Question 1

How do I book ferry tickets from Athens to Paros?

Accepted Answer

Open the main Ferry tickets page on Discover Cyclades, set Paros as the destination, and choose Piraeus (or Rafina if that sailing fits your flight). Compare operators such as Blue Star, SeaJets, and Golden Star, then complete checkout — you will receive an e-ticket. For Athens port choice and overland timing, read the blog posts Athens to the Cyclades, How to book ferry tickets in the Cyclades, and the Cyclades ferry guide. The site also has route overviews for Piraeus to Paros and Rafina to Paros with typical durations and price bands.

Question 2

Piraeus or Rafina — which is better for ferries to Paros?

Accepted Answer

Piraeus has the broadest range of Paros departures and suits most people staying in central Athens. Rafina is closer to Athens International Airport for some inbound flights and can be faster from kerb to pier when the schedule works. There is no universal winner: compare the same travel date on both Piraeus–Paros and Rafina–Paros, then pick the sailing that matches your hotel and flight times.

Question 3

How long is the ferry from Athens to Paros, and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Piraeus to Paros usually takes roughly three and a half to four and a half hours on conventional ferries, less on some high-speed services, depending on the ship. Rafina to Paros is often a bit shorter at sea but varies by operator. Fares change by season, seat class, and advance purchase — economy is typically a few dozen euros, with July and August and high-speed legs at the high end. Use live search on the Ferry tickets hub for the exact day you need.

Question 4

How do I get ferry tickets from Naxos or Mykonos to Paros?

Accepted Answer

The Naxos–Paros leg is a short, frequent inter-island hop; search Naxos to Paros in the ticket finder. From Mykonos, use the Mykonos to Paros route. Book a few days ahead in high season. If you are still choosing a base, the Paros vs Naxos article explains trade-offs, and the main Cyclades ferry guide covers multi-leg island hopping.

Question 5

Can I take a car on the ferry to Paros, or book for a family?

Accepted Answer

Most large conventional ferries take cars on the vehicle deck — you must add a vehicle at booking and arrive earlier at the gate. Many high-speed catamarans are passenger-only: check the vessel type. The Cyclades ferry guide explains vehicle rules in more detail. Summer vehicle space sells out, so book early. After you land in Parikia, a Paros car rental is the usual way to reach Naoussa and the beaches on your own schedule. Passenger counts in one booking are handled like any other group ticket.

Question 6

Which port does the ferry to Paros use, and how do I get to my hotel?

Accepted Answer

Mainline ferries use Parikia, Paros' principal port. Buses, taxis, and pre-arranged rental pick-ups meet arrivals there. Many visitors stay in Naoussa or at beaches: allow 10–20 minutes by road. The where to stay in Paros guide breaks down areas. The small Antiparos shuttle from Pounda is separate from the big-ferry port — see Antiparos vs Paros if you are planning that side trip.

Question 7

What if my ferry to Paros is cancelled because of wind or delay?

Accepted Answer

Operators usually rebook passengers onto the next available sailing or refund when they cancel, especially in Meltemi weather. Check email and texts from the line, arrive at the port with buffer time, and search the same day on the Ferry tickets hub for alternative departures. If you connect from a flight, leave a spare day in Athens or on the previous island. The main Cyclades ferry guide has more on seasons and plan-B thinking.

Question 8

Which ferry company is most reliable for Athens to Paros?

Accepted Answer

Blue Star and other large conventional ferries are often the most weather-robust on longer legs. SeaJets and other high-speed services save time but can be more sensitive to wind. The best choice is the ship that matches your date, budget, and comfort: compare the same day on the booking hub, then read the Cyclades ferry guide and the dedicated booking guide (How to book Greek ferries) for the trade-offs.

Question 9

How much does a ferry to Santorini cost from Athens?

Accepted Answer

Ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini start at €46.50 for economy class on Blue Star Ferries. High-speed ferries like SeaJets cost €80-95. Prices vary by season, with July-August being most expensive.

Question 10

How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini?

Accepted Answer

The Athens to Santorini ferry takes 4h 50m to 8h depending on the vessel. High-speed ferries (SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways) take 4h 50m - 5h 30m. Conventional ferries (Blue Star, Fast Ferries) take 7-8 hours but are cheaper.

Question 11

How early should I book ferry tickets?

Accepted Answer

For peak season (July-August), book 2-4 weeks in advance. Vehicle tickets sell out fastest. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) is more flexible with 1 week advance booking usually sufficient. Winter has daily availability.

