Donousa - Piraeus Ferry tickets and routes 2026

Donousa - Piraeus ferry tickets and schedules

The Donousa - Piraeus ferry route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with the conventional passenger and vehicle ferry BLUE STAR NAXOS. Passenger tickets start from €43, while fares for a standard car start from €118.

The fastest published crossing takes 7 hours and 10 minutes, departing at 07:50 and arriving at 15:00. During the summer season, an evening service may also depart at 20:50 and reach Piraeus at 05:00 the following morning, with a journey time of 8 hours and 10 minutes.

The ferry calls at Naxos and Paros along the way, but passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the journey. Garages, cabins, numbered seats, food and drink services and electronic tickets are available.

Before booking, check the following points:

• The lowest fare is not offered on every departure. An economy ticket may cost €52.50 once the cheapest fare category has sold out.
• Evening sailings arrive in Piraeus on the following calendar day.
• Morning and evening departures do not operate together during every period of the year.
• A vehicle must be added separately, with the correct registration number and dimensions.
• Cabin accommodation is not included in the basic passenger fare.
• The electronic boarding pass must be issued before arriving for embarkation.

Key route details

• Cheapest available passenger ticket: €43
• Car ticket: from €118
• Earliest departure shown in the seasonal timetable: 07:50
• Latest departure: 20:50
• Fastest crossing: 7 hours and 10 minutes
• Longest published crossing: 8 hours and 10 minutes
• Weekly sailings: 3 core services, rising to 4 during periods of stronger demand
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Vessel: BLUE STAR NAXOS
• Ferry type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
• Intermediate stops: Naxos and Paros
• Car transport: available
• Electronic ticket: available
• Departure port: Stavros port, Donousa
• Arrival port: Piraeus

When a specific travel date is selected on booktickets.gr, the booking system displays the final departure time, crossing duration and available seat categories.

Ferry ticket prices from Donousa to Piraeus

The lowest fare for an adult passenger starts at €43 for economy deck accommodation. If this fare category is no longer available, the basic economy ticket may be listed at €52.50.

The final price depends on the selected seat, cabin type, eligible discount and availability for that sailing. A numbered aircraft-style seat costs more than an economy deck ticket but gives the passenger a reserved place for the entire crossing.

A cabin is a practical option for the overnight service because most of the journey takes place after midnight. A family of four should compare the combined price of four numbered seats with the cost of a four-berth cabin. The difference may be smaller than the price of an individual cabin bed initially suggests.

Car tickets and garage

Taking a standard passenger car from Donousa to Piraeus costs from €118 each way. Longer vehicles and other vehicle categories have separate fares. Motorcycles, motorhomes, trailers and oversized vehicles must be entered according to their actual type and dimensions.

BLUE STAR NAXOS has a vehicle garage and carries both cars and motorcycles. Drivers must follow the crew’s instructions during loading. Luggage, medication, travel documents and anything required during the crossing should be removed from the vehicle, as access to the garage is restricted after departure.

For two adults travelling with a car, the lowest combined fare starts at €204, without cabin accommodation. Families should enter all passengers and the vehicle in the same reservation. This allows the booking system to apply the correct discounts and keeps every ticket under one booking reference.

Departure times and crossing duration

The morning ferry leaves Donousa at 07:50 and arrives in Piraeus at 15:00. The journey lasts 7 hours and 10 minutes, making it the fastest option when this departure is available.

During the summer season, the evening sailing departs at 20:50 and reaches Piraeus at 05:00 the next morning. Its total duration is 8 hours and 10 minutes. This departure is useful for travellers who want to reach Athens early without spending the main part of the day on board.

The evening crossing is not a same-day arrival because the ferry reaches its destination after midnight. The 07:50 departure arrives on the same calendar day and leaves time to continue towards central Athens, the airport or another mainland destination.

Sailing frequency throughout the year

The core route operates three times per week. During weeks with stronger passenger demand, the number of departures may rise to four. In the low season, fewer sailing days are available, while departures are more closely connected to the morning return leg from Astypalaia.

