check your date in the search.
From Piraeus: the main option
Piraeus, Athens' main port, has the most sailings all year round. The sources we checked show departures four to seven days a week. In summer there are usually two or three a day, while in winter this drops to three or four a week. There are two types of ferry:
- High-speed ferry: about 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 35 minutes, depending on the vessel and intermediate stops. This is the sensible choice if you only have a few days. It costs more, and the autumn fares we saw started from around €84.
- Conventional ferry: 7 to 9 hours, with stops at other islands along the way. The fare is lower, around €48 in our sample data, and you get more space and easier access if you are taking a car.
The operators shown on this page are Seajets, Fast Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. Which one is available depends on the day and the time of year.
From Lavrio: for low cost and a calmer departure
The "from €28" fare on this page is for Lavrio. The service is usually once a week on a conventional ferry. The journey takes anywhere from about 7.5 to 14 hours, depending on how many islands the ferry calls at on the way. Lavrio is handy if you are staying east of Athens or want to avoid the bustle of Piraeus. However, with only one sailing a week, you will need to plan your dates around it. A day trip isn't realistic from either Lavrio or Piraeus.
Which ferry should you choose?
- If you have 3–4 days: take a high-speed ferry from Piraeus. With about 4 hours each way, you lose less time on board.
- If you are travelling with a car: there is essentially one main road on the island, running from Karavostasis to Chora and Ano Meria. Most places can be reached by bus, taxi or scooter, so a car isn't essential. If you do want to bring one, book a conventional ferry and check during booking that your specific ferry carries vehicles.
- If you are combining Cyclades islands: Folegandros sits between Paros and Santorini, which makes it easy to build a two-island holiday. Note that connections between islands don't run every day.
- If you have a flight on the same day: choose a morning ferry for your return, not the last one of the day. If bad weather cancels your ferry, this leaves you some leeway.
When to book for 2027
Summer timetables are usually released in stages, with high-speed ferries often appearing later than conventional ones. If you are travelling in July, August or around the 15 August holiday, book as soon as your date opens. You will get a better choice of times and, where available, a lower fare. For May, June and September you can usually find seats with just a few weeks' notice. In winter there are fewer sailings, so if you are going between November and February, check first which days have a ferry and then book your accommodation.
Weather, the meltemi and practical tips
- The meltemi, the strong northerly summer wind, can delay or cancel sailings in July and August, mainly high-speed ones. Avoid planning very tight same-day connections.
- Folegandros has two cash machines, both in Chora. Many businesses accept only cash, so withdraw some before you head up to the island.
- In Piraeus, check which gate your ferry leaves from before you set off. High-speed and conventional ferries often depart from different parts of the port.
- Keep your booking reference and a valid passport or photo ID with you. You may be asked for them at boarding.
The arrival port: Karavostasis
All ferries dock at Karavostasis, on the south-east side of the island. Chora is about 3 km up the hill, at an altitude of around 200 metres, and the journey by car or bus takes about 10 minutes. The bus usually meets the ferries, and sources indicate there is a connection whatever the arrival time. In winter, however, services are less frequent. If your accommodation offers a pick-up, arrange it before you arrive.
Folegandros ferry FAQ
How long does the ferry from Piraeus to Folegandros take?
By high-speed ferry the journey takes about 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 35 minutes. By conventional ferry it takes 7 to 9 hours, because the ferry makes intermediate stops. The exact duration is shown next to each sailing.
How much is a ferry ticket to Folegandros?
The lowest fare you will see on this page is from €28, for Lavrio. From Piraeus, the conventional ferry is around €48 and the high-speed ferry can start from about €84. Fares vary with the date, seat category and how early you book.
Which port is better to leave from, Piraeus or Lavrio?
Piraeus has far more sailings and a wider choice of times and ferries. Lavrio usually has one sailing a week, but fares start lower. Choose Lavrio only if that particular day suits your plans.
How early should I book tickets for summer 2027?
For July and August, book as soon as your date appears, especially if you want a high-speed ferry or a space for a car. For May, June and September there is usually more availability, and a few weeks' notice is enough.
Are there ferries to Folegandros all year round?
Yes, there are sailings from Piraeus all year, with more in summer and fewer in winter. In winter there may be a ferry only on certain days of the week. Check your date before booking accommodation.
Can I visit Folegandros and return on the same day?
No. The high-speed ferry takes over 3.5 hours each way, so a day trip isn't practical. Plan for at least one overnight stay.
How do I get from the port to Chora?
Chora is about 3 km from Karavostasis and the journey takes around 10 minutes by vehicle. A bus usually waits at the port, and there are taxis too. In winter, bus services are less frequent.
Do I need a car on Folegandros?
Not necessarily. The island is small, with one main road and a bus linking the port, Chora and Ano Meria. If you want more freedom to explore beaches and walking trails, rent a scooter or car on the island.
