Ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Tinos

The Rafina to Tinos ferry is one of the more rewarding crossings in the Cyclades, taking you from the bustling port town east of Athens directly to one of the most spiritually significant islands in Greece. With a sailing time of under four hours, it’s a manageable and enjoyable way to make the crossing. Our Rafina port guide covers getting there from central Athens and the airport before you set off.

Service runs throughout the year, though the timetable shifts considerably with the seasons. On average you’ll find around 8 departures per day, but in the height of summer — June through August — that figure climbs to 11 daily sailings. In winter, expect around 2 per day.

Rafina to Tinos Ferry Fares

Weekly Rafina to Tinos 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

Do you need a car in Tinos?

Not strictly, since Tinos has one of the Cyclades' better bus networks and buses reach most villages from Tinos Town, but only a handful of times a day. With well over 30 villages scattered across the island and many worth a stop, a hire car gives you the freedom to see more than the three or four the bus timetable allows; compare 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 Tinos between 15 October 2026 and 28 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rafina to Tinos 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.
• Photography from the deck is excellent – the golden hour light on island whitewashed buildings as you arrive is hard to match.
• In Tinos, the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in the island's main town is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Orthodox world, drawing hundreds of thousands of faithful each year. Beyond the port, the island's marble-carved villages and the distinctive marble-latticed dovecotes of the countryside make for rewarding exploration.

Plan a journey

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