Ferry from Santorini (Athinios) to Syros (Ermoupoli)

The ferry from Santorini to Syros takes you from one of the most photographed islands in the Mediterranean to one of the most underestimated. Syros sits at the geographical centre of the Cyclades, and its capital Ermoupoli was once the busiest port in all of Greece -- a fact that still shows in the neoclassical architecture, the marble-paved squares and the grand Apollo Theatre that would not look out of place in a northern European city. It is a destination that rewards you for making the crossing.

The route runs year-round, which puts it ahead of many Aegean crossings that shut down entirely from November through March. Summer frequency reaches three sailings a day, so you have genuine flexibility over when you travel. Winter service is leaner -- typically one departure per day -- and January and December see no service at all on some years, so checking the current schedule before you commit to any onward connections is essential.

Santorini to Syros Ferry Fares

Weekly Santorini to Syros 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 Syros?

Yes, and rental desks cluster right in Ermoupoli, a short walk from where the ferry docks. Syros Town itself is easily walkable, but a car earns its keep for reaching Kini, Galissas and Poseidonia beaches, each 8-10km away on the other side of the island. Compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Santorini to Syros between 5 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Santorini to Syros ferry

• Arrive at Athinios port at least 45 minutes before departure – the switchback access road down the caldera cliff often backs up in summer, and boarding can start earlier than the printed departure time.
• If you're staying in Oia, note that no bus runs directly to or from Athinios port – you'll need to change at Fira, adding a ticket and a wait, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually more practical.
• Collect paper tickets from the Nomikos or Dakoutros travel agency booths at the port as soon as you arrive, rather than waiting until boarding – queues build quickly as departure time approaches.
• If you're travelling by public bus, stow large luggage in the storage compartment underneath rather than carrying it aboard, as space inside is limited, especially on the busy Fira–Oia route.
• Once you arrive in Syros, the elegant capital Ermoupoli – with its grand neoclassical town hall, marble-paved Miaouli Square, and the Apollo Theatre – reflects the island's prosperous 19th-century history as the commercial centre of the Aegean. The hilltop medieval settlement of Ano Syros, built by the Venetians around 1200 CE, offers a contrasting older layer of island history.

Plan a journey

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