Ermoupoli · neoclassical mansions · Ano Syros · a lively island all year
Enter your ports, date and passengers to see live sailings and fares.
Syros is not a typical holiday island: it is a real Greek town that lives all year. Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades, was once Greece’s busiest port, and its marble Miaoulis Square, grand town hall, the little Apollo Theatre and the sea-front mansions of Vaporia still show that wealth. On the hill above stands Ano Syros, a medieval Catholic village of white lanes and steps, home of the rebetiko musician Markos Vamvakaris. Do not leave without trying loukoumi and halvadopita, the island’s famous sweets.
Ferries sail from Piraeus several times a day, all year: about 3½–4 hours on Blue Star, about 2 hours by Seajets high-speed boat. Syros is also a hub for the central Cyclades, with short hops to Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos.
The ferry quay is in the town centre: hotels, restaurants, buses and nightlife are all within a short walk.
Galissas, Kini, Vari or Megas Gialos for a quieter stay by the sea, a short bus ride from the port.
Most travellers sail from Piraeus, with Blue Star conventional ferries (morning, afternoon and late-night departures) and Seajets high-speed boats. The cheapest way is the Blue Star ferry from Lavrio via Kea and Kythnos, from €18, on the days it runs. In summer 2027 the Seajets boats from Piraeus start at €64.70 and take about 2 hours.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Blue Star Ferries, Seajets | 2 h | €46.50 | All year, several a day |
| Lavrio | Blue Star Ferries | 5 h 35 m | €18 | Some days a week |
| Tinos | Blue Star Ferries, Seajets | 20 min | €12 | All year |
| Mykonos | Blue Star Ferries, Seajets | 25 min | €17.50 | All year |
| Paros | Blue Star Ferries, Seajets | 1 h 25 m | €7 | All year |
Children travel at reduced fares on every company. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a car, motorbike or group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Piraeus portLavrio portChoosing an Athens portAll ferry routes
Syros sits in the middle of the Cyclades, so the neighbours are close all year. The lowest fares are on Blue Star; Seajets is faster and costs more (October 2026 figures).
All ferries arrive at the port of Ermoupoli, right in the town centre. Ticket offices, cafés, the bus stop and the taxi rank are all on the waterfront.
Some Blue Star ferries arrive late at night or very early in the morning, so book your room or transfer before you travel.
The fastest way to Syros. Seajets usually leaves from gate E9 or E7; the gate is on your ticket, it can change, and Seajets usually sends you an SMS with the gate.
Cheaper, carries cars and campers, with several departures a day. Blue Star shows your gate when you check in (online or at the port). Some sailings use E1 or E2, at the other end of the port, so always check it.
Getting to Piraeus from the airport or city centre: Piraeus port guide →
Yes. The ferries dock on the Ermoupoli waterfront, a few minutes from Miaoulis Square and most hotels. Ano Syros is a steep climb: take the bus or a taxi up.
Syros has a good bus network all year, with buses from the port to Ano Syros and around the island to Galissas, Kini, Vari and Megas Gialos. The taxi rank is on the waterfront.
Rental offices are on the waterfront. The roads are good, and a car makes it easy to reach the quieter beaches of the north and the south.
Syros has a small airport just outside Ermoupoli with short flights from Athens. Seats are few, so most visitors come by ferry.
Syros never closes: shops, restaurants and ferries run in winter too, which makes it one of the best islands for a trip outside the summer.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Syros? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
Ermoupoli is the highlight, and the beaches are all within a short bus ride.
The marble square and town hall, the heart of the capital of the Cyclades.
Sea captains’ mansions above the water and the blue-domed church; swim off the rocks.
A medieval village of white lanes, with views over the harbour and the islands.
Sandy bays with tavernas; Kini is the place for sunset.
Sheltered beaches with shallow water, good for families.
Because people live here all year, Ermoupoli has real nightlife: bars and cafés around Miaoulis Square and on the waterfront, live music, and concerts at the Apollo Theatre. In Ano Syros, tavernas play rebetiko music in the summer.
From Piraeus, Blue Star takes about 3½–4 hours and the Seajets high-speed boat about 2 hours. From Lavrio, Blue Star takes about 5½ hours via Kea and Kythnos.
One way for 1 adult, October 2026 examples: from €46.50 on Blue Star and €59.70 on Seajets from Piraeus, and €18 on Blue Star from Lavrio. Summer high-speed fares start at about €64.70.
All ferries use Ermoupoli, in the town centre. In Piraeus, Blue Star shows your gate when you check in, and Seajets usually leaves from E9 or E7. Flying into Athens? Leave at least 4 hours between your flight’s landing and the ferry’s departure.
Yes. Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and lives all year, with ferries, shops and restaurants open in winter too.
Tinos (from 20 minutes), Mykonos (from 25 minutes), Paros and Naxos all year, plus Kythnos and Kea on the Lavrio line.
Yes, a small one near Ermoupoli with short flights from Athens. Most visitors arrive by ferry.
Yes. Blue Star carries cars, campers and caravans all year, and some Seajets boats carry cars. Declare the exact length and height and the fuel type when you book. Wild camping is not allowed in Greece. Get a vehicle quote.
Photo credits: Tomisti / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
