Getting to Ios means taking a ferry, as the island has no airport and can be reached only by sea. The main gateway is Athens, whose port of Piraeus connects to Ios daily in summer, with fast ferries taking around four and a quarter hours and conventional ferries about seven. Ferries also run from the Athens ports of Rafina and Lavrio. Because Ios sits on the busy central Cyclades route, it is also easily reached from Santorini in 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter. From Naxos, Paros, Mykonos and Crete. Ferries are operated by companies such as Blue Star, Seajets, Golden Star and Zante Ferries, and arrive at the port of Gialos, close to Chora.
This guide covers how to get to Ios by ferry, with routes, journey times and booking advice.
Here you will find everything about how to get to Ios, Greece: why the island is reached only by ferry, the routes from the Athens ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. The short crossing from Santorini, connections from the other Cyclades and Crete, the ferry companies, journey times. Tips on booking and reaching your accommodation from the port.
How do you get to Ios?
You get to Ios only by ferry, as the island has no airport. Ferries run from the Athens ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, and from neighbouring islands including Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos.
The only way to reach Ios is by ferry, since the island has no airport of its own. This gives arriving on Ios a wonderfully traditional feel. Sailing in past the whitewashed town to dock at the harbour. It is part of the character of this central Cyclades island.
The main gateway is Athens, whose great port of Piraeus, along with the ports of Rafina and Lavrio, connects to Ios by ferry through the summer season. Because Ios lies on the busy north-to-south Cyclades ferry route, it is also very well connected to neighbouring islands, above all Santorini just to the south.
All ferries arrive at the island’s port of Gialos, conveniently located close to the main town of Chora and the beaches, so onward travel is quick and easy. The sections below cover each of the main routes to Ios, the ferry companies, journey times and how to plan your crossing.
How do you get to Ios from Athens?
You get to Ios from Athens by ferry from the port of Piraeus, with daily departures in summer. Fast ferries take around four and a quarter hours, and conventional ferries about seven and a half.
The most common way to reach Ios is by ferry from Athens, whose main port of Piraeus offers daily sailings to the island throughout the summer season. Piraeus is the busiest ferry hub in Greece and the principal departure point for the Cyclades, easily reached from Athens city centre and the airport by metro, bus or taxi.
From Piraeus, fast ferries and high-speed catamarans make the crossing to Ios in around four hours and a quarter, while the larger. More comfortable conventional ferries take about seven and a half hours, often sailing overnight or during the day with stops at other islands. The fast ferries cost more but save hours.
Athens has two other ferry ports that also serve Ios: Rafina, to the east of the city. From which the crossing takes around four and a half hours. Lavrio to the south-east. Piraeus, however, remains the main and most frequent gateway for the journey to Ios from the capital.
How do you get to Ios from Santorini?
You get to Ios from Santorini by a short ferry of just 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter, with frequent daily departures in summer.
One of the easiest and most popular ways to reach Ios is by the short ferry from its southern neighbour Santorini. The crossing takes as little as 45 minutes on a fast ferry. Up to around an hour and a quarter on a conventional one. With frequent departures throughout the summer day.
A common route to Ios is to fly into Santorini and then take the quick ferry across, avoiding the long sea journey from Athens. The two islands are close neighbours on the main Cyclades ferry line, so connections are reliable and regular.
This short hop also makes Santorini one of the easiest day trips from Ios, and vice versa. For travellers island-hopping through the Cyclades, the Ios to Santorini leg is one of the quickest and most scenic. Linking the lively beaches of Ios with the dramatic caldera of Santorini in under an hour and a half.
Can you reach Ios from other Greek islands?
Yes, you can reach Ios from numerous Greek islands, as it sits on the main Cyclades ferry route.
Ios is exceptionally well connected to other islands because it lies on the busy central Cyclades ferry route that runs north to south through the archipelago. This makes it one of the easiest islands to include on an island-hopping trip, with frequent ferries linking it to its neighbours all summer.
