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Ferry RouteIOS to FOL

Ferry from Ios to Folegandros.

Ios to Folegandros. Compare the operators, a real sailing day and dated fares, then search live times for your date.

Fastest crossing
55 minBlue Star Ferries · checked 24 Sept 2026
Lowest adult fare
€5.50checked 24 Sept 2026
Ferry operators
4Fast Ferries, Maistros Santorini, Blue Star Ferries +1
Sailings on the sample day
2sampled 12 Aug 2026

Dated numbers: a Ferryhopper check or a one-day timetable sample, never live. The search shows live times and prices.

Compare operators

By George K. · Updated

Search live ferries

Ios to Folegandros: live times, seats and prices for your date.

Passengers
2 passengers

Lowest adult fare we found: €5.50, checked 24 September 2026.

Live availability and booking via Ferryhopper, our ferry booking partner.

IosFolegandros
Map of the ferry route from Ios to Folegandros. Coastlines © OpenStreetMap contributors, Natural Earth

How do you get from Ios to Folegandros by ferry?

Ferries from Ios to Folegandros run on 5 to 7 days a week all year and take 55 min to 1 hr 40 min. Fast Ferries, Maistros Santorini and Blue Star Ferries sail conventional boats from €5.50 to €8; Seajets adds a summer boat of 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 40 min from €69.70. Ferryhopper showed one adult from €5.50 when we checked on 24 September 2026.

Source: Ferryhopper route page and timetable sample · as of

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01Operators compared

Ios to Folegandros ferry operators compared.

Who sails this route, on what kind of boat, how long it takes and the lowest adult fare we found.

Ferry companies on the Ios to Folegandros route
OperatorVessel typeCrossing timeVehiclesAdult fare fromSailings, 12 Aug 2026
Fast FerriesDionisios SolomosConventional ferryabout 1 hr 20 min to 1 hr 25 minCars and motorbikes€5.501
Maistros SantoriniConventional ferryabout 1 hr 14 min to 1 hr 20 minNot confirmed€7.990
Blue Star FerriesConventional ferryabout 55 min to 1 hr 15 minCars and motorbikes€5.500
SeajetsOlympic Champion JetHigh-speed ferryabout 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 40 minNot confirmed€69.701

Source: Ferryhopper route page, checked by our editors · as of

  • Fast FerriesAll year, three to five days a week in last year's data. The Dionisios Solomos left Ios at 21:00 on our 12 August 2026 sample and arrived at 22:20, from €5.50.
  • Maistros SantoriniA local operator, once to three days a week in every month of last year's data.
  • Blue Star FerriesOnce or twice a week all year in last year's data: 55 minutes in May and June, 1 hr 15 min in other months.
  • SeajetsMay to September: once a week in May, then four to six days a week in last year's data. The Olympic Champion Jet left at 13:30 on our sample day, from €77.70.

02Timetable sample

Ios to Folegandros ferry timetable 2026.

Every direct sailing on one real day, 12 August 2026, as Ferryhopper listed it. It shows the pattern, not a live timetable: times and fares change by date.

Sailings from Ios to Folegandros on 12 August 2026 (one-day sample)
DepartArriveOperatorVesselDurationFromSearch
13:3015:10SeajetsOlympic Champion Jet1h 40m€77.70Book a sailing like the 13:30 one
21:00FastestLowest fare22:20Fast FerriesDionisios Solomos1h 20m€5.50Book a sailing like the 21:00 one

Source: Ferryhopper timetable sample, one sailing day · sailing day

Retrieved
Check live times for your date

03Fares

Ios to Folegandros ferry prices.

The lowest fares Ferryhopper showed for each party when we checked on 24 September 2026. Each row can come from a different sailing.