More evening departures appear during the high season. The 20:50 sailing serves increased summer traffic across the Small Cyclades. In the low season, travellers need greater flexibility when choosing their return date because there is no daily ferry to Piraeus.

The number of departures shown for the actual week of travel should be used when planning the journey. A general annual average does not reflect the sailing frequency of every month.

Direct journey and intermediate stops

A Donousa - Piraeus ticket covers one continuous journey. Passengers do not change ferries, although the ship makes intermediate port calls.

On the morning service, BLUE STAR NAXOS leaves Donousa, calls at Naxos and then Paros before continuing to Piraeus. Time spent at the intermediate ports is already included in the published crossing duration.

These calls make the journey longer, but they allow passengers to travel from Donousa to Greece’s largest port without transferring to another ship. This is particularly useful for families, older passengers and anyone travelling with a car or several pieces of luggage.

Find all the routes

Ferry, cabins and onboard facilities

BLUE STAR NAXOS is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry, not a high-speed vessel. It is designed for multi-island routes with several port calls and vehicle transportation.

The available onboard facilities include:

• Numbered aircraft-style seats
• Inside and outside cabins
• Selected pet-friendly cabins
• Economy deck lounges
• Restaurant and fast-food outlets
• Café and bar
• Gift shop
• Pet accommodation areas and kennels
• Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
• Lifts and escalators
• Wireless internet access for an additional charge
• Garage for cars and motorcycles

For the crossing of 8 hours and 10 minutes, a cabin provides considerably more comfort and rest. On the daytime departure, a numbered seat is a more economical way to secure a fixed place throughout the journey.

Discounts for passengers and families

Discounts are applied only when the correct passenger category is selected during booking. The supporting documents must also be presented at the port or during boarding.

Children and infants under 5 years old can travel free of charge in economy accommodation, but a zero-fare ticket must still be issued. A 50% discount applies when a numbered seat or cabin bed is selected. Children from 5 to 10 years old are also eligible for a 50% discount.

Students can receive a 50% discount on eligible seat categories by presenting a valid student identification card. The reduction does not cover every cabin category.

Large families may qualify for reduced fares under the company’s conditions. A valid family certificate or recognised identification document is required.

Reduced fares are also available for passengers with a disability rating of 80% or higher, eligible companions, adapted vehicles, ISIC cardholders and other recognised passenger categories. Discounts cannot be combined. The booking system applies the reduction that corresponds to the passenger information entered in the reservation.

Departure from Donousa port

The ferry departs from Stavros, the main port of Donousa. There are no numbered gates such as those found in Piraeus. Boarding takes place at the central quay, following the directions of the port authorities and ferry crew.

Foot passengers should be at the port 60 minutes before departure. Travellers taking a car should arrive 90 minutes before sailing. Vehicle loading may begin well before the scheduled departure, and late arrival does not guarantee boarding even when the passenger holds a valid ticket.

Stavros is a small port, so travellers do not need to cover a long distance from the beach or village. However, the number of vehicles waiting on the quay can reduce the available space shortly before the ferry arrives.

Arrival at Piraeus and departure gate

Ferries serving the Cyclades operate mainly from the E6 gate area in Piraeus. The final docking position may change because of port traffic or operational requirements. The gate printed on the ticket and the crew’s announcements should always be followed.

Gate E6 provides access to the suburban railway and Metro stations. Travellers arriving at 05:00 should check when public transport begins operating. Taxis are available inside and around the port area, but demand can be high when several ferries arrive at the same time.

Electronic ticket and check-in

Blue Star Ferries supports electronic tickets. Web check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before the scheduled sailing time.

The boarding pass can be stored on a mobile device or printed. A sufficiently bright screen helps the crew scan the boarding code without delay. Passengers must carry an identity card or passport, along with any supporting documents required for a discounted ticket.

Through booktickets.gr, travellers can search for available seats, compare fares and issue passenger and vehicle tickets in the same transaction.

