Ios FERRY

Flights to Ios
There is no airport on Ios. The nearest airport is Athens International Airport with daily flights from allover the world. If you fly into Santorini Airport or Mykonos you may get to Ios much the same as from Athens.

Ferries to Ios
The most popular way to get to Ios is by ferry from Piraeus or Rafina.

Routes to and from Ios are operated by Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Seajets and Zante Ferries. Blue Star Ferries offer a year-round ferry service while the other ferry companies such as Seajets tend to only offer services in the summer months.

Route Piraeus (Athens) to Ios
Average one-way cost per person travelling on foot in July: €41.

The travel agencies are located in Ios town (Hora), opposite the port and in a few meters walk from the seafront.

Yes. If you travel with Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries or Seajets you can get an e-ticket. We will give you a web page address where you just have to input your booking confirmation code. You can then either print your ticket or save it to your phone.

To get your ticket printed make sure you have a print out or a copy of your reservation on your phone and a valid form of photographic ID - for example your passport or ID card.

Our tips to get a cheap ticket to Ios:

• Book in advance
  Prices always go up the closer you book to your departure date.

• Compare ferry companies side by side using a service like Zas Ferries
• Don't take a fast ferry
  Fast ferries to Ios can save hours of your journey time, but if you want to take it easy and save money then avoid fast ferries.
• Choose an inside cabin
  If you want travel in a cabin and don't need a view, inside cabins are always cheaper.

You can travel to Ios from these mainland ports:

• Piraeus:
  Runs all year, five time a week, with a duration of around 6.5 hours.

• Rafina:
  Departures every day during summer season with a duration of around 4 on a high speed vessel.

The port of Ios is located 2 km from the island's capital, Chora. You can reach the port either on foot through the paved road or by bus.

• On foot: Please arrive at least one hour before you travel.
• By car: Please arrive at least two hours before you travel and in July and August allow for traffic jams on your journey.

Yes, you can take your dog or other pet on the ferry but it isn't possible to book a space in the kennel in advance. All Greek ships by law must have some kennel space.

• On conventional ferries

  If you are travelling on conventional ferry (not a fast ferry or catamaran) there is normally space available in the kennels and you should also be able to have your dog on all deck areas (but not inside) with you. Strictly speaking, this at the discretion of the ferry company but in general you should have no issues - though please take a muzzle with you just in case and keep your dog on a leash at all times. Small sized dogs and cats can travel in the ship as long as they stay inside a special travel box.

  The other option, for absolute peace of mind, is to book a pet cabin. These are like normal cabins but have linoleum flooring. They are also available for day crossings at reasonable prices. This way you don't have to worry about finding space in the kennels and you and your dog or cat can relax. In July and August ferries can get very busy with people and other dogs.

• On fast ferries or catamarans

  Fast ferries and catamarans will also have kennels but these will be limited in number. In addition, the majority of fast ferries (though there are exceptions) don't have open deck space accessible throughout the journey, so you will not be able to stay out with your pet during your crossing. However, if your pet is small and inside a travel box you will be able to keep him or her inside.

Yes, we accept PayPal and if your debit card is issued by Visa or Mastercard then you should have no issues paying by debit card.

You can take your bike with you for free to or from Ios, if you travel on large ships such as those of Golden Star Ferries or Blue Star Ferries. However, on ships without a garage, bicycles are normally not allowed inside. You'll see if the ship has a garage when making your reservation. Ios can be busy in the summer so it is a good idea to tell a member of the port staff that you have a bike in case you might need extra assistance.

Ios is most popular in the summer but good weather normally lasts until the end of September and the first weeks of October.