A complete guide on how to get by ferry to Syros from Athens
The Greek island of Syros, located in the Cyclades, is a hidden gem that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. And that doesn’t have to be a surprise, as there are many things to do in Syros all year round for all travelers. We certainly fell in love with the island and we are sure you will too.
This is why more and more people are wondering how to get to Syros. The island does not have an international airport, so you must fly to a major hub in Greece, usually the capital Athens, and then continue by domestic flight or ferry.
In Greece, ferries are the most popular, convenient, and also our favorite way to reach Syros. There are regular ferry connections to the island from Athens or you can come by ferry from one of the neighboring Cycladic islands, such as Mykonos, Tinos, or Paros.
Read more: Taking to Mykonos to Syros ferry
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Athens to Syros, leaving from Piraeus Port, which is the central port of Athens. Let’s dive in!
TIP: Planning your trip to Syros, Greece? Check out our complete Syros travel guide + our interactive Syros Google Maps! It’s the only guide you’ll ever need for your Syros travels, from things to know before you go, to the best beaches, shops, restaurants, things to do, hikes, etc. It even has a summer and winter packing list.
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Piraeus to Syros ferry
Ferries from Athens to Syros leave from Piraeus Port, located around an hour from Athens Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Athens. Piraeus is the major port of Athens, the biggest one in Greece, and one of the busiest ports in Europe, serving as a gateway for millions of visitors to all the Greek islands.
How to get from Athens airport or Athens center to Piraeus Port
When you arrive at Athens International Airport, there are different ways to go to Piraeus Port, from buses and metro trains to airport taxis and private transport. Or, if you go by car to the Greek islands, you can also drive up to Piraeus Port.
TIP: Besides Piraeus, Athens also has two other ports, called Rafina and Lavrion Port. If you are looking for transport to your ferry, whether it’s public transport or a taxi, make sure you choose Piraeus as your end destination.
- Bus: The cheapest way to get to Piraeus Port from the international airport, but usually also the slowest. It takes around 90 minutes but can be up to two hours when the traffic is busy. The X96 airport express bus costs €5.5 one way (for an adult), runs all day and night, and leaves between exits 4 and 5 at the arrival level.
- Metro: This is our favorite way to travel from the airport to Piraeus (if you don’t have too much luggage). The blue line (metro line 3) runs between the airport and Piraeus and takes about 60 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €9 (for an adult). Be aware that if you have a lot of luggage, not all carriages have designated luggage racks. The airport station is a 5-minute walk from the airport, just follow the signs.
- Train: An alternative to the metro is the train, which takes 10 minutes longer but is a bit more comfortable. It leaves from the same place as the metro.
- Airport taxi: from the airport, you can take one of the yellow taxis to Piraeus Port. These run 24/7 and take about 70 minutes or more, depending on the traffic. They are metered taxis, so the price goes from €50-€70, depending on the traffic and the time of day. The airport taxis line up in front of exit 3 at the airport.
- Private transport: If you don’t want to worry about anything, booking private transport from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port is the most comfortable and easy way to travel. Prices and services can differ between the different companies.
- Car: You can rent a car at the airport and drive your car to Piraeus Port to board the ferry there. This is a great way if you want to explore the different islands by car.
TIP: Allow enough time between connections. Make sure you plan for some buffer time between flights and ferry departures in case of delays. In low season or if you have a late flight, you will have to book a night in Athens and take the ferry the next morning.
Similar options are possible from the center of Athens. You can take a bus, metro (line 1 or line 3), taxi, or private transport, or rent a car and drive to Piraeus.
Where to find the ferry at Piraeus Port
Piraeus is a huge port, and depending on the ferry company and the timing you choose, you will have to go to a different gate. Even if you have taken a ferry before, make sure you always check your ticket for gate information as, during the high season, ships sometimes get shuffled around
Generally speaking, ferries to the Cyclades, including the ferry to Syros, usually leave from gates E6, E7, E8, E9, or E10. We usually take the Blue Star Ferry which often leaves at gate E7.
TIP: Be aware that the metro and train station is between gates E4 and E5. It is possible you have to walk a bit (up to 30 minutes) to get to your ferry, so make sure you arrive in time. The path to walk is doable with luggage as well.
Athens to Syros ferry operating times
Normally, at least one ferry daily goes from Athens to Syros, even during winter. During high season, there are as many as 5 ferries a day, both normal and fast ferries.
TIP: When the weather is bad or there is too much wind, ferries can get canceled. Always check your email and/or the company’s website in case of bad weather to make sure the ferry is still going (especially during low season).
The companies that usually operate on the Athens-Syros route are Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Fast Ferries, and Minoan Lines. During the low season, in the winter months, Blue Star Ferries is the only company that goes daily to Syros.
Read more: To help you plan your trip, check out our guide on the best time to visit Syros for the perfect travel experience.
Where to book your Athens Syros ferry tickets
You can buy your ferry ticket at the local offices, but we highly advise you to book your ferry in advance, especially during the high season or holidays.
