Athens (Piraeus) - Ios
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
Athens (Piraeus) - Ios
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios are operated by 3 ferry companies; Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets. The journey usually takes around 5 hours 20 minutes. There are currently 13 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £41 but vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Get a quote to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Ios today.
Last updated: 12/11/2026
Athens (Piraeus) Ios ferry prices tend to range between £41* and £257*. The average price for ferries from Athens (Piraeus) Ios is typically £94*. The cheapest Athens (Piraeus) Ios ferry prices start from £41*. The average foot passenger price is £93*. And the average price for a car is £459*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated November 26.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year round. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with and check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process. For more, see our Student Ferry Travel guide.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.
The first Athens (Piraeus) Ios ferry typically departs from Athens (Piraeus) at around 05:00. The last ferry usually departs at 23:30.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios are more suited to weekend trips or longer stays to really make the most of the journey - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog. Where a faster crossing is available, see our high-speed ferry types guide.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets ferries allow cars on board ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios.
Whether you can bring your campervan on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios depends on factors like the ship & operator of your preferred crossing. To find out whether you can take your caravan on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we will compare operators on the specified route for you.
For more practical tips and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan & caravan, visit our blog or Caravan Holiday Guide.
Currently, you cannot take your bicycle on board any ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Athens (Piraeus) Ios ferries is £191.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated November 26.
In general, you’ll need the following things when travelling with your pet on board a ferry:
For more information about taking your dog on a ferry, read our article on pet ferry travel.
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, whilst others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the different options, so you can decide which ferry crossing best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
If you’re travelling with a guide dog or an assistance dog, we recommend informing our customer service team at the time of booking.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.
Whether an overnight ferry is available on the route between Athens (Piraeus) and Ios depends on various factors. To find out if there is an overnight ferry available, simply enter your details; our search results will then provide you with the information on whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times, as well as alternatives for day passages.
Please note that the duration of the night ferries can at times be slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel. As well as our travel advice guides on International Travel and European Travel.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as the number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Tip: Our 101 on Booking and Boarding Your Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions pages are a great guide for first-time ferry travellers & any questions that pop up pre-booking.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Ios is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | £42 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | £79 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | £38 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £41 |
| Car | £158 |
| Cabin | £41 |
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Ios Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £93 | |
| Average Price with Car | £459 | |
| Average Cabin Price | £188 | |
| Athens (Piraeus) - Ios Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Athens |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands |
| No. of Operators | 3 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | £94 |
| Average Pet Price | £191 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 13 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 5 h 20 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 4 h 10 m |
| First Ferry | 05:00 |
| Last Ferry | 23:30 |
| Distance | 119 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 12 November 2026.
"Efficient transportation"
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No, the ferry ride is too long for a day trip; a longer stay is recommended.
From Ios, you can easily reach the islands of Santorini, Naxos, and Paros by ferry. Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, is about a 1-hour ferry ride away. Naxos and Paros are neighboring islands with beautiful beaches and traditional villages, both reachable within an hour by ferry from Ios.
The high-speed ferry from Athens to Ios operated by SeaJets, takes 4h 15m, costs £268.
Taking a ferry to Ios offers a scenic journey with relaxation and ease of travel, but it takes longer than flying. Ferries can take around 4-8 hours, depending on the route and schedule, while flying is typically under an hour, making it faster. However, despite the longer duration, the ferry ride can be a pleasant part of your Greek island experience, offering beautiful views and a more relaxing way to travel.
Yes, you will need a valid passport to travel from Piraeus to Ios. If you are an EU citizen, a national ID card may be accepted instead of a passport for this domestic trip. However, it's always recommended to carry a passport as a form of identification when traveling.
From Athens airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Port of Piraeus, which is the closest port for a ferry to Ios. A taxi ride will take around 40 minutes, while a bus journey can take up to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Once you reach the Port of Piraeus, you can board a ferry to Ios to continue your journey.
The ferry ride from Piraeus to Ios can be rough, especially during the peak summer months when strong Aegean winds can create choppy sea conditions. It's recommended to check weather forecasts before your journey and consider taking medication for motion sickness if you are prone to it. Seating towards the middle of the ferry tends to experience less movement than the front or back.
The easiest way to travel from Piraeus to Ios is by ferry. The fastest option would be taking a high-speed ferry, which takes around 4-5 hours. For a more scenic journey, opt for a slower ferry to enjoy the views of the Greek islands along the way. To save money, consider booking economy tickets in advance or choosing a slower traditional ferry, which is usually more budget-friendly.
Embark on a Grecian odyssey starting from Piraeus ferry port, a bustling gateway that seamlessly blends maritime tradition with modern vibrancy. Piraeus serves as the perfect launchpad to explore the ancient splendors of Athens, with iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Archaeological Museum beckoning history enthusiasts. Stroll through the charming Plaka district or visit the bustling central market for a taste of local life. Annually, the city celebrates with the Piraeus Carnival, a vibrant event filled with parades and cultural performances. From Piraeus, the Greek islands are just a ferry ride away, and the port's extensive network facilitates easy travel to destinations like Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese. For travel to Athens city center, the efficient metro system is a traveler's best bet, with the green line connecting directly to Piraeus station. Buses are also available, providing convenient access to various parts of the city. Whether you're setting sail to idyllic islands or delving into historic streets, Piraeus ferry port is your starting point for an unforgettable Grecian adventure.
Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, Ios ferry port serves as the gateway to this captivating Greek island, where tradition and nightlife dance hand in hand. Ios entices travellers with its golden beaches, such as Mylopotas and Manganari, and the historical allure of the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos. Don't miss the charming Hora, or Ios Town, with its labyrinth of white-washed buildings and vibrant squares. While there are no yearly festivals that occur with the certainty required for inclusion here, the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage provide year-round allure. The ferry from Athens to Ios connects explorers to the islands of Santorini or Naxos with ease from Ios ferry port. Upon arrival, visitors can take a bus or taxi from the port to reach the town centre swiftly. Ios ferry port is not only a hub of Aegean connectivity but also the starting point for an unforgettable Grecian odyssey.
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