Piraeus - Symi ferry tickets from €65 | Book online

Piraeus - Symi ferry tickets, prices and schedules

The ferry connection from Piraeus to Symi is served by conventional vessels operated by Blue Star Ferries. It is a long overnight crossing to the Dodecanese, arriving at the port of Yialos in Symi the following day.

Published passenger fares start at €65, while tickets for departures available during the current period start at €80. Car tickets start at €153.50, and cabin accommodation is available from €115. Before payment, passengers can review the selected seat type, accommodation category and fare conditions.

The fastest sailing takes 14 hours and 25 minutes. The longest current crossing lasts 16 hours and 40 minutes. There are 3 departures per week, with sailing times ranging from 12:00 to 17:00.

Key facts about the route

• Lowest published passenger fare: from €65
• Lowest fare on currently available departures: from €80
• Car ticket: from €153.50
• Cabin accommodation: from €115
• Earliest departure time: 12:00
• Latest departure time: 17:00
• Fastest crossing: 14 hours and 25 minutes
• Longest current crossing: 16 hours and 40 minutes
• Frequency: 3 departures per week
• Total departures during the current 14-day period: 6 sailings
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Main vessel on the route: Blue Star Patmos
• Additional vessel on selected dates: Blue Star 2
• Vessel type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferries
• Car transport: available
• Electronic ticket: available
• Ferry change: not required
• Intermediate stops: included

The current weekly schedule includes the following departures:

• Sunday at 12:00, arriving at 04:40 the next day, with a journey time of 16 hours and 40 minutes
• Thursday at 14:00, arriving at 06:15 the next day, with a journey time of 16 hours and 15 minutes
• Tuesday at 17:00, arriving at 07:25 the next day, with a journey time of 14 hours and 25 minutes

The Tuesday afternoon departure is the fastest option in the current schedule. Sailing and arrival times should be checked again before tickets are issued, as operational changes and port calls can affect the final arrival time.

Piraeus - Symi ticket prices

The lowest fare applies to economy-class accommodation without an assigned seat or bed. Tickets on currently available sailings can start at €80, although the route’s fare calendars also include passenger tickets from €65.

For a crossing of this length, the difference between economy class, an aircraft-style seat and a cabin is important. Economy class keeps the cost lower but does not provide a private sleeping area. An aircraft-style seat gives each passenger an assigned place, while a cabin costs more but offers greater comfort during the overnight journey.

Car tickets start at €153.50. When booking a vehicle, its length, height and category must be entered correctly.

For a family carrying several pieces of luggage, taking a car offers more flexibility after arriving in Symi, but it increases the total booking cost. Two passengers travelling with light luggage may find the island’s buses, taxis and water taxis more practical than bringing a private vehicle.

Journey duration and intermediate stops

Current crossings take from 14 hours and 25 minutes to 16 hours and 40 minutes. At other times of the year, journey durations from 12 hours and 50 minutes to 17 hours and 20 minutes have been recorded, reflecting differences in the number and order of port calls.

The Piraeus - Symi ferry route is a direct ferry connection because passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the journey. It is not a non-stop sailing. The ferry calls at ports in the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese before reaching Symi.

Possible intermediate stops include Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros and Tilos. Not every departure follows the same sequence. The exact ports are listed in the details of the selected sailing.

No departure from Piraeus is suitable for a same-day trip to Symi. Even the fastest ferry arrives the following morning. A short visit therefore requires at least one overnight stay and careful coordination with the return sailing.

Ferries and car transport

The main vessel serving the route is the Blue Star Patmos. It is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry with a garage, capacity for 2,000 passengers, 332 beds and 601 lane metres of vehicle space.

Facilities include cabins, numbered aircraft-style seats, restaurants, cafés, Wi-Fi, lifts, kennels and accessible areas for passengers with disabilities.

The Blue Star 2 may also operate on selected dates. It has 459 beds, capacity for up to 1,890 passengers and 1,718 lane metres of garage space. Its passenger areas include restaurants, shops, cafés, assigned seating, Wi-Fi and accessibility facilities.

Both vessels can carry cars and motorcycles. A garage space must be booked together with the passenger tickets and should not be considered confirmed until it is included in the final reservation.

Departure from the port of Piraeus

Ferries to Symi and the Dodecanese depart from gate E1 at the port of Piraeus. The same gate serves the Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star 2 on Dodecanese routes.

Passengers should confirm the gate on their ticket and on the electronic information boards at the port. If an operational change occurs, the ferry company may also send an update by text message.

Passengers must be at the boarding area at least 1 hour before departure. The same arrival time applies to those travelling with a vehicle. Reaching the port earlier is particularly useful on busy travel days, as the distance between the port entrance and gate E1 is considerable.

From central Athens, the port can be reached by Metro, urban railway, bus, taxi or private vehicle. Passengers arriving by public transport should also allow enough time to walk or transfer from the station to the correct gate.

Arrival in Symi

The ferry arrives at Yialos, the main port of Symi. The port is located within the traditional harbour settlement, close to accommodation, restaurants, bus stops and taxi ranks.

Morning arrivals between 04:40 and 07:25 require advance arrangements with the accommodation, especially when check-in begins later in the day. Luggage storage or early transport to Pedi and Panormitis should be organised before arrival.

Cabins and onboard services

A cabin is the most practical option for passengers who want to sleep during the crossing. Available accommodation can include inside and outside cabins, beds in shared cabins, accessible cabins and selected options for passengers travelling with pets.

