Piraeus - Hydra Ferry Tickets from €28.50 & Routes

Piraeus - Hydra: Ferry tickets and ferry routes

The ferry connection between Piraeus and Hydra is one of the busiest routes in the Saronic Gulf. The crossing is operated exclusively by high-speed passenger ferries, while cars and motorcycles cannot be transported to the island.

Through booktickets.gr, you can check available departures, compare ferry companies and choose a ticket based on departure time, travel duration and available fare.

The main details to check before booking are:

• Cheapest available passenger ticket: from €28.50
• Car ticket: not available
• First departure: from 08:00
• Last departure: until 19:30
• Fastest crossing: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Longest travel time: up to 2 hours and 20 minutes
• Departures: up to 12 per day during the busiest travel period
• Total departures during the reference week: 81
• Ferry companies: Hellenic Seaways, Alpha Lines, Magic Sea Ferries
• Ferries: AERO Highspeed 1, AERO Highspeed 2, AERO Highspeed 4, AERO Highspeed 5, Speed Cat I, Magic 2 and Magic 3
• Ferry type: high-speed passenger ferries
• Connections: direct crossings and routes with intermediate stops
• Electronic ticket: available

What to check before booking

The lowest passenger fare starts from €28.50, but this price is not offered on every departure or vessel. The final fare is affected by the seating category, availability, ferry company and any discount for which the passenger qualifies.

Travel duration is equally important. Two ferries departing on the same day may reach Hydra at very different times because some operate directly, while others call at additional ports before reaching the island.

For a same-day trip, check the return timetable before booking the outbound journey. This gives you a clear idea of how much time you will actually have on Hydra.

Ferry routes and travel time

Ferries leave from Piraeus and arrive at the main port of Hydra. During periods with the highest frequency, the timetable can include up to 12 departures in a single day, covering morning, afternoon and evening travel options.

The fastest crossing takes 1 hour and 5 minutes, while services with more intermediate calls can take up to 2 hours and 20 minutes.

This difference makes it worthwhile to check the full journey time before paying for the ticket. The cheapest departure is not necessarily the fastest, and a ferry leaving a little later may still arrive in Hydra earlier.

Direct ferries and intermediate stops

The route includes both direct connections and departures that call at other ports in the Saronic Gulf.

Depending on the ferry company and departure, the vessel may stop at Poros, Agia Marina on Aegina or Methana. These additional calls account for the differences in total travel time.

If speed is your main priority, compare the stated journey duration rather than choosing solely by departure time.

Which ferry is fastest and which is cheapest

Some of the fastest connections are operated by AERO Highspeed vessels of Hellenic Seaways, with selected direct crossings taking from 1 hour and 5 minutes.

For price-focused travellers, the lowest available fare on the route starts from €28.50. The least expensive departure on your travel date may not be the same ferry that offers the shortest crossing.

For this reason, it is useful to compare the available departures on booktickets.gr by arrival time and final ticket price instead of looking only at the scheduled departure.

Ferry companies and vessels

Three ferry companies operate the connection: Hellenic Seaways, Alpha Lines and Magic Sea Ferries.

Hellenic Seaways operates AERO Highspeed vessels. The timetable includes AERO Highspeed 1, 2, 4 and 5. These modern passenger catamarans are designed for fast connections across shorter distances in the Saronic Gulf.

Alpha Lines operates the Speed Cat I. The high-speed passenger ferry offers economy seating, an Alpha Club Business Area, an outdoor deck, designated facilities for pets and internet services.

Magic Sea Ferries serves the route with Magic 2 and Magic 3. Passenger seating, a bar, Wi-Fi and facilities for travellers with pets are available on board.

All vessels serving this connection are high-speed passenger ferries. Conventional car ferries are not used on the Piraeus - Hydra route.

Departure from the port of Piraeus

Departures for the Saronic Gulf are concentrated around gates E8 - E9 at the port of Piraeus.

For the AERO Highspeed ferries, the current Hellenic Seaways port information indicates E9. Other vessels serving the route may depart from the E8 area. Passengers should always follow the gate shown on their ticket or in the ferry company's latest travel information, as the exact berthing position can change.

The port of Piraeus covers a large area. Foot passengers should aim to be at the boarding point 40 - 45 minutes before departure, especially when they are unfamiliar with the port.

If you are travelling from Athens, also allow enough time to walk from the Metro or railway station to the correct departure gate.

Car and motorcycle transport

Car tickets are not issued on this route. The ferries carrying passengers to Hydra do not have garages for private cars or motorcycles.

This is directly connected with transportation rules on the island. Private motor vehicles are not permitted to circulate in Hydra, and most movement around the main settlement is on foot or through locally permitted forms of transport.

Travellers arriving at Piraeus with their own car need to leave the vehicle at a parking facility on the mainland and continue to Hydra as foot passengers.

Families travelling with several pieces of luggage should take this into account before reaching the port.

