Chios - Piraeus: Ferry tickets and routes

Chios - Piraeus ferry tickets and routes

The Chios - Piraeus ferry route connects the island with Greece’s largest port and is one of the most important maritime links between the Northeastern Aegean and Athens.

Ferries operate throughout the year, with more frequent departures during the summer months, public holidays and periods of increased passenger demand.

Most ferries depart from the main port of Chios Town. However, some seasonal services may operate from the port of Mesta, located in the southwestern part of the island.

The route is mainly served by conventional passenger and vehicle ferries. These vessels normally offer economy seating, reserved aircraft-style seats, cabins, restaurants, cafés and garages for transporting cars and motorcycles.

Through booktickets.gr, travelers can check available departures, compare schedules and ticket prices and complete their booking online.

How much do Chios - Piraeus ferry tickets cost?

The price of a standard passenger ticket from Chios to Piraeus usually starts at approximately €39 for economy class.

Depending on the vessel, travel date and selected type of accommodation, passenger fares generally range from approximately €39 to €49. Reserved aircraft-style seats and cabins cost more than standard economy accommodation.

Indicative ticket options include:

• Economy passenger ticket: from approximately €39
• Reserved aircraft-style seat: available at a higher price depending on the vessel
• Bed in a shared cabin: price depends on the cabin category
• Private cabin: the fare depends on the number of beds and whether the cabin is internal or external

Ferry fares are dynamic and may change according to availability, demand and the travel season.

Indicative prices for this route start at €39, while the fastest crossing can take approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.

How much does a car ticket cost?

Transporting a standard passenger car from Chios to Piraeus costs approximately €90–€91, excluding the driver’s passenger ticket.

For two adults traveling with one car, the total fare may start at approximately €159.50, depending on availability and the ticket categories selected.

The final vehicle fare is affected by:

• The length and height of the vehicle
• The vehicle category
• The travel period
• Garage availability
• Available commercial discounts
• The selection of a return ticket

Motorcycles normally have lower fares than cars. Different pricing applies to larger vehicles, camper vans, motorhomes and vehicles carrying roof boxes or trailers.

Garage spaces frequently sell out earlier than passenger seats. Early booking is therefore particularly important when traveling with a vehicle.

How long is the Chios - Piraeus ferry journey?

The journey from Chios to Piraeus normally lasts between 6 hours and 45 minutes and 10 hours and 10 minutes.

The fastest sailings complete the crossing in approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes to 7 hours.

Slower overnight services may take approximately 8 hours to 10 hours and 10 minutes.

The total duration depends on:

• The ferry operating the route
• The departure time
• Intermediate port calls
• Weather conditions
• Traffic inside the ports
• Possible schedule changes

Indicative weekly schedules may include crossings lasting 6 hours and 45 minutes, 7 hours, 8 hours or 10 hours and 10 minutes.

How frequently do ferries operate?

The Chios - Piraeus route operates throughout the year, usually 6–7 days per week.

During periods of increased demand, daily departures may be available. On certain days, more than one ferry may operate.

During the summer season, an additional seasonal departure from Mesta in Chios may also be scheduled.

Departures from the main port of Chios frequently take place in the evening, with arrival in Piraeus the following morning.

Morning or afternoon services may also be available, particularly when an enhanced summer timetable is in operation.

Schedules change depending on the season. Travelers should therefore check their specific travel date before completing the booking.

Which ferry company operates the route?

The main company operating the Chios - Piraeus ferry route is Blue Star Ferries.

Hellenic Seaways or Superfast Ferries may also appear in booking systems or published schedules. These commercial brands belong to the same ferry group.

The operating company and the name of the specific vessel are clearly displayed during the booking process and on the electronic ferry ticket.

Which ferries travel from Chios to Piraeus?

The vessels most frequently associated with this route include:

• Ariadne
• Nissos Samos
• Blue Star Patmos, on selected seasonal departures from Mesta

Ariadne and Nissos Samos are large conventional passenger and vehicle ferries designed for long-distance and overnight crossings.

