How to get from Athens to Syros island in Greece
You can either fly from Athens Airport to Syros or take a direct ferry between Athens (Piraeus Port) and Syros. This guide shows you the best routes and options for traveling between Athens and Syros in Greece.
Ferry Snapshot: Athens to Syros
- 4–7 sailings per day
- Crossing time from 2 h, up to 5 h 40 min
- Earliest departure 07:00, latest 18:00
- Operated by Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Seajets
- Tickets from €18
- Departures from Piraeus and Lavrio
- Boats on this route typically have: cabins, vehicle garage, restaurant, cafe bar, shop, Wi-Fi
Athens to Syros September 2026 Ferry Timetable
| Departs | Days | Duration | Ferry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 (Lavrio) | Fri only, from 18 Sep until 25 Sep | 5 h 35 min | Hellenic Seaways – Artemis | Book |
| 07:00 (Piraeus) | Daily | 2 h 05 min | Seajets | Book |
| 07:15 (Piraeus) | 13 Sep only | 3 h 35 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Myconos | Book |
| 07:30 (Piraeus) | Daily | 4 h 05 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Paros | Book |
| 09:15 (Piraeus) | Daily | 2 h | Seajets – Champions League Jet 1 | Book |
| 09:30 (Piraeus) | Daily | 2 h | Seajets – Champions League Jet 2 | Book |
| 09:30 (Piraeus) | 14 Sep only | 2 h | Seajets – Worldchampion Jet | Book |
| 15:00 (Piraeus) | Fri only, from 18 Sep until 25 Sep | 3 h 35 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Myconos | Book |
| 15:00 (Piraeus) | 13 Sep only | 2 h 15 min | Seajets – Champion Jet 2 | Book |
| 15:00 (Piraeus) | Daily | 2 h 15 min | Seajets – Eurochampion Jet | Book |
| 16:00 (Piraeus) | Mon, Tue | 3 h 50 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Myconos | Book |
| 16:30 (Lavrio) | Mon only | 5 h 40 min | Hellenic Seaways – Artemis | Book |
| 17:30 (Piraeus) | 13 Sep only | 3 h 30 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star 1 | Book |
| 17:30 (Piraeus) | Tue, Thu, Sun | 3 h 55 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Naxos | Book |
| 18:00 (Piraeus) | Mon, Wed, Fri | 3 h 45 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star 2 | Book |
Athens to Syros October 2026 Ferry Timetable
| Departs | Days | Duration | Ferry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 (Lavrio) | Fri only | 5 h 35 min | Hellenic Seaways – Artemis | Book |
| 07:00 (Piraeus) | Daily, until 18 Oct | 2 h 05 min | Seajets | Book |
| 07:30 (Piraeus) | Daily | 4 h 05 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Paros | Book |
| 09:15 (Piraeus) | Fri, Sun, until 4 Oct | 2 h | Seajets – Champions League Jet 1 | Book |
| 09:30 (Piraeus) | Daily, from 6 Oct | 2 h 05 min | Seajets – Champions League Jet 1 | Book |
| 09:30 (Piraeus) | Daily | 2 h | Seajets – Champions League Jet 2 | Book |
| 15:00 (Piraeus) | Fri only | 3 h 35 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Myconos | Book |
| 15:00 (Piraeus) | Thu–Sun, until 4 Oct | 2 h 15 min | Seajets – Eurochampion Jet | Book |
| 16:00 (Piraeus) | Mon, Tue | 3 h 50 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Myconos | Book |
| 16:30 (Lavrio) | Mon only, until 26 Oct | 5 h 40 min | Hellenic Seaways – Artemis | Book |
| 17:30 (Piraeus) | Tue, Thu, Sun | 3 h 55 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star Naxos | Book |
| 18:00 (Piraeus) | Mon, Wed, Fri | 3 h 45 min | Blue Star Ferries – Blue Star 2 | Book |
On this page
Syros island in Greece
Syros is the capital and administrative centre of the Cyclades. Its unique neoclassical architecture and cosmopolitan feel make it completely stand out from the other islands nearby.
Ermoupoli, the main town, has an almost proper city feel to it, and will not remind you of any of the other Cyclades.
With the majestic municipality building, the impressive churches and even a university, it's no wonder that Syros has been named the Queen of the Cyclades.
Ways to travel from Athens to Syros
As the capital of the Cyclades islands of Greece, Syros is one of the better connected Greek islands. Syros is also one of the few Greek islands with an airport.
If you want to fly from Athens to Syros, Sky Express operate regular services. Depending on the season and demand, there may also be additional flights from Athens to Syros on Olympic Air, and Aegean Air.
The Athens Syros flight time is just half an hour, which may at first glance appear to be quicker than the ferries. After you've taken into consideration travel time to the airport, time to check in and then pick up luggage once landed, there might not be much in it.
Take a look at Skyscanner to get an ideal of travel times and flight availability.
Most visitors to Greece will find it easier to take a ferry from Athens to Syros instead. Here's a look at the Greek ferry companies and departure ports from Athens that passengers can use.
Taking a ferry from Athens to Syros
As the capital of the Cyclades, you can expect to be able to choose from many Syros ferries leaving from Athens.