Lowest fares between Ios and Folegandros, both directions
PassengersIos → FolegandrosFolegandros → Ios
1 adult€5.50€5.50
2 adults€11€10.99
2 adults and a car€29€25
2 adults, 2 children and a car€37not shown

Source: Ferryhopper route page · checked

Lowest fares shown on Ferryhopper when we checked on 2026-09-24. Fares change with the date, vessel and demand; the booking page shows the current price for your date. Each figure is the lowest for that party on the date checked, so rows can come from different sailings. The conventional ships were listed from €5.50 to €8 per adult in last year's monthly table and Seajets from €69.70 to €77.70. We left out the Folegandros to Ios family fare, which came from a much pricier boat than the rest of the table.

Search the return, Folegandros to Ios

04Schedule by season

Ios to Folegandros ferry schedule by season.

Ferryhopper lists sailings all year, on 5 to 7 days a week. The monthly table for this direction, based on last year's data, shows Fast Ferries three to five days a week in every month, Maistros Santorini once to three days a week, and Blue Star Ferries once a week, rising to twice a week from February to April. Seajets added sailings from May to September: once a week in May and four to six days a week from June to September. On 12 August 2026, the day we sampled, there were 2 departures from Ios, at 13:30 and 21:00. In winter, check the sailing days before booking accommodation.

Ios to Folegandros ferry schedule by month
MonthFrequency
JanuaryFast Ferries 5 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
FebruaryFast Ferries 5 days a week, Blue Star Ferries 2 days a week, Maistros Santorini once a week
MarchFast Ferries 3 days a week, Blue Star Ferries 2 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week
AprilFast Ferries 4 days a week, Blue Star Ferries 2 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week
MayFast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week, Seajets once a week
JuneSeajets 6 days a week, Fast Ferries 4 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
JulySeajets 5 days a week, Fast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
AugustSeajets 4 days a week, Fast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
SeptemberSeajets 5 days a week, Fast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
OctoberFast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 3 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
NovemberFast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 2 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week
DecemberFast Ferries 3 days a week, Maistros Santorini 3 days a week, Blue Star Ferries once a week

The Journey

The Ios to Folegandros crossing.

Leaving Ios for Folegandros is a change of pace: from the beach bars and late nights of Ios to one of the quietest, most striking islands in the Cyclades, where Chora sits on the edge of a cliff and much of the coast is reached on foot or by boat. The two islands are close, and the crossing is short and cheap on the conventional ships.

Unusually for a small-island route, there is a service all year. In Ferryhopper's monthly figures for this direction, based on last year's data, Fast Ferries sailed three to five days a week in every month, Maistros Santorini one to three days a week and Blue Star Ferries once or twice a week. Seajets joined from May to September.

One thing surprises people: on this direction the high-speed boat is not the quickest. Seajets took 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 40 min in last year's data, while the conventional ships needed about 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 25 min, and Blue Star just 55 minutes in May and June. With Seajets costing €69.70 to €77.70 against €5.50 to €8 on the other boats, the conventional ships are the better deal for most people.

Watch the arrival time. On 12 August 2026, the day we sampled, the two sailings reached Folegandros at 15:10 and 22:20, and Karavostasis is a small port below Chora, so arrange your ride up before a late arrival.

How long the crossing takes

In Ferryhopper's monthly figures for Ios to Folegandros, based on last year's data, crossings range from 55 minutes to 1 hr 40 min. Blue Star Ferries was quickest at 55 minutes in May and June, and took 1 hr 15 min in the other months. Maistros Santorini took about 1 hr 14 min to 1 hr 20 min and Fast Ferries about 1 hr 20 min to 1 hr 25 min. Seajets, usually the fast choice, took 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 40 min on this direction. Our 12 August 2026 sample fits: the Olympic Champion Jet took 1 hr 40 min and the Dionisios Solomos 1 hr 20 min.

05The ports

Where the Ios to Folegandros ferry docks.

