How to Get From Athens to Naxos (Ferries, Flights, and Tips)

Getting to Naxos from Athens is straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing before you book. There are two ways to make the trip: by ferry from Piraeus Port or by plane from Athens International Airport. Both options work, and we’ve done both. The ferry is the most popular choice, and for good reason, but the flight has its place depending on your travel style and schedule.

We’ve been traveling to Naxos and Paros for years, and this guide covers everything we’ve learned the hard way: which ferry companies to use, how to book, what the Meltemi winds mean for your plans, and why that last stretch from the metro to the ferry terminal is worth knowing about before you show up with a rolling suitcase.

The ferry from Athens to Naxos takes about four to five hours and is the most popular way to get there. We always book through Ferryscanner because it’s the only platform that offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. If you’re short on time or just don’t love the idea of a long boat ride, Sky Express runs direct flights that are under an hour.

How to Get to Naxos from Athens by Ferry

The ferry is how most people get to Naxos, and it’s truly a great experience if you know what to expect. Ferries depart from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, and arrive directly into Naxos Town. The journey takes between four and five hours depending on which company you book with and how many stops the route includes.

Which Ferry Companies Go to Naxos?

Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets are the two main companies operating the Athens to Naxos route. Blue Star runs the larger, slower boats that can carry cars and are generally more comfortable in rougher seas. SeaJets operates faster, smaller vessels that cut the travel time down but can feel a lot choppier when the wind picks up. A handful of other ferry lines also cover the route, and we haven’t heard anything bad about them, but we’ve only ever taken Blue Star and SeaJets personally.

Blue Star is the more comfortable option, especially if you’re traveling with luggage, kids, or anyone who tends to get seasick. The boats are large, stable, and almost all of them can carry vehicles. SeaJets is faster, which is appealing, but the smaller hull means you’ll feel the waves more.

We took a SeaJets car ferry on one trip and it was fine since the seas were calm, but on a choppy day the difference between the two companies is significant. If it’s your first time and you’re not sure how you handle open-water sailing, Blue Star is the safer call.

How Long Does the Ferry from Athens to Naxos Take?

The Athens to Naxos ferry takes approximately four to five hours. Most routes stop in Paros first, which adds about 30 minutes to the journey before the boat continues on to Naxos. Some routes include one additional small island stop, so it’s worth checking your specific itinerary when you book.

If you’re planning to continue on to Paros after your time in Naxos, our guide to the Naxos to Paros ferry covers that short hop in detail.

Can You Take a Car on the Ferry to Naxos?

Yes, most Blue Star ferries and some SeaJets routes allow vehicles. If you’re planning to bring a car, book early. Passenger seats rarely sell out, but car spaces do fill up quickly during July and August. Don’t assume you can add a vehicle at the last minute during peak season.

If you’re planning to rent a car once you arrive rather than bring one over, our guide to renting a car in Naxos covers the best agencies, pricing, and what to watch out for in the rental agreement.

Where Does the Ferry Leave From?

All ferries to Naxos depart from Piraeus Port in Athens. Piraeus is accessible by metro (Line 1, the green line) from central Athens, and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes from Syntagma Square. The port is large, so once you arrive, check your ticket for the specific gate or berth number.

Once you get off the metro at Piraeus, you’re not quite there yet. Depending on which berth your ferry is docked at, the walk from the metro exit to the actual boat can take 10 to 15 minutes. That doesn’t sound like much until you’re dragging suitcases across uneven pavement in summer heat. Build that time into your plan and arrive at the port at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure.

How to Book Your Ferry (+ Why We Use Ferryscanner)

Ferryscanner is the only major booking platform that offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure, and that matters more than you’d think. The Meltemi winds that roll through the Aegean from July onward can ground ferries for two or three days at a stretch. If your ferry gets cancelled, you want flexibility to rebook without losing money.

Ferryscanner also tends to come in slightly cheaper than Directferries or FerryHopper, which is a small bonus on top of the cancellation policy. Book as early as you can if you’re traveling in peak summer, especially if you need car space.

How to Get to Naxos from Athens by Plane

Flying is the faster option, and we did it both ways on our first trip to Naxos because we weren’t sure about the long ferry crossing. The flight itself is simple: you’re barely in the air before you start descending. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time or if rough seas are a real concern for you.

Which Airlines Fly Athens to Naxos?

Two airlines operate the Athens to Naxos route: Sky Express and Aegean Air. We’ve almost always flown Sky Express since it tends to be a bit cheaper, and the experience is exactly what you’d expect from a short regional hop: simple, no frills, gets you there. Aegean is Greece’s main domestic carrier and a fine option if the price works out. Check both when you’re searching.

How Long Is the Flight from Athens to Naxos?

