Ferries from Piraeus: routes & destinations 2027

Ferries from Piraeus in 2027: what to know before you choose

Ferries from Piraeus serve almost every island that has a ferry connection from Attica. This page lists 32 departure routes, from Aegina and Syros to Rhodes, Lesbos and Chania. In the other direction, the most frequent return sailings are from Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and Heraklion. The "from €31" price is for the cheapest seat on selected routes. The final fare depends on the ship, the day and how early you book. Short routes in the Saronic Gulf are usually cheaper.

Conventional ferry or high-speed boat?

It isn't just about price. Journey time, the weather and whether you are travelling with a car all matter too.

• Conventional ferries (e.g. Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines): these carry vehicles, have cabins and open decks, and cope better with wind. Sailings to Syros, Paros, Naxos or Santorini take several hours. For Crete and the Dodecanese you will often travel overnight.
• High-speed ferries and catamarans (e.g. Seajets, Fast Ferries, Hellenic Seaways): these cut journey times to the central Cyclades considerably. Tickets are usually more expensive, there are no cabins, and space for cars is limited or non-existent.

If you are travelling with children or luggage, or are prone to seasickness, many people prefer a conventional ferry with a seat in an indoor lounge. If your time is short, a high-speed boat gives you more time on the island.

Which Piraeus gate do you need?

The port is large and ferries are split between gates according to destination. As a guide:

• E1: Dodecanese
• E2: Crete (Heraklion), Chios, Lesbos, Samos, Ikaria
• E3: Crete (Chania) and Kythira
• E6 and E7: Cyclades
• E8: Saronic Gulf
• E9 and E10: western Cyclades, Samos, Ikaria

The gate depends on the ship and the operator, and can change from one season to the next. A good rule of thumb: always check the gate on your ticket or in your operator's notification shortly before you leave. Distances within the port are long. If you go to the wrong gate, allow several minutes on foot or a ride on the port shuttle bus.

How to get to Piraeus

• Metro: Piraeus station is the terminus of Line 1 and is also served by Line 3, so you have a direct connection to central Athens and the airport.
• From the airport: the X96 express bus runs 24 hours a day. The journey takes about an hour, longer in traffic. For morning departures, leave plenty of time.
• By car: parking inside the port is not allowed. If you are not boarding with your vehicle, use a private car park near the port and reserve a space in advance, especially in July and August.
• Taxi: convenient with luggage. Give the driver your gate number, not just "the port".

When to book

For July and August, and for the 15 August public holiday, book as soon as the operator opens its timetables. This is especially important if you have a car or want a cabin to Crete or the Dodecanese. For May, June and September, a few weeks ahead is usually enough. Greek Orthodox Easter and other holidays are also busy. In winter there are fewer sailings, and smaller islands have fewer departures. Choose a ticket that allows changes, because sailings are cancelled in strong winds. This happens more often with high-speed boats and especially during the meltemi, the strong summer north wind in the Aegean.

If you are heading to Andros, Tinos or Mykonos

For some Cyclades destinations there is an alternative: the port of Rafina, which is closer to Athens airport and to many parts of eastern Attica. Compare routes and times from both ports before you decide, especially if you are arriving from the airport or travelling with a car.

Practical tips for the day of travel

• Get to the port at least one hour before departure. If you have a vehicle, follow the operator's check-in time.
• Most operators accept e-tickets, but keep your booking reference and a photo ID or passport with you.
• On a conventional ferry, buy water and food before boarding if the journey is long. Prices at the onboard bar are higher.
• For an overnight crossing, bring a jumper and a charger: the lounges are strongly air-conditioned and sockets are scarce.
• If you have a flight connection, don't book a ferry on the same day without leaving enough time in between, especially in winter when sailings are less frequent.

What to do if you have time to spare

If you have hours before departure, there are cafés and restaurants in the streets around the port. The Peiraiki waterfront and Zea Marina (Pasalimani) are within walking distance of central Piraeus, but allow enough time to get back to the right gate. Don't leave luggage in a car on the surrounding side streets.