In brief, traveling from Ios to Paros is very easy!
- Paros is connected by ferry to Ios throughout the year.
- The route is operated by both conventional and high-speed ferries.
- A standard high season ticket starts from '24.50' 'EUR'(24.50 euros).
Disclaimer: The information provided below is based on previous years' data. To find the exact routes for your dates, please refer to our booking engine.
The route from Ios to Paros is operated throughout the year.
During the high season (May to September), there are 3-4 ferry crossings per day, while during the rest of the year, there is 1 weekly connection between the two islands, costing '9.50' 'EUR'(9.50 euros).
The first ferry departs from Gialos, the port of Ios, at 07:35 and the last one at 20:30.
The distance between the two islands is 23 nautical miles (26 miles or 42 kilometers).
The duration of the trip ranges from 1 hour and 10 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the company and the type of vessel, as well as on the route.
The fastest ferry is the Superexpress by Golden Star Ferries.
Prices & Tickets
A standard ticket during the high season costs between '24.50' 'EUR'(24.50 euros)and'63.70' 'EUR'(63.70 euros), depending on the company and the type of vessel, while the fare for a business class/VIP ticket ranges from '36.50' 'EUR'(36.50 euros) and '82.70' 'EUR'(82.70 euros).
Some categories of passengers, including students, ISIC card holders, children under the age of 10, disabled passengers and families with more than 3 children may be eligible for ticket discounts. Also, most companies allow babies and toddlers to travel for free.
On FerriesinGreece, you can search for all available ferry schedules and timetables, compare ferry boats, companies and prices, create your itinerary, and book your ferry tickets in 4 easy steps on our secure server.
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Standard/economy seats are the most popular and affordable option. In conventional ferries, they are situated on deck or in interior lounges and are not numbered, so your ticket does not correspond to a specific seat. In order to get a comfortable seat, we recommend boarding the ferry as soon as possible.
Another option is the airplane seats, which are located in separate lounges. They are numbered, more comfortable, and they are the most affordable option among the numbered types of seats. For luxury travel, there are also Business/VIP seats, which are situated in a separate lounge and are more expensive.
There are only numbered seats in high-speed ferries, so a standard ticket corresponds to an airplane seat.
How to find your ferry in the port of Ios
Aerial view over the port of Ios
All passenger ferries depart from Gialos Port, the port of Ios, which is located 2.7 kilometers from Ios Chora, the charming main settlement on the island. Spotting your ferry should be fairly easy as the port is relatively small.
Ferries bound for Paros arrive at Paros Port, which is conveniently situated in Parikia, the capital of the island.
Both Ios and Paros are highly popular with Greeks and foreigners, which may cause traffic around the port. For this reason, being there at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time is strongly recommended.
Luggage
Luggage policies in Greek ferries are quite flexible.
Most companies allow 40 kg or 0.5 cubic meters of luggage per passenger and provide a luggage storage area on each ferry.
If you wish, you can take your luggage with you to the lounges or the deck (if available). We recommend leaving bulky suitcases in the designated area and taking only your personal belongings (wallet, keys, mobile phone, etc.) with you upstairs.
Traveling with a car
You need to purchase a vehicle ticket to take your car or motorbike with you to Paros.
Drivers should be at the port 1 hour to 1.5 hours before the official departure time.
For safety reasons, entering the garage while the ferry is sailing is prohibited. Note: Many car rental companies do not allow customers to ferry their vehicles. We recommend avoiding purchasing a vehicle ticket before contacting your car rental company.
Alternative ways to reach Paros
Paros has a national airport receiving exclusively domestic flights from Athens. However, as plane tickets tend to be more expensive, taking the ferry from Athens to Paros is a very popular way of reaching the island. Alternatively, travelers can fly to Mykonos or Santorini, which both boast international airports receiving flights from several European cities. With an average duration of around 1 hour, the crossing from Mykonos to Paros is shorter, while the one from Santorini to Paros is somewhat longer. To include Crete in your itinerary, you could fly to the enchanting Heraklion and sail to Paros from there.
About Paros
Alleyways of Naoussa Village, Paros
Ideally located in the heart of the Cyclades, Paros is a vibrant island that captivates visitors with its traditional Cycladic architecture, sun-kissed golden-sand beaches and upbeat nightlife. Thus, it has something to offer for all tastes, whether you are looking for thrilling adventures or would rather enjoy a relaxing holiday by the sea.
Thanks to its geographical position, Paros is an ideal base for island-hopping. From there, you can easily reach the neighboring Naxos, which stands out for its diversity, as well as the serene Sifnos, where you can enjoy some of the very best gastronomical delights in the Cyclades! Hopping over to Mykonos, the party-queen of the Aegean, or the volcanic Santorini, which has earned worldwide renown thanks to its breathtaking caldera and glorious sunsets, would also be a great idea. If, on the other hand, you would rather discover more unspoiled pieces of paradise in the Aegean, you can consider a destination in the Small Cyclades (Koufonisia, Iraklia, Donoussa and Schinoussa), which will steal your heart with their laid-back charm and turquoise-water beaches.