Ferry to Naxos from Athens & the islands

Below, you can find all the needed information to organize your trip by ferry to Naxos:
Popular RoutesBook online your ticketsIsland-hopping • Travel tipsFrequently Asked Questions
Important note: Schedules for summer routes of some companies are officially announced around March.

In brief, the most preferred way to reach Naxos from Athens is by taking the ferry. The ferry is also the only option for getting to Naxos directly from other islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Paros.

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Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and lies almost in the center of the Aegean Sea. The port of Naxos is situated right next to the main town, Chora (the capital of the island).
All ferry schedules arrive or depart from there. The island also boasts an airport, but the most common way to reach the island is by ferry from Athens.

 


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POPULAR ROUTES TO NAXOS

Naxos is a Greek island that allows easy access by ferry. It is a big island with many inhabitants, so many crossings from/to it operate throughout the year. Naxos is not only connected by ferry with Athens but with many other islands too. You can reach Naxos by ferry from Athens and more specifically from the three ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion) as well as from other islands such as Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, Milos, Tinos, Syros, Koufonisia, Astypalaia, Anafi, Donoussa, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Crete, and more.

Blue Star Naxos ferry arriving in Naxos

Important notice: Ferry schedules may vary every year. Most ferry companies announce their official timetables in March. You can find and book all available ferries on our booking engine, as soon as they are officially announced.

Ferry Athens Naxos

From Athens

Most of the travelers visiting Naxos usually leave from Athens.
Athens has three ports: Piraeus (the main and biggest port of the Greek capital, situated only 12km away from the city center), Rafina (the nearest port to the airport), and Lavrion (a small port with limited ferry schedules and located on the eastern part of Attica). The most common way to travel to Naxos from Athens is from the port of Piraeus.
> Book your ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus)

• How long is the duration of the trip?
The duration of the ferry trip from Athens to Naxos varies from a minimum of 3h 5m to a maximum of 8h 55m, whereas the average time is 5 hours. That depends on the type of vessel (conventional or high-speed), the port of departure (Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio), the in-between number of stops in other islands' ports, and, on some rare occasions, the weather.

• How much do the tickets cost?
Prices depend on the ferry type (conventional or high-speed) and the port of departure (Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio). Some indicative prices are:

  • €42 for the conventional Blue Star Ferry from Piraeus with a trip duration of around 5 hours.
  • €72.3 for the high-speed ferry with Seajets from Piraeus with a trip duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • €43 for the conventional Fast Ferry from Rafina with a trip duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes.
  • €22 for the conventional Blue Star Ferry from Lavrio with a trip duration of around 8 hours and 25 minutes.

• What ferries are operating from Athens to Naxos?
There are two types of vessels operating the route from Athens to Naxos - the conventional ferries mainly run by Blue Star Ferry and Fast Ferry company and high-speed ferries run by Seajets and Minoan Lines companies.

> Conventional ferries
The conventional type of ferry is a large vessel with many indoor and outdoor spaces and a garage. You will find restaurants, fast food eateries, cafes, small shops with magazines, and more. All interior spaces are air-conditioned. If you are traveling with a dog, ferries propose an organized kennel most of the time but you can keep your dog with you on the deck.
The trip with a conventional Blue Star Ferry is the most popular. Bad weather conditions like strong winds and waves do not affect this type of vessel much, and it is usually on time. Also, the trip is much more pleasant because of the many different levels and spaces where you can enjoy the beautiful sea views and have lunch or coffee. Last but not least, another advantage of this ferry type is that the ships have a garage and you can take a vehicle with you (your car/moto or a rented one).
Types of seats: Deck/Economy, Airline seats/Economy, Airline seats/Business, and cabins with/without a view.
Price range: €42 - €72.5
Vehicle: €32.5 (Moto), €116 (Car)
Timetable: During the summer season, there are at least three schedules per day for this type of vessel to/from Piraeus/Naxos, and one from Rafina.

> High-speed ferries
The high-speed ferries are smaller in size and go faster. There are (for most of them) no outdoor spaces, so passengers remain in the indoor area. Only numbered airplane-type seats are available. One coffee shop lies within the vessel, where you can buy a coffee, a refreshment, or a snack. The interior spaces are air-conditioned. Some boats of Seajets ferries have a garage and you can transfer your car to Naxos.
The advantage of choosing high-speed ferries is that they go faster and the price is not much higher than the conventional ferry. Unfortunately, due to their small size, bad weather conditions affect them easily and many delays occur. Also, as the boats are smaller and less stable, you might feel a bit seasick more easily.
Types of seats: Airline Economy, Business, and VIP.
Price range: €69.7- €72.3
Vehicle: €28.7 (Moto), €70 (Car) - Seajets
Timetable: During the summer season, there are at least three itineraries per day for this type of vessel to/from Piraeus/Naxos and one from Rafina.

