Ferry from Ios to Athens (Piraeus)

This is the main run back to Athens from Ios, taking a little under five hours on the Seajets high-speed boats and up to around nine on the conventional overnight-style sailings. Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries and Seajets all work the route with vessels including the Blue Star 1, Dionisios Solomos and the Champion Jets. The conventional ships carry vehicles and are far cheaper; fares start around €44.

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, a few kilometres southwest of the city centre and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe. It is a sprawling place with numbered gates running E1 to E12, so check which gate your ferry uses before you arrive rather than after. The metro and suburban rail terminus sits right by the harbour and runs directly into central Athens, and the archaeological museum and Mikrolimano marina are both close by.

Sailings run several times a day through the summer and drop back sharply in winter. The current timetable, operators and fares are shown in the table below. From Piraeus you can connect onward to the Dodecanese, Crete, the North Aegean and the Saronic islands, or take the metro straight into the city.

Ios to Piraeus Ferry Fares

Weekly Ios to Piraeus Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Piraeus?

Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Can you rent a car in Ios?

Yes. The port sits about 2km from Chora, with rental desks at both. A car isn't essential for the Chora to Mylopotas stretch, which is walkable and bus-served, but it's worth having to reach quieter spots like Manganari beach, roughly 19km to the south. Check current rates at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Ios to Piraeus between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Ios to Piraeus ferry

• The port at Ormos sits about 2km below Chora – roughly a five-minute drive, a 20-minute walk, or a short bus ride from the stop just along the road from the ferry quay.
• Arrive at Ormos port at least an hour before departure in summer – traffic builds up around the port and you'll want time to secure a good deck or lounge seat before boarding.
• Ormos port has its own supermarkets, cafes, ATMs and car or motorbike hire outlets, so you can wait comfortably, withdraw cash or pick up rental transport without leaving the harbour area.
• The eastern coast of islands (lee side) provides shelter from the meltemi; ports on the eastern shore of Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros are usually calmer.
• Ferries from Piraeus depart from the main port of Athens, giving easy access to the Acropolis, the world-class Acropolis Museum, and the ancient Agora. The historic Plaka neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis hill, with its neoclassical lanes, Roman ruins, and traditional tavernas, is the most atmospheric place to spend time before or after your crossing.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.