Ferry from Symi (Gialos) to Athens (Piraeus)

Symi to Piraeus takes between roughly fourteen and seventeen hours on Blue Star Ferries' Blue Star 2 or Blue Star Patmos, depending on how many islands the ship calls at on the way. These are large conventional ferries with cabins, seating lounges, a bar and open decks, and most people travel this one overnight. It is the standard long link between the Dodecanese and Athens.

Piraeus is the port of Athens, a few kilometres from the city centre and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe. It is a large, spread-out port with numbered gates from E1 to E12, so it pays to know which gate you need on arrival and on any onward sailing. The metro terminus connects directly to central Athens, and the archaeological museum and Mikrolimano marina are close to the waterfront.

The route runs three or four times a week across the two ships, so there is reasonable choice in season. Current departures and fares are shown in the timetable below, with fares starting around €80. From Piraeus there are onward ferries to the Cyclades, Crete, the North Aegean and the Saronic islands, plus metro and bus links to Athens airport.

Symi to Piraeus Ferry Fares

Weekly Symi to Piraeus 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 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 Symi to Piraeus between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Symi to Piraeus ferry

• Symi's harbour has two separate docking points: Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans use the clock tower, while larger conventional ferries dock at the New Port, a shadeless 15-minute walk away with no shops or taxis – confirm which one applies before you set off.
• Buy or confirm ferry tickets at the Symi Tours office on the harbour front, the long-standing general agent for Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, rather than assuming online booking alone will guarantee your allocated departure point.
• Don't confuse the scheduled Dodekanisos Seaways or ANES catamarans with the organised day-trip excursion boats from Rhodes, which fill the harbour around midday and typically call passengers back for a fixed afternoon return sailing.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent are both considerably cheaper at a supermarket before you board than at island resort shops; stock up on the mainland.
• Ferries from Piraeus depart from the main port of Athens, giving easy access to the Acropolis, the world-class Acropolis Museum, and the ancient Agora. The historic Plaka neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis hill, with its neoclassical lanes, Roman ruins, and traditional tavernas, is the most atmospheric place to spend time before or after your crossing.

Plan a journey

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