Traveling From Athens To Paros & Paros To Pireaus

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Post author Nick

Written by our local expert Nick

Nick is is digital nomad originally from Athens, Greece. You will now find him exploring the Greek islands, Bulgaria and beyond.

Looking for the best way to travel from Athens to Paros? This exclusive guide will help you find the best air and Aegean Sea routes to the majestic island.

Greece Travel Blog_How To Get From Athens To Paros

Traveling From Athens To Paros By Plane

Traveling from Athens to Paros by plane might be the fastest and most convenient way – especially if you don’t want to spend too much time traveling. Flights from Athens to Paros usually take less than an hour, often around 45 minutes, letting you enjoy Paros’ extraordinary atmosphere for a few moments more.

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Best Airlines To Fly To Paros

Paros Island Guide - White washed buildings

When looking for flights from Athens to Paros Island, you’ll realize your options aren’t that abundant. Only three companies travel between mainland Greece and the islands throughout the year: Aegean, Olympic Air, and SKY Express.

1. Aegean Airlines

Choose Aegean Airlines for its modern fleet, attentive customer service, advantageous frequent flyer program, and budget-friendly fare options.

Aegean Airlines is Greece’s flag carrier, with the highest total number of passengers carried and destinations served. Plus, its fleet of 60 aircraft is among the biggest in the continental Europe.

Besides various European countries, Aegean Airlines boasts daily flights to the Greek Islands. Thanks to its extensive destination network and reputable history, the airline company is one of the most favored options for international travelers seeking fast travel to Paros.

2. Olympic Air

You should consider Olympic Air for a comfortable flight; the airline focuses on a premium experience with its spacious seating, superior service, and award-winning catering.

Greece’s former national flag carrier, Olympic Air, is among the country’s oldest airlines. The company was founded in 1957 as Olympic Airways and restructured in 2003 as Olympic Airlines due to the company’s enormous debt. However, Olympic Airlines didn’t thrive longer and was sold to a private company in 2009 after 35 years of state control, becoming Olympic Air.

Today, Olympic Air operates under Aegean Airlines as a regional subsidiary. The company has a fleet of 15 carriers and serves mostly domestic destinations, with a considerable number of international flights.

3. SKY Express

SKY Express proves to be a good option for travelers on a budget with its lower fares. The airline boasts direct flights to most Greek islands from Athens, including Paros.

SKY Express is a Greek airline founded in Crete. While it mainly serves domestic destinations, SKY Express also has flights to Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK.

The airline currently boasts over 20 in-service carriers with several ordered aircraft. SKY Express also has in-line agreements with airlines from several European countries.

What You Should Know About Flying To Paros

While visiting Paros sounds like an extraordinary experience, you should know a few things before flying to the island. Here are all you should know about flying to Paros:

  • Paros doesn’t have an international airport, so all the flights to Paros Airport will be from mainland Greece (Athens International Airport)
  • Since flights to Paros from Athens take around 30 to 45 minutes, you’ll have a quick and easy journey
  • If you are on a budget, flying might not be a good idea
  • The best time to fly to the island is during the shoulder season, as the weather conditions will be warm but less crowded than the high season.
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Travel Tips For Pleasant Air Travel To Paros

A pleasant journey is the key to starting your holiday on the right foot. Here are some tips that can help you:

  • It’s known that the closer the date, the pricier the fares. So, if you want to save money and time, book your flight in advance
  • Check the baggage policy of different airlines to find the most suitable option for yourself
  • Since the route from Athens to Paros is short, you can book an inexpensive flight to save money for your holiday
  • Purchasing travel insurance might help you feel more comfortable knowing that your insurance will save you money and effort in case of a distasteful incident

What To Do After Landing

Paros Island Guide - The beautiful village of Parikia in the island of Paros, Greece

When planning your journey to Paros by plane, you should also consider what to do after landing. Your post-landing plan should be separate from your itinerary; this plan should include which means of transportation to use, how to get to your hotel, etc.

Here are some ideas to help you:

  • Although Paros has a proper public transportation system, renting a car would be better for discovering the island. So, look for a rent-a-car service at and near the airport
  • If you haven’t contacted your hotel to see whether they have a free shuttle service, it’s time to do so. Post-landing can be a tad late, but, as they say, better late than never
  • If you don’t want to rent a car and your hotel doesn’t offer a shuttle service, you should search for a taxi. While they’re usually more expensive than public transportation, they are the most convenient way to travel – especially in a foreign country. You can find taxis near the airport
  • Since air inside an airplane has little humidity, you should hydrate well to avoid unfavorable effects
  • Wash your hands and face once you arrive at the hotel since air travel might expose you to viruses due to spending too much time near other passengers
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Island Hopping From Athens To Paros

Port of Piraeus Athens, Greece - Ports In Greece

Best Ferry Companies

Traveling from Athens to Paros by boat offers you an unforgettable journey with majestic Mediterranean views and luxury service. Finding the best ferry to Paros is the key to having a comfortable trip.

Following is a list of the best ferry companies operating from Athens to Paros:

1. Blue Star Ferries

Blue Star Ferries is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a reliable company with a successful history of operations.

Blue Star Paros ferry lines offer the most frequent schedule. The company has been providing ferry services between mainland Greece and the Aegean Islands for decades. Blue Star Ferries have an average of four sailings per day, with the duration of the trip lasting roughly three hours.

2. SeaJets

SeaJets, with its high-speed boat from Athens to Paros, is the ideal company for a fast and secure journey to Greek islands.

Established in 1989, SeaJets is a private company that operates high-speed ferries to Paros from Athens. Most of their ferries sail from Piraeus, Athens and travel to several Aegean islands, including Paros. SeaJets’ sailings usually take around two and a half hours.

