Athens (Piraeus) - Naxos
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Athens (Piraeus) - Naxos
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos are operated by 2 ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. The crossing typically takes around 4 hours 25 minutes. There are currently 37 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $61. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Naxos today.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos ferry is a year-round ferry service spanning approximately 113.7 nautical miles across the Aegean Sea, connecting the main port of Athens to the largest island in the Cyclades, Greece.
This route is served by 2 operators providing 37 weekly sailings, with up to 5 daily sailings in peak periods. The ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos is one of the most popular routes of the Greek Islands, offering direct access from Athens and a convenient hub for Greece island hopping.
There are currently 2 ferry operators that provide ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos.
SeaJets operate high-speed catamarans on the Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos route with up to 21 weekly sailings and a crossing time of approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes, making them the fastest operator on this route and the best choice for travelers who want to maximize their time on the island.
Blue Star Ferries provide around 15 weekly sailings on large conventional vessels with a crossing time of approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes, offering the most comprehensive onboard facilities including full cabin accommodation, restaurants, and spacious open decks. This is the preferred option for passengers traveling with vehicles or those who want to relax in a cabin.
SeaJets typically offer the fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos, while Blue Star Ferries offer the widest range of onboard facilities, cabin accommodation, and the most reliable vehicle transport on this route. Please also keep in mind that some Blue Star Ferries sailings from Piraeus to Naxos call at Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, and Paros along the way. Therefore, it’s always worth confirming whether your chosen sailing is direct or stops at intermediate ports at the time of booking, as indirect services can add significantly to the total crossing time.
Most ferries on this route allow vehicles and pets. Cabin accommodation is available on Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets on the Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos ferry and is strongly recommended for overnight or late-evening sailings. Blue Star Ferries also offers pet-friendly cabins on this route.
The Piraeus to Naxos ferry operates with departures spread across the morning and afternoon, with some overnight sailings available. The first ferry departs at 23:30 and the last ferry departs at 06:45, giving travelers a wide choice when planning their Athens to Naxos ferry schedule.
Departure windows typically span from around 06:45–07:00 for the earliest morning sailings to late evening at approximately 23:30. There are overnight ferries available on this route with Blue Star Ferries, departing from Piraeus Port in the late evening and arriving in Naxos the following morning. Cabin accommodation is available on these longer sailings and is recommended for passenger comfort.
Please keep in mind that timetables vary significantly by season. From October to May, around 10 weekly sailings are typically available, whereas in high season between June and September, this rises to approximately 44 weekly crossings with up to 8 daily sailings to meet peak tourist demand. We recommend that you book in advance to secure the best prices and availability on the Piraeus to Naxos ferry, particularly anyone traveling in July and August.
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos typically range from 3 hours 15 minutes with SeaJets to 7 hours 10 minutes with Blue Star Ferries, depending on the operator and vessel type. At approximately 113.7 nautical miles, this is one of the more popular routes from Athens to the Cyclades, and the choice of operator has a considerable impact on how long the Athens to Naxos ferry journey takes.
The fastest services, operated by high-speed catamarans, complete the crossing in around 3 hours 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for travelers wanting to experience a full first day on the island. Blue Star Ferries take around 5 hours and 20 minutes on direct sailings but can take up to 6 hours or more on indirect services that call at Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, and Paros.
For travelers who are not short of time, the Blue Star Ferries crossing provides a more complete onboard experience, with open decks, a restaurant and cabin accommodation. The high-speed catamaran with SeaJets is the better choice for island-hoppers on a tight schedule or those who simply want the fastest available connection. Naxos is also one of the best-connected islands in the Cyclades for island hopping, with frequent ferries to Paros, Mykonos, Ios, Santorini, Koufonisia, and Crete.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos ferry price varies by operator, season, and passenger type. The cheapest tickets start from around $52, with average fares typically costing $245.11 depending on the time of year. If you are looking for a cheap ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos, booking well in advance and traveling outside July and August are the most effective ways to reduce costs.
For a foot passenger, the average one-way fare is between $52.45 and $244.32. The Piraeus to Naxos car ferry cost is higher so expect to pay around $544.47 for one adult with a vehicle in standard season, reflecting the vehicle supplement charged by operators on ro-ro car ferries. Motorcycles attract a lower supplement and are somewhat cheaper overall, costing around $175.51.
Passengers holding tickets for routes from Italy or Greece with Anek Superfast receive a 30% discount on onward Blue Star Ferries tickets to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, and the Northeast Aegean islands. This makes the Piraeus to Naxos leg particularly good value when combined as part of a longer journey that includes an Adriatic or international crossing to Greece.
Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are eligible for a 50% discount on most sailings, including applicable fees. Children from 0 to 5 years of age travel for free, though they will not be allocated an individual seat or accommodation.