Question 12

Can I take a car on the ferry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most conventional ferries and some high-speed ferries accept vehicles. Car tickets cost €95-130 for Athens-Santorini. Motorcycles cost €32-50. Book vehicle tickets early as they sell out quickly, especially in summer.

Question 13

What if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

Accepted Answer

If your ferry is cancelled due to strong winds (common in July-August Meltemi season), you receive a full refund or free rebooking on the next available departure. The ferry company will notify you via email/SMS.

Question 14

High-speed vs conventional ferry - which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

High-speed ferries are 40-50% faster but cost more and have less outdoor space. Conventional ferries are cheaper, have open decks, restaurants, and cabins for overnight trips. Choose high-speed for short trips, conventional for comfort and budget.

Question 15

How do I check in for my ferry?

Accepted Answer

Most Greek ferries accept e-tickets on your phone. Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure (90 minutes with a vehicle). Show your e-ticket at the boarding gate. No paper ticket collection needed.

Question 16

Which Greek ferry companies serve the Cyclades?

Accepted Answer

Major operators include Blue Star Ferries (conventional), SeaJets (high-speed), Golden Star Ferries (high-speed), Hellenic Seaways (both), Fast Ferries (conventional), ANEK Lines, Aegean Sea Lines, and Zante Ferries.

Question 17

What is the cheapest ferry to the Greek islands?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest Cyclades ferry route is Ios to Santorini from just €6.50 (20-minute trip). Athens to nearby Kea costs €15 from Lavrio port. Conventional ferries like Blue Star offer the best value for longer routes.

Question 18

Can I bring luggage on Greek ferries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ferries have generous luggage allowances. Blue Star allows 50kg per passenger. SeaJets allows 50kg single luggage. Most ferries have no strict limits. Store luggage in designated areas on the car deck or passenger lounges.

Question 19

Can I travel with pets on Greek ferries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most Greek ferries allow pets free of charge when included in your booking. Pets must stay in designated outdoor areas or pet-friendly zones. Some companies require pets in carriers for high-speed vessels.

Question 20

What are the main ferry ports in Athens?

Accepted Answer

Athens has 3 ferry ports: Piraeus (main port, 15km from center), Rafina (30min from airport, serves Andros/Tinos/Mykonos), and Lavrio (serves Kea/Kythnos). Piraeus has the most connections to all Cyclades islands.

Question 21

Is there WiFi on Greek ferries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most modern ferries offer WiFi, though speeds vary. Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets have WiFi hotspots. Signal can be weak mid-journey. Download entertainment before boarding for longer trips.

Question 22

Are there cabins on ferries to the Greek islands?

Accepted Answer

Conventional ferries like Blue Star offer cabins for overnight routes. Options include 2-bed, 4-bed, and shared dormitory cabins. Cabin prices start at €93 for Athens-Santorini. High-speed ferries do not have cabins due to shorter trip times.

Question 23

What happens if I miss my ferry?

Accepted Answer

If you miss your ferry, your ticket is typically void. Some companies offer rebooking for a fee. Travel insurance may cover missed connections. Always arrive early and factor in Athens traffic, especially for Piraeus port.

Question 24

Can I island hop between Cyclades islands?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Cyclades have excellent inter-island connections. Popular hops include Mykonos-Santorini (2h, €82), Paros-Naxos (30min, €8), Santorini-Ios (20min, €6.50). Book a multi-stop itinerary for the best island hopping experience.

Question 25

When is the best time to take ferries in Greece?

Accepted Answer

May-June and September-October offer ideal conditions: calm seas, good weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. July-August has the most frequent services but also Meltemi winds that can cause cancellations. Winter has limited schedules.

Question 26

How do I get from Athens Airport to Piraeus port?

Accepted Answer

Take the X96 express bus (€6, 60-90min, runs 24/7) directly from the airport to Piraeus. Alternatively, take the Metro Line 3 to Monastiraki, then Line 1 to Piraeus (€10, 60min). Taxis cost €50-70.

Route	Economy From	High-Speed From	Duration
Athens → Santorini	€46.50	€89	4h 50m - 8h
Athens → Mykonos	€37	€65	2h 30m - 5h
Athens → Naxos	€35	€60	3h 45m - 6h
Athens → Paros	€35	€58	3h - 4h 30m
Athens → Milos	€42	€75	4h - 7h
Athens → Ios	€40	€70	4h - 7h
Mykonos → Santorini	€74	€89	1h 55m - 3h
Ios → Santorini	€6.50	€15	20m - 55m

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