3. Minoan Lines

Another popular option for travelers from Athens to Paros, Minoan Lines, provides you with luxury and rapid routes.

Among Greece’s largest passenger ferry companies, Minoan Lines provides several ferry routes from Athens to Paros. The company currently operates one Athens to Paros high-speed ferry, Santorini Palace.

4. Fast Ferries

Fast Ferries, with high-speed ferries and affordable prices, are the best option for traveling from Athens to Paros.

Fast Ferries is another Greek ferry company that aims to connect the Cyclades. The company currently operates various trips between the islands, offering an unforgettable island-hopping experience.

Ferry Schedules From Athens To Paros

Only Blue Star Ferries provides regular ferry trips from Athens to Paros between January 2024 and July 2024. Check the following table for the company’s Athens to Paros ferry timetables:

Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Trip Duration Sailing Days
Blue Star Ferries 07:25 11:35 4 hours 10 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Blue Star Ferries 17:30 22:00 4 hours 30 minutes Thu
Blue Star Ferries 17:30 22:30 5 hours Sun
Blue Star Ferries 17:30 23:05 5 hours 35 minutes Mon, Wed, Fri
Blue Star Ferries 18:30 23:00 4 hours 30 minutes Sat

If you plan to visit Paros with another ferry company, check its website for routes and timetables. Remember that some companies might not share their ferry schedule until a few months prior to the summer season.

About Your Baggage

When looking for the ferry company to go for, you should definitely check their luggage rules. While most companies have similar limitations, you should remember that various companies might have different regulations.

Check the following list for luggage limitations of different ferry companies operate between Athens and Paros:

  • Blue Star Ferries: Blue Star Ferries allows you to bring up to 50 kilograms of luggage. As all the luggage is stored below deck, you won’t be able to access your baggage before arrival
  • SeaJets: Similar to Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets lets you bring up to 50 kilograms of luggage per person. You might have to pay additional fees if your luggage is over the given limit
  • Cyclades Fast Ferries: Cyclades Fast Ferries don’t specify their luggage policy. However, you might want to play safe and bring up to 50 kilograms in order not to face any additional fees. Of course, you can always contact the company for more information
  • Minoan Lines: Passengers traveling with Minoan Lines’ ferries can leave their luggage inside their vehicles. Besides that, you might want to contact the company to learn whether they have additional regulations regarding the luggage you can bring on deck.

Tips For A Pleasent Ferry Ride Travel To Paros

Paros Island Guide - Sunset by the port of Naoussa, Paros island

If you want to start your journey to the Greek islands without any problems, you should know some tips that might facilitate your travel. Here are some pieces of advice you might want to follow:

  • Look for the perfect type of ferry for yourself. If you seek a faster journey, high-speed ferries are be the best option for you. However, if you want to bask in the majestic views of the Aegean without rushing, a conventional ferry will be sufficient
  • Booking your ticket in advance is very important. Since ferry lines between Athens and Paros are in high demand, their boats might sell out earlier than you expect
  • Since some ferry companies don’t share their schedules and timetables early, you should check their websites a few months prior to your journey
  • Different ferry companies have different baggage rules. Therefore, check the companies’ websites before booking to see their limitations and regulations. If the company doesn’t have details on their website, contact them for information
ATHENS TO PAROS TRAVEL FAQs

What is the frequency of ferry connections between Athens (Piraeus) and Paros?

It depends on the season and the company. Blue Star Ferries is the only company that provides regular ferry lines (five days a week) between Athens and Paros in the first half of 2024.

How long does the ferry journey from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros take?

A ferry journey from Athens to Paros usually takes from two to three hours, depending on the ferry type.

What is the price range for ferry tickets between Athens (Piraeus) and Paros?

Ferry to Paros from Athens usually cost between €40 to €80.

Which ferry companies operate on the Athens-Paros route?

The most popular companies that operate ferry to Paros from Piraeus are:

  • Blue Star Ferries
  • SeaJets
  • Minoan Lines
  • Cyclades Fast Ferries

Are there any discounts available for ferry tickets?

Some companies might offer special discounts for the ferry from Piraeus to Paros tickets. You should check the companies’ websites to get informed about these discounts.

What are some useful tips for the ferry trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros?

Here are some useful tips for Athens to Paros fast ferry journeys:

  • Always book in advance, as ferries can sell out pretty quickly during the peak season
  • Check ferry companies’ websites for their luggage policies
  • Pack carefully and bring seasickness remedies
  • Look for the differences between various ferry types and pick the ideal ferry for yourself

Where is the departure point for ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros?

Ferries from Athens to Paros usually depart from the gates E7 and E9 of the Piraeus Port of Athens. If you want to make sure, you can contact your ferry company or check their websites to clarify the departure point.

Can you travel with a car on the Athens (Piraeus) – Paros ferry?

It depends on the ferry type. Minoan Lines is one of the most popular ferry companies with car ferries from Athens to Paros. Besides Minoan Lines, you can contact or check the websites of ferry companies to learn whether they have car ferries.

What are the luggage policies for the Athens (Piraeus) – Paros ferry?

Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets have a free baggage allowance of 50 kilograms. You’ll have to pay an additional fee for luggage over that limit.

Minoan Lines, on the other hand, lets you leave your baggage in your vehicle and doesn’t specify a certain luggage limit.

Fast Ferries also doesn’t have a rule regarding baggage limit. However, you might want to contact the company to learn whether they have any limitations or rules.

How can you book ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros?

You can use the websites of ferry companies as most of them have their own booking system.

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