Onboard services include:

• Economy and numbered aircraft-style seats
• Restaurant and fast-food areas
• Cafés and bars
• Wi-Fi through a paid connection package
• Shops
• Pet accommodation areas
• Lifts and escalators
• Telemedicine support

For a family travelling with young children, a four-bed cabin may cost more than lounge seating, but it provides beds, a private bathroom and storage space for luggage. The comparison should be based on the total booking price after all eligible discounts have been applied.

Passenger discounts

Blue Star Ferries offers reduced fares to eligible passenger categories. The required documents must be presented during booking and boarding.

Children and infants up to 5 years old travel free of charge in economy or business class, but a zero-fare ticket must still be issued. A 50% discount applies when an assigned seat or bed is booked. Children between 5 and 10 years old receive a 50% discount on the main accommodation categories.

Students enrolled at Greek public universities can receive a 50% discount on passenger fares, subject to the exclusions stated in the ferry company’s terms.

Three-child and large families are eligible for a 50% discount on economy and numbered seating and a 25% discount on selected cabins or business-class seats. Valid proof of family status is required.

Discounts are also available for passengers with a disability rating of 80% or higher, their companions and specially adapted vehicles. Offers cannot always be combined. The final discount is applied to the eligible passenger details and selected accommodation category.

Electronic ticket and check-in

The route supports electronic tickets. Web check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before departure. Once the process is complete, the boarding pass can be saved on a mobile phone.

The passenger’s identification details must match those on the ticket. Children, students, families and passengers using special discounts must carry the relevant supporting document in an accepted printed or digital format.

Through booktickets.gr, travellers can compare available departures, seats, cabins and vehicle fares before completing payment.

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Seasonal changes to the route

During the current period, there are 3 departures per week. In months with higher passenger demand, the route can operate 5 or 6 weekly departures, while fewer sailings are available during winter.

The high season offers more departure dates but reduced availability for four-bed cabins and garage spaces. During the low season, the limited number of sailing days requires closer coordination between the outbound and return journeys.

For passengers travelling without a vehicle, the most economical sailing is the one offering the basic €65 fare. When travelling with a car, garage availability becomes the main consideration. For families taking an overnight ferry, a cabin is the most practical option, even when it is not the cheapest.

Return route from Symi to Piraeus

The Symi - Piraeus return route is operated by Blue Star Ferries using conventional ferries with intermediate port calls.

Passenger tickets start at €63, while the fastest recorded crossing takes 13 hours and 25 minutes. During periods of regular operation, there are 3 to 4 departures per week.

Booking the return journey together with the outbound trip makes it easier to select compatible travel dates, especially when a car or cabin is required. The return ticket remains a separate reservation with its own boarding time.

Alternative ferry connections

Rhodes provides the strongest alternative connection. The Piraeus - Rhodes route can be combined with a Rhodes - Symi sailing. Ferries between Rhodes and Symi depart daily, with tickets from €5.50 and a fastest journey time of 45 minutes.

Kos offers another option. The Kos - Symi route operates up to 6 or 7 days per week, with fares from €7 and a shortest crossing of 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Both alternatives require separate tickets. Passengers should leave enough time between the two ferries, as a delay on the first journey does not guarantee an automatic change to the second booking.

Useful travel tips

• Confirm gate E1 on the day of departure.
• Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure.
• If travelling with a car, proceed directly to the vehicle queue indicated by the crew.
• Check that the vehicle has been booked in the correct category.
• For the 17:00 departure, plan for arrival in Symi at 07:25.
• The 12:00 and 14:00 departures arrive early the following morning.
• Keep medication, a phone charger and a light layer of clothing with you. Access to the garage is prohibited during the crossing.
• Download the boarding pass before entering the port.
• When booking a cabin, check whether it is private or a bed in a shared cabin.
• Review the order of the intermediate stops before selecting a departure. The shortest crossing is not always the least expensive.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does the Piraeus - Symi ferry take?

Current journey times range from 14 hours and 25 minutes to 16 hours and 40 minutes.

Which is the fastest sailing?

The Tuesday departure at 17:00, arriving at 07:25 the following morning, takes 14 hours and 25 minutes.

How many departures operate each week?

During the current period, there are 3 departures per week and 6 sailings within 14 days.

Is there a direct ferry from Piraeus to Symi?

Yes. Passengers remain on the same ferry without changing vessels. The journey includes intermediate port calls.

Which ferries serve the route?

The main vessel is the Blue Star Patmos. The Blue Star 2 may be assigned on selected dates.

Do the ferries have garages?

Yes. The Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star 2 are conventional passenger and vehicle ferries that carry cars and motorcycles.

Which gate do ferries depart from?

Ferries depart from gate E1 at the port of Piraeus. The final gate is shown on the boarding pass.

Is an electronic ticket available?

Yes. Electronic check-in is available from 48 hours to 2 hours before departure.

At a glance

The Piraeus - Symi ferryroute is an overnight ferry connection with 3 weekly departures, conventional vessels and intermediate stops. The fastest sailing takes 14 hours and 25 minutes. Passenger tickets start at €65, while car fares start at €153.50.

The Blue Star Patmos has a garage, cabins and numbered aircraft-style seats. A cabin is the most practical choice for families and passengers who want to rest during the overnight crossing. Travellers without a vehicle can keep costs lower by booking economy class and using local transport after arrival.

Departures take place from gate E1, and passengers must arrive at least 1 hour before departure. Searching on booktickets.gr brings together the available sailings, seating options, cabins and vehicle fares.

Content editor: booktickets.gr

Last updated: September 2026