Ferry from Athens to Hydra, Poros and Spetses: times and prices (2026)
Hydra, Poros and Spetses are the Saronic islands, one to two hours from Piraeus by fast boat. Car-free Hydra, green Poros and elegant Spetses: times, prices and combinations.
- Piraeus to Hydra: 1h10 to 2 hours by fast boat, 6–8 sailings a day in season, roughly €38–52 (Greeka).
- Spetses: from 1h30, up to 10 sailings a day, from about €38 (Ferryhopper, October 2026).
- Hydra bans cars, motorbikes and even bicycles: you walk, ride a donkey or take a water taxi.
The Saronic islands suit a short break from Athens or a Hydra day trip. Book fast boats ahead on summer weekends and leave time before your flight.
Getting to Hydra from Athens
Hydra is served only by fast boats (catamarans) run by Blue Star and Alpha Lines. According to Greeka:
| Route | Crossing time | Sailings a day in season | Fare one way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus–Hydra | 1h10 to 2h | 6–8 | roughly €38–52 |
| Hydra–Poros | about 30 min | 5–6 | about €19.50 |
| Hydra–Spetses | 30 min to 1h | 5–8 | about €16 |
The shortest crossing is direct; longer ones stop at other islands. According to Ferryscanner, there are about 67 weekly sailings to Hydra from June to September and only about 8 from October to May.
Hydra: a car-free island
According to Greeka, wheeled vehicles, including cars, motorbikes and even bicycles, are not allowed on Hydra. You walk, ride a donkey or take a water taxi. Don't bring a car: leave it in Athens or park in Piraeus.
Spetses and Poros
- Spetses: according to Ferryhopper, from 1h30 from Piraeus, up to 10 sailings a day, from about €38, with Alpha Lines, Blue Star Ferries and Magic Sea Ferries.
- Poros: the closest of the three, right off the Peloponnese coast. Reach it by fast boat from Piraeus, or by car through the Peloponnese plus a short boat hop.
Which Piraeus gate?
According to Ferryhopper, Saronic boats usually leave from gate E8, close to the metro station. Check your ticket.
Getting to Piraeus: from the airport take metro line 3 straight to Piraeus station (up to 59 minutes) or the 24-hour X96 bus. From central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki) take metro line 1 or 3. The port is huge: walking from the entrance to your gate can take up to 30 minutes, so check your gate on the ticket. Airport to Piraeus and the city.
Combining the three islands
A possible loop: Piraeus, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and back to Piraeus. Hops between the islands take half an hour to an hour. In winter there are few sailings.
Tips before you book
- July and August: book ahead, especially with a car or if you want a cabin on a night sailing.
- Meltemi wind: from mid-May to mid-September a strong north wind blows. High-speed boats are cancelled first, and sometimes the port authority stops all sailings. When strong wind is forecast, a large conventional ferry is the safer choice.
- Strikes: when the seamen's union strikes, all ferries stay in port. Check today's strikes and the strike calendar.
- Spare day: never come back from the island on the day of your flight home.
- Ticket and passport: most companies send an e-ticket with a QR code. Bring your passport and arrive at least an hour before departure.
More on ports, winds and tickets: Ferries in Greece: the complete guide.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Athens to Hydra? 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours by fast boat from Piraeus, depending on stops.
Can I take a car to Hydra? No. Cars, motorbikes and bicycles are banned on Hydra. Leave the car on the mainland.
Can I do a day trip to Hydra from Athens? Yes. In season there are morning and evening sailings, and one day is enough for the harbour, town and a swim. In winter there are fewer sailings, so check the return time.
Crossing times, companies and fares are based on Ferryhopper and the operators' sites, October 2026. Fares are "from" prices for one adult, one way, and change by season and vessel. Check the current price when you book.