To the north, regular ferries connect Ios with Naxos, around an hour to 90 minutes away, and with Paros and Mykonos, opening up the northern Cyclades. To the south lies Santorini, less than an hour and a quarter away, while ferries also run to and from Crete, connecting Ios to the largest Greek island.
Smaller neighbouring islands such as Sikinos and Folegandros to the west are also linked by ferry, though less frequently. This dense network of connections means that wherever you are in the Cyclades. Reaching Ios is usually straightforward. The island makes a natural stepping stone between the popular islands of the group.
Which ferry companies sail to Ios?
Ferries to Ios are operated by companies, including Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Zante Ferries. Blue Star and Zante run larger conventional ferries, while Seajets and Golden Star operate fast high-speed catamarans.
Several ferry companies serve Ios, offering a choice of conventional and high-speed vessels on the routes from Athens and the neighbouring islands. Knowing the operators helps when comparing timetables and prices for your journey to the island.
The main conventional ferry operators are Blue Star Ferries and Zante Ferries, which run larger, comfortable ships that carry vehicles and take longer but often cost less. For speed, Seajets and Golden Star Ferries operate fast catamarans and high-speed ferries that cover the routes in significantly less time, though at a higher fare.
Between them, these companies provide frequent daily departures to Ios throughout the summer season, with a reduced service in the shoulder months. Comparing their schedules and fares, whether directly or through a ferry-booking website, is the best way to find the crossing that suits your budget and timing.
How long does it take to get to Ios?
Getting to Ios takes around four and a quarter hours from Athens by fast ferry, or about seven and a half hours by conventional ferry.
The journey time to Ios depends mainly on where you start and the type of ferry. From the Athens port of Piraeus, the fast ferries and catamarans reach the island in around four hours and a quarter, while the larger conventional ferries take about seven and a half hours, a longer but often cheaper and more comfortable journey.
From the neighbouring islands the crossings are much shorter: Santorini is just 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter away. Naxos around one to 90 minutes. Paros a similar distance, making these easy connections. From Crete the journey is longer, hours, reflecting the greater distance across the Aegean.
It is worth remembering that conventional ferries often call at other islands along the way, which lengthens the total journey, while fast ferries are more direct. Checking the exact duration of each specific sailing when booking is wise, as times vary between services and operators on the routes to Ios.
How do you get from the Ios port to Chora and the beaches?
From the Ios port of Gialos you get to Chora and Mylopotas beach easily by the frequent local bus, which runs every 15 to 30 minutes in summer, or by taxi.
Ferries to Ios dock at the port of Gialos. Which is conveniently located close to the main town of Chora and the island’s principal beach at Mylopotas. Onward travel from the harbour is quick and easy. This is one of the advantages of arriving on the compact island.
The simplest way to reach your accommodation is the frequent local bus, which links Gialos. Chora and Mylopotas every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the summer, dropping passengers at the three main hubs of the island. Taxis are also available at the port, though limited in number, for a direct ride.
Many hotels and studios offer transfers from the port, especially if arranged in advance, which is convenient with luggage. Because Gialos, Chora and Mylopotas lie close together, getting from the ferry to your base is straightforward. For where to base yourself, see our guide on where to stay in Ios.
The bus is inexpensive, with tickets bought on board. Runs until late in summer to serve the nightlife, so even those staying at Mylopotas can reach the bars of Chora and return easily. With the port, town and main beach forming a compact triangle. No part of the island is far from where the ferry arrives. So settling in on the day of your arrival is quick and painless.
What are the best tips for taking the ferry to Ios?
The best tips for the ferry to Ios are to book tickets in advance for July and August, choose a fast ferry to save time or a conventional one to save money, and check whether your sailing stops at other.
The most important tip for getting to Ios is to book your ferry tickets in advance. Especially for travel in the peak months of July and August, when the popular routes from Athens and Santorini fill quickly. Tickets can be bought online through the ferry companies or booking websites, or through travel agencies.
Weigh speed against cost: fast ferries and catamarans reach Ios in far less time but cost more, while conventional ferries are slower and often cheaper. Better in rough seas. It is also worth checking whether a conventional ferry stops at other islands en route, which lengthens the journey.
