Compare Fast Ferries services with EUFerry, from route planning and onboard considerations to
current departure availability and fares for your chosen journey.
Conventional Greek island ferries with passenger lounges and vehicle garages
About the operator
Fast Ferries links three mainland gateways with two Greek island regions
Fast Ferries is a Greek coastal operator serving both the Cyclades and the North Aegean. Its
best-known network begins at Rafina, the Attica port east of Athens, and runs through Andros, Tinos
and Mykonos, with 2026 services continuing to Naxos and seasonal Paros extensions.
The company also operates from Piraeus to a broad western and southern Cyclades circuit including
Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios and Santorini. Farther north,
Alexandroupolis provides the mainland gateway for Samothrace, Lemnos and selected Agios Efstratios
sailings.
This mix makes Fast Ferries useful for very different journeys: a short Rafina–Andros escape, a
classic Athens–Mykonos or Naxos itinerary, a longer Piraeus island-hopping trip, or a North Aegean
crossing from Thrace. Foot passengers and booked vehicles are carried on the conventional Ro-Pax
fleet.
Planning note: Fast Ferries publishes distinct seasonal operating periods. Summer can bring more Rafina departures, daily Naxos links, seasonal Paros extensions and higher Piraeus frequency, so always plan from the dated timetable rather than a generic route list.
Three mainland gateways
Fast Ferries routes
The network combines the high-frequency Rafina corridor with longer Piraeus island routes and a
separate North Aegean service from Alexandroupolis.
Core Rafina routeCyclades
Attica
Rafina
Cyclades
Andros
The shortest classic Fast Ferries island route is a practical option for travellers who want to
reach Andros without travelling into central Piraeus.
One of Fast Ferries’ year-round core links
Vehicle and foot-passenger travel
Rafina is convenient for Athens airport and eastern Attica
Dionysios Solomos operates a multi-island Piraeus circuit that serves Milos together with Serifos,
Sifnos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios and Santorini depending on the sailing.
Three or four weekly departures outside peak summer
Up to six weekly departures in the 2026 peak period
Adamantios Korais provides the separate North Aegean operation, with daily Samothrace departures and
onward sailings to Lemnos and selected Agios Efstratios services.
Daily Samothrace service in the published 2026 programme
This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a
complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.
For planning with Fast Ferries, use the map to compare the representative route groups above,
including Rafina–Andros, Piraeus–Milos, Alexandroupolis–Samothrace. It is most useful for judging
which departure or arrival point best fits the rest of the journey rather than as a substitute for
the live timetable.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Fast Ferries sailing for departure time,
calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service.
The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline
fare.
Fast Ferries publishes seasonal timetable periods. Treat the map as network orientation and use the
live timetable for the exact ports, sailing days and vessel on your chosen date.
Illustrative Fast Ferries route map. Routes and operating patterns can change; check the live timetable for your date.
Ports and island regions
Three ways to approach the Fast Ferries network
Choose the mainland port that fits the islands you want to visit: Rafina for the central Cyclades,
Piraeus for western and southern Cyclades, or Alexandroupolis for the North Aegean.
Attica
Piraeus
Use Piraeus for Fast Ferries’ western and southern Cyclades circuit, including Milos, Folegandros,
Ios and Santorini.
Compare the complete journey rather than the sea crossing alone. Check the live timetable for your
date, confirm the exact departure and arrival ports, and allow enough time for check-in and onward
travel.
Passenger comfort
Lounges, seating and selected cabin options
Fast Ferries is primarily a conventional day-ferry operator. Most passengers use indoor lounges and
deck areas, while selected vessels on longer services may offer additional accommodation such as
cabins.
Indoor lounges provide the main passenger accommodation on many Fast Ferries sailings. Bars and lounge areas make shorter Cyclades crossings easy to spend indoors.
Indoor passenger lounges
Fast Ferries describes its conventional ships as having comfortable, spacious indoor salons. These
are the standard choice for most short and medium-length journeys.
Best considered forMost short and medium Aegean journeys
Open deck space
Large exterior decks are useful on fine-weather Aegean crossings and provide a change from the indoor lounges.
Best considered forFine-weather daytime island crossings
Business or upgraded seating
Some fares and vessels may offer upgraded seating categories. Check the accommodation choices shown
for the exact sailing when booking.
Best considered forPassengers wanting quieter or reserved seating
Cabins on selected vessels
Cabins are not the defining product on the short Rafina routes, but selected conventional vessels
used on longer services can offer cabin accommodation.
