Tinos is among the top Cycladic islands in the Aegean to visit. It used to be more of a spiritual center for worshipers, as it is thought to be a holy island, thanks to Panagia Megalochari, the church and the protector of the island.
However, it is now an upcoming 20 destination for all types of travelers including families, couples, young people, and nature lovers. With stunning sandy beaches and the characteristic Cycladic architecture, it is surely worth a higher place on your travel bucket list.
Here’s all you need to know on how to get from Athens to Tinos:
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Getting from Athens to Tinos
Take the ferry to Tinos
The most common way to reach Tinos from Athens is to hop on a ferry. There are ferry lines both from the central port of Piraeus and from Rafina port to Tinos.
From Piraeus
The distance between the two islands is 86 nautical miles.
From the port of Piraeus to Tinos, you can usually find 1 daily crossing all year round. It is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries and has an average duration of 4 hours and 8 minutes.
The earliest ferry departs at 07:30 and the latest at 16:00 throughout the year. Ferry ticket prices can range from 25 to 80 Euros according to season, availability, and seat options.
From Rafina port
The distance from Rafina port to Tinos is less, at about 62 nautical miles.
You can usually find 2 to 7 ferry crossings daily from the Port of Rafina to Tinos, but this always depends on the season. The average trip time here is 2 hours and 20 minutes only.
This ferry route is serviced by Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, and Seajets, with prices starting as low as 27 Euros and reaching up to 90 Euros. The faster the ferry, the more expensive it is.
The earliest ferry usually departs at 07:15 in the morning and the latest at 21:30.
Click here to see the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.
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Private transfer from Athens airport to the port
Eleftherios Venizelos, also known as ATH International Airport is approximately 49 km away from the Port of Piraeus, where the ferries for Tinos depart from.
The port of Rafina on the other hand is only 16km away from the airport.
There are public buses leaving from the airport to both Piraeus Port and Rafina Port.
The safest option to reach the port in time if you are arriving in Athens by air is to book your private transfer. If you book your private transfer via Welcome Pickups, you will save a lot of time and effort.
Their airport pick-up services include English-speaking drivers, a flat fee equivalent to a taxi but pre-paid, as well as flight monitoring to arrive on time and avoid delays.
Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.
Fly to Mykonos and take the ferry to Tinos
There is no airport in Tinos, so flying there is not an option. You can only travel to Tinos by ferry from Athens. However, you could fly to the nearest airport in Mykonos, and hop on a ferry to Tinos from there.
To get to Mykonos (JMK Airport), you can book a flight from ATH International Airport. The average return flight ticket price is above 100 Euros, but you can avoid overpriced flights and crowds if you book for May. With a good deal, you might find flight tickets for 70 Euros. The route is covered by Olympic Air, Sky Express, and Aegean Airlines.
Mykonos airport is also international receiving many direct flights from European cities during the high season. There is an option to fly directly to Mykonos and take the ferry to Tinos.
The distance between the two islands is only 9 nautical miles! The ferry trip lasts anywhere between 15 and 35 minutes. It’s a convenient and relatively cheap solution.
You can find up to 8 daily crossings from Mykonos to Tinos, during summertime, with Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, and Seajets as the main companies operating the line.
Prices can range from 8 to 38 Euros according to season, seat, and availability. The average duration is 27 minutes and the earliest ferry leaves at 07:45, while the latest departs at 18:00.
Find additional info and book your tickets via Ferryhopper in 4 simple steps, anytime, anywhere!
How to get around Tinos Island
Rent a Car and drive around
Reached Tinos and want to explore it?
The most common option is renting a car to have freedom of movement. You can also rent a motorcycle if you have a license, for ease, economy, and flexibility.
Once you reach Tinos, you can hire your private vehicle either by renting from local contractors or travel agencies. Alternatively, several platforms can help you compare prices and find the best offer that suits you.
If you are traveling to Tinos in July and August you should book your ferry tickets and a car in advance.
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 low bus fares and frequent schedules. There are about 10 local buses operating in Tinos to cater to tourists and local people’s needs.
You can find hourly bus routes from Tinos Chora to many villages and destinations, including TRIANTARO, DIO HORIA, ARNADOS, MONASTΕRΥ, MESI, FALATADOS, STENI, MIRSINI, POTAMIA and more.
Learn all about the Local Bus (KTEL) Services in Tinos here, by calling +30 22830 22440 or sending an email at kteltinou@hotmail.gr.
Take a taxi
If you’re out of options, there’s also the potential to take a taxi. You can find a taxi hub just outside the port once you disembark on the island.
Alternatively, call 2283 022470 to get services.
FAQ About Your Trip From Athens to Tinos
Among the top attractions to visit are the Church of Evangelistria, the popular Dovecotes, the ancient Sanctuary of Poseidon, and the Museum of Chalepas the sculptor.
Among the stunning sandy beaches, you can find in Tinos are Agios Ioannis Porto beach, Agios Sostis, Kolympithra, and Agios Romanos to name a few.