To travel from Athens to Paros by ferry, you can depart from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrion in Athens. There are a number of ferry companies that run this path and the trip generally takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the type of ferry you'll, as well as which port you pick. It's advised to examine the ferry schedules and reserve your tickets beforehand, particularly throughout high season, to ensure their availability.
How do I get from Athens to Paros by ferry?
The appeal of Paros calls and a magnificent boat ride awaits! Here's an explanation of the processes required in taking the ferry boat from Athens to Paros, Greece:
Before the trip
- Choose your ferry port in Athens: Athens has two major ports that provide ferry service to Paros:
- Piraeus Port: This is the larger and busiest port, with many ferry departures to Paros throughout the day
- Rafina Port: Rafina Port, located east of Athens, is a smaller choice for ferries to Paros, particularly during high season
- Lavrio Port: The ferry route from Lavrio to Paros is seasonal and depends on the demand
- Choose your ferry company: Several ferry companies run the Athens (Piraeus or Rafina) to Paros route and provide a choice of alternatives
- Reserve your ferry tickets: Booking ferry tickets from Athens to Paros ahead of time is highly suggested, especially during peak season (summer months) and on weekends
- Prepare your travel documents: For travel within Greece, you must have a valid passport or ID card (depending on your nationality)
Travel day
- Transportation to ferry port: Depending on your location in Athens, you may require a cab, metro, bus, or rideshare service to reach your preferred port (Piraeus or Rafina). Consider the travel time required to reach the port.
- Board the ferry to Paros and enjoy the sights of the Aegean Sea. The journey time varies based on the ship type and departure port:
- Conventional ferry from Piraeus: 3 to 4 hours
- Conventional ferry from Lavrio: 7 to 8 hours
- High-speed ferry from Piraeus: 2 to 3 hours
- High-speed ferry from Rafina: around 3 hours
- Arrival in Paros: Upon arrival at Paros Port (typically Parikia), disembark and follow the signage or ask port workers about onward transport choices inside Paros. Taxis and public buses are widely available.
General Tips
- When purchasing your ticket, please be sure to select the right departure port in Athens
- It is suggested that you purchase your ferry tickets in advance, particularly during peak season (June to September), when demand for ferry services is high
- To prevent a last-minute rush, plan to arrive at the port at least an hour before your scheduled departure time
- Two types of ferries operate: high-speed and conventional. High-speed ferries travel faster but cost more than traditional ferries
- Most ferries have a variety of amenities, such as cafes, restaurants and outdoor decks. Some ships even provide cabins for a more pleasant and private experience.
- Paros has two ports, Parikia and Naoussa. Make sure you know the port where your ferry arrives and plan your transportation appropriately.
- Taxis are widely accessible at the dock and prices to most areas on the island are inexpensive. Buses are also a practical and economical means of transportation, with regular service between the island's major towns and villages
From which port of Athens can I travel to Paros?
If you are wondering from which port of Athens you can depart towards the island of Paros, we can gladly inform you that you have three choices (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio) since the particular ferry route is quite popular in the summer season.
Piraeus to Paros
Travel to Paros from Athens' Piraeus port. This is Athens' primary port, located about 15 kilometers south of the city center. You may easily reach Piraeus from Athens:
- by metro using the green line (Line 1), that runs directly from Monastiraki station to Piraeus station. The journey takes about 16 minutes and costs around €2
- by bus by catching the 049 bus, which departs from Omonia Square and goes directly to Piraeus. The trip takes approximately 39 minutes and costs about €2
- by taxi, where a taxi ride from the city center to Piraeus port takes around 11-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between €13 and €16.
- by tram, where you can take the tram from Syntagma Square to the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF) and then transfer to a bus or walk to the port. This option takes about 45 minutes and costs around €21.
This is the most common and convenient route to travel from Piraeus to Paros. Several ferry companies operate on this route, with varying trip times and pricing. The voyage takes between 3 and 5 hours, depending on whether you take a high-speed or ordinary ferry.
Click on Piraeus and get information about public transportation options in the city for you to reach the port.
Rafina to Paros
You can also get from Rafina to Paros. It's a popular ferry route as well, with numerous departures every day. The journey from Rafina to Paros takes between 3.5 and 6 hours, depending on the ferry operator and route chosen (straight vs. stopover).
Click on Rafina and get details about the available public transportation options for you to reach the port.
Lavrio to Paros
You may also get from Lavrio to Paros. The trip time varies depending on the ferry, however, it typically ranges between 7 and 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Click on Lavrio and get information on public transportation alternatives in town.
What is the ferry distance between Athens and Paros?
The ferry distance between Athens and Paros varies depending on the port of departure in Athens:
- From Piraeus: Approximately 102 nautical miles (189 kilometers)
- From Rafina: Approximately 85 nautical miles (157 kilometers)
- From Lavrio: Approximately 56 nautical miles (103 kilometers)