Best considered forLonger conventional-ferry sailings
Accessible passenger areas
Fast Ferries states that its vessels have designated areas for passengers with special needs. Advise
the operator of requirements when booking.
Best considered forPassengers requiring mobility support
Choose by sailing, not brand alone
The passenger layout differs between Theologos P, Ekaterini P, Fast Ferries Andros, Dionysios
Solomos and Adamantios Korais, so confirm the vessel shown on the timetable.
Best considered forTravellers comparing different vessel types
Cabin booking tip
Search early for summer weekends and school-holiday dates. A cabin category can sell out even when
passenger and vehicle space remains available, and a last-minute upgrade should never be assumed.
Onboard experience
Bars, lounges, shops and Wi-Fi
Fast Ferries’ conventional ships are designed for practical Greek island travel, with multiple bars,
indoor salons, shops and Wi-Fi listed on several vessel pages.
Food and drink options vary by vessel and sailing length. Several Fast Ferries vessels list multiple bars. Onboard shops are listed among the facilities on several ships. Open decks are part of the conventional ferry experience in the Aegean.
Bars and refreshments
Several Fast Ferries vessels list four bars, providing drinks and refreshments in different passenger areas.
Passenger salons
Spacious indoor lounges are the core passenger accommodation and provide shelter from sun, wind or
rougher weather.
Onboard shop
Selected ships include a shop for travel essentials and onboard purchases.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is listed as an onboard facility on multiple Fast Ferries vessel pages, although connection
quality at sea can vary.
Medical facilities
Several fleet pages mention an infirmary or medical station as part of the onboard facilities.
Family-friendly conventional ferries
The combination of indoor space, outside decks, refreshments and vehicle carriage makes the service
practical for families and road trips.
Images in this section are from EUFerry’s general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility
types; they are not presented as photographs of a particular Fast Ferries vessel. Confirm the
facilities on the ship assigned to your sailing.
Bring more with you
Cars, motorcycles, touring vehicles and pets
Fast Ferries’ Ro-Pax vessels carry vehicles as well as foot passengers, with separate loading times
and pet rules that matter when planning the journey.
Book the correct vehicle dimensions for cars, motorhomes and other touring vehicles. Motorcycles use the vehicle loading area and should arrive in good time. Pets travel in designated areas and must be registered for the journey.
Cars and touring vehicles
Fast Ferries carries cars and larger permitted vehicles. The operator requires vehicles to reach the
loading area one hour before departure.
Book the correct category and dimensions
Follow port-authority and crew loading instructions
Peak summer vehicle space can sell ahead
Motorcycles
Motorcycles can travel on the vehicle deck and should use the vehicle check-in/loading procedure.
Arrive early enough for loading
Follow crew instructions for securing the motorcycle
Keep ticket and identification ready
Travelling with pets
Pets must be registered and use designated pet areas. They are not allowed in bars, restaurants or
ordinary indoor passenger areas.
Carry an up-to-date pet health book
Dogs moving in permitted areas should be leashed and muzzled as required
Unaccompanied pets are not accepted
Reduced mobility and special assistance
The operator states that vessels have designated areas for passengers with special needs and asks
passengers requiring special care to declare this when tickets are issued.
Arrange requirements when booking
Allow extra time at the port
Confirm vehicle-deck and lift access for the assigned vessel
Before you reach the port
Fast Ferries check-in, tickets and boarding
Greek island ports can be busy in summer. Fast Ferries sets a 30-minute passenger arrival
requirement and a one-hour vehicle loading requirement, but arriving earlier is sensible during peak
travel periods.
Fast Ferries provides web check-in and also uses port agencies for ticket collection or changes. Vehicles should be in the loading area one hour before departure; foot passengers should be at the vessel 30 minutes before departure.
When booking
Enter passenger and vehicle details accurately
Passenger names and contact information form part of the mandatory voyage passenger list. Declare
special-care requirements and pets during booking.
Before travel
Use web check-in or organise your ticket
Fast Ferries offers online check-in. Tickets may also be collected or printed through the relevant
port agencies where required.
60 minutes before
Vehicles should be at the loading area
Drivers should allow time for port traffic, ticket checks and deck loading, especially at Rafina and
Piraeus in summer.
30 minutes before
Passengers should be at the vessel
Have your ticket and valid identification ready for inspection.
