Piraeus - Tilos ferry tickets and schedules

Piraeus - Tilos ferry tickets and schedules

The Piraeus - Tilos ferry route connects Athens with one of the smaller islands of the Dodecanese. It is a practical choice for travellers who want to reach Tilos without flying or who need to take a car, motorcycle or camper to the island.

The lowest available passenger fare starts at €65, while a standard car ticket starts at €153.50. The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry offering cabins, reserved seats, lounges and a vehicle garage.

This is not a daily service, so choosing the right departure date is important. Cabins and garage spaces should be booked early, especially for travel in July, August or around public holidays.

Before completing your booking, check the number of intermediate ports, the scheduled arrival time at Livadia and the available seating categories. Two sailings on the same route may follow a different sequence of ports and have a different total journey time.

Piraeus - Tilos route at a glance

• Lowest available passenger fare: €65
• Standard car fare: from €153.50
• Earliest scheduled departure: 12:00
• Latest scheduled departure: 15:00
• Fastest recorded crossing: 14 hours and 35 minutes
• Maximum scheduled journey time: up to 16 hours
• Basic service frequency: 2 departures per week
• Ferry company: Blue Star Ferries
• Vessel listed on the route: Blue Star Patmos
• Vessel type: conventional passenger and vehicle ferry
• Change of ferry: not required
• Intermediate stops: included
• Car and motorcycle transport: available
• Passenger cabins: available
• Electronic ticket: available
• Web Check-in: from 48 hours until 2 hours before departure

Departure times are not identical on every travel date. Check the current schedule when booking, as the sailing time and order of port calls may change.

How the journey from Piraeus to Tilos operates

The ferry departs from the port of Piraeus and arrives at Livadia, the main port of Tilos. Passengers remain on the same vessel throughout the journey, so there is no need to change ferries.

The crossing is not non-stop. Published schedules may include calls at Lipsi, Kalymnos, Kos and Nisyros. A different Dodecanese port may be added on selected dates, following the operating plan of the ferry company.

The fastest sailing completes the route in 14 hours and 35 minutes. Services with more port calls can take up to 16 hours. Travellers wishing to limit their time on board should compare the final arrival time rather than choosing a ferry solely by its departure time.

Arrival in Tilos may take place during the night or early in the morning. This makes the journey duration and cabin availability especially important when comparing sailings.

Which ferry operates the route?

The Blue Star Patmos is the vessel currently listed on the Piraeus - Tilos route. It is a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry rather than a high-speed vessel.

On-board accommodation includes economy seating, reserved aircraft-style seats, shared lounges and passenger cabins. The vessel also has restaurants or cafés, open-deck areas and facilities for passengers travelling with pets.

Ship assignments may change when required by the operating schedule. The vessel shown during the booking process is the one planned for the selected date.

Cabin and seating options

A cabin is worth considering because of the length of the journey. It provides privacy, a bed and a quieter place to rest, which is useful when the ferry reaches Tilos before sunrise.

Available options can include inside cabins, outside cabins and individual beds in shared cabins. Travellers can also select a reserved aircraft-style seat or economy accommodation.

Families with young children will often find a private cabin more convenient. Children can sleep during the overnight part of the crossing, while parents have space for small bags and essential travel items.

For a solo traveller focused on keeping the fare lower, a numbered seat may offer a better balance between comfort and cost. Economy accommodation is the cheapest option but does not provide a dedicated seat for the entire journey.

Cabin availability is limited and can sell out earlier than standard passenger tickets. If a cabin is important for your trip, confirm it before booking your accommodation on the island.

Taking a car from Piraeus to Tilos

The Blue Star Patmos has a vehicle garage and carries cars, motorcycles and other approved vehicle categories. A vehicle booking requires the correct registration number, type and dimensions.

A camper, van, tall vehicle or car fitted with a roof box must be entered under the correct category. Incorrect dimensions can cause a fare difference or a problem during boarding.

