So, you’re dreaming of going to Andros Island in Greece? Good choice! We loved our visit to this beautiful Greek island, which is still a hidden gem and a nice break from its busy Cycladic cousins like Mykonos or Paros. There are so many things to do in Andros, such as hiking the stunning trails, relaxing at the gorgeous beaches, or enjoying the laid-back vibe that will make you want to stay forever.
But first things first: how do you actually get there? The quick answer is by ferry. Andros doesn’t have an airport, so you can either take the ferry from Rafina (Athens) to Andros (like we did) or from one of the neighboring islands if you are island hopping around the Cyclades.
There’s more to know, however. Where do you book your tickets? How long does it take? How to get to Rafina Port? You might have many questions, but don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get to Andros.
Where is Andros Island located?
Andros is part of the Cyclades, the famous group of islands sprinkled across the Aegean Sea. It’s the second-largest Cycladic island (after Naxos) and is located just north of Tinos and very close to the mainland.
The best part? It’s one of the easiest islands to reach from Athens, with several ferry departures a day that usually take two hours or less. Which means less travel time and more beach time. Andros is definitely one of the Cycladic islands you need to visit, if you ask us.
From Athens to Andros
How to get to Rafina Port in Athens
As mentioned before, there is no airport on Andros, so your only way to reach Andros is by taking a ferry. All ferries to Andros leave from Rafina Port, and not from the much bigger port of Piraeus (which is where the ferries to Syros or some other Cycladic islands usually leave).
If you arrive in Athens by plane, you will have to travel from Athens Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Rafina. This small port is actually pretty close to the airport, so it won’t take you long to get there. Here are a couple of ways to do so:
- By taxi: The easiest option. The ride takes around 20 minutes and costs about €25 to €50, depending on traffic and time of day. If you want to skip the lines or just not have to worry when you arrive, you can also book a private transfer between the airport and Rafina online.
- By bus: Budget-friendly and surprisingly simple. The KTEL bus leaves the airport every hour or every couple of hours, depending on the season. It costs just a few euros and takes about 30 minutes. Look for the bus stop right outside the arrivals hall.
If you are staying in the center of Athens because you want to visit Athens first, you can get to Rafina port again by taxi (40 minutes, €25 to €50) or book a private transfer. If you are traveling on a budget, you can use public transport. Take the subway, line M3, to Nomismatokopio Station, and from there the bus to Rafina Port (leaves hourly).
TIP: If your ferry is leaving very early from Rafina Port the next day, you can choose to either stay for the night near Athens Airport or stay in one of the hotels in Rafina.
Rafina Port to Andros by ferry
Once you’re in Rafina, it’s time to hop on a ferry. Rafina is a very small port, so it will be easy to find your vessel. We actually preferred this relaxed port more than busy Piraeus.
Ferries going from Rafina to Andros are operated by Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries. During the high season, there’s also SeaJets, which is more expensive but goes twice as fast.
Read more: Best time to visit Andros and the Cyclades
- Ferry duration: Around 2 hours for Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries, and 1 hour for SeaJets.
- Ticket prices: Usually between €20–€30 per person (more if you’re bringing a car) and between €30–€40 for SeaJets.
- Schedules: Ferries run several times a day in summer, but in winter, you’ll find fewer options. Always check the timetable in advance.
- Where to book: We found that FerryScanner is one of the most user-friendly websites for booking your ferry tickets. Use the search box below to find the best ferry for you. Tickets are also available at the port, but we advise you to book in advance, especially during the high season.
What to expect on board the ferry
Greek ferries are like floating villages. It is not just a boat ride, it’s an experience.
- Seating options: You can book a regular economy seat or a business-class seat if you feel fancy. On shorter rides like Rafina–Andros, the economy is perfectly fine. Most people wander around anyway.
- Indoor lounges: Air-conditioned, with rows of seats, tables, and charging points for your phone or laptop. Perfect if you want to get some work done, scroll through photos, or binge on Netflix while the Aegean rolls by.
- Outdoor decks: The best spot for fresh air, sea views, and that iconic “wind in your hair” photo.
- Food & drinks: Onboard cafés usually serve strong Greek coffee, cold drinks, and a surprisingly decent selection of pastries. Don’t expect gourmet dining, but it’ll keep you happy for a couple of hours.