During boarding
Follow crew and port-authority instructions
Ticket controls can take place at boarding and during the voyage, and reduced-fare passengers should
carry supporting documents.
Match the port to the islands
When Fast Ferries is the practical choice
Fast Ferries is particularly useful when Rafina is more convenient than Piraeus. The port is on the
eastern side of Attica and can work well for travellers arriving through Athens International
Airport or staying in eastern Athens, especially when the destination is Andros, Tinos or Mykonos.
The expanded Piraeus programme changes the picture for western and southern Cyclades trips. If your
itinerary includes Milos, Folegandros, Ios, Santorini or several islands on the same circuit,
compare Fast Ferries with other Piraeus operators on total journey time, calling pattern and
departure day rather than only the ticket price.
For Samothrace and Lemnos, the Alexandroupolis operation is a completely separate part of the
network and should be planned around the North Aegean timetable. Vehicle places and summer sailings
can be capacity-sensitive, so book early when travelling with a car, motorhome or fixed
accommodation dates.
Common planning questions
Fast Ferries FAQs
Where does Fast Ferries sail?
Fast Ferries operates passenger and vehicle services from Rafina to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos
and seasonal Paros links; from Piraeus to western and southern Cyclades including Serifos, Sifnos,
Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios and Santorini; and from Alexandroupolis to Samothrace,
Lemnos and selected Agios Efstratios sailings.
How early should I arrive for Fast Ferries?
Fast Ferries requires passengers to be at the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure and
vehicles at the loading area at least one hour before departure. Allow more time in summer and at
busy Greek island ports.
Can I take a car on Fast Ferries?
Yes. Fast Ferries operates conventional Ro-Pax ferries with vehicle garages. Cars, motorcycles and
other permitted vehicles must be booked in the correct category, and vehicles should reach the
loading area at least one hour before departure.
Can foot passengers travel with Fast Ferries?
Yes. Foot passengers are accepted on the passenger services and should have a valid ticket and
identification ready for boarding.
Can pets travel with Fast Ferries?
Yes. Pets must be registered for travel and use the designated pet areas. They are not permitted in
bars, restaurants or ordinary indoor passenger areas; when moving around permitted areas, dogs
should be leashed and muzzled as required.
Does Fast Ferries have cabins?
Cabin availability depends on the vessel and route. Most Rafina-Cyclades journeys are planned around
lounges and deck seating, while selected conventional vessels used on longer routes can offer
cabins. Confirm the accommodation shown for the specific sailing.
Is Wi-Fi available on Fast Ferries?
Fast Ferries lists Wi-Fi among the onboard facilities on several vessels, alongside lounges, bars
and shops. Availability and coverage can vary by ship and during the voyage.
Can passengers with reduced mobility travel with Fast Ferries?
Yes. Fast Ferries states that its vessels have designated areas for passengers with special needs,
and several fleet pages describe the ships as friendly to passengers with reduced mobility. Arrange
requirements when booking so the operator can prepare assistance.
Can I use a mobile ticket or web check-in?
Fast Ferries provides an online check-in service. The boarding information states that passengers
must show valid identification or a passport and may have tickets available on a mobile device or
collect/print them through the relevant port agencies.
Do Fast Ferries schedules change seasonally?
Yes. The 2026 timetable changes substantially by season, with more Rafina-Cyclades departures in
summer, seasonal extensions to Paros and increased Piraeus-Cyclades frequency during peak weeks.
Always check the live timetable for the selected date.
Facility photographs are examples; the vessels shown are identified below. Facilities vary by ship.
250120 1029 MV Glen Sannox loading, Port of Troon ferry terminal.jpg — Dave souza; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:250120_1029_MV_Glen_Sannox_loading,_Port_of_Troon_ferry_terminal.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (49687542022).jpg — Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_(49687542022).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Check-in, Holyhead Ferry Terminal - geograph.org.uk - 7757104.jpg — JThomas; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Check-in,_Holyhead_Ferry_Terminal_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7757104.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Deckchair on ferry.jpg — User:Amada44; CC BY 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deckchair_on_ferry.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0. Resized for display.
Ferries crossing the sea during sunset outside Tenerife.jpg — TimOve; CC BY 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferries_crossing_the_sea_during_sunset_outside_Tenerife.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Resized for display.
Motorcycles on board Washington State Ferry MV Cathlamet.jpg — Joe Mabel; CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Motorcycles_on_board_Washington_State_Ferry_MV_Cathlamet.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0. Resized for display.