Hydra - Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
Hydra - Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
The Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Hydra and Athens (Piraeus) cost from as little as $45 but vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for ferries from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus).
Last Updated: 10/15/2026
Hydra Athens (Piraeus) ferry prices typically range from $45* to $172*. The average ferry price from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) is around $91*. The cheapest fares usually start from $45*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $91*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated October 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.
The first ferry from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) usually departs at around 07:30, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 21:15.
Yes, day trips between Hydra and Athens (Piraeus) are possible and very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle can also be a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, take a look at our blog.
Ferries in the Saronic Gulf come in a few different types. Here's how they differ, and the operators that run them. For more on how fast ferries work, see our high-speed ferry types guide.
| Ferry type | Core design / hull style | How it works | Best used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran (e.g. Blue Star Ferries Aero Highspeed) | Two parallel hulls connected by a wide main deck | Broad-beam stability and powerful waterjets let it glide over the waves | Island-hopping routes with high passenger and vehicle volume |
| Hydrofoil (e.g. Aegean Flying Dolphins F.D Athina) | Underwater wings mounted beneath a single compact hull | At speed the foils generate lift, raising the whole hull clear of the water | Fast passenger-only shuttles on choppy coastal water |
| Conventional ferry (e.g. Saronic Ferries) | A single displacement hull built for capacity and stability | Cruises at a steady speed with room for cars, freight and foot passengers | Longer or year-round crossings, and any route carrying vehicles |
| Operator | Primary route network | Craft | Typical fastest crossing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Aegina, Agistri Myli, Ermioni, Hydra | Catamaran | from 20 min |
| Magic Sea Ferries | Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Piraeus | Catamaran | from 25 min |
| Aegean Flying Dolphins | Aegina, Agistri, Piraeus | Hydrofoil | from 35 min |
| Alpha Lines | Hydra, Piraeus, Spetses | Catamaran | from 1h 05m |
| Saronic Ferries | Aegina, Agistri, Piraeus, Poros (Saronic Islands) | Conventional ferry | from 1h 10m |
| Remezzo Maritime Company | Aegina, Piraeus | Conventional ferry | from 1h 20m |
Live prices, times and operators for the Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) sailing are shown in the search results above.
Yes, Magic Sea Ferries allow cars on ferries traveling between Hydra and Athens (Piraeus). Use our Deal Finder to see live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog or Caravan Holiday Guide.
Currently, bicycles are not permitted on ferries traveling between Hydra and Athens (Piraeus).
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Hydra and Athens (Piraeus) with Alpha Lines & Magic Sea Ferries.
Pets are currently not permitted on ferries traveling from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus). Use our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that allow pet travel.
Please be aware that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers traveling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistant dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Hydra and Athens (Piraeus) depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus), and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our page on international travel advice for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
Tip: Also check out our 101 on Booking and Boarding Your Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions page.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Hydra to Athens (Piraeus) is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $38 |
| Cabin | $38 |
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| Hydra - Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $91 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $98 | |
| Hydra - Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Saronic Islands |
| Destination | Athens |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Alpha Lines & Magic Sea Ferries |
| Average Price | $91 |
| Average Pet Price | $53 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 21 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 10 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 5 m |
| First Ferry | 07:30 |
| Last Ferry | 21:15 |
| Distance | 34 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 15 October 2026.
Located in the Saronic group of islands in the Aegean Sea, between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf, the Greek island of Hydra is separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strip of water. The island's natural springs have given the island its name as Hydra is derived from the Greek word for water. The island's main town, Hydra Port, is home to the island's harbour which can be found nestled amongst a number of restaurants, markets, shops and galleries, all of which cater for visiting tourists.
The only method of transport available on the island are water taxis and donkeys as cars and motorcycles are forbidden. However, the populated parts of Hydra are relatively small and therefore most people seem happy to walk everywhere.
From the island's harbour there are daily catamaran and flying dolphin services to Piraeus, Athens. The crossing time is around 1 hour, or between 3 and 3 1/2 hours by conventional ferry. The island is also connected by ferry to the rest of the islands in the Saronic Gulf and also with Porto Cheli.
The most convenient way of travelling from Hydra to Athens is by ferry. There are regular ferry connections between Hydra and Athens throughout the year, with approximately 5 sailings departing from Piraeus each day. Choose from a range of high speed ferries and reach your destination in around 2 hours.
The Greek city and port of Piraeus is one of the largest ports in the whole of the Mediterranean, and the third largest in the world, and has become a major hub for the ferry network that spans the Aegean Sea. Piraeus is an important city in its own right despite the fact that it is frequently considered to be a suburb of Athens, the Greek capital, which is only a very short distance away. Despite its proximity to Athens, Piraeus' waterfront has its own distinct appearance and visitors will see that the most appealing parts of the city are located around its eastern quarter, alongside both Mikrolimano Harbour and Zea Marina.
As the port of Athens is so large, please keep in mind from which gate your ferry departs. There is a free shuttle bus service available every 20 minutes and transports passengers from E7 to gates E1, E2, E3. Passengers can easily reach Piraeus port from Athens city centre by taking Line 1 (Green Line) from Monastiraki station. This journey takes approximately 30 minutes and drops passengers between gates E5 and E6 at the terminal. Metro tickets are available for purchase at any metro station or transport ticket office. Please be mindful that the metro only operates between 06:30 to 23:30 on weekdays and finishes at 01:00 on weekends.
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