• Indicative Timetables
Check our booking engine for precise timetables.
  • From Piraeus
  • • 07:00 Seajets (3h25m)
  • • 07:00 Seajets (3h30m)
  • • 07:25 Blue Star Ferry (5h5m)
  • • 08:45 Seajets (4h30m)
  • • 09:00 Blue Star Ferry (3h55m)
  • • 09:00 Minoan Lines (5h45m)
  • • 17:30 Blue Star Ferry (5h20m)
  • To Piraeus
  • • 09:30 Blue Star Ferry (5h15m)
  • • 13:00 Minoan Lines (5h50m)
  • • 13:45 Seajets (3h20m)
  • • 14:50 Seajets (3h35m)
  • • 15:35 Blue Star Ferry (3h55m)
  • • 18:00 Blue Star Ferry (5h15m)
  • • 18:15 Seajets (3h45m)
Ferry Santorini Naxos

From Santorini

Naxos is connected by ferry to Santorini. Santorini has an international airport and many visitors choose to fly to Santorini and take the ferry to Naxos from there to avoid spending too much time on a ferry.
> Book your ferry tickets from Santorini

• How long is the duration of the trip?
A ferry crossing from Santorini to Naxos can last from 1h20m to 2h50m, depending on the ferry type.

• How much do the tickets cost?
The ferry ticket from Santorini to Naxos costs €31 - €59.7, depending on the ferry type.

• What ferries are operating from Santorini to Naxos?
A conventional Blue Star Ferry and high-speed vessels by Seajets and Minoan Lines are operating this route among others.

• Indicative Timetable
Check our booking engine for precise timetables.

  • From Santorini
  • • 06:45 Blue Star Ferry (2h25m)
  • • 10:10 Seajets (1h30m)
  • • 11:15 Minoan Lines (1h35m)
  • • 12:10 Seajets (1h20m)
  • • 12:30 Seajets (2h50m)
  • • 15:30 Blue Star Ferry (2h)
  • To Santorini
  • • 00:15 Blue Star Ferry (2h30m)
  • • 10:30 Seajets (1h15m)
  • • 12:05 Seajets (2h50m)
  • • 12:50 Blue Star Ferry (2h)
  • • 14:15 Seajets (1h20m)
  • • 15:00 Minoan Lines (1h35m)
  • • 23:10 Blue Star Ferry (2h35m)
Ferry Paros Naxos

From Paros

Paros is the nearest island to Naxos and the two islands are connected by many daily ferry routes. Paros has an international airport and some visitors, in order to avoid spending too much time on a ferry, fly to Paros and take the ferry to Naxos from there.
> Book your ferry tickets from Paros

• How long is the duration of the trip?
The time from Paros to Naxos is 25 minutes to 1h55m, depending on the ferry.

• How much do the tickets cost?
The ferry tickets cost from €15 to €33, depending on the ferry.

• What ferries are operating from Paros to Naxos?
There are many daily ferries operating between Paros and Naxos. The most popular are the conventional Blue Star Ferries and the high-speed Seajets vessels.

• Indicative Timetable
Check our booking engine for precise timetables.

  • From Paros
  • • 10:00 Seajets (30m)
  • • 10:00 Seajets (1h55m)
  • • 11:45 Blue Star Ferry (45m)
  • • 12:20 Blue Star Ferry (30m)
  • • 12:45 Seajets (30m)
  • • 13:40 Seajets (25m)
  • • 14:10 Minoan Lines (35m)
  • • 15:15 Blue Star Ferry (50m)
  • To Paros
  • • 09:30 Blue Star Ferry (50m)
  • • 11:50 Seajets (1h35m)
  • • 13:000 Minoan Lines (35m)
  • • 14:50 Seajets (30m)
  • • 15:35 Blue Star Ferry (35m)
  • • 17:30 Seajets (30m)
  • • 18:00 Blue Star Ferry (45m)
  • • 18:15 Seajets (30m)
Ferry Mykonos Naxos

From Mykonos

Mykonos is located at a close distance to Naxos and the two islands are connected by daily ferries. Mykonos has an international airport so many holidaymakers fly to Mykonos and take the ferry from there to save time.
> Book your ferry tickets from Mykonos

• How long is the duration of the trip?
The trip duration is 35 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes.

• How much do the tickets cost?
The ticket cost ranges from €36 to €49.70.

• What ferries are operating from Mykonos to Naxos?
The two islands are connected by high-speed Seajets ferries, a Minoan Lines high-speed catamaran, and a Fast Ferries vessel.

• Indicative Timetable
Check our booking engine for precise timetables.

