Piraeus - Nisyros Ferry Tickets & Schedules

Piraeus to Nisyros: Ferry tickets, schedules and travel information

Nisyros is a small volcanic island in the Dodecanese, known for its active geothermal landscape, traditional villages and quiet beaches. Traveling there from Piraeus allows visitors to reach the island without changing ferries.

The ferry arrives at Mandraki, the main port and largest settlement of Nisyros.

The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, using conventional ferries that accommodate passengers, cars and motorcycles.

Before booking, it is worth checking the arrival time, intermediate stops and available cabin categories. The journey is long enough for onboard accommodation to make a noticeable difference, particularly for families.

Through booktickets.gr, you can compare available departures, choose your preferred accommodation and book your ferry tickets online.

How much do ferry tickets from Piraeus to Nisyros cost?

Economy class is the most affordable seating option on this route.

Published starting fares for a one-way journey include:

• Economy passenger ticket: from €65.
• Standard car ticket: from €153.50.
• Numbered airplane-style seat: A separate fare applies.
• Cabin accommodation: Prices vary by cabin category and occupancy.
• Motorcycle transport: A separate fare applies according to vehicle classification.

The car fare does not include the driver's passenger ticket.

Families should check children's discounts before comparing the total cost of numbered seats and private cabins.

If you are taking a vehicle, make sure its category and dimensions are correctly entered during booking.

How long is the ferry journey from Piraeus to Nisyros?

The fastest published crossing takes 13 hours and 15 minutes. Other departures take longer because of additional intermediate port calls.

The basic schedule includes 2 weekly departures, although services may change during the summer season.

Ferries generally leave Piraeus in the afternoon or evening.

There is no single fixed first or last departure time throughout the year. Exact sailing times depend on the travel date and the published timetable.

Travelers who want to reach Nisyros as quickly as possible should compare the total journey duration rather than relying only on the departure time.

For those prioritizing price, the cheapest available fare may be offered on a sailing with a longer journey.

Which ships operate the Piraeus to Nisyros route?

Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries across the Dodecanese network.

Ships serving routes in the region include Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star Chios. Their presence in the fleet does not mean that either ship is scheduled to call at Nisyros on every date.

The vessels offer passenger lounges, seating areas, cabins and vehicle garages.

This is not a high-speed ferry service. Passengers remain on board during the scheduled intermediate stops.

The ship assigned to your journey should be checked when selecting your departure.

Which islands does the ferry stop at before reaching Nisyros?

Depending on the itinerary, the ferry may call at several islands in the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese.

Possible intermediate ports include:

• Ikaria
• Fourni
• Patmos
• Lipsi
• Kalymnos
• Kos

Kos is an important transport hub for connections between the larger Dodecanese islands and smaller nearby destinations.

Not every departure follows the same sequence of stops. Check the full itinerary and scheduled arrival time before confirming your booking.

Which gate at Piraeus port serves ferries to Nisyros?

Ferries to Nisyros generally depart from Gate E1 at Piraeus port, which serves several Dodecanese routes.

The final boarding gate may change, so it should be confirmed before departure.

Passengers traveling without a vehicle should arrive 60 to 90 minutes before departure.

Travelers taking a car should be at the port at least 90 minutes before departure to allow sufficient time for vehicle loading.

Piraeus is a large port, and walking distances between gates can be considerable. If you are arriving by public transport, allow extra time to reach the correct boarding area.

Should you book a cabin or a numbered seat?

The best choice depends on the departure time, your budget and whether you want to sleep during the journey.

Conventional Blue Star Ferries vessels offer several accommodation categories, including:

• Economy seating in shared passenger areas.
• Numbered airplane-style seats.
• Interior cabins without windows.
• Exterior cabins with sea views.
• Two-berth and four-berth cabins.
• Restaurants, cafés and onboard lounges.

A private cabin is particularly useful for families with young children, providing a quieter place to rest overnight.

Solo travelers may find numbered seats a more affordable alternative.

Cabin availability varies by ship and sailing date. For departures during August, booking early is especially important.

Is it worth taking a car to Nisyros?

That depends on how much of the island you plan to explore.

Mandraki is easy to navigate on foot. Most shops, restaurants and accommodation in the main settlement are within walking distance.

However, several of the island's main attractions are located farther inland.

With a car, you can visit:

• The volcanic crater of Stefanos.
• Nikia, a hilltop village known for its distinctive Porta square.
• Emporeios, overlooking the volcanic caldera.
• Pali, a coastal settlement on the eastern side of the island.
• Lies beach and the area leading towards Pachia Ammos.

The volcano is reached by road, while access to some beaches also involves walking.

For a short stay focused on Mandraki, local transport or a rental vehicle may be sufficient.

For longer visits involving the mountain villages and more remote beaches, having a car provides greater flexibility.

What ferry discounts are available?

Blue Star Ferries offers reduced fares for eligible passenger categories.

These may include:

• Children up to 5 years old: 100% discount in eligible seating categories, with a zero-fare ticket still required.
• Children aged 5 to 10: 50% discount on eligible fares.
• Students: Reduced fares subject to the required documentation.
• Large families and families with three children: Special discounts under the company's conditions.
• Passengers with disabilities: Applicable reductions for eligible passengers and accompanying persons.
• Permanent island residents: Access to the Greek Transport Equivalent scheme using a Unique Islander Number.

