MAGIC SEA FERRIESHIGH-SPEED
Piraeus → HydraExample sailing · 31 October 2026
15:00Piraeus
1h 10mhigh-speed
16:10Hydra
- Seat
- Economy
- Vehicles
- Passengers only
- Fare for
- 1 adult · one way
Fare from€40.00
Economy1 adult · one way
The island without cars
Hydra is one of the most elegant islands in Greece: grey-stone captains’ mansions rise like an amphitheatre around a perfect little harbour, and there are no cars or scooters at all. You walk, take a donkey or a water taxi, and the pace is slow. Artists and writers have loved Hydra for decades, and the harbour fills with yachts in summer.
Hydra is close to Athens: fast boats leave Piraeus about ten times a day and take 1 h 05 m to 1 h 50 m, from €40 (October 2026), so it works as a day trip or a weekend.
Stay in Hydra town
Around the harbour and the lanes above it: everything is within walking distance, but expect steps.
Day trip from Athens
Take a morning boat from Piraeus and an evening boat back: enough for the harbour, a swim and dinner.
Ferry routes & prices
All boats from Piraeus to Hydra are fast passenger boats: there is no car ferry, because cars are not allowed on the island. Three companies sail, with departures from early morning to evening; the direct boats take about 1 h 05 m – 1 h 15 m, and those calling at Poros or Aegina up to 1 h 50 m.
Search your datesMagic Sea guide →
ALPHA LINESHIGH-SPEED
Piraeus → HydraExample sailing · 31 October 2026
09:20Piraeus
1h 15mhigh-speed
10:35Hydra
- Seat
- Economy
- Vehicles
- Passengers only
- Fare for
- 1 adult · one way
Fare from€40.00
Economy1 adult · one way
BLUE STAR FERRIESHIGH-SPEED
Piraeus → HydraExample sailing · 31 October 2026
08:00Piraeus
1h 50mwith stops
09:50Hydra
- Seat
- Economy
- Vehicles
- Passengers only
- Fare for
- 1 adult · one way
Fare from€40.00
Economy1 adult · one way
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Magic Sea Ferries, Alpha Lines, Blue Star Ferries | 1 h 05 m | €40 | All year, about 10 a day |
| Spetses | Blue Star Ferries, Alpha Lines, Magic Sea Ferries | 30 min | €18 | All year |
| Poros | Magic Sea Ferries, Blue Star Ferries | 30 min | €21 | All year |
| Ermioni | Blue Star Ferries | 25 min | €13.50 | All year |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Saronic islandsPiraeus portSaronic Ferries
Island hopping from Hydra
The same fast boats continue to Spetses and Poros, and to Ermioni and Porto Heli on the mainland (October 2026 fares).
Arriving & getting around
Where does the boat arrive?
All boats arrive in the harbour of Hydra town, right in the centre: cafés, shops and many hotels are a few steps from the quay.
The last boats back to Piraeus leave in the evening, so check the time if you are on a day trip.
Leaving from Piraeus
All year · about 10 boats a day
Fast boats from Piraeus
Boats to Hydra and the Saronic islands leave from the E8 area of the port, near the metro station. Check the gate on your ticket and be at the port 30 minutes before departure.
Getting to Piraeus from the airport or city centre: Piraeus port guide →
On the island
No cars
There are no cars or scooters on Hydra. Porters with donkeys and mules carry luggage from the port to your hotel; agree the price first.
Water taxis
Water taxis wait in the harbour and take you to the beaches and villages along the coast, such as Vlychos and Mandraki.
Walking
Hydra town is full of steps. A coastal path leads west to Kamini and Vlychos, and paths climb to the monasteries above the town.
Travelling with a car
Leave your car at Piraeus, or drive to Metochi on the Peloponnese coast opposite Hydra, where small boats cross in a few minutes.
Beaches & things to see
Hydra is more about the town and the walks than long beaches; swim off the rocks or take a water taxi to a pebble bay.
Hydra town
The harbour
Stone mansions, the clock tower of the monastery and the cannons on the quay.
Hydra town
Historical Archive Museum
The island’s naval history and its role in the War of Independence.
West
Kamini & Vlychos
Fishing hamlets with tavernas and small pebble beaches, a walk or a water taxi away.
Swimming
Spilia & Hydronetta
Swim from the rocks just west of the harbour, with ladders into deep clear water.
Above the town
Monasteries
Paths up to the monasteries of Profitis Ilias and Agia Efpraxia, with wide views.
Evenings & nightlife
Evenings on Hydra start with sunset drinks on the rocks west of the harbour, followed by dinner in the lanes. The harbour bars stay open late in summer, but the island is about atmosphere, not clubs.
Ferry companies serving Hydra
Hydra ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Athens to Hydra?
From Piraeus, the fast boats take about 1 h 05 m – 1 h 15 m direct, and up to 1 h 50 m when they call at Poros or Aegina.
How much is the ferry to Hydra?
From €40 one way for 1 adult (October 2026) and €42 in summer 2027, on all three companies.
Can I do a day trip to Hydra from Athens?
Yes. There are about ten boats a day: take a morning boat from Piraeus and an evening boat back. Check the last return time for your date.
Can I take my car to Hydra?
No. Cars and scooters are not allowed on Hydra, and the boats from Piraeus carry passengers only. Leave your car in Athens or at Metochi on the mainland opposite the island.
Which gate do Hydra boats use in Piraeus?
Usually the E8 area, near the metro station. Check the gate on your ticket. Flying into Athens? Leave at least 4 hours between your flight’s landing and the boat’s departure.
How do I get from Hydra to Spetses?
The same fast boats continue to Spetses in about 30 minutes, from €18, several times a day.