  • From Mykonos
  • • 09:50 Seajets (35m)
  • • 11:15 Seajets (40m)
  • • 11:50 Seajets (1h25m)
  • • 12:20 Fast Ferries (1h15m)
  • • 12:45 Seajets (1h20m)
  • • 13:00 Minoan Lines (1h45m)
  • • 16:40 Seajets (40m)
  • • 17:15 Seajets (40m)
  • To Mykonos
  • • 10:40 Seajets (45m)
  • • 11:50 Seajets (40m)
  • • 13:00 Minoan Lines (1h45m)
  • • 13:40 Seajets (45m)
  • • 12:50 Seajets (30m)
  • • 14:30 Fast Ferries (1h15m)
  • • 15:30 Seajets (40m)
Ferry Islands Naxos

From other islands

Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and is located in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Therefore, the port of Naxos is a meeting point and connected with many islands of the Cyclades, the Eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese, and Crete. Also, apart from the conventional and high-speed ferries, a local Ferry line called Express Skopelitis connects Naxos with the small Cyclades (Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donoussa) and Amorgos, and operates throughout the year.

• How do you get from Crete to Naxos?
Crete (Heraklion) is connected with Naxos by ferry. There are two ferry companies operating this route: Seajets and Minoan Lines. The trip duration is less than 4 hours and the tickets cost from €79 to €99.7 depending on the seat type and the ferry company. For more information regarding the timetables, please check our up-to-date booking engine.
> Book your ferry tickets from Crete

• How do you get from Milos to Naxos?
Milos is also connected with Naxos by ferry. Seajets operate one route every day from Milos to Naxos during the high season. The trip duration lasts around 4 hours. For more information on the available timetables, please check our up-to-date booking engine.
> Book your ferry tickets from Milos

• How do you get from Koufonisia to Naxos?
Koufonisia islands are located on the east side of Naxos and lie in proximity to Naxos. Ano Koufonisi is the most developed one, boasting lodgings, establishments, and a port. Frequent daily ferries connect Naxos to Ano Koufonisi. Blue Star ferries, Seajets, and the local Express Skopelitis are the most popular. The trip duration ranges from 40 minutes to 2 hours and 35 minutes and the tickets cost up to €43.7. For more information on the itineraries, please check our up-to-date booking engine.
> Book your ferry tickets from Koufonisia

Ferry routes from other islands
Except for the above schedules, Naxos is also connected with: Athens - Rafina - Lavrio - Andros - Astypalea - Anafi - Donoussa - Folegandros - Ios - Iraklia - Kalymnos - Karpathos - Kasos - Kastelorizo - Kea - Kimolos - Kos - Kythnos - Leros - Lipsi - Nisyros - Rhodes - Schinoussa - Sifnos - Sikinos - Skiathos - Syros - Thessaloniki - Thirassia - Tilos - Tinos. Note that these ferry connections can be available only during some summer months.

 

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Find the ferry schedules to Naxos and book your tickets with us online! Want to know Who Greeka is? Greeka is the most popular website about Greece and is organizing holidays for thousands of people every year.
Our ferry service is rated 4.6/5 stars. Read customer's reviews!
Important note: Schedules for summer routes of most ferry companies are officially announced in March.

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WHY BOOK FERRY TICKETS WITH GREEKA

We don't only sell ferry tickets from/to Naxos! We offer a Premium service and follow-up your trip, informing you about delays and any schedule changes, and also suggest the best possible alternatives.
We ensure you that all online transactions are safe and made through a secure server. Our goal is to offer you the best travel experience in Greece.

 

ISLAND HOPPING OPTIONS

High-speed ferry Caldera Vista departing from Naxos

Naxos, being in the heart of the Cyclades, is a crossroad for many ferry routes and an ideal destination for island hopping. Apart from the most popular island hopping destinations that can be combined with Naxos, some remote Greek islands can be easily reached from Naxos, too. Keep in mind that itineraries change from year to year, though.

  • Amorgos: Amorgos island is an ideal destination when starting from Naxos. The island of the Big Blue is 1h20m - 5h20m away from Naxos and daily ferries connect the two islands. The companies that operate this route are Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and the local Express Skopelitis. The ticket is no more than €57.5.
    > Book your ferry tickets from Naxos to Amorgos
  • Ios: Ios is one of the liveliest destinations in Greece and the favorite island of Greek and European youth. The island lies 35 to 75 minutes away from Naxos and the ticket starts from €22.
    > Book your ferry tickets from Naxos to Ios
  • Patmos: Patmos, the island of the Apocalypse, is another remote destination easily accessible from Naxos. It has no airport and is a mere 8 hours ferry ride from Athens whereas, from Naxos, the ferry crossing lasts a bit less than 3 hours. There are at least 2 ferry schedules with Blue Star Ferries every week.
    > Book your ferry tickets from Naxos to Patmos
  • Astypalea: Last but not least, an upcoming destination and a great island-hopping option from Naxos is Astypalea. This butterfly-shaped island of the Dodecanese is 3h 45m away from Naxos and the ticket costs €22. The Blue Star Ferries make this route 3 times per week.
    > Book your ferry tickets from Naxos to Astypalea
 

