Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Symi (Gialos)

Blue Star Ferries run Piraeus to Symi with the Blue Star 2 and Blue Star Patmos, a passage of between about fourteen and seventeen hours. The ship works down through the Dodecanese, calling at several islands before Symi, so it is an overnight crossing with a good part of the following day at sea as well. Cabins are available and worth taking.

Arriving at Symi by sea is the way to see it. The harbour at Gialos is ringed by tiers of colourful Italianate mansions rising up the hillside, and the ferry comes in facing the lot. The island is small, with sponge-diving in its history, good seafood along the dock, and the Panormitis monastery on the south coast reached by road or boat.

Direct sailings from Piraeus are limited, a handful over a fortnight, with fares starting around €80. Check the table below for current departures and prices. Most people arrive instead on the frequent day boats and catamarans from Rhodes, which take under an hour and a half.

Weekly Piraeus to Symi 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 Symi 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 Symi between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Symi 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.
• In Symi, the neoclassical mansions in shades of ochre, terracotta, and gold rising above the harbour of Gialos form one of the most striking port scenes in the Dodecanese. St Georges Bay on the island's east coast offers some of the best swimming in the area, and the island is a short ferry ride from Rhodes.

Plan a journey

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