Seats, onboard services and cabins

Because the crossing is relatively short, the route is served by high-speed ferries with passenger seating rather than vessels offering cabins for this particular journey.

AERO Highspeed ferries provide airline-style seating, Wi-Fi and facilities for pets. Newer vessels in the fleet also include charging points and food and beverage services.

Speed Cat I offers economy seating, the Alpha Club Business Area, a bar, internet access and an outdoor deck.

Magic 2 and Magic 3 provide organised passenger seating areas, a bar, free Wi-Fi and designated facilities for travelling with pets.

Ferry ticket discounts and offers

The ferry companies provide reduced fares for selected passenger categories. Eligibility conditions and discount percentages are not identical across all operators.

Reduced fares may be available for children and infants, Students and large families when the requirements of the respective ferry company are met.

With Hellenic Seaways, children within certain age groups may travel free of charge or with a reduced fare. Discounts are also available for students at Greek universities, ISIC cardholders and qualifying families with three or more children.

Alpha Lines offers child, student and family fares among its available reductions. A return-ticket discount for Hydra may also apply when the company's conditions are met.

Magic Sea Ferries provides child, family and other special reductions, together with discounted return fares on selected Saronic Gulf connections.

Any eligible passenger category should be entered correctly during booking. Passengers must also carry the relevant supporting document when boarding.

Which departure works best for a day trip

For a same-day visit, morning departures before 10:00 leave more time to spend on Hydra. It is equally important to secure a confirmed seat for the return journey.

On days with a dense timetable, afternoon and evening sailings back to the mainland provide greater flexibility. Travellers can arrive early, spend the day on the island and return without booking overnight accommodation.

For weekends and high-demand travel dates, it is preferable to reserve the outbound and return journeys together. The most convenient departures can sell out first.

What changes between high and low season

During periods of stronger demand, the number of daily departures increases considerably. Travellers can choose from more ferry companies, additional morning and afternoon services and a wider range of return times.

Once the busiest travel season ends, the timetable becomes more limited. Some seasonal departures are reduced, so choosing the most suitable travel time requires more attention.

Hellenic Seaways maintains a core network of connections in the Saronic Gulf, while the frequency offered by other companies changes throughout the year.

When travelling outside the summer period, search using your exact travel date rather than relying on an older weekly timetable.

Hydra - Piraeus return route

The return journey from Hydra to Piraeus is served by the same main ferry companies, with several choices during the day when the timetable is at its busiest.

If your return date is already known, searching for both directions in the same booking can be more practical. It allows you to see availability for the entire trip and check whether a return fare reduction is offered.

Through booktickets.gr, you can book both directions and keep your electronic ferry tickets available on your mobile phone.

Alternative ferry routes to Hydra

Piraeus is not the only mainland point offering access to Hydra.

The island is also connected with Ermioni, Poros, Porto Heli and other locations in the eastern Peloponnese. For travellers driving through the Peloponnese, Metochi is another useful option. The car remains on the mainland and the final journey to Hydra is completed by passenger boat or sea taxi.

These alternatives can be practical when the journey starts in Argolis or another part of the Peloponnese.

Find all the routes

Useful travel tips

Save your electronic ticket on your phone before arriving at the port. This means you will not need to rely on mobile data at the boarding gate.

When travelling on a weekend, public holiday or busy travel date, reserve your return ticket early as well. Hydra attracts strong demand for day trips.

Check the departure gate again before setting off for the port. Saronic Gulf vessels operate from nearby areas, but a change of berth can still mean additional walking inside the port.

Avoid planning a very tight connection with a flight, train or another form of transport immediately after the ferry. Adverse sea conditions can affect high-speed services.

Travellers carrying bulky luggage should keep baggage to what they genuinely need. Private cars do not circulate on Hydra, and most movement after arrival is on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel to Hydra with a pet?

Yes. Ferries serving the route have provisions for transporting pets. Passengers should carry the required documents and follow the company's rules regarding carriers, leashes and designated pet areas.

Is there space for luggage on the high-speed ferries?

Yes. The vessels provide areas where passengers can store their luggage. Keep small personal belongings with you and avoid leaving money, travel documents or electronic devices inside unattended baggage.

What happens if ferry services are suspended because of bad weather?

High-speed ferries can be affected by adverse sea conditions. If sailing restrictions are imposed or the timetable changes, follow the information provided by the ferry company and monitor the contact details entered during the booking process.

Can passengers with reduced mobility travel on the route?

Newer ferries serving the connection include accessibility facilities. Informing the ferry company before travelling is recommended so that boarding arrangements and suitable assistance at the port can be organised.

In brief

The Piraeus - Hydra ferry route is operated exclusively by high-speed passenger ferries and offers numerous departure choices during periods of increased demand.

The most important point for travellers is that private vehicles cannot be transported to Hydra. For a day trip, an early morning departure combined with a pre-booked return ticket is the most practical choice. For a longer stay, the decision can focus more on ticket price and preferred departure time rather than small differences in crossing duration.

Content editing: booktickets.gr

Last updated: September 2026