If you are planning an authentic Greek island getaway, Golden Star Ferries provides some of the most reliable and comfortable maritime connections from the port of Rafina to the Cyclades islands. Established in 2011 by the Stefanou brothers, this dynamic Greek shipping company has built an excellent reputation for its high safety standards, consistent timetables and high-quality passenger services, transforming Rafina into a vital stepping stone for Aegean travelers.
As an official booking partner, goferry offers a direct platform to check live daily timetables, verify vehicle garage spaces, and secure your electronic tickets instantly. Whether you are aiming for a quick weekend beach trip to Andros, visiting the holy churches of Tinos, or heading to world-famous destinations like Mykonos, Paros and Santorini, booking through goferry ensures an easy, well-mapped journey.
Essential travel tips for passengers sailing with Golden Star Ferries
To ensure a smooth boarding process and a relaxed crossing across the Aegean Sea, the goferry crew has put together these practical passenger guidelines:
Efficient online web check-in: Avoid waiting in long terminal lines on hot summer days. Golden Star Ferries fully supports digital e-tickets. Once you finalize your reservation on goferry, you can complete your web check-in up to 48 hours before departure and download your digital boarding pass directly to your smartphone
Proximity of Rafina Port to Athens Airport: Rafina is the second busiest port in Attica and is located significantly closer to Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" than Piraeus. If you are flying into Athens and heading directly to the northern Cyclades, choosing a Golden Star ferry from Rafina saves considerable overland transit time
Garage availability for road trips: Conventional vessels like the Superferry and Andros Queen feature massive, multi-level car decks. However, because Rafina to Mykonos and Paros routes are incredibly popular for family road trips, vehicle spaces sell out rapidly for weekend departures. We strongly advise booking your car or camper slot early on our platform
Generous luggage allowance: Foot passengers can travel with peace of mind, as the company allows up to 50 kg of personal luggage free of charge. Large suitcases can be securely left in the designated racks on the main garage deck upon boarding, while smaller backpacks can accompany you to your lounge seat
Golden Star Ferries booking terms
Golden Star Ferries schedules & routes: Daily connections to the Cyclades
The company operates essential daily routes throughout the year, adding high-speed vessels and expanding to the southern Cyclades islands during the vibrant summer holiday season. The conventional vessels of the ferry company, are running every day from the port of Rafina (Athens) to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos.
Amid the early springtime, Golden Star Ferries adds routes from Rafina to the most islands of the Cyclades (Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros, Kythnos etc) and to Crete (port of Heraklion).
Rafina to Andros
Rafina to Tinos
Rafina to Mykonos
Rafina to Paros & Naxos
Rafina to Ios & Santorini
Note: While conventional ships offer a highly relaxing, scenic cruise experience with open sun decks, the high-speed Superexpress catamaran cuts travel times to the central and southern Cyclades almost in half, making it ideal for island-hoppers.
Golden Star ferry tickets, offers & discounts
You can easily unlock the best competitive pricing for your Cycladic voyage by utilizing the integrated saving options on the goferry booking platform:
Golden Miles loyalty integration: Frequent travelers can easily input their official Golden Miles card number during checkout on goferry to accumulate distance points, qualify for exclusive member privileges, and unlock free or heavily discounted tickets
Child & infant fare reductions: Young infants under 5 years of age travel completely free of charge (sharing an armchair or cabin bed with an adult), while children between the ages of 5 and 10 receive a 50% discount on the standard adult base tariff
Same-day return reductions: Planning a quick day trip from Rafina to Andros or Tinos? Booking your outbound and return legs simultaneously often triggers automated package discounts on your return ticket
Early booking seasonal deals: Look out for specific off-season or early spring promotional campaigns that offer attractive flat-rate reductions on standard economy passenger seats and light private cars
Frequently asked questions about your booking
Which port does Golden Star Ferries use in Mykonos?
In Mykonos, all the company's vessels arrive and depart exclusively from the New Port in Tourlos, located roughly 2.5 km from Mykonos Town (Chora), which is easily connected via local water taxis and buses.
Can I book an airplane-style seat or a private cabin on goferry?
Yes. During the online seat selection phase on goferry, you can choose between standard economy deck seating, numbered Airplane Seats, premium VIP Lounge access or private en-suite cabins on conventional vessels.
Are pets allowed inside the passenger lounges?
Small pets inside their secure, watertight transport carriers are permitted in designated indoor seating areas. Medium to large dogs must wear a muzzle, remain on a leash and stay on the open-air passenger decks. Alternatively, you can book a specialized pet cabin or an onboard kennel box.
What happens if my ferry from Rafina is delayed due to weather?
During the windy summer months (Meltemi season), high-speed vessels can occasionally experience slight schedule adjustments for safety. The port authorities monitor conditions constantly, and any official changes or cancellations will be updated on the goferry engine to assist you with rebookings.
Inside the Golden Star Ferries fleet: Conventional ships & high-speed catamarans
The fleet blends large conventional car ferries with cutting-edge high-speed passenger vessels to provide a versatile and robust transport matrix.
Conventional Car Ferries: F/B Superferry & F/B Andros Queen
These highly popular, spacious cruise ferries measure up to 134 meters in length and can comfortably carry up to 1,400 passengers and over 300 vehicles. Onboard amenities include large luxury air-conditioned lounges, premium non-smoking cabins, modern self-service restaurants, indoor café bars, open-air sun decks with bars, children's play zones and specialized boutique shops.
High-Speed Jet Craft: HSC Superexpress
A massive, state-of-the-art wave-piercing fast catamaran designed for rapid transits to the further islands of the Cyclades. It features advanced interior stabilization systems, comfortable aircraft-style numbered seating rows, a luxury VIP lounge zone, high-speed Wi-Fi access and a large central snack bar.