The flight from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Naxos is under an hour. You’re talking wheels-up to wheels-down in about 45 minutes. Factor in getting to the airport, check-in, and the taxi or bus from Naxos Airport into town, and the total door-to-door time is still shorter than the ferry, but not by as much as you’d expect.

What to Know About Luggage on Greek Domestic Flights

Budget fares on Sky Express typically don’t include checked luggage. If you’re traveling with a full suitcase, make sure you’re booking a fare class that includes it, or pay for it at the time of booking. Adding a bag at the airport costs more. It’s a small thing, but worth checking before you finalize your ticket.

Ferry vs. Flight: Which Is Better for Getting to Naxos?

The ferry is the better option for most travelers. It’s cheaper, more scenic, and drops you directly into Naxos Town without needing an additional transfer. The flight makes sense if you’re very short on time or concerned about seasickness. Door to door, the ferry takes around six hours when you factor in getting to Piraeus and the port walk. The flight is faster overall, but not dramatically so once you add airport time on both ends.

Our honest take: take the ferry at least one way. Pulling into Naxos Town by boat, with the Portara visible on the hillside as you approach, is one of those arrival moments that actually lives up to the hype.

What the Meltemi Winds Mean for Your Ferry Plans

The Meltemi is a strong seasonal wind that sweeps across the Aegean from roughly mid-July through August. It’s not dangerous, but it makes the sea significantly choppier, and ferry operators will cancel sailings if conditions get bad enough. Cancellations of two or three consecutive days are not unheard of during peak Meltemi season.

If your ferry is cancelled, the company will typically rebook you on the next available sailing. The problem is that the next available sailing might also be cancelled, and you could end up waiting longer than you planned.

This is exactly why we book through Ferryscanner. The free cancellation window gives you options if your plans need to shift around a weather delay.

If you’re traveling in July or August and your schedule has zero flexibility, flying is the safer call. If you have a day or two of buffer built in, the ferry is still fine: just go in with realistic expectations.

What to Do Once You Arrive in Naxos

Ferry arrivals come right into Naxos Town (also called Chora), which is the main hub of the island. Almost everything you need is within walking distance of the port, including a few of our favorite restaurants on the island, shops, ATMs, and taxi pickups.

If you’re flying in, Naxos Airport is small and easy to navigate. It’s about 3 km (1.9 miles) from Naxos Town, so a taxi into the center takes around five minutes and costs roughly €10 to €15 ($11 to $16).

If you need a car, our guide to renting a car in Naxos covers everything including the best local agencies and what to watch out for in the rental agreement. If you’re curious about what it’s actually like to drive on the island, our driving in Naxos guide covers road conditions, parking, and a few things that catch first-timers off guard.

If you’re relying on public transport, the Naxos bus station is right near the port and connects to most of the major beaches and villages.

Not sure how to structure your time on the island? Our Naxos itinerary lays out a practical day-by-day plan for first-timers. You can also browse the best things to do in Naxos if you’d rather build your own schedule, or check out the best beaches in Naxos to start planning where you’ll spend your time on the water.And if you’re continuing on to Paros after Naxos, the Naxos to Paros ferry is a short hop that runs several times a day. You might also want to check out our full Naxos vs Paros comparison if you’re still weighing which island to prioritize.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Athens to Naxos?

The Athens to Naxos ferry takes approximately four to five hours depending on the company and route. Blue Star Ferries is on the longer end while SeaJets is faster. Most routes stop in Paros along the way before continuing to Naxos.

Is there a direct flight from Athens to Naxos?

Yes. Sky Express and Aegean Air both operate direct flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Naxos. The flight is under an hour, making it the fastest option if you’re short on time.

Which ferry company is best for Athens to Naxos?

Blue Star Ferries is the most comfortable option, with large, stable boats that handle rougher seas better than the smaller SeaJets vessels. SeaJets is faster but better suited to calm conditions. For first-timers or anyone prone to seasickness, Blue Star is the safer choice.

Do ferries to Naxos sell out?

Passenger seats rarely sell out on Blue Star, but car spaces do fill up quickly during July and August. SeaJets routes can also sell out during peak summer. Book early if you’re traveling during high season, especially if you need to bring a vehicle.

What is the best way to book a ferry to Naxos?

We always book through Ferryscanner because it’s the only major platform with free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. This is especially useful during Meltemi season when ferry cancellations are possible.

If you’re heading to Naxos for the first time, the ferry from Piraeus is the way to go. Book through Ferryscanner, leave plenty of time for the port walk, and if you’re traveling in late July or August, keep an eye on the weather.

Once you’re on the island, your next step is figuring out how to get around: start with our guide to renting a car in Naxos, or check the Naxos bus station timetables if you’re planning to use public transport.