Ferry Route
Duration
2h
From
€30.00
Frequency
3-4 times per week
passengers
From
€60
2 × €30
Powered by Touristas Booking System
0h
Fastest crossing
0x
Daily departures
0+
Ferry operators
The Syros to Rafina ferry is one of the Cyclades' most popular connections, operating 3-4 times per week with journey times from 2h to 3h 36m and tickets from €30.00. The route is served by Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, with vehicle transport available on conventional ferries. Ferries operate Apr - Oct.
Rafina is celebrated for stunning landscapes and authentic Cycladic charm. Arriving by ferry gives you a spectacular approach from the sea.
Insider Tip: The Syros to Rafina crossing is one of the Aegean's most scenic routes. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck for unbeatable sea views. Traveling mid-week usually means emptier ferries and a more relaxed arrival. In peak season, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
Ferry Companies
High-speed ferry
From
€30.00
Duration
2h
Conventional ferry
From
€30.00
Duration
2h
Schedule
Availability
| Month | Frequency | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 days per week | 3h 36m | €30 |
| February | 3 days per week | 3h 36m | €30 |
| March | 3 days per week | 3h 36m | €30 |
| April | 3 days per week | 2h | €35 |
| May | 3 days per week | 2h | €35 |
| June | 4 days per week | 2h | €39 |
| July | 4 days per week | 2h | €39 |
| August | 4 days per week | 2h | €39 |
| September | 4 days per week | 2h | €39 |
| October | 3 days per week | 2h | €35 |
| November | 3 days per week | 3h 36m | €30 |
| December | 3 days per week | 3h 36m | €30 |
Pricing
| Passengers | Syros → Rafina | Rafina → Syros |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €30.00 | €30.00 |
| 2 Adults | €60 | €60 |
| 2 Adults + Car | €150 | €150 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €90 | €90 |
Operators
The Syros to Rafina route is served by Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries. Here's a detailed breakdown of each operator's offering:
Golden Star Ferries operates modern high-speed vessels, particularly strong on the Rafina–Mykonos–Tinos–Andros corridor and seasonal Santorini routes. Known for good value and reliable service.
Fleet: High-speed ferries (Superrunner, Tera Jet) — carrying 400–700 passengers with vehicle capacity on select vessels
Fast Ferries operates both high-speed and conventional vessels on key Cyclades routes, offering a reliable middle-ground option between the speed of Seajets and the comfort of Blue Star. Particularly strong on northern Cyclades routes from Rafina.
Fleet: Conventional ferries and high-speed vessels (Fast Ferries Andros, Theologos P) — serving both Piraeus and Rafina ports
| Operator | Ferry Type | Duration | Price From | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Star Ferries | High-Speed | 2h – 3h 36m | €30.00 | ⚡ Limited |
| Fast Ferries | Conventional | 2h – 3h 36m | €30.00 | ✅ Yes |
Our recommendation: For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service. For more comfort, space, and the option to take your vehicle, go conventional. Both options are reliable — the right choice depends on your priorities.
More routes
On Board
Ferries on the Syros to Rafina route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:
Golden Star Ferries operates modern high-speed vessels, particularly strong on the Rafina–Mykonos–Tinos–Andros corridor and seasonal Santorini routes. Known for good value and reliable service.
Fleet on this route: High-speed ferries (Superrunner, Tera Jet) — carrying 400–700 passengers with vehicle capacity on select vessels
Seat & Cabin Classes: Economy Seats: Numbered airplane-style seats. Business/VIP Lounge: Premium seating area on select vessels. Cabins on Superrunner for longer routes.
Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg per passenger, free. No formal check-in required.
Pets: Pets accepted free with valid health documentation. Small pets with owner in cabin; larger pets in designated pet zones.
Vehicles: Vehicle transport available on select Golden Star vessels. Cars from €30–70. Motorcycles from €10–25.
Fast Ferries operates both high-speed and conventional vessels on key Cyclades routes, offering a reliable middle-ground option between the speed of Seajets and the comfort of Blue Star. Particularly strong on northern Cyclades routes from Rafina.
