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Traveling by ferry from Athens to the Greek island of Sifnos is so easy! I traveled to Sifnos solo this past summer from Athens and have some helpful tips!
Are you thinking of booking a trip to Sifnos? If so, then you’ll need to know how to book a ferry from Athens to Sifnos. Here are some tips from my trip that will help make sure your trip is smooth sailing.
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Book your ferry tickets in advance to get the best rates
When planning your next adventure to the Greek islands, the best way to book your ferry tickets is in advance. By doing this, you can find some of the best prices for your trip as well as guarantee that a spot is saved for you.
It is also a good idea to book early because, during summer months and peak season, they sell out. I know you don’t want to risk not getting on the ferry route you want, so book early!
FerryScanner is a great tool I use when searching for the best prices and deals on ferry tickets. They literally scan all the ferry operators and then offer you the best rate based on what is available.
Booking in advance will ensure you get exactly what you need at an affordable price. And usually, you can make changes to your ferry tickets for no fee.
Map of Sifnos
Free Google Map of Sifnos
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How Much Are Ferry Tickets from Athens to Sifnos?
Ferry ticket prices to Sifnos, Greece vary by season. So if you are going in the summer season you will need to expect to pay more than if you were going at any other time of the year.
Peak season in Sifnos is from May to October. After October the island pretty much shuts down.
My one-way ferry ticket in September from Athens to Sifnos was around 64€. Generally, there are multiple ferries daily from Athens during the summer months and one or two ferries per day during other seasons.
It’s recommended to book at least 1-2 months prior to departure, as prices will go up closer to departure time.
If you were coming from other islands the prices will vary significantly. You can find tickets for as low as 24€ between islands.
Leave enough time to get from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port
Planning ahead is key when traveling to the ferry port of Piraeus from Athens city center. When I most recently stayed in Athens I booked a hotel close to the ferry port since I had an early ferry to catch.
Athens is huge. The historical downtown center is about a 20-minute drive WITH NO TRAFFIC to the Piraeus port.
And with Athens being one of the busiest cities in Europe, it is important to factor in traffic and any delays when planning your route.
There are a lot of ferry companies all operating out of Piraeus Port at the same time. So when you reach the port, make sure you get on the right vessel.
If you don’t book a hotel near the port, then the most convenient way to get from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port is by booking a private transfer. I would advise this so you don’t have to worry about unreliable public transport or traffic jams.
I would much rather be early for my ferry to Sifnos Island than cut it so close I’m incredibly stressed.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Sifnos?
The ferry service journey time from Athens to Sifnos can easily be done in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This would be a direct trip on a high-speed ferry. The earliest ferry is usually at 7 am.
From Athens, the Sifnos ferry leaves close to 3-4 times per day, but it depends on the day. Weekend travel will have more ferry routes than weekdays. Depending on the ferry company there may be other islands and ferry connections you would need to choose to reach Sifnos.
The ferry schedule does change from time to time, so if you are researching your trip well in advance, keep that in mind.
I found the ferry ride from Piraeus to Sifnos to be a nice and scenic trip. It was full of beautiful views and a great way to start my vacation in the Cycladic Islands.
Bring food and drinks with you for the journey, as there are limited options on board
Greek ferries are not known for their onboard cuisine. If you are looking for healthy snacks and food options, bring your own.
Many ferry companies have limited options when it comes to onboard catering, so if you want a wider range of choices or don’t want to be reliant on their offerings.
If you are vegan you will want to pay extra attention to this. A lot of the food on the ferries does have dairy.
Transportation at the Sifnos Ferry Terminal
When you arrive at the Sifnos port you will have some transportation options to take you to various parts of the island.
I took a taxi from the main port in Sifnos to the town of Apollonia. You can also rent a car, which I highly recommend.
Another transportation option at the port is the bus. The bus route is a bit limited though, depending on where you are staying in Sifnos, you might need to rent a car or take a taxi.
The Sifnos Ferry Terminal is very small, and there were only a small number of taxis available after I got off the ship.
If you are getting a taxi, book one ahead or be the first one off the ship. Another idea is to call ahead to your accommodations and arrange a pickup.
For those who prefer to explore independently, car rental companies are located at the ferry terminal.
You can also take your rental car from Athens which might be the best option if you visit Sifnos in the high season.
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Can I just fly to Sifnos?
Unfortunately, there is no airport in Sifnos, the only other island closest to Sifnos is Milos. You can fly from Athens Airport to Milos, and then take a fast ferry to Sifnos.
🚁 BOOK A HELICOPTER TO SIFNOS: If you want to the fastest way to get to Sifnos from Athens, book a helicopter!
Unless you planned on skipping Athens altogether, I would just recommend you take the ferry to Sifnos.
Taking the ferry is so much more relaxed than flying. You don’t worry about having to get there hours in advance or waiting for baggage. A ferry trip is just easy!
Travel Tips & Things to Do in Sifnos
Sifnos Island is a great island, best known for its sun-kissed beaches and varied landscapes. And I can’t shut up about how amazing the food is in Sifnos!
Of all the other Cycladic islands I visited, I loved Sifnos the most.
One of the best things to do in Sifnos is to explore all the beautiful beaches! To do this you will really need to rent a car.
The public transportation in Sifnos, and like many other Cyclades islands is limited.
Your best bet is to rent a car or just plan to stay in Apollonia where you can take the bus to nearby beaches.
In Apollonia, you can walk around and check out the shops, and admire the traditional architecture.
For more information, check out my guide to Sifnos.
What is the best island hopping route from Sifnos?
Greek island hopping is so easy from Sifnos! Milos is an incredibly underrated Greek island that should be considered for any traveler’s itinerary. Most ferries from Sifnos go to Milos daily.
Milos is one of the Cyclades islands with crystal clear blue waters, remarkable beaches, and dramatic rock formations, all found at the famous Sarakinko beach.
This almost-forgotten volcanic island off the coast of Athens is gaining popularity quickly!
After Milos, the nearby island of Serifos is another good choice. Serifos has a unique cultural experience.
Check Ferry Schedules & Choosing a Ferry Company
Ferry companies operating the Piraeus Sifnos ferry route all have different routes. I have been on a number of these conventional ferries, and they pretty much offer the same service.
You can really make all your ferry booking decisions based on the ferry schedules that work best for you.
I found no difference in traveling on Aegean Speed Lines than I did on SeaJets. I say whatever Sifnos crossing is the cheapest and most convenient you should book it.
Final Thoughts on Booking a Ferry From Athens To Sifnos
I highly recommend booking the fastest ferry from Athens Piraeus Port to Sifnos. Whether it’s the only Greek island on your adventure or one of many, taking the ferry to the Cyclades islands is the way to go!
