Getting there
The Complete Sifnos Ferry Guide
Sifnos has no airport — the ferry is the only way in. The good news: connections are frequent, reliable, and the journey itself is half the holiday.
Last updated: May 2026
In a nutshell
Athens → Sifnos in 2h 30m on the fast boat.
From Piraeus port (Athens), high-speed catamarans reach Sifnos in 2.5 hours. Conventional ferries take 5 hours and cost about half. All boats arrive in Kamares, the port village.
Routes to Sifnos
Piraeus (Athens)
Year-round, daily in summer
The main route. High-speed catamarans run 2–4× daily in summer; conventional ferries 5–7× weekly. The conventional boat is half the price and twice the romance.
Lavrio (Athens, east coast)
Summer only, several times a week
Useful if you're flying into Athens — Lavrio is 30 minutes from the airport vs 60 minutes to Piraeus.
Milos
Year-round, multiple daily
Perfect for a Milos + Sifnos combination trip. Frequent and fast.
Serifos
Year-round, multiple daily
Sifnos is the next stop south after Serifos on the western Cyclades line.
Kimolos
Summer, several weekly
Quick hop to the smaller, quieter island next to Milos.
Folegandros / Santorini
Summer only, a few weekly
Less frequent — check schedules carefully if you're island-hopping further south.
Ferry companies compared
SeaJets
High-speedLargest fleet on the Piraeus–Sifnos route. Fastest crossings, modern catamarans, can be cancelled in strong Meltemi.
Golden Star Ferries
High-speedReliable competitor on the high-speed route. Comfortable seating, predictable schedules.
Zante Ferries
ConventionalThe slow boat from Piraeus. Open decks, car-friendly, much cheaper. The way locals travel.
Aegean Speed Lines
High-speedOperates the Speedrunner catamarans on Cyclades west routes.
Tips before you book
- • Tickets go on sale roughly 6 months ahead. For August, the early-bird release fills up quickly.
- • Sit on the right (starboard) side leaving Piraeus for the best views of Aegina, Serifos and Sifnos arrival.
- • Bring a sweater — the high-speed boats are heavily air-conditioned.
- • If you're prone to seasickness, choose a conventional ferry — they're far more stable.
- • Always print or screenshot your ticket; mobile signal at Piraeus gates can be patchy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Athens to Sifnos take?+
Between 2 hours 30 minutes (high-speed catamaran) and around 5 hours 30 minutes (conventional ferry). High-speed costs roughly twice as much.
Is there an airport on Sifnos?+
No — and there are no plans to build one. Sifnos is reached only by ferry, which is part of its quiet character. The closest airports with ferry links are Athens (ATH) and Milos (MLO).
When should I book ferry tickets?+
For July and August, book 2–3 months in advance, especially for cars. May, June, September and October usually have availability a few weeks ahead.
Do ferries get cancelled?+
Occasionally, yes. The Meltemi wind in July–August can ground high-speed catamarans for a day. Conventional ferries are far more weather-resistant.
Can I take a car on the ferry?+
Yes, on conventional ferries (Zante Ferries from Piraeus, and most inter-island ferries). High-speed catamarans only carry passengers and motorbikes.
Where does the ferry arrive in Sifnos?+
All ferries dock at Kamares, the port village on the west coast. Buses and taxis meet every arrival; Apollonia (the capital) is 15 minutes inland.