Best option from Paros to Athens: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 40min, from €27. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Paros Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Paros 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 | Paros Port | €53 | 2 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Summer sailings between the Cyclades and Athens can sell out, especially at weekends and in August. Book your ferry as soon as your dates are fixed, and keep the flight as a backup if your preferred boat is full.
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Read your ticket carefully before paying and plan your onward transfer to your hotel, the metro or the airport from that specific port, not from a generic Athens address.
Wind can delay or cancel sailings. If you have an international flight out of Athens, do not take the last boat of the day before it. Arrive in Athens the day before, or choose the flight from Paros.
Different companies sail the same route with different boats, times and fares. Compare them on the booking page: conventional ferries are calmer and often cheaper, while faster vessels save time but are more affected by rough seas.
If you have a tight schedule, a late arrival or a connection at Athens airport, the flight is usually the safer choice. Keep your luggage within airline limits and allow time to reach Paros airport from your accommodation.
The journey experience
Getting from Paros to Athens comes down to one simple choice: the ferry or a short domestic flight. The ferry is the classic, scenic option, with open decks, a café on board and plenty of room for your luggage. The flight suits you when your schedule is tight or the sea looks rough. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side, so you can decide quickly.
Several companies can operate this crossing, and conventional ferries and faster vessels may sail on the same day with different departure times, comfort levels and fares. Conventional boats offer a relaxed pace and seating lounges. Faster boats shorten the sailing but are more exposed to strong winds. Flying from Paros is straightforward with hand luggage and lands you at Athens airport, handy for onward flights or the airport metro.
Before you book, check which Athens port your ferry arrives at (Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio), as they are far apart and your hotel or onward connection may suit one better. In high season, book ahead so you are not stuck on the island, and leave a buffer if you have a flight home the same day. Wind can disrupt sailings, but a flexible plan keeps you calm.
Frequently asked questions — Paros → Athens
The ferry starts from 53 €, with typical fares up to 54 €. The flight starts from 27 €, with typical fares up to 38 €. Prices vary by company, date and how early you book, so check the comparison table and book ahead in summer for the best choice of fares.
The ferry crossing takes about 4 h 30 to 5 h, depending on the vessel and the Athens port. The flight takes around 40 min in the air. Remember to add transfer time to the port or airport, plus check-in and boarding, when comparing the two options.
It depends on your priorities. The ferry takes about 4 h 30 to 5 h and is the scenic, relaxed option with generous luggage space. The flight takes around 40 min and is better if you are short on time or worried about rough seas. Compare both in the table above.
Ferries leave from Parikia, the main port of Paros. On the Athens side, the arrival port can be Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio depending on the sailing, so check your ticket before booking. Each port has different onward transport options, which matters for your hotel or airport transfer.
Search results on the booking page show whether each sailing is direct or involves a stop on another island. If you want the simplest trip, choose a sailing shown as direct. If a change is needed, leave enough time for the connection, since delays can affect it.
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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