Ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Paros (Parikia)

Rafina is the quieter of Athens' two ferry ports, and for anyone heading to Paros it is usually the more convenient one. It sits on the eastern side of Attica, roughly forty minutes from the airport and under an hour from the centre of Athens by bus, and the terminal itself is compact enough that you can find your gate without much fuss even in the crush of a July morning. From there the ferry cuts out into open water before threading into the Cyclades proper, so there is a stretch of the crossing with no land in sight -- something to bear in mind if you are prone to seasickness, though conditions are generally manageable outside a strong meltemi. Paros itself lies close to the middle of the group, which is part of why so many boats call here: check the schedule box above for the latest confirmed dates rather than assuming a fixed timetable, since operators file their routes in stages through the year.

The spread between the fastest and slowest crossing times on this route is wide, and that gap tells you something useful. The quicker sailings are high-speed catamarans that run more or less direct; the longer ones are conventional ferries that may call at other islands on the way, which suits travellers who are not in a hurry and would rather sit out on deck than pay extra for speed. Either way, expect several crossings a day at the height of summer, thinning out as the season winds down.

Rafina to Paros Ferry Fares

Weekly Rafina to Paros 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 Paros?

Yes, and rental desks cluster right by the port in Parikia, most just a couple of minutes' walk from where the ferry docks. A car earns its keep here: nowhere on Paros is more than about 30 minutes' drive away, opening up marble-quarry villages and quieter southern beaches that the KTEL bus network doesn't reach directly. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars if you'd rather not rely on the bus timetable.

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 Paros between 25 September 2026 and 8 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rafina to Paros 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.
• Carry a smaller day bag separately from your main luggage: this holds your passport, wallet, phone, charger, sunscreen, and anything else you need during the crossing.
• In Paros, the charming fishing village of Naoussa on the north coast is the best place to eat fresh seafood at family-run waterfront tavernas. The main town of Parikia has an impressive Byzantine cathedral built from the marble of ancient temples, and the island's beaches – particularly Kolymbithres with its sculpted granite rocks – are among the most striking in the Cyclades.

Plan a journey

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