Departure port

Ios

IOS · 36.7233° N 25.2811° E

Boats for Folegandros leave from Ormos, the port of Ios on the west coast, right next to Yialos beach. If you are staying in Chora, the port is about 5 minutes below by car or about 20 minutes on foot, downhill but awkward with a suitcase; taxis and hotel transfers are the usual way. The harbour has cafés and tavernas, hotels, shops, ATMs and car hire, and a public car park near the terminal. When several ships are due in summer the quay gets busy, so arrive in good time and check your vessel's name on the e-ticket.

Arrival port

Folegandros

FOL · 36.6167° N 24.9333° E

You land at Karavostasis, the only port on Folegandros, a small village with a few cafés and restaurants, an ATM, car rental, rooms and a little parking. Most visitors stay in Chora, about 4 km up the hill, roughly five minutes by car. A bus links the port with Chora, and taxis also run, but for a late arrival like the 22:20 boat on our sample day, ask your accommodation to arrange a pick-up. If you would rather stay by the water, there are rooms right at Karavostasis.

06On Board

On board the Ios to Folegandros ferry.

Most crossings are on conventional ships. The Fast Ferries and Blue Star vessels have indoor lounges and outside decks, which on a calm day are the best seats for the approach to Folegandros; expect a café or bar for coffee and snacks. The Maistros Santorini boat is a smaller local vessel with simpler facilities. The Seajets boat is enclosed, with assigned seats and a snack bar. There are no cabins to worry about on a trip this length. Leave large bags in the luggage area and keep valuables with you; there is no check-in. Pets can travel, subject to each company's rules.

07Weather and cancellations

Wind, weather and cancellations on the Ios to Folegandros route.

This is a short crossing, but it is open sea, and in July and August the meltemi, the strong north wind of the Aegean summer, can make it rough. The high-speed Seajets boat is the most likely to be held in port on a very windy day; the bigger conventional ships usually sail. If your boat is cancelled, the operator will rebook you or refund the fare. Because four companies serve the route and the conventional ships run all year, there is usually another boat within a day or so, although in winter you may have to wait a little longer.

08Travel Tips

Ios to Folegandros ferry travel tips.

  1. Take a conventional ship: it was cheaper (from €5.50) and in last year's data quicker than Seajets on this direction.

  2. In May and June, look for the Blue Star Ferries sailing: it took just 55 minutes last year.

  3. Arriving late in Folegandros? Book a pick-up from Karavostasis before you leave Ios.

  4. Travelling in winter, check which days sail: each company ran only a few days a week, not daily.

  5. Folegandros is a good launch point for Milos, Sikinos and Santorini, all with direct boats from Karavostasis.

09Alternatives

Other ways between Ios and Folegandros.

For the trip back, see our Folegandros to Ios page. Neither island has an airport; Santorini (JTR) is the nearest, and both Ios and Folegandros have direct boats to it. If the direct Ios to Folegandros boats do not suit your day, you can go via Sikinos, which has sailings from Ios and on to Folegandros, or via Santorini, which also has boats to Folegandros. Check that both legs run on the same day before booking.

The return crossingFolegandros → Ios30 min · from €5.50
Change boat in Santorini (Athinios)
  1. Leg 1: Ios → Santorini (Athinios)35 min · from €6.50
  2. Leg 2: Santorini (Athinios) → Folegandros45 min · from €7
Change boat in Milos (Adamas)
  1. Leg 1: Ios → Milos (Adamas)2h 50m · from €14.50
  2. Leg 2: Milos (Adamas) → Folegandros1h · from €7
Change boat in Naxos
  1. Leg 1: Ios → Naxos45 min · from €22.50
  2. Leg 2: Naxos → Folegandros
Change boat in Paros (Parikia)
  1. Leg 1: Ios → Paros (Parikia)55 min · from €24.50
  2. Leg 2: Paros (Parikia) → Folegandros

Other ferries to Folegandros

Times and fares on these links come from one-day timetable samples, not live data.

10Island Hopping

Island hopping from Folegandros.