Special Economy and Super Economy fares may also be available on selected sailings.

You can check the latest Blue Star Ferries discounts and offers before booking.

Some promotional fares have limited availability and cannot be combined with other discounts.

What should you know about arriving in Mandraki?

The ferry arrives at Mandraki, the main port and administrative center of Nisyros.

The waterfront is close to restaurants, shops and accommodation, making arrival convenient for visitors staying in the main settlement.

Mandraki is also the starting point for road connections to other parts of the island.

Pali lies along the eastern coast, while Nikia and Emporeios are situated at higher elevations near the volcanic caldera.

If your ferry arrives late in the evening, contact your accommodation in advance to arrange check-in or luggage assistance.

Public transport options on Nisyros are limited. If you plan to visit remote locations, check local transportation arrangements before your arrival.

When is the best time to visit Nisyros?

Nisyros offers different experiences throughout the year.

Spring and early autumn are particularly suitable for walking, exploring the villages and visiting the volcano without the intense summer heat.

During July and August, demand for ferry tickets and accommodation increases. Cabins and vehicle spaces should be reserved well in advance.

In winter, ferry services remain important for residents traveling between Nisyros, the Greek mainland and other Dodecanese islands.

Strong winds may affect sailing schedules.

If you have a fixed return date, check the available ferry departures in both directions before booking your accommodation.

Electronic ferry tickets and Web Check-in

Blue Star Ferries supports electronic tickets and Web Check-in for eligible bookings.

After completing your reservation, you receive your booking information by email.

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

Once the process is complete, you can save your boarding pass on your smartphone and present it when boarding.

On booktickets.gr, select your travel date, number of passengers, seating or cabin category and vehicle details if required.

Before payment, carefully check the names and identification information of all passengers.

How do you return from Nisyros to Piraeus?

For the return journey, you can search for the Nisyros to Piraeus ferry.

Departures from Nisyros are not daily, so the return date should be considered before finalizing your holiday arrangements.

If you are traveling with a car, check garage availability for the return crossing as well.

Families may also prefer to book cabins for both journeys to ensure more comfortable overnight travel.

Alternative ferry connections to Nisyros via Kos

Another way to reach Nisyros is to travel to Kos first and continue by ferry.

The Kos to Nisyros ferry route provides connections between the two islands, with services varying throughout the year.

Kos has a wider range of ferry and flight connections, allowing travelers to consider different travel combinations.

You can also explore the Rhodes to Nisyros ferry or local connections from Tilos.

Before booking separate journeys, compare arrival and departure times carefully.

Connections purchased through independent bookings are not automatically protected if the first ferry is delayed.

Find all the routes

Ferry connections from Piraeus to the Dodecanese islands

Piraeus offers ferry services to several destinations across the Dodecanese.

Other routes worth exploring include:

• Piraeus to Kos
• Piraeus to Rhodes
• Piraeus to Patmos
• Piraeus to Kalymnos
• Piraeus to Astypalea
• Piraeus to Kastellorizo

These connections make it possible to combine several islands within one holiday, provided the sailing dates fit your itinerary.

Useful tips for visiting Nisyros

A visit to Nisyros is not limited to Mandraki. The volcano, caldera villages and beaches are an important part of the island experience.

Keep these practical points in mind:

• Visit the Stefanos crater early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat.
• Wear closed, comfortable shoes when walking around the volcanic area.
• Check local transport services before booking accommodation outside Mandraki.
• Allow time for the walking trail leading to Pachia Ammos beach.
• Bring drinking water and sun protection when visiting the volcano with children.
• If your time is limited, combine a visit to Nikia with the village's volcanological museum.

Frequently asked questions about the Piraeus to Nisyros ferry

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes. Blue Star Ferries allows pets on board under its transport regulations. Pets must be declared during booking, and passengers must carry the required health and identification documents.

Are pet-friendly cabins available?

Selected vessels offer cabins designed for passengers traveling with pets. Availability is limited, and these cabins should be requested during booking.

How much luggage can I bring?

Under Blue Star Ferries' baggage policy, passengers may carry luggage weighing up to 50 kg or occupying up to 1 cubic meter without an additional charge.

Can I change my ferry ticket after booking?

Ticket changes are subject to the fare conditions and the company's policy. Certain discounted or promotional tickets may have additional restrictions.

What happens if the ferry is canceled due to bad weather?

If a sailing is canceled because of adverse weather conditions, passengers are informed about available rebooking or refund options under applicable passenger rights and the company's terms.

Can I bring a bicycle on the ferry?

Bicycle transport is permitted subject to the ferry company's rules and the vessel's facilities. Check whether advance registration or a separate ticket is required before booking.

In summary

The Piraeus to Nisyros ferry provides a convenient way to travel directly from mainland Greece to this volcanic Dodecanese island without changing vessels.

Blue Star Ferries operates the route using conventional ships with passenger seating, cabins and vehicle garages.

Nisyros is a rewarding destination for travelers interested in volcanic landscapes, traditional villages and quieter beaches.

Through booktickets.gr, you can compare available ferry departures, choose your preferred seat or cabin and book your ferry tickets online.

Content editor: booktickets.gr