On the day, arrive at the port in good time, as boarding can be busy, and keep your ticket handy. Bear in mind that strong summer winds, the meltemi, can occasionally delay or cancel fast-ferry sailings, so allow a little flexibility. Planning your day trips and onward travel around the schedules makes for a smooth trip to Ios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ios have an airport?
No, Ios does not have an airport, and the island can be reached only by ferry, which is an important point to understand when planning a trip. Because there is no way to fly directly to Ios, all visitors arrive by sea, either on the long ferry from one of the Athens ports or, very commonly, on a much shorter ferry from a neighbouring island that does have an airport. The most popular approach for travellers coming from abroad or from other parts of Greece is to fly into Athens and then take a ferry from the port of Piraeus. Or alternatively to fly into Santorini, which has a busy international airport.
Then catch the short ferry across to Ios, a crossing of only 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter. Santorini and nearby Mykonos, both of which have airports and good flight connections. Are frequently used as gateways in this way, with the final leg to Ios completed by the frequent Cyclades ferries. The lack of an airport is part of what has helped Ios retain its character and has kept it a little less developed than islands with direct flights. Arriving by sea. Sailing in to dock at the harbour of Gialos below the whitewashed town of Chora, is a memorable and traditional way to reach the island.
The island is easy to reach by combining a flight to Athens, Santorini or Mykonos with a ferry, as well as by direct ferry from the Athens ports.
What is the cheapest way to get to Ios?
The cheapest way to get to Ios is generally to take a conventional ferry from the Athens port of Piraeus. Rather than a fast ferry or a high-speed catamaran, as the larger, slower conventional ships typically charge noticeably lower fares for the same route. While the conventional ferry from Piraeus takes around seven and a half hours, compared with about four and a quarter hours on a fast ferry, it is often significantly cheaper, making it the budget traveller’s choice. The larger vessels are also more comfortable for the longer journey, with seating areas, cafes and deck space. Booking your ferry tickets well in advance can also help secure the best available fares.
Especially for travel in the peak months of July and August when demand is high and cheaper tickets sell out. Travelling outside the peak season, in spring or autumn, generally brings lower prices as well. For those coming from abroad, comparing the overall cost of different routes is worthwhile: flying into Athens and taking the conventional ferry from Piraeus is often the most economical option, though flying into Santorini or Mykonos on a budget airline and taking a short ferry across can sometimes work out competitively, particularly when cheap flights are available. It is also worth using ferry-comparison websites to compare the fares of the different operators, such as Blue Star Ferries.
Zante Ferries, Seajets and Golden Star Ferries, on your chosen route, as prices vary between companies and vessel types. Overall, for the lowest cost, the conventional ferry from Piraeus, booked ahead and ideally outside peak season, is usually the cheapest way to reach Ios.
Is it easy to island hop to Ios?
Yes, it is very easy to island hop to Ios. The island is one of the most popular and convenient stops on any island-hopping trip through the Cyclades. Thanks to its central position on the main north-to-south ferry route that runs through the archipelago. Ios sits roughly midway between the larger islands of Naxos and Paros to the north and the world-famous Santorini to the south. It is served by frequent daily ferries in the summer season connecting it with all of these, so slotting it into a route is straightforward. A classic and very popular Cyclades island-hopping itinerary runs from Athens or Mykonos down through Paros and Naxos to Ios and on to Santorini.
Or the reverse, with Ios providing the lively, beach-and-nightlife stop before or after the dramatic scenery of Santorini. The short crossings between these islands, many of them under two hours and some, like Santorini, under an hour and a quarter. Make hopping between them quick and painless. The high frequency of sailings in summer gives plenty of flexibility. Ferries are operated by companies, including Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Zante Ferries. Offering a mix of conventional and fast services. Tickets are easily booked online or through agencies, though booking ahead is wise in July and August. Because the port of Gialos is close to the town and beaches, arriving and departing is also easy.
All of this makes Ios a natural and rewarding link in a Cyclades island-hopping adventure, combining effortlessly with its neighbours.