Symi - Piraeus ferry tickets from €63 and routes. 2026

Symi – Piraeus ferry tickets and routes

Ferry tickets from Symi to Piraeus usually start from approximately €63 - €65 for an adult passenger, while transporting a car costs from around €90 - €92, excluding the driver’s passenger ticket. The journey lasts from approximately 13 hours and 25 minutes to 17 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the selected sailing and its intermediate stops. The route is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries, with approximately 3 - 7 weekly departures, depending on the travel period.

Ferries leave from Gialos, the main port of Symi, and arrive at Piraeus on the following day. As this is a long crossing that usually takes place overnight, booking a reserved seat or cabin makes the journey considerably more comfortable.

Through booktickets.gr, passengers can compare available departures, operating ferries, intermediate stops and ticket prices for both passengers and vehicles before completing their reservation.

How much are Symi – Piraeus ferry tickets?

The basic economy fare from Symi to Piraeus generally starts from approximately €63 - €65 per adult passenger. Depending on the sailing and seating category, the fare may reach around €80.50.

Indicative ticket prices include:

• Economy passenger ticket from approximately €63 - €65
• Two adult passengers from around €127
• Standard car from approximately €90 - €92, excluding the driver
• Two adults with one car from around €216.50
• Cabin accommodation from approximately €125.50, depending on the cabin type
• Upgraded or reserved seating at an additional cost

These prices are indicative and may change according to the travel date, availability, vessel type and selected ticket category.

A couple travelling without a vehicle can expect a total starting price of approximately €126 - €127. When travelling with a car, the combined cost may exceed €215, before adding a cabin.

How long is the journey from Symi to Piraeus?

The fastest ferry from Symi to Piraeus takes approximately 13 hours and 25 minutes.

Other available sailings may take between 14 hours and 10 minutes and 17 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the number of port calls made along the route.

The average crossing time is close to 16 hours, making this one of the longest direct ferry connections between the Dodecanese and mainland Greece.

The total travel time is affected by:

• The number of intermediate stops
• The ferry operating the route
• The time spent at each port
• Weather and sea conditions
• Port traffic
• Possible timetable changes

Departures from Symi often take place from late afternoon until evening, usually between 17:50 and 22:30. Arrival at Piraeus is scheduled for the following day.

How often do ferries operate?

The Symi – Piraeus ferry route operates throughout the year, although the frequency changes from one period to another.

Depending on the season, there are approximately 3 - 7 departures per week. Some timetables include around 4 weekly sailings, while fewer options may be available during quieter periods.

Departure days vary throughout the year. Passengers should therefore not assume that a ferry operates every day, even during the summer season.

Booking early is particularly important for travellers who:

• Are transporting a car
• Need a specific cabin category
• Are travelling during a public holiday or long weekend
• Need to arrive in Athens at a specific time
• Are connecting with a flight or another ferry

Which ferry company operates the route?

The main company operating the Symi – Piraeus route is Blue Star Ferries.

The crossing is served by large conventional passenger and vehicle ferries designed for long-distance journeys. These vessels normally provide vehicle garages, reserved seating, lounges and several cabin categories.

Depending on the timetable, ferries operating the route or sections of the Dodecanese connection may include:

• Blue Star Chios
• Blue Star Patmos
• Diagoras
• Ariadne
• Nissos Rodos

The assigned vessel may change during the year. Passengers should confirm the ferry name, departure time and exact itinerary when searching for tickets.

Is the ferry route direct?

The journey is sold as one continuous Symi – Piraeus connection, so passengers are not normally required to change ferries.

However, the crossing is rarely direct without intermediate stops.

The ferries follow routes connecting several ports in the Dodecanese and, in some cases, islands in the eastern Aegean or the Cyclades.

Depending on the sailing, possible intermediate stops may include:

• Tilos
• Nisyros
• Kos
• Kalymnos
• Lipsi
• Astypalaia
• Patmos
• Santorini
• Samos

Not every departure includes all these ports. Some ferries may follow the route Symi – Tilos – Nisyros – Kos – Kalymnos – Astypalaia – Piraeus, while others may travel through Kos, Santorini or Samos.

Which port does the ferry depart from in Symi?

Ferries to Piraeus depart from Gialos, the main port of Symi.

The port is located within the island’s main settlement, directly in front of its distinctive neoclassical buildings. Most accommodation in Gialos is within walking distance, while passengers staying elsewhere can reach the port by taxi, bus or private vehicle.

Near the port, travellers can find:

• Cafés and restaurants
• Small shops
• Travel agencies
• Short-stay parking areas
• Taxi and bus stops

Passengers travelling without a vehicle should arrive at least 1 hour before departure.

Those travelling with a car or motorcycle should arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in advance, allowing enough time for vehicle boarding.

Where does the ferry arrive in Piraeus?

Ferries from the Dodecanese arrive at the main passenger port of Piraeus.

The arrival gate may change depending on the ferry and the operational requirements of the port. Passengers should check their ticket or the ferry company’s latest information before arrival.

From the port, travellers can continue to Athens by:

• Metro
• Electric railway
• Suburban railway
• Bus
• Taxi
• Private car

Travelling to the airport usually takes approximately 45 - 60 minutes by car when traffic is light. By public transport, the journey may take up to around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can I travel with a car?

Yes. The conventional ferries serving the route have vehicle garages and can transport:

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Bicycles
• Caravans
• Motorhomes
• Commercial vehicles

The average indicative price for a standard vehicle is approximately €90 - €92, excluding the driver’s ticket.

