How to Get from Athens to Paros in 2026: Ferry, Flight & Tips
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Getting from Athens to Paros is one of the most popular trips in the Cyclades, and in 2026 you've more options than ever. Whether you prefer the wind in your hair on a fast catamaran, the romance of a conventional overnight ferry, or the speed of a short domestic flight, this guide covers everything you need to plan the journey confidently.
At Discover Cyclades, we've made this crossing dozens of times and in every season. Here's the complete, honest breakdown.
→ Paros ferry routes → | Paros hotels → | Paros island guide →
The Quick Answer
| Option | Duration | Price (per person) | Daily Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed ferry | 3–4 h | €45–€65 | 2–4 sailings | Most travelers |
| Conventional ferry | 4–5 h | €38–€50 | 1–2 sailings | Budget, vehicles, cabins |
| Domestic flight | ~45 min | €60–€150+ | 1–2 flights (seasonal) | Time-poor travelers |
The high-speed ferry is the sweet spot for most visitors. It's affordable, leaves multiple times a day in summer, and drops you right in the heart of Parikia.
Ferry from Piraeus to Paros
The vast majority of travelers get to Paros by ferry from Piraeus, Athens's main port. It's simple, reliable, and you arrive directly at Parikia, the island's main town and port, with no transfer required.
Getting to Piraeus
Piraeus port is easy to reach from central Athens. The quickest option is Metro Line 1 (Green Line) from Monastiraki or Omonia, which drops you at Piraeus station in about 20 minutes. From Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), take Metro Line 3 to Monastiraki and change to Line 1, total journey time is around 55 to 70 minutes. Always give yourself at least 45 minutes at the port before your departure time, especially in July and August when Piraeus gets very busy.
Piraeus has multiple gates (E1–E12). Ferries to Paros typically depart from Gates E7–E9. Check your ticket confirmation the evening before, as gates can occasionally change.
High-Speed Ferries (3–4 Hours)
High-speed catamarans and fast ferries are the most popular choice. In 2026, the main operators on this route are:
- SeaJets, catamarans that reach Paros in as little as 3 hours and 10 minutes on the fastest services. Comfortable seats, air conditioning, and an onboard café. Fares typically range from €50 to €65 in economy.
- Fast Ferries, another well-regarded high-speed operator with competitive prices. Journey time averages around 3.5 hours. Fares from approximately €45.
These services run multiple times daily through the peak season (June–September), with reduced frequency from October to May. Because seats are reserved, you won't need to queue for a spot, but you should book in advance when traveling in summer.
→ Check all direct ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros →
Conventional Ferries (4–5 Hours)
For a more relaxed crossing, or if you're traveling with a vehicle, conventional ferries are a great option:
- Blue Star Ferries, the gold standard of Cyclades conventional ferries. Large ships with comfortable aircraft-style seats, air-conditioned lounges, restaurants, and private cabin berths (a good option for early morning or late night departures). Vehicle transport is available. Fares start from around €38 for deck class and go up to €120+ for a private cabin.
Conventional ferries can be a smart choice for families traveling with pushchairs or lots of luggage, as there's much more deck space. They also tend to handle rough sea conditions better than catamarans, which can occasionally be cancelled or rerouted in strong Aegean winds.
A Note on Departure Times
In high season, there are typically two to four departures per day. First sailings often leave early (around 07:00–08:00) and there are usually afternoon departures too. Always verify current timetables on the operator's website, as schedules change from year to year.
Flying from Athens to Paros
Paros has its own small airport, Paros National Airport (IATA: PAS), located about 10 kilometres south of Parikia. In 2026, Sky Express is the primary carrier operating domestic flights on this route from Athens International Airport (ATH).
- Flight time: approximately 45 minutes in the air
- Fares: typically €60–€150 one-way, depending on how far in advance you book
- Frequency: usually one to two flights per day in high season, with significantly reduced or suspended service in winter
Flying makes sense if you're seriously short on time, for example, arriving at Athens airport and needing to reach Paros the same morning for a same-day connection. However, for most travelers the flight has real drawbacks: the airport is small, ground transport to Parikia requires a taxi or rental car, and the price advantage over a fast ferry largely disappears once you factor in transport to and from both airports. There are also fewer booking options and more weather-related delays on small island airports.