Operators periodically offer promotional offers and discounts, particularly in the months leading up to peak summer season. Booking early is the most reliable way to find cheap Athens to Naxos ferry tickets. You can also find great offers on accommodation in Naxos by visiting our accommodation page.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $50 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $50 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $50 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $52 |
| Car | $182 |
| Cabin | $52 |
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Naxos Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $244 | |
| Average Price with Car | $544 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $176 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $276 | |
| Athens (Piraeus) - Naxos Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Athens |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $245 |
| Average Pet Price | $292 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 5 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 37 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 4 h 25 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 3 h 15 m |
| First Ferry | 06:45 |
| Last Ferry | 18:30 |
| Distance | 114 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 June 2026.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos ferry offers a range of onboard facilities and accommodation options depending on which operator and vessel you travel with. With a crossing time of 3 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes, comfort and onboard amenities are something worth considering, particularly on longer sailings where the journey takes 5 hours or more.
The most budget-friendly seating option, available with both operators. Comfortable enough for the faster SeaJets crossing of approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes, and a sensible choice for daytime travel on any operator where keeping costs down is the priority.
Standard assigned seating available on SeaJets high-speed ferries, with air-conditioned indoor lounges. Please note that high-speed catamarans do not usually offer open deck access during the crossing.
This is available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels, with access to spacious open-air deck areas.
Private windowless cabins available on Blue Star Ferries vessels, with options ranging from single berths to 2-, 3-, and 4-bed private cabins. These are also available with SeaJets. A sound choice for overnight or late-evening sailings where rest is the priority, and more affordable than outside cabins.
Private cabins with a porthole or window, the premium accommodation option on this route. Available on Blue Star Ferries and recommended for overnight or longer Piraeus to Naxos ferry sailings for maximum comfort, sea views and seasickness mitigation.
Available on SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries, offering enhanced seating comfort, additional space, and a more premium crossing experience. A popular option for travelers who want more than standard seating but do not require a private cabin.
Full restaurant and café facilities are available on with Blue Star Ferries, serving hot meals, snacks, and refreshments throughout the crossing.
Available on SeaJets high-speed ferries, offering drinks, coffee, and light refreshments for the shorter crossing.
Available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels, with panoramic views across the Aegean Sea and passing Cycladic islands.
Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets accommodate cars, motorcycles, campervans, and bicycles. Passengers leave their vehicles during the crossing and move to passenger cabin or deck areas for the entirety of the sailing.
Blue Star Ferries offers pet-friendly cabins on the Piraeus to Naxos route, a notable advantage for pet owners making the longer conventional crossing.
Available for purchase on most ferries operating on this route. SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries vessels both offer Wi-Fi. Check with your specific operator for current availability and applicable charges.
Shops, children's entertainment areas, and designated luggage storage are available on Blue Star Ferries larger vessels.
Piraeus is the largest ferry port in Europe and the primary departure port for ferries to the Cyclades from Athens. Ferries to Naxos depart from gates E6, E7, E9, and E10. However, gate assignments can change so always confirm your departure gate on your booking confirmation and check the electronic display boards at the port on the day of travel.
The Green Line (Line 1) links Piraeus station directly to central Athens (Monastiraki, Omonia) in approximately 30 minutes. From the metro station, gates E6–E10 are a 15–20-minute walk along the waterfront. We suggest that you allow extra time if you are traveling with heavy luggage.
Taxis from central Athens cost approximately $20–$30 and take around 20–30 minutes outside of rush hour. From Athens Airport, a taxi to Piraeus takes approximately 45–60 minutes and costs around $55–$65. Pre-booking a private transfer is highly recommended during peak season when queues for taxis at the airport tend to be much longer.
A direct suburban rail service connects Athens Airport to Piraeus station in approximately 65 minutes. This is the most cost-effective option for travelers arriving by air who are heading directly to the port without stopping in the city center.
Boarding: As a general rule of thumb, it's best to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90–120 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. In July and August, please allow yourself additional time as the E-gate area of Piraeus can be heavily congested with vehicles and coaches.
All ferries from Piraeus arrive at the Port of Naxos, located directly on the waterfront of Naxos Town (Chora), the island's capital on the western coast. There are a range of facilities as you walk off the pier, including the town's cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and the iconic marble Portara archway. The KTEL bus station is a 5-minute walk from the pier along the harbor front, and a taxi rank is located at the port exit. The port also has ATMs, ticket offices, car rental agencies, and a tourist information office.
The KTEL bus station is located on the main harbor of Naxos Town. It is the starting point for all bus routes on the island and operates the most popular Beach Bus (Line 1) to Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka beach every 15–30 minutes in high season. Routes to inland villages including Halki, Filoti, Apeiranthos, and Apollonas also depart from here, albeit less frequently.
A taxi rank is located at the port exit, with approximately 30 taxis operating across the island. Taxis on Naxos use standard fixed fares for most routes. Pre-booking via your accommodation is recommended for late arrivals, early departures, or travel to inland mountain villages. The main taxi dispatch number is +30 22850 22444.