All direct ferry routes

11Route matrix

All ferry routes from Ios.

Every direct route from Ios with a page on Discover Cyclades, with the fastest crossing and lowest fare from its one-day timetable sample. The route you are reading is marked.

Direct ferry routes from Ios: fastest sampled crossing, lowest sampled adult fare and sailings on the sampled day
RouteFastestLowest fareSailings that dayOperators
Ios → Amorgos (Katapola)Seajets, Small Cyclades Lines
Ios → FolegandrosYou are here1h 20m€5.502Fast Ferries, Maistros Santorini, Blue Star Ferries, Seajets
Ios → Milos (Adamas)2h 50m€14.502Seajets, Fast Ferries
Ios → Mykonos1h 30m€723Seajets, Golden Star Ferries
Ios → Naxos45 min€22.504Blue Star Ferries, Seajets
Ios → Paros (Parikia)55 min€24.505Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries
Ios → PiraeusSeajets, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries
Ios → Santorini (Athinios)35 min€6.507Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries
Ios → Sikinos30 min€41Fast Ferries

Source: Ferryhopper timetable samples, one sailing day per route · sailing day

Questions

Ios to Folegandros ferry: frequently asked questions.

  • Between 55 minutes and 1 hr 40 min, based on last year's monthly figures. Blue Star Ferries was quickest at 55 minutes in May and June; Maistros Santorini and Fast Ferries took about 1 hr 14 min to 1 hr 25 min, and Seajets about 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 40 min.

  • Ferryhopper showed one adult from €5.50 and two adults from €11 when we checked on 24 September 2026. Two adults with a car came to €29 and a family of four with a car to €37. Seajets costs much more, from €69.70 to €77.70 in last year's monthly data.

  • Yes. Ferryhopper lists sailings all year, on 5 to 7 days a week. Last year Fast Ferries sailed three to five days a week in winter, Maistros Santorini once to three days a week and Blue Star Ferries once or twice a week.

  • Usually one or two, sometimes more. On 12 August 2026, the day we sampled, there were two departures: Seajets at 13:30 and Fast Ferries at 21:00. Across the week the conventional boats and Seajets together cover most days.

  • Fast Ferries, Maistros Santorini and Blue Star Ferries all year, plus Seajets from May to September. On our 12 August 2026 sample, Seajets and Fast Ferries sailed.

  • In last year's data, Blue Star Ferries at 55 minutes in May and June. For the rest of the year Maistros Santorini (about 1 hr 14 min) and Blue Star (1 hr 15 min) were quickest. Seajets took 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 40 min on this direction, so it is not the quickest option here.

  • Yes, the Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries ships carry vehicles. Ferryhopper's lowest fare for two adults with a car on this direction was €29. If you only need wheels for a day or two, compare the car fare with hiring at Karavostasis, where there are rental offices by the port.

  • For July and August, book a few days ahead, especially if you want a daytime arrival. On a small island like Folegandros it usually makes sense to secure your room first and then pick the ferry that matches it.

  • From Ormos, the port on the west coast of Ios, beside Yialos beach. Chora is about 5 minutes above by car or around 20 minutes on foot. The port has cafés, hotels, ATMs, car hire and a public car park.

  • At Karavostasis, the island's only port, about 4 km below Chora. There are cafés, an ATM, car rental and a few rooms at the harbour. A bus and taxis run up to Chora; for evening arrivals, book a pick-up ahead.

  • Summer meltemi winds are the usual reason, and the Seajets boat is affected first. The operator will offer another sailing or a refund. With several companies sailing this route through the year, you can usually move to a conventional ship within a day.

  • The same companies run the return. In that direction Seajets is fastest, at about 30 minutes from May to September, and the conventional ships take about 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 25 min, from €4.50. See our Folegandros to Ios page.

Island Guides

Plan your stay in Folegandros.

IOStoFOL

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fastest 55 min · from €5.50

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