They offer several seating categories, cabins, garages and organized indoor passenger areas.

The vessel assigned to the route may change without the ferry connection being cancelled. Passengers should always check the ship displayed for their selected departure date.

Are direct ferries available?

Yes, direct ferries operate from Chios to Piraeus.

A direct service means that passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the journey and do not need to change ferries.

However, a direct ferry may still call at another port before reaching Piraeus.

Depending on the timetable, some services may include an intermediate stop at another Northeastern Aegean port.

These stops may increase the total journey duration, but passengers continuing to Piraeus do not need to disembark or change vessels.

Departure port in Chios

Most ferries depart from the main port of Chios, which is located directly within Chios Town.

The port’s central location provides convenient access to:

• Hotels and rental accommodation
• Cafés and restaurants
• Taxi ranks
• Bus stops
• Shops and essential services
• Ferry ticket offices

During the summer months and before major public holidays, traffic around the port increases significantly.

Passengers traveling without a vehicle should arrive at least 1 hour before departure.

Passengers traveling with a car or motorcycle should preferably arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure. This allows sufficient time to complete the vehicle boarding procedure without unnecessary pressure.

Ferry routes from the port of Mesta

The port of Mesta is located in southwestern Chios, at a considerable distance from Chios Town.

During the summer season, a limited number of Mesta - Piraeus services may operate, usually approximately once per week.

The journey may last around 7 hours and 35 minutes, while passenger tickets may start at approximately €39.

Travelers should carefully check the departure port printed on their ticket.

The main port of Chios and the port of Mesta are located in different parts of the island and should not be confused.

Arrival port in Piraeus

Ferries from Chios arrive at the port of Piraeus, which offers direct transport connections to Athens and other parts of the Attica region.

From the port, passengers can continue their journey by:

• Metro
• Electric railway
• Suburban railway
• Public bus
• Taxi
• Private transfer

The port of Piraeus is very large, so passengers should check their arrival gate in advance.

Distances between different gates can be considerable, especially when carrying heavy luggage or connecting with another ferry departure.

Cabins and reserved seats

Cabins are particularly useful on overnight crossings, allowing passengers to rest comfortably until arrival in Piraeus.

Depending on the vessel, the following accommodation options may be available:

• Internal cabins
• External cabins with a window
• Two-bed cabins
• Three-bed cabins
• Four-bed cabins
• Individual beds in shared cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Accessible cabins for passengers with reduced mobility

For solo travelers, booking a single bed in a shared cabin is normally more affordable than reserving an entire private cabin.

Reserved aircraft-style seats provide an intermediate option between economy class and a cabin.

They offer passengers an assigned seat and additional comfort without the higher cost of private cabin accommodation.

Facilities available on board

Onboard facilities vary depending on the vessel but normally include:

• Passenger lounges and seating areas
• Reserved seats
• Restaurant or self-service dining area
• Café and bar
• Passenger cabins
• Air-conditioned indoor spaces
• Open-air decks
• Onboard shop
• Designated pet areas
• Accessible toilets for passengers with disabilities
• Garages for cars and motorcycles

Access to the vehicle garage is normally prohibited during the journey.

Before leaving the garage, passengers should take all necessary medication, travel documents, chargers, children’s items and anything else they may need before arrival.

Find all the routes

Discounts and special offers

Available discounts depend on the ferry company, the accommodation category and the supporting documents required.

Children and infants may travel free of charge or with a discounted ticket, depending on their age and selected accommodation.

A zero-fare ticket must still be issued for younger children, even when no payment is required.

Students enrolled at Greek universities may receive discounts of up to 50%, provided that they present a valid student identification card and meet the company’s conditions.

Large families and families with three children may also qualify for reduced fares when they provide the required certificates.

Blue Star Ferries offers discounts for children, students, families with three children, large families and other passenger categories on Northeastern Aegean routes.