The final price depends on the vehicle’s length, height and category.

Garage capacity is limited. Passengers planning to travel with a car during the summer should complete their booking well in advance.

Access to the vehicle garage is not permitted during the crossing. Before leaving the car, passengers should take any medication, documents, chargers and personal items they may need.

Cabins and reserved seats

Due to the length of the journey, selecting the right seating or accommodation category is important.

Available options usually include:

• Economy seating in shared lounges
• Reserved aircraft-style seat
• Internal cabin
• External cabin with a window
• Two-bed, three-bed or four-bed cabin
• Pet-friendly cabin, where available
• Accessible cabin for passengers with reduced mobility

Cabin fares start indicatively from approximately €125.50, although the final price depends on the cabin type, number of beds and availability.

For a journey lasting more than 14 hours, a cabin is the most comfortable option, particularly for families, couples, older passengers and travellers with young children.

Facilities available on board

The conventional ferries serving the route provide the main facilities needed for a long-distance journey, including:

• Indoor lounges
• Outdoor decks
• Cafés and bars
• Restaurant or self-service dining area
• Reserved seating
• Cabins
• Designated pet areas
• Shops on selected ferries
• Vehicle garage
• Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility

Passengers are usually allowed to carry luggage weighing up to 50 kg per person free of charge, according to the company’s luggage policy.

Internet access may be available for an additional fee, although the quality of the connection may not remain stable throughout the journey.

Ticket discounts and special offers

Discounted fares of up to 50% may apply, depending on the passenger category and the terms of the ferry company.

Reduced fares may be available for:

• Children and infants, depending on their age
• Students at Greek universities or ISIC cardholders
• Large families
• Permanent island residents
• Passengers with disabilities and their companions
• Members of the Greek Armed Forces
• NAT pensioners

To receive the discount, the correct passenger category must be selected during booking and the relevant supporting document must be presented at boarding.

Through booktickets.gr, passengers can view the available fares and discounts for their chosen date, vehicle and passenger category.

Return route Piraeus – Symi

The return journey is operated through the Piraeus – Symi route.

Passenger tickets start indicatively from approximately €56 - €65.50, while the fastest journey takes around 12 hours and 50 minutes.

Depending on the schedule, the usual crossing time may reach approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes or more.

Ferries generally depart from Piraeus around midday or in the afternoon and arrive in Symi the following day.

When the return date is already known, booking both directions together is advisable. This helps secure the preferred seating category, cabin and vehicle garage space earlier.

Alternative ferry routes from Symi

When there is no suitable sailing directly to Piraeus, the most practical alternative is usually to travel to Rhodes and continue the journey from there.

Symi has ferry connections with destinations such as:

• Rhodes
• Kos
• Tilos
• Nisyros
• Kalymnos
• Astypalaia
• Kastellorizo
• Bodrum, seasonally

Travelling through Rhodes may provide more departure options, but it requires a separate reservation and sufficient time between the two ferries.

Find all the routes

Useful travel advice

• Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure when travelling without a vehicle.
• Arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in advance when travelling with a vehicle.
• Choose a cabin or reserved seat for a more comfortable overnight journey.
• Check all intermediate stops before completing your booking.
• Keep your identification document, ticket and discount documents easily accessible.
• Carry a light jacket, as the air conditioning inside the ferry may feel strong.
• Do not leave necessary personal items inside the vehicle.
• Add your pet to the booking and carry its health booklet, lead or transport carrier.
• Avoid arranging a flight or important onward journey immediately after the scheduled arrival.
• Check for timetable changes when strong winds are expected.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a ferry ticket from Symi to Piraeus?

An economy ticket for an adult passenger usually starts from approximately €63 - €65 and may reach around €80.50.

How long does the journey take?

The ferry journey lasts from approximately 13 hours and 25 minutes to 17 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the vessel and the intermediate stops.

How many ferries operate each week?

Depending on the period, approximately 3 - 7 departures per week are available.

Which company operates the route?

The route is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Which port does the ferry depart from?

The ferry departs from Gialos, the main port of Symi.

Is the route direct?

Passengers do not usually need to change ferries, although the journey normally includes intermediate stops at other islands.

Can I take my car on the ferry?

Yes. The ferries have vehicle garages, and the indicative fare for a standard car starts from approximately €90 - €92, excluding the driver.

Are cabins available on board?

Yes. Internal and external cabins are available, together with reserved aircraft-style seats.

Can I travel with a pet?

Yes. The pet must be included in the reservation and accompanied by the necessary documents and suitable transport equipment.

When should I book my tickets?

Passengers travelling with a vehicle or reserving a cabin should book well in advance, especially during the summer months.

Can I complete online check-in?

Yes. Blue Star Ferries supports online check-in.

It can usually be completed from 2 to 48 hours before departure through the relevant link included in the booking confirmation.

Web Check-in Blue Star Ferries

Payment security

Ferry ticket reservations through booktickets.gr are completed in a secure online environment.

Before payment, passengers can review:

• The selected route
• The departure date and time
• The ferry company
• The operating vessel
• Passenger details
• Vehicle details
• Available discounts
• The total fare

Transaction details are transmitted through an encrypted connection, while payment is completed using the security procedures supported by the bank or payment card.

After a successful payment, passengers receive a booking confirmation containing the travel details and instructions for using the electronic ticket or completing web check-in.

Content review: booktickets.gr

Last updated: August 2026