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How to go to Naxos, by plane or ferry

When coming to Greece and heading to Naxos you have most likely landed at Athens' International Airport. From there there are essentially 2 main ways to get to Naxos: by Ferry and by plane.

 

By plane (~25min on a small plane)

The plane route is the easiest and fastest way to get to Naxos. It is just a 25min flight on a small plane (usually around 40 seats). There are only 2 airlines flying to Naxos from Athens at the moment and flight prices can vary greatly. Often flying to Naxos can even be cheaper than taking the Ferry.

AegeanAir / OlympicAir

https://en.aegeanair.com/plan/book-a-flight/

Sky Express

https://www.skyexpress.gr/en

 

 

By Ferry (~6h on the Ferry)

Ferry Timetables and Prices   |   Check the weather forecast   |   Download as PDF


Getting to Naxos by ferry from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos - ATH) in steps:

Step 1: Land at Athens International Airport (ATH)
Once you land at ATH, your goal is to get to Piraeus Port (Athens' main ferry terminal) or Rafina Port (a smaller port closer to the airport).

Step 2: Get to the Ferry Port
Option A: To Piraeus Port (Main Option)
Best for: Most ferry options, high-speed or conventional.
Time needed: ~1–1.5 hours.
By Metro (Budget-Friendly, Light Luggage) -  Not recommended

  • Line: Take Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport.
  • Change at: Monastiraki Station, switch to Line 1 (Green Line) toward Piraeus.
  • Total time: ~1h15m.
  • Cost: €9 per adult (airport ticket).
  • Frequency: Every ~30 minutes.

By Taxi (Convenient, Heavy Luggage or Families)

  • Cost: ~€50–60 (day), ~€70 (midnight-5am).  These are all-inclusive.
  • Time: ~45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Tip: Book in advance or use an app like FreeNow or Uber (works as a taxi hailer) but may be worth looking at WelcomePickups too for further details.

By Airport Express Bus X96 (Budget Option)

  • Route: X96: Airport → Piraeus.  (Timetable)
  • Cost: €5.50.
  • Time: 60–90 minutes (can vary due to traffic).
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes, 24/7.

Option B: To Rafina Port (Smaller Port)
Best for: Direct fast ferries (seasonal), closer to airport.
Time needed: ~30–45 minutes.
By Taxi

  • Cost: ~€35–45.
  • Time: ~30–45 minutes.
  • Note: Limited ferry availability; check schedule first.

By Bus

  • Take a KTEL Bus from the airport Arrivals level (between Exits 2–3, in the outer lane opposite Sofitel hotel.)
  • Destination: Rafina Port.
  • Time: ~50 minutes.
  • Cost: ~€4.

Step 3: Take the Ferry to Naxos
From Piraeus Port - Check ferry schedule and tickets online

  • Ferry Companies: Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Fast Ferries.
  • Time:
    • Blue Star Ferries (Conventional): ~6 hours (comfortable, stable, scenic).
    • Seajets (High-speed): ~3.5–4.5 hours (faster, pricier, bumpier ride).
  • Cost:
    • Economy: €35–50
    • Business/Seats/Cabin: €55–90+
  • Schedule: Daily departures, especially early morning (~7:25 AM) or mid-afternoon.
  • Tip: If you feel seasick easily or travelling on a somewhat windy day (5+ Beaufort. Check wind conditions) then it is recommended that you take Blue Star Ferries (Conventional) only.  Check wind conditions; fast ferries may cancel if winds exceed 7–8 Beaufort.

From Rafina Port - Check ferry schedule and tickets online

  • Ferry Companies: Golden Star Ferries, Seajets (seasonal).
  • Time: ~3.5–5 hours.
  • Note: Fewer departures than Piraeus.

 

Step 4: Arrive at Naxos Port (Chora)
You’ll arrive in Naxos Town (Chora). From here:

  • Walk to accommodations in the town (many are nearby).
  • Use a taxi or rental car to reach villages or beach resorts.
  • Taxi queue available at port.
  • Bus station right near the port (frequent service to Plaka, Agios Prokopios, etc.).  Check the Buses Timetable

 

Tips for Different Types of Travelers:

Families with Children:

  • Use a taxi or private transfer to the port (to avoid metro/bus hassles).
  • Blue Star Ferries are large and stable, with snack bars and lounges.

Budget Travelers:

  • Metro or X96 bus to Piraeus.
  • Book economy class early for better seats.
  • Consider overnight Athens stay if arrival is late.

Short on Time:

  • Fly instead! Olympic Air, Aegean, and Sky Express fly from Athens to Naxos (~25 mins).
  • If ferrying, take Seajets from Rafina (closer to the airport) or early Seajets from Piraeus.  Remember to Check wind conditions.

With Lots of Luggage:

  • Avoid metro changes.
  • Opt for taxi or X96 bus, and Blue Star ferry (has elevators and luggage storage).

Final Checklist
- Check ferry schedule and tickets online
- Arrive at the ferry port at least 45–60 minutes early.
- Keep printed or digital ferry ticket ready.
- Check wind conditions; fast ferries may cancel if winds exceed 7–8 Beaufort.

 

Furher transport access information from the airport on the Athens International Airport website.

Further information on Athens-related transport in general please visit the Transport for Athens (OASA) website.