The exact discount conditions should always be checked before the ferry tickets are issued.

Return route from Piraeus to Chios

The reverse Piraeus - Chios connection also operates throughout the year.

Passenger tickets may start at approximately €34.50, while the journey normally lasts between approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes and 8 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the vessel and itinerary.

Many ferries depart from Piraeus in the evening and arrive in Chios early the following morning.

Booking the outbound and return journeys together makes travel planning easier and may allow a vehicle discount to be applied when a relevant commercial offer is available.

Alternative ferry routes

When the main Chios - Piraeus service is fully booked, travelers may consider:

• Mesta, Chios - Piraeus, when a seasonal service is available
• Mesta, Chios - Lavrio
• Chios - Kavala
• Chios - Thessaloniki, when a service is operating
• Chios - Mytilene, followed by another ferry
• Chios - Samos, followed by a connection to another port

Alternative journeys involving a ferry change require sufficient time between departures.

Travelers should avoid booking two separate tickets with a short connection period. A delay to the first ferry could result in missing the second departure.

Useful travel advice

Book early when traveling during July, August, Easter or public holiday weekends. Cabins and garage spaces have limited availability and often sell out first.

Check whether your ticket lists “Chios” or “Mesta” as the departure port. These are two different ports located in separate parts of the island.

For an overnight departure, a cabin provides significantly greater comfort. Travelers seeking a more economical option can choose a reserved aircraft-style seat.

Download the electronic ticket to your mobile phone before arriving at the port. This ensures that it remains available even when the mobile signal is weak.

Carry a valid identity card or passport, together with any documents required for discounted fares.

When the relevant supporting document cannot be presented, passengers may be required to pay the difference between the discounted and full fare.

During periods of strong winds, check for possible timetable changes before traveling to the port. Ferry schedules may be modified for safety reasons.

Frequently asked questions about the Chios - Piraeus route

How much is a ferry ticket from Chios to Piraeus?

A passenger ticket usually starts at approximately €39 for economy class.

How much does it cost to transport a car?

Transporting a standard passenger car costs approximately €90–€91, excluding the driver’s passenger ticket.

How long does the ferry journey take?

The journey normally lasts between 6 hours and 45 minutes and 10 hours and 10 minutes.

Is there a daily ferry?

Ferries usually operate 6–7 days per week. During periods of high demand, additional departures may be scheduled.

Which company operates the ferry route?

The route is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Are cabins available?

Yes. Most ferries operating this route offer internal and external cabins, as well as individual beds in shared cabins.

Which port in Chios does the ferry depart from?

Most ferries depart from the main port of Chios Town. Some seasonal services depart from Mesta.

Can I travel with a pet?

Yes. The pet must be included in the booking and the required pet ticket must be issued.

Passengers should also carry the pet’s health booklet and all necessary travel documents.

When should I arrive at the port?

Passengers traveling without a vehicle should arrive at least 1 hour before departure.

Passengers traveling with a vehicle should preferably arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure.

Can I book a return ticket?

Yes. The Chios - Piraeus journey and the return Piraeus - Chios crossing can be booked together.

How do I complete web check-in for direct boarding?

Passengers can now board the ferry without waiting at port ticket offices by completing web check-in.

Web check-in is available through the booking confirmation email from 2 hours to 48 hours before departure.

Web check-in is supported by Blue Star Ferries.

Web check-in Blue Star Ferries

Secure online payments

Ferry ticket bookings through booktickets.gr are completed in a secure online environment.

Passengers can search for the Chios - Piraeus route, select their accommodation and vehicle category, enter the travelers’ details and complete the payment online.

After the booking has been successfully completed, the travel details and, where supported, the electronic ferry ticket are sent to the passenger.

Before completing the payment, travelers should carefully verify:

• Passenger names
• Travel date
• Departure time
• Departure port
• Vehicle registration and category details

Content editing: booktickets.gr