Fastest way from Chios to Athens: Flight, about 0h 50min (from €106). Cheapest: Ferry, from €51 (about 8h 50min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Chios Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Chios to Athens
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Chios Port | €51 | 2 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Athens has several ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Before booking, read the arrival port on your ticket so you do not end up far from your hotel or your onward connection.
In July and August, popular sailings and cabins can sell out. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially if you are travelling on a weekend or around the August holidays.
If your crossing is overnight, a cabin lets you arrive rested, while a seat is cheaper and fine for lighter sleepers. Check the ticket type before paying, as options vary by vessel.
Strong winds can delay or cancel crossings. Leave a buffer before any international flight or fixed booking in Athens, and keep the plane in mind as a fallback if sailings are disrupted.
Once you know your arrival port or airport, check how you will reach your accommodation. Metro, bus and taxi options differ by arrival point, so plan this before you travel, particularly for a late arrival.
The journey experience
Getting from Chios to Athens comes down to one simple choice: the ferry or the plane. Both are straightforward, and you can see the current durations and price ranges side by side in the comparison table on this page, so you can decide in a few seconds which one suits your trip.
The ferry is the classic island-hopper option. You travel on a large conventional vessel with deck space, indoor lounges, a café and the chance to step outside and watch the Aegean go by. It is a relaxed, budget-friendly way to travel, and you can choose between seats or a cabin if you want to rest on board. The plane is the fast alternative: a short domestic hop that leaves you with most of your day free, which makes sense if your schedule is tight or you are connecting to an international flight.
To avoid surprises, always check which Athens port your ferry arrives at before you book, since the Athens area has several (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio) and the transfer to your hotel differs for each. Timetables change with the season and some sailings only run on certain days, so confirm the date you want to travel. Booking online gives you instant confirmation, and you can keep the plane as a reliable backup if the weather turns rough.
Frequently asked questions — Chios → Athens
The ferry from Chios to Athens starts from €51, with typical fares up to €52, making it the cheaper option. Flying starts from €106, with typical fares up to €121. Prices vary with the season and how early you book, so check the table on this page for current fares.
The ferry takes about 9 to 11 hours, depending on the sailing. The flight is much shorter, at around 50 to 55 minutes in the air. Remember to add check-in, airport transfers and boarding time if you fly, and allow for a possible delay if the sea is rough.
It depends on your priorities. The ferry, from €51, is the budget-friendly choice and lets you enjoy the sea, ideal if you are not in a rush. The plane, from €106, saves most of a day and suits tight schedules or onward international flights.
Athens has several ports, including Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, and the arrival port can depend on the operator and sailing. Always check the arrival port shown on your booking before you travel, then plan your transfer to your accommodation accordingly.
Yes, you can compare the ferry and the flight on this page and book online with instant confirmation. This is especially useful in summer, when popular sailings fill up quickly. Keep your confirmation handy, as it shows your departure and arrival points.
Why visit Athens?
- ✓ Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon at opening time to beat the crowds and the midday heat
- ✓ Wander the Acropolis Museum, with its glass floors over active excavations and the Parthenon Gallery
- ✓ Get lost in the Plaka and Anafiotika alleys, a whitewashed island-style village below the Acropolis
- ✓ Taste souvlaki, loukoumades and fresh produce at the Varvakios Central Market and in Psyrri tavernas
- ✓ Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
When to visit Athens?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny days, fewer crowds and no extreme summer heat
What to do in Athens?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Athens?
Allow 3 days to cover Athens properly: day one for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka; day two for the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Thissio and the National Archaeological Museum; day three for a day trip to Cape Sounion or the Saronic islands. With only 2 days, skip the day trip and start at the Acropolis at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. With 4 or 5 days, add Delphi or Nafplio.
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