The Athens Syros ferry services run from three different ports in Athens:
Piraeus Port - There are Piraeus to Syros ferries leaving throughout the year. The quickest journey using SeaJets takes just over 2 hours. The slower boats such as the Blue Star Ferries take around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The majority of ferries leave from here.
Lavrion Port - Additional ferries to Syros leave from Lavrion Port in Athens during the high season. These ferries can be cheaper, but they are also slower at nearly five hours journey time from Lavrion to Syros.
Rafina Port: You may also find a few ferries leaving from Rafina that sail to Syros. Rafina is my favourite port as it is less chaotic than Piraeus.
Piraeus Syros Ferry Schedules and Route
Most people looking to travel from Athens to Syros will find the Piraeus to Syros ferry trip to be the most convenient.
As mentioned, the SeaJets boat is normally the fastest crossing, but it is also the most expensive.
If you're looking for cheap ferry tickets, Blue Star Ferries might be a better choice.
The best place to look at an up to date ferry schedules, and to book online is as Ferryscanner.
Syros Island Travel Tips
Make your Syros trip planning a little easier with these insights:- Looking for accommodation on the island? Take a look at my guide: Best Hotels Syros
- For Syros ferry tickets, and to check out a ferry schedule look at the Ferryscanner website. If you're taking a vacation during the high season, I suggest booking your tickets a month or two in advance.
- Try to arrive at your departure ferry port an hour before your ship's departure time. If you're going straight from Athens Airport to Piraeus, you may want to read this guide first: How to get from Athens Airport to Piraeus – Taxi, Bus and Train Information
- Use Welcome to organizes taxi drop-offs and pick-ups at ferry ports in Greece
- Be sure to read my guides on Greek Island Hopping!
What to see in Syros Greece
Some of the highlights of Syros you'll want to experience include:
- Walk around Ermoupoli
- Explore the neoclassical buildings in Ermoupoli, such as the Municipality and the Apollo Theatre
- Visit the interesting archaeological museum
- Walk around Ano Syros (Upper Syros) and explore the small local museums
- Go round the island's numerous churches, both Orthodox and Catholic
- Watch the sunset from Delfini beach
I've a full travel guide you might want to read as you plan an itinerary here: Things to do in Syros Greece
FAQ About Traveling To Syros
People planning to travel between Athens and Syros ask similar questions such as:
How do you get to Syros Greece?
The most common way for people to travel from Athens to Syros is by ferry, and the quickest ferry trip takes just two hours and 5 minutes. Flying is also an option, as there are local flights between Athens airport and the Syros island airport.
How do I get from Athens Airport to Syros?
It is possible to get a direct flight from Athens Airport to Syros Airport, and the flight time is approximately half an hour. If you prefer to take a ferry crossing, you'll need to get from Athens Airport to the main port in Piraeus.
Where does the Syros ferry leave from in Athens?
Most of the ferries to Syros leave from Piraeus Port in Athens. During the summer, you may also find ferries leaving from the two other smaller Athens ports of Rafina and Lavrion.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Syros?
The quickest ferries from Piraeus to Syros take 2 hours, with regular ferries taking 3 hours and 30 minutes. The journey time from Lavrion Port to Syros is longer at nearly five hours.
Is Syros a nice island?
Syros is different to many of the other Cyclades islands. It's main town has some amazing neoclassical buildings, and there are marble buildings, squares, and, a feeling of elegance. Syros has an almost regal atmosphere to it, and is known as the Queen of the Cyclades. Syros is a nice island to visit, but its beaches are lacking somewhat when compared to other nearby islands.
What is the closest island to Syros?
The closest island to Syros is Tinos. Other nearby islands popular Greek islands include Mykonos, Andros, and Kythnos.
How do I buy ferry tickets for Syros?
In order to look at ferry schedules, prices, and to easily book tickets for a ferry from Athens to Syros online, I suggest using the Ferryscanner site. It's very easy to navigate, and takes the hassle out of Athens Syros travel planning.
Traveling from Santorini and want to go to Syros? Read my guide: Traveling from Santorini to Syros.
The Piraeus Syros ferry route is the most popular way to travel to Syros. The quickest ferry from Athens to Syros is 2 hours 10 minutes.
Whether you're flying into Athens airport or taking one of many available ferries from Piraeus port (or alternatives such as Lavrion), there will be frequent connections through all year round.
If you have any questions about how to get from Athens to Syros, drop a comment below, and I'll do my best to answer!
How long before departure should I get to the port in Athens?
At Piraeus, arrive an hour ahead; it is a sprawling port and your gate may be a fair walk away. At Lavrio or Rafina, half an hour is enough.
Dave is a UK travel writer living in Athens since 2015. With 20 years of firsthand travel experience and over 80,000 km of bicycle touring across six continents, he's been blogging at Dave's Travel Pages since 2005. Every guide is based on places he's actually been.
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We were hoping to go to syros from Athens on early March, but there are no ferries on our travel days. Are there any options other than the ferry or flights? Any private travel companies for example? Thanks so much and thanks for your travel info! Samantha
Hi Samantha, I just looked and it seems Wednesday's and Saturday's after the 10th of March there are no ferries scheduled from Piraeus to Syros. It seems a bit strange, as at least one ferry a day makes that crossing during February. This might change in a couple of weeks if Blue Star update their routes, but it's difficult to say. No private companies travel this route in an affordable manner. A flight is probably the better option if no ferry sails on the day you need.