Athens to Paros: three ways to get there
You can take a ferry from Piraeus, a ferry from Rafina or a short flight from Athens airport. Ferries from Athens arrive at the port of Parikia, the main town of the island. Flights land at Paros airport (PAS). Fares and sailing times vary by operator, ship type and date, so the figures below are a guide for planning, not a quote for your travel day.
Check the timetable for your date with a ferry booking service or the operator before you commit. Do this especially outside the summer season.
Ferries and flights compared
Operators, durations and starting fares as listed by travel portals and airlines. These are "from" prices for one way.
| Route | Operators | Duration | From, one way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus to Paros | Blue Star Ferries, Seajets | Conventional 4 h to 5 h 35 min, high-speed 2 h 40 min to 3 h 45 min | About €51 (Blue Star Ferries), about €62 (Seajets) |
| Rafina to Paros | Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Seajets | 3 h 15 min to 4 h 5 min | €39 |
| Flight Athens (ATH) to Paros (PAS) | SKY express, Olympic Air | About 50 min | €44 (SKY express, October) |
Some listings show lower starting fares and shorter times for individual sailings, so treat the table as a range to plan with. Prices rise and fall by date. The SKY express route page notes that its fares are collected over time and may no longer be available.
Tours and transfers around Paros
Island tours, boat trips and day excursions to plan around your arrival, with current prices and availability.
Ferry from Piraeus
Blue Star Ferries and Seajets serve the route from Piraeus to Parikia. Conventional ferries take 4 h to 5 h 35 min, and high-speed boats take 2 h 40 min to 3 h 45 min. Starting fares are around €51 with Blue Star Ferries and €62 with Seajets. The faster boats save time, and the fare you pay depends on the date, the ship and the seat.
Ferry from Rafina
Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets serve the route from Rafina to Paros, with sailings of about 3 h 15 min to 4 h 5 min and fares from €39. Service is listed from April to October, so check the timetable before you plan a direct sailing from Rafina outside those months.
Flying from Athens
SKY express and Olympic Air fly the route in about 50 minutes. SKY express lists one-way economy fares from €44 for October. Extras cost more, so read the fare conditions before you book.
Arriving in Parikia
The ferry brings you into the port of Parikia, with the town behind it. For the old town, the church and the museum, see our Parikia guide.
In 2026 the coastal road called Giannis Parios, from the island bus stop to the Bountaraki bridge, is pedestrian-only from 1 May to 31 October, daily from 14:00 to 05:00. Emergency and delivery vehicles are exempt. Allow extra walking time with luggage, and ask your accommodation how to reach it by car.
Public parking areas lie at the village entrances. In Parikia the municipality describes areas on the bypass road toward Aliki and near Livadia. Fees and free spaces are not listed, so plan to look around.
Getting around by bus, car and quad
The island bus runs from Parikia to Naoussa, and to Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Logaras, Punda Beach, Golden Beach and Drios. Other lines go to Aliki and to Pounta for the Antiparos ferry. In the timetable valid 19 to 30 October 2026, buses run from Parikia to Naoussa from 07:25 to 20:00, with a last return at 20:30. A bus from the airport to Pounta and Parikia leaves at 09:05, 11:20, 14:40 and 18:00.
The lowest full fare is €2.20 and a half fare is €1.10. A day ticket for the island network costs €12. Payment is by bank card only, and issued tickets are not refundable. Onboard prices are given differently on different pages, so check the current tariff.
One local rental company lists a minimum age of 23 for standard cars and 27 for premium cars, ATVs and buggies, with a maximum age of 75. Drivers aged 21 to 23 pay a surcharge of €15 per day for certain car groups. Conditions differ by company, so read the terms before you book.
Compare rental car prices from local companies on Paros for your travel dates on Localrent.com.
Athens to Paros: frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Athens to Paros take?
From Piraeus, conventional ferries take about 4 to 5 h 35 min and high-speed boats about 2 h 40 min to 3 h 45 min. From Rafina, listings show about 3 h 15 min to 4 h 5 min.
How much does the ferry cost?
Starting fares from Piraeus are around €51 with Blue Star Ferries and €62 with Seajets. From Rafina they start at €39. The price depends on the date, the ship and the seat.
Is it better to leave from Piraeus or Rafina?
Both ports serve Parikia. The Rafina overview lists service from April to October, so compare the timetable for your date, especially outside summer.
How long is the flight from Athens to Paros?
About 50 minutes. SKY express and Olympic Air fly the route, and SKY express lists October fares from €44 one way.
Does a bus run from the airport?
On the timetable valid 19 to 30 October 2026, the airport bus to Pounta and Parikia leaves at 09:05, 11:20, 14:40 and 18:00. The timetable changes by season.
Can I rent a car or quad on Paros?
Yes, from local companies. Age limits and conditions differ, so read the rental terms. Taking a rental vehicle on a ferry may need prior approval from the rental company.