Piraeus to Naxos Ferry

Ferry operators on the Piraeus to Naxos route

Two companies serve the Athens to Naxos ferry route.

Blue Star Ferries operates conventional ships, with the Blue Star Naxos and other large vessels providing daily year-round service. The vessels carry vehicles and offer numbered seats, business class lounges, and cabins on long itineraries. Blue Star is the most reliable choice for travelers prone to seasickness.

SeaJets runs high-speed catamarans on the route, providing the fastest crossing at 3 hours 15 minutes. SeaJets primarily operates from April to mid-October.

How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Naxos?

The fastest SeaJets high-speed catamaran reaches Naxos in 3 hours 15 minutes. Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels take approximately 4 to 5 hours. Total duration depends on the vessel and any intermediate stops, which often include Paros (where many ferries call before continuing to Naxos).

How much does the Piraeus to Naxos ferry cost?

Standard tickets start at €43 on Blue Star economy seats. SeaJets high-speed catamaran tickets are typically higher. Cabin supplements on Blue Star overnight services start at approximately €60. Vehicle prices vary by ferry but typically start around €85 for cars on conventional ferries.

Departure and arrival ports

Ferries depart from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. The port is reachable via Metro Green Line and Blue Line, approximately 25 minutes from central Athens, and via the Blue Line direct from Athens International Airport in approximately 1 hour.

Ferries arrive at the main port of Naxos in Chora (Naxos Town), on the western coast of the island. The port is in the heart of the town, with hotels, restaurants, and the famous Portara visible from the harbor. Buses connect the port with beaches at Agios Prokopios, Plaka, and Mikri Vigla, and with mountain villages including Chalki and Apiranthos.

When to book your Piraeus to Naxos ferry

For travel between June and September, book 1 to 2 months in advance. Naxos has grown rapidly as a family-friendly alternative to Mykonos and Santorini, with stronger demand each year. Cabins on overnight ferries sell out earliest, followed by high-speed catamaran seats on weekends.

Travel tip: Naxos is a top family choice

Naxos has the best beaches in the central Cyclades, long sandy stretches that are family-friendly and far less crowded than Mykonos or Santorini. The food scene is exceptional (kitron liqueur, local cheeses, traditional tavernas). Pair Naxos with Paros for a balanced 7-day Cyclades trip, or use it as a base for day trips to Koufonisia and other Small Cyclades.