Prices for normal seats range somewhere between €35 (normal ferries) – €70 (high-speed ferries), but depending on the ferry you choose, you can also pick business seats or even a cabin (on the Blue Star Ferries) if you want to rest.
We found that FerryScanner is one of the best websites for booking your ferry tickets. Use the search box below to find the best ferry for you.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Syros
Depending on whether you take the high-speed ferry or the conventional one, the journey takes between 2 to 4 hours. During low season, only the 4-hour trip is available with Blue Star Ferries.
Although this might seem like a long time, the ferry journeys are usually very enjoyable.
What to expect on board the Athens to Syros ferry
These ferries are not small ships, so they have all kinds of amenities on board. For example, on the Blue Star ferries, you can find a restaurant (both a la carte and self-service), indoor and outdoor bar, a small shop, etc. Some of the bigger ships even have cabins with beds, where you can sleep or relax during your trip.
Ferries are often air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket or sweater, even in summer. If you want to step outside to enjoy the scenery, make sure you have a windjacket with you as it can get cold.
When you arrive on the ferry, you need to leave your luggage downstairs, where vehicles park as well. Ferries usually have different stops, so there will be an area designated specifically per stop. Place your luggage in the section for Syros (that normally is the first stop of the journey).
TIP: Note that the ferry doesn’t stop long in Syros. Everybody goes off and on, and he leaves again to the next island. Make sure you are ready to disembark when you arrive.
Coming by car to Syros
Taking your car from Piraeus to Syros by ferry is a practical way to explore the island. Prices for a car ferry ticket typically range from €60 to €120, depending on the season, the type of vehicle (height and length), and the ferry company. Additionally, you will also need to pay for a passenger ticket per person.
To book your tickets, you can use FerryScanner. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the summer months, to secure a spot for your vehicle.
Especially when you are traveling by car, arrive at the port at least an hour before departure to allow time for boarding.
Read more: Renting and driving a car in Syros
Arriving in Syros by ferry
Syros only has one port for ferries, where they all arrive and depart from, located in the center of Ermoupoli, the capital city of the island. From the port, you can walk to the city center and to most accommodations.
If you have a lot of luggage or are a bit further away, you can also consider to grab a taxi. They are usually lining up in the car park on the right side if you get off the ferry. If you have rented a car, they will normally bring the car to that same car park to meet you.
Once you arrive, grab your luggage or go to your car and wait until you can disembark.
Read more: Best areas to stay in Syros
Taking the Syros to Athens ferry
If you want to go from Syros to Athens by ferry, it’s as straightforward as going from Athens to Syros. You can either book your tickets online (which we advise, especially in high season) or go to one of the ticket offices on the main street by the water, close to the port.
At the port, there is a designated spot to wait for the ferry to arrive. Try to be there 15-30 minutes early. When the ferry arrives, everything goes quickly, so you can’t be too late.
Other ways to get to Syros
Fly from Athens to Syros
Syros has a small domestic airport (Syros Island National Airport). However, flights from Athens are limited and not always available. You can check with Olympic Air or Sky Express for available flights.
The flight duration is about 35 minutes. However, most travelers prefer the ferry option due to its convenience, frequency, and scenic views of the Aegean Sea.
Come by ferry from a nearby island
If you arrive on a nearby island like Mykonos, Santorini, or Paros, you can take a ferry to Syros. Multiple daily ferry services are available, especially during the summer. During winter, there might only be a ferry every couple of days.
- Mykonos to Syros: Daily ferries all year round, that take approximately 30 minutes to over 1 hour, depending on the ferry company. Read our complete guide on the ferry from Mykonos to Syros for more info.
- Paros to Syros: Daily ferries during summer, only a couple a week during winter. It is approximately 1 to 2 hours by ferry.
- Tinos to Syros: Daily ferries all year round, that only take 30 minutes or less.
- Santorini to Syros: Approximately 2 to 4 hours by ferry.
Arrive in Syros by cruise ship
In high season, many different cruise lines offer Syros in their itineraries around the Cyclades and/or Mediterranean Sea. Cruise ships usually dock in the old harbor, which is in the center of Ermoupoli.
If you come by cruise to Syros and you only have one day on the island, check out our FREE Ermoupoli walking tour (including Ano Syros).
Our final thought on the Athens Syros ferry
If you are looking for ways to go from Athens to Syros, we believe that the ferry is your best option. Not only is it part of the experience of traveling between the Greek islands, used by the locals, but you also get to enjoy the scenery of the Aegean Sea.
Read more: Best Greek islands to visit in 2025 in the Cyclades (besides Santorini and Mykonos)
The ferry from Athens to Syros runs all year round and offers a comfortable and affordable journey. It’s how we usually always come to Syros.
If you have any questions or remarks, please let us know in the comments! Check our other Syros articles or complete Syros travel guide + map for more information about your trip to Syros.