
Piraeus - Donoussa ferry tickets from €42
- Passenger ferry tickets from Piraeus to Donoussa: from €42
- Car ferry ticket from Piraeus to Donoussa: from €118
- Journey duration from 6 hours and 45 minutes to 8 hours and 40 minutes
- Ferry companies: Blue Star Ferries
- Frequency of routes depending on the season: 3 - 5 days a week
- Ideal for: quiet holidays, families, couples, groups and travelers by car
Piraeus - Donoussa: Ferry tickets and schedules
The Piraeus - Donoussa ferry route connects Attica with the Small Cyclades. Sailings are operated by Blue Star Ferries with a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry that makes intermediate stops.
The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €42, while the standard economy fare is €52.50. Transporting a standard car costs from €118, excluding the driver’s passenger ticket.
The fastest crossing takes 6 hours and 45 minutes. Departures with additional stops can take up to 8 hours and 40 minutes. The morning ferry leaves at 06:45 and reaches Donoussa at 13:30 on the same day. During other periods, an afternoon departure is available at 17:30.
During the summer season, there are 4 weekly departures, while the annual frequency ranges from 3 to 5 days per week. The main vessel serving the route is the Blue Star Naxos, a conventional ferry with cabins, numbered seats, a vehicle garage and electronic ticketing.
Key route information
- Cheapest available passenger ticket: €42
- Standard economy fare: €52.50
- Standard car ticket: from €118
- Motorcycle ticket: from €33
- Earliest departure: 06:45
- Latest departure, depending on the period: 17:30
- Fastest crossing: 6 hours and 45 minutes
- Longest journey: 8 hours and 40 minutes
- Summer frequency: 4 departures per week
- Annual frequency: 3 - 5 days per week
- Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
- Ferry: Blue Star Naxos
- Vessel type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
- Ferry transfer: not required
- Intermediate stops: Paros and Naxos, with Syros added on selected sailings
- Car transport: available
- Cabins: available
- Electronic ticket: available
- Departure gates: E6 and E7
The main choice is between the morning and afternoon sailings. The morning ferry is faster and reaches the island on the same day. The afternoon sailing arrives after midnight, so passengers need to coordinate their arrival with their accommodation.
Ferry schedules from Piraeus to Donoussa
During the summer season, Blue Star Ferries operates departures every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The ferry leaves Piraeus at 06:45 and arrives in Donoussa at 13:30.
The total journey time is 6 hours and 45 minutes. This is the fastest and most practical sailing, as passengers arrive early in the afternoon and can travel to their accommodation without dealing with a late-night arrival.
After the summer season, departures are available at 17:30. These crossings take from 7 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours and 40 minutes, with arrival after midnight.
Afternoon sailings include additional port calls or longer stops at intermediate ports. They are less convenient for families with young children unless a cabin is available and transport from Donoussa port has been arranged.
Which sailing is faster and which is cheaper
The fastest ferry departs at 06:45 and takes 6 hours and 45 minutes. It arrives at 13:30, making it the most suitable option for foot passengers, families and travellers who want to reach their accommodation during the day.
The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €42. This fare applies to a limited economy category. When it is unavailable, the standard fare is €52.50.
The lowest-priced ticket is not tied to a specific departure time. Before payment, passengers should check the final fare, journey time, intermediate stops and the conditions for changes or cancellations.
For a journey of 6 hours and 45 minutes, a numbered seat can provide sufficient comfort. On the afternoon sailing, a cabin is more useful because the ferry arrives after midnight.
Intermediate stops
The ferry does not travel non-stop, but passengers remain on the same vessel until Donoussa.
The morning sailing follows this route:
- Piraeus
- Paros
- Naxos
- Donoussa
On afternoon sailings, Syros may be added before Paros and Naxos. This additional port call increases the total journey time.
After Donoussa, the ferry continues to Aegiali in Amorgos and other destinations, depending on the sailing day. Passengers do not need to change ferries or board again at any intermediate port.
Passenger ticket prices
The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €42, while the standard economy fare is €52.50.
The Blue Star Naxos offers:
- Economy accommodation
- Numbered airline-style seats
- Inside cabins
- Outside cabins
- Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
- Pet-friendly cabins
Economy accommodation is the lowest-priced option. It does not include a reserved seat, so passengers can use the available public lounges and deck areas.
A numbered seat provides a fixed place in an air-conditioned lounge. It is useful for families or passengers who prefer to remain in a designated seat throughout the crossing.
