How to get from Ios to Sikinos in Greece

By Dave Briggs · Published 2020-09-05 · Last updated 2026-09-13

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This guide shows you how to travel from Ios to Sikinos in Greece. These two Greek islands are close neighbors, but you'll need to know how and where to get a ferry.

Ios to Sikinos Ferry

Sikinos is the closest island to Ios, and the ferry crossing takes barely half an hour.

The different ferry operators and schedules change from year to year. In my experience it is best to use this site: Ferryscanner.

On Ferryscanner you can see the different departures for any dates you have in mind. It also provides the easiest way to book ferry tickets for Sikinos online.

Ios Sikinos Ferry Operators

When we traveled to Sikinos from Ios, we used the Blue Star ferry as the timing was better and we could also take our car on the ferry.

Zante ferries were also running a boat from Ios to Sikinos later in the evening.

Another Greek ferry company called Santorini Maistros also runs crossings on the Ios Sikinos ferry route.

For the latest ferry schedules on the Ios Sikinos route, check out Ferryscanner.

Ios Sikinos Ticket Prices

The ticket prices for the journey to Sikinos from Ios are among the cheapest in Greece. Fares start from as little as 3 Euro per person.

Note: In some cases you can travel from Ios to Sikinos with a ferry e-ticket. Some companies may require you to pick up tickets at the port. Always make sure to check you booking for more details.

Additionally, you will also have to 'check-in' online 48 hours before, particularly if using Blue Star Ferries.

Ferries depart from the Port of Ios

There is only one ferry port in Ios island, and it's the one you will have initially arrived at to get to Ios in the first place. It's downhill from the central Chora, and walkable in about 10-15 minutes.

If you prefer, you can take a taxi, and public transport may also be available. Check with your hotel before you go.

Ios Port is only a small place (unlike Piraeus Port in Athens!), and so it's pretty simple to work out where you need to be.

Keep in mind that ferries in Greece don't hang around when they reach islands. They have a tight schedule, and some island stops are literally just a few minutes. Make sure you've not decided to use the loo when the ferry arrives, as you may miss it altogether!

That said, ferries to the smaller islands often arrive late. Our boat from Ios to Sikinos in August was about an hour late, and according to the locals it is a typical thing.

Normally, it's recommended to get to the port about an hour before the ferry to Sikinos from Ios is due to leave. Personally, I'd say arriving 15 minutes before is fine.

Ferry crossing from Ios to Sikinos

The half an hour boat ride between Ios and Sikinos islands is one of the shortest in the Cyclades. You'll barely notice you were aboard before you are due to get off again!

Still, if you are crossing on a particularly windy Meltemi day, you might still want some sea-sickness tablets with you just in case.

Greek ferries have toilets and other facilities, but you'll probably need no more than just a bottle of water before you arrive in Sikinos.

Where to stay in Sikinos

There's two main choices of area to stay in Sikinos after you've arrived from Ios by ferry. These are the port area (Alopronia), and the Chora.

Alopronia is perhaps the best area to stay in Sikinos if you don't have your own transport. Staying here means you won't have to carry your bags too far.

Chora is a better choice if you have your own transport, the only issue may be parking. Sikinos Chora also has a supermarket and a couple of tavernas to eat at night.

If you do stay in Alopronia, you can get to Chora in Sikinos by walking or if you are lucky flagging down a ride. There may also be buses running depending on seasonal demand. Check with your hotel for more information.

Here's a map showing the Sikinos hotels you can choose from:

Keep in mind that Sikinos does have more hotels and places to stay, just that not all of them appear on Booking. Check our travel guide on things to do in Sikinos island for more details.

Travel Guides to Greece

Planning to travel to other islands beyond Ios and Sikinos? You might be interested in these Greek island hopping guides:

Ios to Sikinos ferry FAQ

Frequently asked questions about this ferry route:

How long is the ferry from Ios to Sikinos?

The crossing takes as little as 25 minutes, which makes it one of the shortest hops in the Cyclades. You will barely have settled down before it is time to get off again.

How often do ferries sail from Ios to Sikinos?

In season there are sailings on most days, though not quite every day. It is worth checking the dates you have in mind before you book anything else.

How much does a ferry ticket from Ios to Sikinos cost?

Fares are among the cheapest in Greece, starting from as little as 3 euros per person. Prices vary by operator and season.

Where do ferries to Sikinos leave from on Ios?

There is only one ferry port on Ios, the same harbour you arrived at when you first came to the island.

Where do I buy tickets for the Ios to Sikinos ferry?

Book online through Ferryscanner, which shows the departures running on your dates. You can also compare the different operators on the route there.

How early should I be at the port in Ios for the Sikinos ferry?

Aim to be at the harbour at least half an hour before your sailing time. That leaves room to swap a booking reference for a paper ticket if you still need to.

Dave Briggs
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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