Ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Naxos (Chora)

Rafina to Naxos is one of the busiest Cyclades routes out of Attica, worked by Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets between them. The conventional ships, the Ekaterini P, Superferry and Superexpress, take around five to five and a half hours with calls at Andros, Tinos and Mykonos on the way. The Superrunner Jet cuts that to roughly three and a half hours, though it costs more and rides less comfortably in a meltemi.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, and arriving ferries pass the Portara, the freestanding marble doorway on the islet at the harbour mouth, before docking beside the Chora. The town has a Venetian kastro above a working waterfront, and the island beyond splits between long sandy beaches on the west coast and mountain villages such as Halki and Apiranthos inland. It is a good island for people who want beach time and something to do besides.

There are usually three or four departures a day through the summer, dropping back but not disappearing out of season. Current sailings, durations and fares are shown below, with tickets from around €43. Rafina is well linked to Athens airport by bus, which makes it a practical first-day port, and Naxos itself is the hub for the Small Cyclades.

Rafina to Naxos Ferry Fares

Weekly Rafina to Naxos 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

Is it worth hiring a car on Naxos?

Yes, it is worth it. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, and its best beaches and mountain villages, Apollonas, Halki, the Tragaea, are 30 to 45 minutes' drive from Naxos Town. Rental desks sit right at the ferry quay, a one-minute walk from the bus terminal. Buses cover the main coast road, but a car gets you into the interior. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Can you rent a car at Rafina port?

Yes, several international agencies including Sixt, Avis and Budget have desks at the port, roughly 25km from Athens airport by road. It's a useful pickup point if you're collecting a car before driving onward, rather than sailing, or heading into Athens after a ferry from the islands. Compare prices at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Rafina to Naxos between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rafina to Naxos ferry

• The KTEL bus from Athens Airport to Rafina port runs roughly hourly between around 04:30 and 22:30, picking up between arrivals exits 2 and 3, opposite the Sofitel hotel, and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Rafina is far smaller than Piraeus, with a single terminal and no barrier gates, so arrive around 30 to 45 minutes before departure – boarding typically starts about half an hour beforehand and staff will point you to the right quay.
• There is no free parking directly at Rafina port; the municipal car park is about a three-minute walk from the terminals, with private sheltered lots also nearby – arrive with a plan for where you'll leave your car.
• The sea temperature in the Aegean ranges from around 15°C in winter to 27–28°C in late summer; falling overboard in winter is a serious emergency.
• Once you arrive in Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, the giant marble Portara gateway standing on a small islet at the entrance to the harbour is an unmissable landmark. The island offers the full range of Greek island experiences: long sandy beaches, mountain villages, ancient ruins, and a fertile interior producing excellent local cheeses and wines.

Plan a journey

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