A cabin increases the total cost but offers a bed, privacy and additional space for luggage. It is more valuable on the 17:30 departure.
Available accommodation categories and the final price for each sailing can be checked through booktickets.gr.
Car ticket price
A standard car ticket from Piraeus to Donoussa starts at €118. The driver’s passenger ticket must be purchased separately.
Motorcycle transport starts at €33. Fares for larger vehicles, campervans and commercial vehicles are calculated according to their dimensions and category.
The Blue Star Naxos has garage space for:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Campervans
- Larger vehicles
- Bicycles
Donoussa is a small island. Couples and groups staying in Stavros do not necessarily need a car. The port, beach and main services are all nearby.
Taking a car is more useful for families carrying several bags or visitors staying near Kedros, Messaria, Mersini or Kalotaritissa. Before booking, travellers should decide whether the return transport cost is justified by the journeys they plan to make on the island.
Ferry and onboard facilities
The Blue Star Naxos is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry. It has a garage, cabins and numbered seats. It is not a high-speed vessel.
Facilities onboard include:
- Café and bar
- Air-conditioned lounges
- Numbered seats
- Inside and outside cabins
- Accessible cabins
- Pet-friendly cabins
- Wi-Fi for an additional charge
- Lift and escalators
- Open deck
- Shop
- Pet accommodation area
- Vehicle garage
For the morning sailing, economy accommodation or a numbered seat meets the needs of most passengers. A cabin is more practical for a late-night arrival or a family that needs a private place to rest.
Departure from Piraeus port
The Blue Star Naxos departs from gates E6 and E7 at the port of Piraeus.
Gate E6 is used by foot passengers. Gate E7 serves passengers and vehicles. The exact berth is displayed on the ticket and the electronic information boards at the port.
The port can be reached from Athens by Metro, suburban railway, bus, taxi or private vehicle. Gates E6 and E7 are located in a different area from the Dodecanese and Northeastern Aegean departure points.
Passengers must be at the boarding area at least 1 hour before departure. For the 06:45 sailing, this means arriving at the gate by 05:45.
Passengers travelling with a vehicle should arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes earlier, by 05:15. The driver is responsible for loading the vehicle according to the crew’s instructions.
Arrival at Donoussa port
The ferry arrives at Stavros, the main settlement and port of Donoussa. Accommodation, restaurants, cafés, a bakery and Stavros beach are all located close to the harbour.
The 13:30 arrival allows passengers to reach their accommodation during the day. There is also enough time to travel to other settlements and beaches before the evening.
The afternoon departure from Piraeus arrives after midnight. Passengers using this service should agree with their accommodation in advance on collection or room access.
The morning sailing is suitable for same-day arrival because it reaches the island on the same calendar day. However, it does not allow an outbound and return journey within the same day.
Electronic ticket and Web Check-in
Electronic tickets are available for this route. Web Check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before sailing.
Once the process has been completed, the ticket can be saved on a mobile phone or sent to the passenger’s email address. There is no need to collect a printed ticket from a port agency.
Passengers need the following documents when boarding:
- Electronic ticket
- National identity card or passport
- Supporting documents for any discount
- Vehicle registration document when travelling with a vehicle
Web Check-in Blue Star Ferries
Booking through booktickets.gr allows passengers to select their ticket, seat, cabin and vehicle within the same transaction.
Passenger and vehicle discounts
The discounts of Blue Star Ferries apply to eligible passengers travelling on Cyclades routes:
- Children and infants under 5 travel free in economy accommodation, but a zero-fare ticket must still be issued. A 50% discount applies to numbered seats and cabins.
- Children aged 5 to 10 receive a 50% discount in all accommodation categories.
- Students attending eligible Greek universities, Merchant Marine academies and training institutions receive a 50% discount, excluding LUX cabins and VIP seats.
- Large families and families with three children receive a 50% discount on economy accommodation and numbered seats, as well as a 25% discount on cabins.
- Passengers with a certified disability level of 80% or higher receive a 50% discount.
- Cars belonging to eligible passengers with disabilities receive a 50% discount.
- ISIC cardholders receive a 50% discount on eligible accommodation categories.
- Permanent island residents can use the Transport Equivalent scheme with a valid Unique Islander Number.
Discounts cannot be combined. Passengers must carry the required supporting documents during boarding.
