The only way to get from Athens to Andros is to take the Rafina to Andros ferry. Travel times for this crossing are about 2 hours.
Traveling to Andros, Greece
If you are looking to travel to Andros island in Greece, you can only do so by ferry. Ferries for Andros depart from Rafina Port, which is about 30 kms from the center of Athens.
In 2024, passenger tickets cost 25.00 Euros, and the journey takes around 2 hours on Fast Ferries or Golden Star Ferries ships.
There is also a faster service which takes 1 hour and 10 minutes offered by SeaJets. In 2024, passenger tickets for this crossing started from 38.00 Euros.
You can check the latest timetables and buy ferry tickets using: Ferryscanner
How to get to the Rafina Andros Ferry
Many people who are flying into Greece to specifically visit Andros first spend the night at Rafina, and then take an early morning ferry.
Readers have consistently mentioned over the years that the Avra Hotel is an excellent place to stay, as it also offers a free airport shuttle service. From here, it is less than a 10 minute walk on flat ground to the ferry port.
Book the Avra hotel here: Avra Hotel in Rafina
If you have first spent a couple of nights in the center of Athens, you will be better off taking a taxi to Rafina port to take the ferry to Andros. You can pre-book a reliable taxi ride here: Welcome Pickups
Arriving in Andros by ferry
All ferries to Andros arrive at Gavrio Port. Take a look here at my video of the Golden Star Ferries ‘Andros Queen’ arriving at Gavrio Port in Andros.
Not many people choose to stay in Gavrio itself, preferring instead to stay in Batsi or in Chora.
As such, you’ll want to pick up a rental car in Andros at Gavrio port, or take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
Not sure where to stay? I’ve a complete guide here: Where to stay in Andros
My experiences on the Rafina Andros Ferry
I’ve taken the Rafina to Andros ferry about half a dozen times now – one of the benefits of living in Athens!
I predominantly used Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries for the early morning departures as it’s given me more time in Andros.
The last time I took the ferry from Rafina to Andros was in September of 2024 using the Fast Ferries “Andros”.
It’s a modern, clean ship that offers a comfortable crossing. There was plenty of seating space available, and we just sat in the general seating area.
There’s a cafe on board for snacks, and also a couple of small shops. Not that you really need them though, as the Rafina to Andros ferry crossing is only two hours, so a good opportunity to read a book. Not sure what to read? I suggest our travel guide to Andros!
- Discover all you need to know about getting to Andros and Tinos, from accommodations and sightseeing to culinary delights and beach recommendations. Whether youre planning to immerse yourself in the unique charm of these islands or include them as part of your Greek island hopping adventure, this guide has got you covered.
- Designed to provide you with all the necessary information to plan your trip, this guide skips the set itineraries, encouraging you to embrace the freedom of exploration. From the best times to visit and ideal accommodations to must-see attractions, delectable dining spots, and top-notch beaches, this guide covers it all.
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Athens Andros Ferry Schedules
There are three main ferry companies operating on the Athens to Andros ferry route, which are Fast Ferries. Sea Jets and Golden Star Ferries.
These companies all have several ferries departing on a daily basis from Rafina to Andros, with morning, afternoon and evening options available.
Most of the ferries take around two hours to make the journey. From time to time a quicker one hour ferry journey might be scheduled.
We generally find the slower, conventional ferries more pleasant to travel on. The trip is about 2 hours long, so you will still barely feel it. Plus, they are slightly cheaper.
Ferry ticket prices for passengers in the summer start from 20.50 Euros.
I recommend using Ferryscanner as a way to check for ferry routes and to book tickets online. It's a very simple to use website, and cuts out the ‘It's all Greek to me' problems!
Taking a car on the ferry
As we have our own car in Athens, we took it over on the ferry with us. Driving up the ramp and onto the ferry is always a bit of an experience, as the boat staff are always in a rush!
For most tourists though, I would say that it makes sense to travel as foot passengers, and then hire a car in Andros on arrival. This way, you save the cost of a ticket for the car, which if memory serves me correctly, was around 40 Euro one way.
You should also note, that your insurance may not cover you on ferry crossings for a rental car hired in Athens. In some cases, their terms and conditions may state you can't take the car on a ferry at all. Read my tips for renting a car in Greece for more details.
If you plan to continue on to another island in the Cyclades, again I would suggest traveling as foot passengers and hiring another car at the next destination.
How to get to Andros from Mykonos
Andros and Mykonos are very well connected. All the ferries mentioned above continue to Mykonos. They take anywhere from 1 hour 15 minutes to 2.5 hours to reach the popular island. On the way, they first stop at Tinos, another of our favourite Greek islands.
If you have spent a few days in cosmopolitan Mykonos and want something more relaxed, definitely look into Andros. I've a guide here on the Mykonos to Andros ferry.
Getting from Andros to more Greek islands
Apart from Mykonos and Tinos, Andros has connections with several other islands. You can easily continue your Greek island-hopping adventure and go to Paros or Naxos.
On every Thursday, there is also a direct connection with Syros. The easiest option is Tinos (one of our favourite Greek islands).
Some islands aren't as well connected though. For example, getting from Santorini to Andros will probably involve swapping ferries, most likely in Mykonos.
I've a nice guide here on how to get from Athens to the Cyclades islands.
Athens to Andros FAQ
Reader planning to travel to Andros by ferry from Athens often ask questions similar to:
How long is the ferry from Athens to Andros?
The Athens Rafina ferry to Andros takes just under 2 hours. Ferry companies currently offering services include Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries.
Can you fly direct to Andros Greece?
The island of Andros in Greece does not have an airport, so travelers would first need to land at Athens International, transfer to the port of Rafina, and then take a ferry to Andros.
Where can I buy Greek ferry tickets?
You can buy Athens Andros ferry tickets at travel agencies or online. A good website to check ferry schedules and book tickets is Ferryhopper.
How do I get from Athens to Rafina port?
The port of Rafina is about 30 kms from Athens city center, and can be reached by bus or taxi. A bus takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. A taxi takes around an hour.
How many days do I need in Andros Greece?
3 days would be an ideal time to see the highlights of Andros island in Greece, although a few days longer would help you appreciate its depth, culture and beaches more.
Andros is a beautiful Greek island with plenty of history and culture, breathtaking views, and the most beautiful beaches. In order to explore Andros, you'll need to get there first, and the only way to travel to Andros is by ferry. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours from Rafina Athens Port to Andros.
Do you have any questions about getting to Andros from Athens? Leave a comment below and I'll do my best to answer!
More Guides to Andros
– Dave BriggsDave is a travel writer living in and writing about Greece. In addition to writing this travel guide on how to get to Andros in Greece, he's created hundred's more travel guides and posts on Dave's Travel Pages. Follow Dave on social media for travel inspiration from Greece and beyond:
great information thanks. I am pondering a visit to Andros from UK.