Ferry from Syros (Ermoupoli) to Ios

There are regular ferry connections between Syros and Ios island in Greece, with one daily ferry, and an additional Syros Ios ferry 3-4 times per week.

How to get from Syros to Ios

Island hopping from Syros to Ios in Greece is quite a contrast. You’ll be traveling from Syros, a somewhat regal looking island, to Ios, which has a reputation as a party island for the under 30s.

There is more to Ios than just the party scene though, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island checking out the beaches and hiking trails. Ios also has some of the best sunset locations in Greece!

Having visited most of the islands in the Cyclades of Greece now on different island hopping trips, I’d say that Ios is one of my favorite islands in the Cyclades.

If you’re planning to travel from Syros to Ios, you should know that as Ios does not have an airport, your only option is to take a ferry. Here’s how…

Ferries to Ios from Syros

During the height of summer, there is a baseline of one ferry per day, with an additional ferry 3 or 4 times per week from Syros to Ios. These ferries to Ios from Syros are operated by SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries.

The quicker boat from Syros going to Ios takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. The slowest vessel sailing to Ios from Syros island takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes.

You can generally expect faster ferries to have more expensive tickets prices. If you want to check schedules and book tickets for the ferry online, check out Ferryscanner.

As these are popular destinations in the Cyclades group, I recommend booking your ticket for this ferry route a few weeks in advance, especially during high season.

Syros to Ios Ferry Fares

Weekly Syros to Ios 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 Ios?

Yes. The port sits about 2km from Chora, with rental desks at both. A car isn't essential for the Chora to Mylopotas stretch, which is walkable and bus-served, but it's worth having to reach quieter spots like Manganari beach, roughly 19km to the south. Check current rates at Discover Cars.

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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Syros to Ios between 4 September 2026 and 17 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Syros to Ios ferry

• The ferry quay sits right in Ermoupoli town centre, close to hotels, cafés and the bus station, so you can walk to most accommodation. In peak summer, arrive at least an hour early, or 60–90 minutes if you're bringing a car.
• There's no single ferry ticket office at the port – tickets are issued by several independent travel agencies clustered near the harbour, so check your booking confirmation for pickup details rather than expecting one terminal counter.
• A taxi rank is around 100 metres from the quay, but ranks empty fast in August, so pre-book a taxi or arrange a hotel transfer in advance rather than relying on hailing one on arrival.
• A neck wallet or money belt under your clothing is the most secure way to carry your passport and cards in busy ferry terminals and ports.
• In Ios, the whitewashed Chora draws visitors with its narrow footpaths, windmills, and the climb to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa for sweeping views across the Aegean. The island's beaches are among the finest in the Cyclades – Mylopotas, Manganari, and Magganari are the most celebrated – while Homer's reputed tomb lies on the northern hillside.

Plan a journey

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