Ferry from Athens (Lavrio) to Kythnos (Merichas)

Lavrio to Kythnos takes a little over an hour on the fastest sailings and up to around two and three quarter hours on the conventional ferries that call elsewhere first. Several companies work the line, including Goutos Lines, Karystia Shipping, Avlemon Shipping, Hellenic Seaways and Magic Sea Ferries, with vessels ranging from the Ionis and Makedon to the high-speed Hsc Cat I. Fares start around €15 and the conventional ships take vehicles.

Kythnos sits between Kea and Serifos and is one of the quieter western Cyclades, more an Athenian weekend island than an international destination. Ferries arrive at Merichas, a small harbour town on the west coast, while the capital, Chora, is inland and up in the hills. The best-known spot is Kolona, a sandbar with sea on both sides, and there are hot springs at Loutra on the north coast.

The route runs several times a day through the season, so short breaks are easy to arrange. Current departures, journey times and fares are shown below. Kythnos is also served from Piraeus, and it sits on the same line as Serifos, Sifnos and Milos for anyone continuing south.

Lavrio to Kythnos Ferry Fares

Weekly Lavrio to Kythnos 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 at Lavrio port?

Rental desks at Lavrio itself are scarce; the port is a working harbour about 60km southeast of Athens and roughly 40km from Athens airport, a 30-40 minute drive. Most people picking up a car for a Cycladic ferry from here collect it at the airport or in Athens beforehand, or arrange supplier delivery to the port; compare options at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Lavrio to Kythnos between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Lavrio to Kythnos ferry

• Two-berth cabins with a porthole cost more but are worth the premium for overnight crossings – a few hours of genuine sleep transforms how you arrive.
• Children tend to find ferry journeys exciting rather than tedious; give them a small bag of activities or let them explore the accessible deck areas safely.
• Aircraft-style reserved seats cost a little more than deck class and are worth it on longer crossings if cabins are beyond your budget.
• In Kythnos, the unique double sandy beach of Kolona – a narrow strip of sand connecting the island to the islet of Agios Loukas – is one of the most unusual bathing spots in the Cyclades. The village of Loutra is known for its therapeutic thermal springs, used since ancient times, while the car-free Chora is a classic Cycladic hilltop settlement.

Plan a journey

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