VIDEO OF THE PORT & FERRY ARRIVAL

 

 

WHERE TO GO FOR A DAY TRIP

It is a fact that Naxos is a destination rich in day trip options to other islands because of its position. With five islands located in less than a 2-hour distance by ferry and with a variety of timetables and ferry companies, planning a day visit to one of them is one of the top things to do in Naxos. Paros is only a 45-minute ferry ride away from Naxos. It is not considered the ideal day trip because there are many things to see and do on the island that need more than one day. But if you just want to take a quick glimpse of life in Paros or want to visit a specific beach, village, or restaurant, then taking a morning ferry from Naxos and returning with an evening ferry is more than fine.
The islands of the Small Cyclades complex, on the other hand, are ideal for day trips. They are situated really close to Naxos and are very small in size. A car is not necessarily needed there and you can see the best of those islands in just one day. The two main companies operating routes to the Small Cyclades are Blue Star Ferries and Express Skopelitis. The nearby islands include:

  • Koufonisia islands: The Koufonisia complex has some of the most amazing sandy beaches and turquoise waters in Greece, not to mention the geology of the island that has created numerous sea caves and sea pools. Ano (Upper) Koufonisi lies around 2 hours from Naxos and the ticket is €7.7.
    > Book your ferry tickets to Koufonisia
  • Schinoussa: Schinoussa is a secluded island less than 2 hours away from Naxos. It is a picturesque islet with a worth mentioning gastronomic scene. The ferry ticket costs €6.8.
    > Book your ferry tickets to Schinoussa
  • Iraklia: Iraklia is a quaint place with a laid-back atmosphere. It is only a 1.5 hours trip from Naxos and the ticket is €6.8.
    > Book your ferry tickets to Iraklia
  • Donoussa: Donoussa is a very tranquil island with beautiful beaches and hiking routes. The distance from Naxos with the Express Skopelitis is 3h50m.
    > Book your ferry tickets to Donoussa
 

TRAVEL TIPS

High Speed 4 passing in front of the Portara of Naxos

Travel tips to organize your trip to Naxos:

  • • A conventional ferry with Blue Star company from Piraeus to Naxos is the best option if you’re traveling to Naxos on a budget.
  • • If you are traveling to and from Naxos during high season (July to mid-September), it is strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance as soon as possible since popular routes like these get fully booked.
  • • Naxos is very close to Paros and Mykonos, which allows you to grab the chance to island-hop to the islands of the Cyclades.
  • • Day visits by ferry to neighboring islands such as Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, and Donoussa are very convenient from Naxos.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the ferry port in Naxos?
The port where all the ferries arrive and depart in Naxos is located in Naxos Town (Chora), the capital of the island and the center of life. From the Port, visitors can admire Portara, the landmark of Naxos, which lies less than 500 meters away. The area of Kastro (Castle) is also situated around 500 meters from the port. The Town, the Portara, and the Castle along with many restaurants and hotels are within a walking distance from the port. In addition, note that most of the car rental companies are located a few meters from the port's entrance.

How to get from the port to the beaches?
Just at the port’s entrance, you will find the island's Central Bus station (KTEL Buses). It comprises the starting and ending point of all bus routes to the most famous beaches and villages on the island. Right next to the buses, you can locate a taxi rank, too. Note that due to the limited number of taxis, it will be challenging to find any available on the port when the ferry arrives or departs. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to book your transfer in advance.

How to get from the airport to the port?
The airport of Naxos is 4km south of the Port of Naxos. There is a taxi rank with a few taxis waiting during the day, but it is more reliable to book your transfer in advance. Also, a bus stop lies 700m from the airport, and buses that can take you to the Port/Town or the beaches pass every 30 minutes.

What is better? Plane or ferry to Naxos?
Although Naxos has an airport and flying there is a timesaver, the most common way to travel to the island is by ferry. The airport of Naxos is small and serves only domestic flights. Furthermore, the tickets, due to their limited number, are pricey. On the other hand, taking the ferry to Naxos allows you to find tickets with fixed prices available online. In addition, there is no luggage limit nor a fee for it. Lastly, the whole experience of traveling by ferry across the Aegean Sea is lovely (as if you are on a cruise) and an excellent beginning for your summer holidays!

MORE TRAVEL INFO ABOUT NAXOS