Fleet on this route: Conventional ferries and high-speed vessels (Fast Ferries Andros, Theologos P) — serving both Piraeus and Rafina ports
Seat & Cabin Classes: Economy Seats: Standard indoor seating. Deck: Open-air seating on conventional vessels. Cabins available on select conventional vessels.
Luggage Policy: Standard flexible policy — up to 50 kg recommended, no formal restrictions. Luggage stored in onboard racks.
Pets: Pets accepted with health certificates. Animals under 10 kg with owner in cabin area; larger pets in designated pet areas. Free when included in booking.
Vehicles: Conventional Fast Ferries vessels have full vehicle garages. Car transport from €20–60. Motorcycles from €8–20. Book vehicle space early for peak season.
All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
Travel Tips
Port of Ermoupoli is one of Greece's most elegant port arrivals — the neoclassical capital rises in tiers above the harbour, topped by the twin churches of Anastasis and San Giorgio. The port is central to island life and directly connected to the ferry terminal. Buses to Galissas beach and other villages depart from the port square. Arrive 30–45 minutes early. Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades, so the port handles significant year-round traffic. Car rentals available at the port.
Rafina is well-connected to Athens by frequent KTEL buses to Pedion Areos and direct buses to Athens International Airport (30 minutes, €3). The port area has cafés and a small market. If connecting to other Greek islands, note that Rafina primarily serves northern Cyclades (Mykonos, Tinos, Andros) and some central Cyclades routes seasonally.
Golden Star is particularly competitive on Rafina–Mykonos, Tinos–Andros, and seasonal Mykonos–Santorini routes. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for peak summer sailings.
Island Hopping
Rafina makes a wonderful base for exploring the wider Cyclades. From Rafina, you can reach several neighbouring islands by ferry and build your perfect Greek island-hopping itinerary.
Check our ferry booking engine for all connecting routes from Rafina, or explore our island hopping guides for curated multi-island itinerary ideas.
Island Guides
Discover the best beaches, hotels, restaurants, and activities on the islands of this route.
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
💡 Pro tip: Read our Rafina guide before your trip to discover hidden gems. Don't forget to organize your stay early by checking our curated Hotels in Rafina and securing your mobility through Rafina Car Rentals directly at the port or airport fees-free.
Route Map
FAQ
The ferry from Syros to Rafina takes between 2h and 3h 36m, depending on the vessel type and operator. High-speed catamarans offer the fastest crossing at approximately 2h, while conventional ferries take up to 3h 36m but offer more spacious travel with outdoor decks, cafeterias, and cabin options. Journey times may be slightly longer in winter due to sea conditions.
Ferry tickets from Syros to Rafina start from €30.00 for a standard economy seat in low season. Prices vary by operator, seat class, and time of year — peak season (July–August) fares are typically 25–35% higher. Business class seats and private cabins cost more. Families can save by booking a 4-berth cabin. Use Ferryhopper to compare all available fares in real time.
Ferries operate 3-4 times per week during the main season (Apr - Oct). In peak summer (July–August), there may be multiple daily sailings. Service can be reduced or suspended during winter months on some routes. The route is served by Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries. Check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper for exact departure times.
Yes — conventional ferries on this route have vehicle garages and can carry cars, motorcycles, campervans, and even buses. Vehicle spaces are limited and sell out fast in summer, so book at least 4–6 weeks ahead if you're traveling July–August. High-speed catamarans on this route generally do not carry vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure when traveling with a vehicle.
The best time to visit Rafina is late May through early October. June and September offer the ideal balance: warm swimming weather, lower prices than peak season, fewer crowds, and the best ferry connections. July–August is peak season — the most lively but also the most crowded and expensive. May is an excellent shoulder month with pleasant weather and very few tourists. Rafina is known for stunning landscapes and authentic Cycladic charm.
The route is served by Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries. For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service (typically Seajets or Golden Star). For most comfort or if you're traveling with a vehicle, choose a conventional ferry (Blue Star Ferries or similar). For the best price, compare all options on Ferryhopper — prices can vary significantly by departure time and booking lead time.
The easiest way to book is through Ferryhopper — the leading Greek ferry booking platform. Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel date to see all available sailings, compare prices across operators, and book securely online. Tickets are delivered by email and can be used on your phone. You can also book directly on each operator's website, but Ferryhopper shows all options in one place for easy comparison.