- Wi-Fi: Available, but often slow and not free. If you need reliable internet, bring your own mobile data (we can highly suggest the eSim of Holafly). Otherwise, just disconnect and enjoy the views.
- Kids & families: Families with children will find the ferries easy to manage with plenty of space to move around, and no one will blink an eye if your kids run circles around the lounge.
In short, the ferry is comfortable, casual, and part of the fun. Grab a coffee, wander outside for the sea breeze, and before you know it, you’ll see Andros appearing on the horizon.
How to get to Andros from other Cycladic islands
Already island-hopping? Lucky you! You can easily get from the nearby Cycladic islands to Andros.
- Tinos → Andros: multiple ferries a day that take between 1-2 hours and cost between €10 – €25.
- Mykonos → Andros: multiple ferries a day that take between 1.5-2.5 hours and cost between €20 – €30.
- Syros → Andros: only one ferry a week, on Wednesday by Artemis, 3 hours, €7.5. If you want to go from Syros to Andros on another day of the week, you need to go to Tinos first, and then get on another ferry to Andros.
Connections aren’t as frequent as the Athens–Andros route, so always check ferry schedules.
Read more: How to get to Syros
Arriving on Andros
Getting around Andros
Andros is the second-largest island in the Cyclades, which means exploring it properly takes a bit more planning than just plopping yourself on the nearest beach.
You will arrive in the port of Gavrio, from where you can take the bus or a taxi to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can also rent a car, scooter, or ATV. Let’s explain a bit more.
- While there is a public bus network that connects the main towns like Gavrio (the port), Batsi, and Chora, the routes are limited, and the schedules aren’t exactly designed for spontaneous adventurers (usually not at the times you’d prefer).
- If you really want to experience Andros, then renting a car is the way to go. It is what we did, and we loved the freedom it gave us. The island’s roads are generally in good condition, though expect the occasional winding mountain road and dirt road leading to a remote beach.
- Scooters or ATVs are another option, but keep in mind the distances are longer than on smaller Cycladic islands. Taxis are available too, but they can get pricey if you use them often.
The bottom line: if you want freedom to explore at your own pace (which is our travel style), grab a rental car in Gavrio port, roll down the windows, and let the Aegean views guide your journey.
Where to stay on Andros
Andros is big enough that there are many great options for accommodations around the island. Here are the main areas you can stay, each with its own personality:
- Chora (Andros Town): If you love culture, museums, boutique shopping, and a touch of sophistication, Chora is your spot. It’s not right by the ferry port, so you’ll need a short drive to get there, but once you’re settled, you’ll be surrounded by charm (and great coffee).
- Batsi: Probably the most popular base for travelers, so also the most touristy one. This former fishing village has reinvented itself as a lively yet family-friendly seaside town.
- Gavrio: The port town where ferries arrive. Honestly, Gavrio isn’t the prettiest place on the island, but it has its own charm, and it’s super convenient if you want to minimize luggage dragging.
- Villages & remote stays: If you’re after peace and authenticity, head inland or up into the hills. We stayed at Villa Thimari near Gavrio and absolutely loved it! But in villages like Apoikia or Stenies, or along the coast, you’ll also find small guesthouses and villas. Perfect if your idea of nightlife is watching the stars with a glass of local wine.
Best things to do on Andros
Andros isn’t just about beaches (though it has plenty of those). It’s a place where you can go from swimming in turquoise water to hiking green mountain trails all in the same day. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- Hike the Andros Routes
- Beach-hop your way around the island
- Explore Chora
- Visit monasteries & churches
- Taste local flavors
- Get active on the water
- Discover traditional villages
The magic of Andros is in the mix: a little culture, a little adventure, and plenty of time to just sit by the sea and do absolutely nothing. Because sometimes, that’s the best plan of all.
Read more: A complete guide to the best things to do in Andros
Our final thoughts on how to get to Andros
Getting to Andros is simple: hop from Athens Airport or downtown to Rafina Port, grab a ferry, and in just 2 hours you’ll be sipping coffee by the sea in Andros. If you are coming from one of the other Cycladic islands, you will need to plan a bit more, but it’s pretty easy, too.
We had a very smooth trip going from Athens to Andros by ferry, and absolutely loved our Andros trip! The island has lush landscapes, authentic villages, and a slower, more authentic Cycladic vibe. Less nightlife, more real life. And that’s exactly why we fell in love with it.