Ferry to Paros 2026: routes, prices & tickets

How to get to Paros by ferry

The island's main port is Parikia, on the west coast. Almost all services from the mainland and the neighbouring islands arrive here. Paros is connected with eight ports: Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini. Departures from Paros to Piraeus, Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini are the most frequent and the most reliable. For Syros, Tinos, Rafina or Lavrio, check the exact dates, as many of these sailings are seasonal.

Which Athens port to leave from

Piraeus to Paros

This is the busiest route and it runs all year round. Blue Star Ferries' conventional ferries take roughly 4 to 5.5 hours. They have cabins, open decks and space for vehicles, so they suit anyone travelling with a car or a lot of luggage. Seajets high-speed ferries take from about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on the sailing and the number of intermediate stops. High-speed tickets usually cost more, and these services often run only from spring to mid-October. As a guide, conventional ferry tickets start at around €40–50 per person, while high-speed tickets start at over €60. The final price depends on the date and the type of seat or cabin.

Rafina to Paros

If you're staying in the east of Attica or arriving from Athens airport, Rafina is often the more convenient choice. It's reached via the Attiki Odos motorway, the port is smaller and boarding is more relaxed. Fast Ferries operates Rafina to Paros services, mainly in the summer season. Compare the total journey time, not just the time at sea. If getting to Piraeus takes you an hour longer, the advantage of a high-speed ferry can disappear.

Lavrio to Paros

This is an alternative for travellers staying in the south or east of the Athens area. There are fewer sailings, so book early.

Connections to other islands

Paros is a stopover on many Cyclades itineraries. Naxos is a short hop away and there are plenty of sailings, operated by Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways depending on the season. In summer there are usually more options to Santorini and Mykonos. Syros and Tinos are handy for island hopping to the north, but they don't have daily departures all year. You don't need a mainland ferry to reach Antiparos: a small boat runs from Parikia and a small car ferry from Pounta, just south of Parikia.

When to book

• July–August: book 3–6 weeks ahead. This is especially important for weekends, the 15 August holiday and any trip with a car, as vehicle spaces sell out first.
• June and September: 1–2 weeks is usually enough, except for weekends.
• Winter: services drop to one or two a day from Piraeus, and high-speed ferries stop running or sail less often. Book according to the weather and the times that suit you.

The "from €7" price is the cheapest route and date you'll find on this page, usually a short hop between islands. For Piraeus to Paros, expect to pay considerably more. If you can travel midweek or in the morning, try those days first.

Practical tips

• Don't book a flight home on the same day as a ferry. Weather in the Aegean can delay or cancel sailings, particularly during the strong meltemi winds, and high-speed ferries are affected first.
• A day trip from Athens to Paros doesn't work by ferry. Even the fastest crossing takes more than 2.5 hours each way.
• If you have a car, think about whether you really need to bring it. Parking in Parikia is limited in summer, and there are car and scooter rental offices at the port.
• For conventional ferries, check whether the sailing is direct or has intermediate stops. The difference in journey time can be several hours.

Arriving in Parikia

The port is in the centre of town, and most passengers walk to their accommodation or take a short ride. Local buses leave from here for Naoussa, Lefkes and the beaches on the east side of the island. Naoussa has no port for passenger ferries, so you'll travel there by road from Parikia. The airport is about 9 km (5.5 miles) south of Parikia. If you fly out and take the ferry back, or the other way round, allow time for a taxi or bus transfer to the port.