How to get from Rafina to Andros by ferry

By Dave Briggs · Published 2022-02-12 · Last updated 2026-09-13

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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.

Crossings take from around 50 minutes on the fast boats, and up to about 2 hours on the conventional ferries. Passenger tickets start from around 19 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!

Andros and Tinos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

• 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

Ferry companies 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

What time should I arrive at Rafina port for the Andros ferry?

Half an hour before your sailing is enough at Rafina, which is a compact port and easy to find your way around. Give yourself longer if you are driving on with a car.

Dave Briggs
Dave is a UK travel writer living in Athens since 2015. With 20 years of firsthand travel experience and over 80,000 km of bicycle touring across six continents, he's been blogging at Dave's Travel Pages since 2005. Every guide is based on places he's actually been.

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