Several rental agencies operate from within the port area and in central Naxos Town. Renting a car or ATV is strongly recommended if you plan to explore the island's many villages, remote beaches, and mountain roads in your own time. Pre-booking is essential in July and August when availability across the island is limited.
Naxos Town is easily walkable from the port, with hotels, restaurants, the Archaeological Museum, the famous Portara, and the labyrinthine Venetian Kastro all within a 5–15 minute walk.
Please be aware that ferry operators may use different docking berths within Naxos Port depending on vessel size and traffic. It's always best to confirm your exact departure berth on your booking confirmation.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on ferries from Piraeus to Naxos with Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets, and that travel with pets is free of charge on most operators on this route. As this is a domestic Greek route, documentation requirements are very straightforward.
As both Athens and Naxos are within Greece and the EU, an EU pet passport is the standard required document. This document confirms your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, and is required by ferry operators on this domestic Greek route.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Please make sure that all vaccinations are current and documented before travel.
Your pet must be microchipped in compliance with ISO standards. The microchip must have been implanted before, or on the same day as, the first rabies vaccination.
Passengers traveling with pets must declare their animal when booking. For dogs, cats, and ferrets, a valid rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory. Each passenger can travel with a maximum of 5 pets, all vaccinated and with a valid health book.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that certifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states. It is typically issued by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility on domestic and international routes.
On most Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos ferries, small pets weighing under 10 kg may remain with their owner in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs weighing over 10 kg must wear a leash and muzzle in common areas and are typically required to use the kennels provided onboard.
On Blue Star Ferries vessels, dogs on a leash are permitted on open deck areas and Blue Star Ferries also provide pet-friendly cabins on this route, making them the recommended choice for pet owners. High-speed catamarans do not have open deck access during the crossing, so larger pets will need to remain in the kennels for the duration of the crossing.
Passengers with reduced mobility traveling on the Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. Blue Star Ferries' conventional vessels are the best option for passengers with mobility requirements on this route, and most ferries to Naxos are accessible for passengers with disabilities, equipped with lifts and amenities for passengers with reduced mobility. SeaJets high-speed catamarans may present more limited accessibility due to their more compact vessel design.
Blue Star Ferries vessels feature adapted cabins with wider doorways and grab rails, suitable for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. These must be requested and confirmed at the time of booking to guarantee availability.
Blue Star Ferries' larger conventional vessels are equipped with lifts connecting passenger decks and offer step-free or ramped access to main lounges and some outdoor deck spaces.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding ahead of general passengers. Please contact your operator in advance to have this arranged.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request. This is particularly useful at Piraeus where the E-gate area can get very busy, and at Naxos Port during peak season when multiple vessels may be docking simultaneously.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may in some cases be permitted to remain closer to their vehicle during the crossing. However, this must be confirmed with your operator beforehand.
It's best to notify your operator of any accessibility or special assistance requirements at the time of booking rather than at the port. Provisions vary by vessel and advance notice ensures the right arrangements are in place. You can also contact Direct Ferries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos route.
It's best to reserve tickets at least 4–6 weeks in advance for any sailings between June and September. The Athens to Naxos ferry is one of the busiest in the Cyclades, with tickets selling out very quickly in peak season. Book vehicle spaces as early as possible.
Plan to arrive at Piraeus Port at least 45–60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90–120 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. Ferries to Naxos depart from gates E6–E10 so please give yourself time to walk from the metro station to your gate and complete boarding procedures.
SeaJets is the fastest at approximately 4 hours 20 minutes, which is the preferred choice for island-hoppers and those maximizing time on arrival. Blue Star Ferries takes approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes, but offers open decks, a restaurant, cabin accommodation, and pet-friendly cabins. This is the best choice for families, longer stays, vehicle transport, or pet owners.
If traveling on a Blue Star Ferries overnight or late-afternoon service, a cabin is strongly recommended for the longer conventional crossing. Inside cabins are more affordable, whereas outside cabins with a porthole offer sea views. Blue Star Ferries also offers pet-friendly cabins, which is a convenient option for passengers traveling with pets.
Keep your passport or EU ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof readily accessible at check-in. Although this is a domestic Greek route, ID is required for boarding all ferries.
High-speed and conventional ferries offer very different experiences and prices on this route. Use Direct Ferries to view all operators, crossing times, and live prices side by side before booking your Athens to Naxos ferry.
The Aegean between Piraeus and Naxos can be affected by strong winds in July and August. High-speed catamarans can be delayed or cancelled in particularly rough conditions. If you have an important onward connection or are prone to seasickness, Blue Star Ferries' heavier conventional vessel is the more reliable option.
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and one of the best-connected hubs in Greece. From Naxos Port you can proceed by ferry to Paros in just 30 minutes, Mykonos in 35 minutes to 1 hour, Ios in 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, Koufonisia, Santorini, and Crete. Planning a Cyclades island-hopping itinerary around Naxos as your base is one of the most efficient approaches.
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