Differences between the high and low seasons
During the high season, there are 4 weekly departures, leaving at 06:45 and arriving at 13:30. Demand increases mainly for garage spaces and cabins.
During the low season, departures are reduced to 3 per week and may move to 17:30. The journey can take up to 8 hours and 40 minutes when additional stops are included.
For families, the morning sailing is more practical. It avoids an arrival after midnight and reduces the need to book a cabin.
For passengers taking a car, the main concern is garage availability in both directions. The return journey should be checked before completing the outbound booking.
Return route from Donoussa to Piraeus
The return journey from Donoussa to Piraeus is operated by Blue Star Ferries with the Blue Star Naxos.
During the summer season, the ferry leaves Donoussa at 20:50 and arrives in Piraeus at 05:00 the following morning. The crossing takes 8 hours and 10 minutes.
The cheapest return ticket starts at €42, while the standard economy fare is €52.50. Car transport starts at €118.
A cabin is more useful on the return journey, as nearly the entire crossing takes place overnight. A numbered seat is the cheaper option, but it does not provide a bed or private space.
Alternative ferry routes
The main alternative combines the Piraeus - Naxos and Naxos - Donoussa routes. The local crossing from Naxos takes from 1 hour and 5 minutes, with tickets starting at €6.50.
A second option combines Piraeus - Paros with the Paros - Donoussa connection. The second part of the journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, with tickets starting at €24.
There is also an Aegiali - Donoussa connection, taking from 40 to 45 minutes, with tickets starting at €5. This option is useful when the journey includes a stay in Amorgos.
Useful travel tips
- Choose the 06:45 departure for the fastest crossing.
- Arrive at the gate by 05:45 when travelling without a vehicle.
- With a car, arrive by 05:15.
- Check whether the ferry stops only at Paros and Naxos or also calls at Syros.
- For arrivals after midnight, inform your accommodation in advance.
- Compare economy accommodation and a numbered seat before selecting a cabin.
- Enter the vehicle’s length, height and fuel type correctly.
- Complete Web Check-in no later than 2 hours before departure.
- Keep your identity document and discount certificates available.
- Check the return sailing before finalising your accommodation dates.
Frequently asked questions FAQ
How much is a Piraeus - Donoussa ferry ticket?
The cheapest available passenger ticket starts at €42. The standard economy fare is €52.50.
How much is a car ticket?
A standard car ticket starts at €118. The driver’s passenger ticket must be purchased separately.
How long is the ferry journey?
The crossing takes from 6 hours and 45 minutes to 8 hours and 40 minutes.
Which is the fastest sailing?
The 06:45 departure is the fastest. It arrives in Donoussa at 13:30, after a journey of 6 hours and 45 minutes.
What time does the ferry depart?
During the summer season, the ferry departs at 06:45. During other periods, departures are available at 17:30.
How many weekly departures are available?
There are 4 weekly departures during the summer season and 3 weekly departures during the low season.
Which ferry company operates the route?
The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.
Which ferry travels to Donoussa?
The route is served by the conventional passenger and vehicle ferry Blue Star Naxos.
Is there a high-speed ferry?
No. The route is operated by a conventional ferry.
Is this a direct route?
Passengers do not need to change ferries, but the vessel makes intermediate stops at Paros and Naxos. Syros is added on selected departures.
Can I travel with a car?
Yes. The Blue Star Naxos has a garage for cars, motorcycles and larger vehicles.
Are cabins available?
Yes. Inside and outside cabins are available, along with accessible cabins and pet-friendly cabins.
Which gate does the ferry depart from?
The Blue Star Naxos departs from gates E6 and E7. Gate E6 serves foot passengers, while gate E7 serves passengers with vehicles.
How early should I arrive at the port?
Foot passengers should be at the boarding area at least 1 hour before departure. Passengers with vehicles need to arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes earlier.
Is an electronic ticket available?
Yes. Web Check-in is available from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure.
Is same-day travel possible?
The 06:45 departure reaches Donoussa at 13:30 on the same day. There is no available combination for returning to Piraeus within the same day.
In brief
The Piraeus - Donoussa route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with the conventional Blue Star Naxos. The cheapest passenger ticket starts at €42, while car transport starts at €118.
The morning ferry at 06:45 is the fastest and arrives in Donoussa at 13:30. The crossing takes 6 hours and 45 minutes. During other periods, afternoon sailings with longer journey times are available.
Content editing: booktickets.gr
Last updated: August 2026