Garage spaces are more limited than passenger spaces. Early booking is strongly recommended for summer departures and dates close to national holidays.

Taking a car can be worthwhile for families, passengers carrying several bags and travellers staying outside Livadia. It also offers greater flexibility for visiting Megalo Chorio, Eristos, Agios Antonios and the more remote parts of Tilos.

Passengers staying in Livadia may not need a vehicle for the entire holiday. The port is close to accommodation, restaurants and shops, while local buses and taxis connect the main settlements during the tourist season.

Electric and alternative-fuel vehicles

Electric cars, plug-in hybrids and vehicles using alternative fuels must follow the ferry company’s safety rules. Passengers should declare the correct vehicle type when booking.

The vehicle must not have a fuel leak, battery warning or unresolved technical fault. Restrictions may also apply to the battery charge level of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Check the latest company instructions before arriving at the port.

Passenger discounts and special fares

Blue Star Ferries applies discounts to eligible passengers who hold the required supporting documents. The main categories can include:

• Students at Greek universities and eligible ISIC cardholders
• Infants and children
• Large families and families with three children
• Passengers with disabilities and eligible companions
• Permanent island residents using their Unique Islander Number
• Seasmiles loyalty programme members

Supporting documents must be valid on the date of travel and may be requested during boarding. Not all reductions can be combined with promotional fares.

When booking for a family, enter the correct age and discount category for every passenger. This allows the booking system to calculate the fare before payment.

Current ferry offers and discounts can be checked online. Availability may be limited to selected travel dates, seat categories or booking periods.

Departure gate at the port of Piraeus

Ferries to Tilos depart from Gate E7 at the port of Piraeus. The final gate is printed on the ticket and should be checked again before travelling, as operational changes can occur.

Passengers travelling without a vehicle should arrive at least 1 hour before departure. Those boarding with a car or motorcycle should allow 90 minutes for ticket checks, vehicle queues and garage loading.

Piraeus is a large passenger port. The distance between the metro, railway or suburban train station and the departure gate can take longer than expected. Allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the port.

Traffic around Piraeus can also be heavy on summer weekends. Drivers should plan enough time to reach the correct entrance without rushing.

Electronic ticket and Web Check-in

An electronic ticket is available for the Piraeus - Tilos route. After completing the reservation, passengers can use the booking email to access Web Check-in.

The service opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before the ferry leaves. Once check-in is complete, the boarding pass can be saved on a mobile phone.

Keep a downloaded copy or screenshot instead of relying only on an internet connection at the port. Every traveller must also carry an identity card or passport. Discount beneficiaries need the document linked to their reduced fare.

Through booktickets.gr, passengers can compare the available sailings, check accommodation types and receive their ferry ticket electronically.

Arrival at Livadia port in Tilos

The ferry arrives at Livadia, the island’s main port and largest seaside settlement. Hotels, rooms, cafés, restaurants, mini-markets and vehicle rental services are located close to the harbour.

Some departures from Piraeus reach Tilos late at night or before regular hotel reception hours. Contact your accommodation in advance if you expect an early-morning arrival.

Road connections from Livadia lead to Megalo Chorio, Eristos, Agios Antonios and other parts of the island. Public bus services are more frequent during the summer months.

Passengers arriving when buses are not operating should arrange a taxi or transfer with their accommodation. This is particularly useful when staying outside Livadia or travelling with children and heavy luggage.

What changes between the high and low seasons?

The basic timetable includes two weekly departures. Extra services may be added when travel demand rises, while the winter schedule offers fewer choices.

During the high season, cabins, car spaces and reserved seats are the first categories to sell out. Booking early gives families and drivers a wider choice of departure times and accommodation.

In the quieter months, passenger availability is less restricted, but departures operate on fewer days. Missing one sailing may require waiting several days for the next ferry.

Weather disruptions are also more likely to affect travel plans during winter. Check for service updates before leaving for the port.

Find all the routes

Return ferry from Tilos to Piraeus

The Tilos - Piraeus ferry route is operated by a conventional ferry and includes intermediate stops in the Dodecanese.