Return route from Piraeus to Donousa

The return crossing leaves Piraeus and reaches Donousa with BLUE STAR NAXOS. During the summer season, a morning departure is available at 06:45, arriving in Donousa at 13:30 after 6 hours and 45 minutes.

The journey includes calls at Paros and Naxos before reaching Donousa. For the 06:45 sailing, foot passengers should be at the gate by 05:45, while drivers need to arrive earlier for vehicle loading.

When outbound and return tickets are booked together, each departure time must be checked separately. The journey from Piraeus may leave in the morning, while the return crossing from Donousa can depart in the evening.

Alternative connections via Naxos or Paros

If the direct sailing date is unsuitable, travellers can book a Donousa - Naxos ticket followed by a separate Naxos - Piraeus ticket. The first leg starts at €6.50 and can take 1 hour and 10 minutes with BLUE STAR NAXOS. Small Cyclades Lines also operates local connections with a longer crossing time.

Another option is to travel from Donousa to Paros and then continue from Paros to Piraeus. The two legs are issued as separate reservations. Travellers should leave a safe interval between arrival and departure because the ferry company does not guarantee connections between independently booked tickets.

Travelling through Naxos offers more departures to Piraeus, including conventional ferries and high-speed vessels operated by Seajets. This option is not always cheaper because it adds a second fare, a possible overnight stay and another vehicle charge.

Useful travel tips

• Choose the 07:50 morning sailing if you need to arrive in Piraeus on the same day.
• Consider a cabin or numbered seat for the 20:50 overnight departure.
• Keep medication, chargers and personal documents with you rather than inside the vehicle.
• Check the arrival date printed on the ticket, as the evening ferry reaches Piraeus at 05:00 the following day.
• Enter the exact dimensions of your car, motorhome or trailer.
• When using separate tickets through Naxos or Paros, leave several hours between the two legs.
• Confirm the arrival gate before arranging a pick-up, taxi or airport transfer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much is a ferry ticket from Donousa to Piraeus?

The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €43. If this fare has sold out, an economy ticket may cost €52.50.

How much does it cost to take a car?

Transporting a standard passenger car starts at €118 each way. The driver’s ticket is not included in the vehicle fare.

How long is the ferry journey?

The crossing takes from 7 hours and 10 minutes to 8 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the departure and intermediate port calls.

Which is the fastest ferry departure?

The 07:50 morning sailing is the fastest. It arrives at 15:00 after 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Which is the cheapest departure?

The cheapest option is the departure on which the €43 fare remains available. This fare is not necessarily tied to one specific departure time.

How many ferries operate each week?

There are three core weekly departures. During periods of increased traffic, the route may operate up to four times per week.

Is there a direct ferry?

Yes. The journey is completed with one ferry and one ticket, but the vessel calls at Naxos and Paros along the way.

Can I take my car on the ferry?

Yes. BLUE STAR NAXOS has a garage for cars and motorcycles.

Are cabins available?

Yes. Passengers can book inside or outside cabins, along with selected cabins designed for travellers with pets.

Is an electronic ticket available?

Yes. Web check-in is available from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure.

How early should I arrive at Donousa port?

Foot passengers should arrive at Stavros port 60 minutes before departure. Travellers with a car should be there 90 minutes before sailing.

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

You can board without visiting the port ticket office by selecting the blue Web Check-in button in your booking confirmation email. Check-in is available from 48 hours to 2 hours before departure. You can also use the following link:

Web Check-in Blue Star Ferries

In brief

The Donousa - Piraeus route is served by the conventional BLUE STAR NAXOS of Blue Star Ferries. Passenger tickets start at €43, while car fares begin at €118.

The 07:50 morning departure is the fastest and arrives at 15:00. The 20:50 evening service reaches Piraeus at 05:00 the following morning. Passengers stay on the same vessel, with intermediate calls at Naxos and Paros.

Content editor: booktickets.gr

Last updated: August 2026