One of the most beautiful and unique islands of the Cyclades in the Aegean is cosmopolitan Syros. This stunning island has its colorful Ermoupoli, with pastel-colored mansions, Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and an imposing atmosphere. For couples, families, or single travelers, Syros combines neoclassical beauty, traditional Cycladic architecture, and stunning beaches all in one.
Stroll through Ermoupoli, visit the Town Hall, the Apollo Theatre, the Vaporia neighborhood, and many more sites, and get immersed into a fairytale in Syros.
Here’s all you need to know on how to get from Athens to Syros:
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How to get to Syros Island
1. Fly to Syros
You can find domestic flights from the Athens International Airport of Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Syros Island National Airport Demetrius Vikelas throughout the year. The main companies operating this domestic flight itinerary are Olympic Air and Aegean Air.
The trip from Athens to Syros will last approximately 40 minutes. Conveniently, the airport is located just 2 km outside of Ermoupoli, so once you reach the island, you have many transport, eat & drink, and accommodation options.
Booking early would be a good and affordable choice. You can hunt for good ticket prices according to season, availability, and type of seat.
2. Take the Ferry to Syros
One of the most popular ways to get to Syros from Athens is to hop on the ferry. You can travel directly from the Port of Piraeus in Athens to the Port of Syros located in Ermoupolis.
The trip from the port of Piraeus lasts about 3 to 4 hours, and you can find daily schedules. The line is operated by Blue Star Ferries and Sea Jets, and prices may start from only 24 Euros for economy seats. Generally, they range from 24 Euros to 103 Euros, depending on needs, preferences, and seasonality.
There are at least 2 daily crossings from Athens to Syros, especially during summer, and the earliest ferry departs at around 07:00 and arrives at almost 09:00. The latest ferry departs at 18:00 and reaches Syros at about 22:00.
There is also a daily ferry connection from the port of Rafina to Syros, which is convenient thanks to its close proximity to the airport (ATH). There is also the port of Lavrion, where you may find regular crossings to Syros.
You can book your tickets beforehand in 4 simple steps via Ferryhopper and be prepared or you can simply purchase them at the port right before the trip.
Tip: If you plan your holidays during the high season, which means July and August in Greece, book your tickets way ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
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Private Transfer from the airport to the port
The ATH International Airport is approximately 43 km away from the Port of Piraeus and commuting there might not be the best solution during summertime. Similarly, if you plan to depart from the center of Athens towards the airport, the best option is to take a private transfer.
There are taxis everywhere, right outside the airport and in various hubs in the center of Athens, but the most effortless solution is to book your private transfer via Welcome Pickups.
Their airport pick-up services include English-speaking drivers, a pre-paid flat fee equivalent, as well as flight monitoring to arrive on time and avoid delays.
Find more information here and book your private transfer.
Covid-FREE: Welcome Pickups offers safe and contactless private transfers with guaranteed safety measures kept!
How to get around Syros Island
Rent a Car
Reached Syros and want to explore it? Your best option to consider is renting a car to have the freedom of movement anytime anywhere. If you arrive at Ermoupolis, the options are ample and you won’t have trouble finding solutions.
Discover more of Syros with your own private vehicle by renting from local contractors or travel agencies. Alternatively, several platforms can help you compare prices and find the best option for you.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Take the Local Bus
Another option is to take the local bus around the island. There are local bus lines (KTEL) on a daily basis that get you to and from various destinations. This is the cheapest solution, with bus fares as low as 2 Euros per route.
From Ermoupoli, you can reach Galissas, Finikas, Posidonia, Megas Gialos, Vari, Azolimnos, Kini, Anno Mana, Chroussa, Parakopi and Vissa. Other routes may be serviced by the municipal buses, which are free to use.
Learn all about the Local Bus (KTEL) Services here: Tel. 0030 22810 82575
Hop on a Taxi
You always have the alternative of a taxi service, if you want to go somewhere fast without waiting for the local bus. You can find a station with taxis near the National Resistance monument in Ermoupoli.
Alternatively, you can call: 0030 22810 84222, or 0030 22810 86222 to get services.
FAQ About your Trip from Athens to Syros
Ticket prices for ferry trips from Athens to Syros vary according to season and availability but generally start from 24 Euros for ferry crossings from the port of Piraeus to the port of Ermoupoli.
The ferry trip from Athens to Syros lasts anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the ferry type and weather. The distance is 70 nautical miles (about 130 km).
No, the Syros National Airport can only receive domestic flights.
The ferry trip from Mykonos to Syros can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour and a half, depending on weather and vessel type. The distance between the two islands is 18 nautical miles.