Return departures do not always operate on the same days as sailings from Piraeus. Travellers planning a fixed-length holiday should check the return schedule before confirming accommodation.

This is especially important outside the summer season, when the weekly timetable is more limited. A return ferry that does not match your preferred date may require an extra night on Tilos or a connection through another island.

Livadia is a small port and boarding is straightforward. Even so, passengers should arrive early, particularly when travelling with a vehicle or using a discounted ticket that requires document checks.

Alternative ways to reach Tilos

If there is no ferry from Piraeus on your preferred date, travelling through Rhodes or Kos may be possible. Both islands have more air and ferry connections, followed by local services to Tilos.

This option requires separate tickets and careful planning. Leave enough time between the first arrival and the connecting ferry, as the second operator is not required to wait for delayed passengers.

Nisyros can also provide an alternative connection on dates when the local schedule matches your plans. An overnight stay may be needed if the two services do not connect on the same day.

When comparing alternatives, include the cost of the connecting ticket, accommodation and local transfers. A direct through journey from Piraeus can remain the more practical choice even when it takes longer.

Ferry connections from Tilos to other islands

Tilos has ferry links with Rhodes, Kos, Nisyros, Kalymnos, Symi, Astypalaia, Patmos and Lipsi.

These connections make it possible to plan an island-hopping trip without returning to Piraeus. Tilos works particularly well in an itinerary with Nisyros and Rhodes because of its geographical position.

Check the operating days of every individual route before booking hotels. Services between smaller Dodecanese islands are not available every day, and some connections operate only during part of the year.

Useful tips for the Piraeus - Tilos ferry

• Save the e-ticket on your phone instead of keeping it only in your email.
• Carry an identity card or passport and the document required for any passenger discount.
• Keep medicines, chargers and a light jacket in your hand luggage.
• Do not leave essential belongings inside your car. Access to the garage is prohibited during the crossing.
• Check the scheduled arrival time before arranging transport from Livadia.
• Consider a cabin when travelling with children or arriving during the night.
• Complete Web Check-in as soon as the service becomes available.
• Verify the names and identity details of all passengers before payment.
• Check the vessel and port sequence shown for the selected date.
• Compare available accommodation and vehicle options through booktickets.gr.

Frequently asked questions

How much luggage can I take on the ferry?

Passengers can carry luggage weighing up to 50 kg or with a total volume of up to one cubic metre. Valuables, documents, medication and electronic devices should remain in your hand luggage.

Can I travel with a pet?

Yes. The pet must be included in the booking, and the passenger must carry an updated health booklet or pet passport. The vessel provides designated pet areas, while a limited number of pet-friendly cabins may be available.

Is food included in the ferry ticket?

No. Meals and drinks are purchased separately from the vessel’s cafés or restaurants. Passengers may also bring their own snacks and water.

Can passengers remain inside their car during the crossing?

No. Once the vehicle has been parked, all passengers must leave the garage and move to the passenger areas. Access to the vehicle deck is restricted during the journey.

What can I do if I am prone to seasickness?

Choose a seat near the centre of the vessel and avoid a heavy meal before departure. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before travelling if you need medication for motion sickness.

Can I change my ticket after it has been issued?

Ticket changes are subject to the fare conditions and the ferry company’s policy. Some fares allow changes before a stated deadline, while promotional tickets may have stricter rules. Submit any request before the scheduled departure.

In brief

The Piraeus - Tilos route is served by Blue Star Ferries, with the Blue Star Patmos listed on the current schedule. The conventional ferry provides cabins, reserved seats, passenger lounges, vehicle transport and electronic tickets.

The fastest sailing has fewer or shorter intermediate calls. The lowest fare applies to a passenger travelling in the basic accommodation category without a vehicle.

Early booking is most important for families, cabin passengers and travellers taking a car. It is also worth checking the arrival time in Livadia, especially when the ferry reaches Tilos during the night.

Content editing: booktickets.gr