Our verdict: unless every hour counts, the ferry is the better all-round experience.
Best Time to Travel
Peak season (July–August): the most ferry options but also the most crowded boats, higher prices, and the strongest meltemi winds that can occasionally disrupt high-speed services. Book well in advance.
Shoulder season (May–June and September–October): our favorite time to make this crossing. The sea is calmer, fares are lower, ferries run regularly, and Paros is at its most charming. Golden evening light in September is extraordinary.
Off-season (November–April): service frequency drops sharply. Blue Star Ferries typically operates a limited schedule, but journeys are possible. Some high-speed services are suspended entirely. Ideal for slow travelers who want Paros almost to themselves.
Booking Tips
Book early for summer: high-speed ferry seats sell out well before peak dates. For July or August travel, aim to book 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend departures.
Use official channels: book directly through SeaJets, Fast Ferries, or Blue Star Ferries websites, or use a reputable aggregator. Always download your e-ticket and take a screenshot in case you lose signal at the port.
Choose your class wisely: deck class on a conventional ferry is comfortable enough in calm weather, but if you're traveling overnight or with young children, a seat reservation in the interior lounge or a private cabin is worth every euro.
Check cancellation policies: high-speed catamarans are more frequently cancelled or rerouted in strong winds. If your schedule is inflexible, a conventional ferry gives you more certainty.
Bring a light layer: even in July, the open-deck crossing can be chilly once the boat is up to speed.
Arriving at Parikia Port
Parikia port is compact and easy to navigate. As you disembark, you'll immediately see the famous Cycladic windmill at the end of the pier, a great first impression. The town centre, with its cafés, ATMs, car rental offices, and supermarkets, is a two-minute walk from the ferry gate.
Getting around Paros from the port: Local buses (KTEL) depart from a stop near the port and serve Naoussa, Golden Beach, and Alyki. Taxis are available but limited, don't count on one appearing immediately in peak season. We recommend pre-booking a car hire for your first day if you plan to explore. The island is 196 km² and a rental car or scooter will transform your holiday.
→ Things to do in Paros → | Paros hotels near the port →
Onward Hops from Paros
One of the best things about Paros is its position at the center of the Cyclades ferry network. Once you're here, the rest of the islands open up beautifully.
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Paros to Naxos: just 25 to 35 minutes on the fast ferry, one of the shortest inter-island crossings in Greece. Multiple daily departures make this an ideal same-day or next-day addition to your trip. → Paros to Naxos ferry →
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Paros to Mykonos: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by high-speed ferry. Regular connections in summer make Paros an excellent base from which to visit Mykonos for a day or to continue your island-hopping journey northward.
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Paros to Santorini: roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the service and how many intermediate stops are made. A classic end point on a Cyclades circuit. Ferries operate daily in summer.
Paros also has excellent connections to Ios, Folegandros, and Milos if you want to venture into the southern Cyclades. It's genuinely the best island-hopping hub in the entire archipelago.
→ Paros vs Naxos: which should you choose? →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Paros?
High-speed ferries from Piraeus to Paros take approximately 3 to 4 hours. Conventional ferries such as Blue Star take 4 to 5 hours. The fastest services (SeaJets on good-weather days) can reach Paros in just over 3 hours.
Can you fly from Athens to Paros?
Yes. Sky Express operates domestic flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Paros National Airport (PAS) in approximately 45 minutes. Services are seasonal and limited, with one to two daily flights in summer. Most travelers still prefer the ferry for its frequency, price, and the convenience of arriving at Parikia port.
How much does it cost to get from Athens to Paros?
Conventional ferry deck class starts at around €38. High-speed ferry seats typically cost €45 to €65 depending on the operator and season. Domestic flights with Sky Express range from about €60 to €150+ one-way. Traveling outside July and August will generally save you 15 to 30% across all modes.
Which is the best ferry from Athens to Paros?
For speed and frequency, SeaJets and Fast Ferries are the top choices. For comfort, vehicle transport, and reliability in rough weather, Blue Star Ferries is hard to beat. All three are established, safe operators with good onboard facilities.
When should I book the ferry from Athens to Paros?
For July and August departures, book 4 to 6 weeks in advance, high-speed seats on popular morning sailings sell out quickly. For May, June, September, and October, booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is usually enough. Off-season travelers can often book just a few days before departure.
