Ferry to Andros 2026: routes, prices & tickets
To reach Andros, you take a ferry from Rafina to Gavrio, on the island's north-west coast. Here's how to choose the right ferry, when to book and what to know about arriving.
Ferry tickets to Andros
- Departure ports
- 1
Ferries to Andros from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafina to Andros | — | — | — | — | Schedule → |
How much is the ferry to Andros
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.
Port information
- Arrival port: Gavrio, on the north-west coast. It is the island's main port and the only one connecting Andros with Rafina.
- Driving distances: Batsi about 8 km (10 minutes), Chora about 32 km, Korthi about 45 km.
- Around the port: accommodation, tavernas, cafés and bars within walking distance. Next door is Harakas, with its beach.
- Getting around: if you don't have your own vehicle, arrange a taxi or car hire in advance, especially for trips to Chora or Korthi.
- Parking and boarding: conditions vary by season. In summer the area around the port gets crowded, so arrive early.
- Returning: arrive at Gavrio at least 45–60 minutes before departure, and earlier if you are taking a car.
How to get to Andros
Andros is the northernmost of the Cyclades and the closest to Athens. Its only ferry port with a mainland connection is Gavrio, and the service runs from Rafina. There is no route to the island from Piraeus or Lavrio, so your trip needs to be planned around Rafina.
Rafina is on the east coast of Attica, a short distance from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). If you are flying in, allow time to get to the port (by taxi, bus or car) and don't book a ferry with only a tight margin after landing.
Which ferry to choose
The Rafina – Andros route is operated by SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries (Andros Queen) and Cyclades Fast Ferries (Fast Ferries Andros). Times and prices vary by season and day, so compare options for the specific date you plan to travel.
The main difference is journey time
The fastest SeaJets sailings (for example with Champion Jet 3 or Eurochampion Jet, depending on the day) take about one hour. Most of the others, including the conventional ferries of Golden Star and Fast Ferries, take around two hours. Andros Queen and Fast Ferries Andros take roughly 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours. An hour's difference matters if you are travelling with a small child, if you are prone to seasickness, or if you are going for a weekend.
Morning or afternoon
In October 2026, for example, there were morning departures at around 07:20–07:50 and afternoon departures at around 16:30–17:30. In summer there are more departures. For a weekend trip, the Friday afternoon and Saturday morning sailings fill up first. On Sundays, the afternoon return sailings are in highest demand.
With or without a car
Distances on the island are long, and it is hard to see much of it without a vehicle. Gavrio is about 32 km from Chora (Andros Town) and 45 km from Korthi. If you want to explore beaches and villages, a car is the easiest option, whether you bring it on the ferry or hire one on the island. When booking, check that the sailing carries vehicles and that there is room for yours (height, length, van). If you are only staying in Gavrio and Batsi, you can manage on foot or by taxi.
When to book
- July–August and spring weekends: book as early as possible if you are taking a car, as vehicle spaces sell out first.
- 15 August and Greek Orthodox Easter: return sailings fill up early, as these are major public holidays in Greece. Book your return together with your outward journey.
- Winter and October–November: there are fewer sailings, and some ferries go out of service for maintenance. In October 2026, for example, Andros King had a scheduled break in service, so sailings were less frequent then.
- Strikes and weather: in the event of a strike or a sailing ban due to strong winds, departure times change. Choose a flexible ticket if you can, and check your departure the day before.
Gavrio and what's nearby
Gavrio is a lively seaside town with accommodation, tavernas, cafés and bars. Next to it is Harakas and its beach. Batsi, the island's most popular resort, is about 8 km away (a 10-minute drive) and is built in an amphitheatre shape around a bay. Chora, with its maritime history and museums, is about a 32 km drive to the east.
For a short trip, stay in Gavrio or Batsi and spend one day in Chora. If you have more time, also explore the mountain villages (such as Menites) and the hiking trails, because Andros is an island for walking as well as beaches.
Combining Andros with Tinos and Mykonos
Several sailings from Rafina continue from Andros to Tinos and Mykonos. If you are interested in a two-island trip, check whether the same ferry continues to the next port. This is often easier than buying two separate tickets.
Tips before you travel
- Arrive at Rafina at least 45–60 minutes before departure, and earlier if you have a vehicle.
- Check the departure time and the name of the ferry on your ticket. Several ferries often leave Rafina at almost the same time.
- Luggage allowances can be limited on high-speed services. If you have large suitcases, check the company's terms.
- On windy days, the Kafireas Strait (between Evia and Andros) is known for strong gales. If you are sensitive to rough seas, choose the larger ferry.
Andros ferry FAQ
Which port do ferries to Andros leave from?
Rafina. It is Andros's only ferry connection with Attica, and ferries arrive at Gavrio.
How long is the ferry from Rafina to Andros?
From about one hour on the fastest SeaJets sailings to around two hours on conventional or slower ferries. The exact duration is shown on your ticket for the date you choose.
How much is a ferry ticket to Andros?
For a foot passenger, prices shown on comparison sites start at around €21–26. The price varies by company, time, season and seat type. Cars and cabin accommodation cost extra.
Which ferry companies go to Andros?
The Rafina – Andros route is operated by SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries with Andros Queen and Cyclades Fast Ferries with Fast Ferries Andros. The ferries in service change by season.
Can I take my car to Andros?
Yes, several sailings carry vehicles. When booking, check that the specific sailing takes cars, and book early in summer and for weekends.
How far is Gavrio from Batsi and Chora?
Batsi is about 8 km away (around a 10-minute drive). Chora is about 32 km away and Korthi about 45 km.
How far in advance should I book an Andros ferry ticket?
For July–August and weekends, book at least a few weeks ahead, especially with a car. Outside the high season, a shorter lead time is usually enough, but check the timetable before booking as it changes.
Do ferries run all year round?
Yes, the route operates all year, with more sailings in summer. In autumn and winter there may be changes due to ferry maintenance, weather or strikes.