Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Nisyros (Mandraki)

Nisyros is one of the further calls on the Blue Star Dodecanese route, and the crossing from Piraeus aboard the Blue Star Patmos takes between about twelve and fourteen hours. It is an overnight passage working down through the island chain, so a cabin makes a real difference. The ship carries cars, though the island is small and easily covered without one.

Ferries tie up at Mandraki, the main village and port, a compact whitewashed settlement below a Byzantine castle and monastery. The island is a live volcano, and the caldera at Stefanos, with its steaming vents and sulphur, is the reason most people come. It stays quiet outside the day-trip hours, when the boats from Kos have gone.

Direct sailings from Piraeus are infrequent, a couple over a fortnight, with fares starting around €80. Current departures and prices are shown below. Most travellers reach Nisyros on the short and far more frequent boats from Kos, which is worth considering if the direct timings do not work.

Weekly Piraeus to Nisyros Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 13 November 2026 to 10 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Piraeus.

Piraeus to Nisyros Ferry Fares

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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Piraeus to Nisyros between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Nisyros ferry

• Piraeus port is large, with departure gates E1 to E12 spread along the waterfront – allow extra time to find yours, as it can be a 15–20 minute walk from the metro station, and check the gate number printed on your ticket.
• Ferries to the Saronic islands – Aegina, Hydra and the nearby islands – depart from Gate E8, while Cyclades sailings (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) leave from gates in the E6–E10 range, so double-check your specific gate on arrival.
• Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Piraeus station, then use the free shuttle bus that circulates around the port roughly every 10–15 minutes, linking the metro to all gates – useful if your ferry departs from a distant terminal such as E2 or E3.
• There is no parking inside the port itself, so if you are driving, use one of the private car parks nearby rather than looking for a space at the gate; ticket booths at each gate can print e-tickets if you have not already.
• Many island businesses (restaurants, hotels, excursion boats) close entirely from October to April; factor this in before planning an off-season island stay.

Plan a journey

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