Ferries Ios

Ferry companies operating routes to and from Ios offer fixed discounts for specific passenger categories, giving you the chance to travel with low-cost ferry tickets. Some indicative categories entitled to discounts are:

• Children aged 5-10/12 years old
• Students of Greek public universities and ISIC card holders
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and toddlers up to 4 years usually travel free of charge on ferries to Ios. However, please note that available discounts may vary depending on the ferry operator.

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, simply select the route that suits you, choose the applicable discount, and it will be automatically applied to your final ticket price.

When is the best time to book your ferry tickets to Ios? Simply put, the sooner the better!

Ios is a very popular summer destination, beloved by both foreigners and Greeks. Ferry tickets are typically available three to six months before a scheduled itinerary. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit Ios during the peak season (June to August), we recommend booking your tickets 2-3 months in advance to ensure passenger and vehicle ticket availability as well as flexibility when choosing the route that best suits you.

Ferries to and from Ios also operate year-round, but with less frequent routes from November until February. Ticket availability is also higher during the off-season, which means you can book your tickets even a few days before departure if you opt to see the quieter, but still magnificent, side of Ios.

Note: Ferry itineraries to and from Ios are subject to change depending on the season, so make sure to check the latest routes on Ferryhopper.

In the southern Cyclades, a sun-drenched Aegean gem awaits: Ios, where lively energy meets classic Cycladic charm. With its crystal‑clear beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a dose of authentic island life, it’s easy to see why all kinds of travellers, from families to couples and groups of friends, fall in love and pledge to return year after year.

In Chora, the island’s hilltop capital, windmills, whitewashed alleys, and cliffside chapels provide the perfect backdrop for sunset views and evening strolls. When it comes to beaches, Ios delivers: expect sandy shores, Blue Flag-certified waters, and a mix of well-serviced spots and secluded coves, accessible via scenic hiking trails or boat rides. Mylopotas, Magganari, Kalamos, Psathi, Papa, Tris Ekklisies, and Kampaki each offer something unique, making it difficult to decide which one will ultimately be your favourite.

Daytime on Ios can also be spent engaging in water sports such as diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, visiting the Archaeological Museum, or hiking to panoramic spots like Palaiokastro or the Chora lighthouse. And when night falls, especially around Chora and Mylopotas, the island turns into one of the Aegean’s liveliest party hubs, renowned for its DJ sets, beach bars, and energetic crowd.

Ready for Ios? Not before you check out some helpful tips for a comfortable ferry trip and a pleasant stay:

• The ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio on the mainland of Greece, as well as the port of Santorini, become very busy during the summer months. We recommend arriving at the port of departure at least 1 hour in advance, especially if you want to secure a good deck or lounge seat and/or if you are travelling with your vehicle. Additionally, large crowds on board and possible delays are to be expected due to the island’s popularity.
• Even if you travel during the summer, when temperatures in Greece can get sweltering, we advise you to pack a light sweater, as it can get significantly chillier on board during nighttime or early morning.
• As is the case with many Greek islands, the tap water in Ios is not drinkable, so bottled water should be at the top of your list of provisions for your stay.
• A bus service with frequent itineraries, especially during the summer, is available on the island. Still, if you want to explore every inch of Ios, we recommend bringing your vehicle or renting one upon arrival.
• Ios is well-connected by ferry to neighbouring islands, including popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos, as well as more laid-back options like Anafi and Kimolos, making it a great starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades.

Ferries to Ios are either high-speed catamarans or conventional vessels with onboard services varying by type of vessel and ferry operator.

On conventional ferries, you can book a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bed cabin, or a bed in a shared cabin for a more comfortable journey, or you can opt for a deck-lounge or a numbered airplane-style seat. You will also find restaurants and stores for last-minute purchases.

On high-speed catamarans, cabins are not available, but you can choose between different types of numbered seats:

• Simple
• Business
• VIP

Both conventional and high-speed ferries travelling to and from Ios feature:

• Snack bars for a quick bite and refreshments
• Air-conditioned lounge areas
• Accessibility infrastructure for people with disabilities (PWD)
• Wi-Fi (on select routes)

Pets are allowed on all ferries and travel free of charge on the outdoor deck areas or in designated pet spots.

Car decks are available on all conventional ferries for vehicle transportation. Some high-speed ferries may also feature a car deck, but in these cases, capacity is typically limited.

The main port of Ios is called Ormos, but locals also refer to it as Gialos. It’s located just 2 km from Chora, approximately a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk. The port is well-equipped with supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, ATMs, hotels, car and motorbike rental companies, and souvenir shops, and is also home to the island’s health center.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Ios, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.