How to Get to Ios, Greece: Ferries, Airports and Transfers
Ios is one of the easiest Cycladic islands to combine with a trip to Athens or Santorini, but there is one thing to know before you book: there is no airport on the island. Every visitor arrives by sea, and the only question is where you board the boat. This guide explains the main routes, how long they take, which airport to choose, and how to get from the port to your villa, based on the travel information we give our own guests at Youtopia Villas.
Can you fly into Ios?
No. Ios has no commercial airport, so you cannot fly directly to the island. The practical way is to fly into Athens, Santorini or Mykonos and continue by ferry. For guests who prefer to arrive by air, Youtopia can arrange a helicopter fly in through a business partner, which is the fastest and most comfortable option. You can ask about it through our contact page.
By ferry from Athens: Piraeus or Rafina
Ferries to Ios leave from the two main ports of Athens, Piraeus and Rafina. Piraeus is the big central port with the widest choice of routes. Rafina is smaller and sits close to Athens International Airport, so it is often the most convenient option if you land in Athens and want to continue the same day.
Travel time depends on the vessel and the route. High speed boats can reach Ios in about 3 to 4 hours, while conventional ferries that stop at several islands on the way can take much longer, up to 11 or 12 hours on some routes. Schedules change with the season, with the most frequent connections in summer, so check the current timetables when you plan your dates.
Fly and ferry: which airport for Ios?
If you prefer a short flight and a short boat ride, the nearest airports are on Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini is the closest and the most popular choice, because it has many international and domestic flights in summer and frequent ferries to Ios. Mykonos also works, although the boat trip is usually longer and may include stops at other islands.
Many travellers make this part of the holiday: a couple of nights in Santorini for the caldera views, then the ferry to Ios for beaches, space and a villa with a private pool. If you are deciding where to base yourself on the island, our guide on where to stay in Ios compares Chora, Mylopotas and the quiet hills above the port.
Ferry from Santorini to Ios
The ferry from Santorini to Ios is one of the shortest hops in the Cyclades. High speed boats usually take under an hour, and conventional ferries a little longer. Ticket prices depend on the company, the type of boat and the season, with high speed boats costing more than conventional ferries, so compare the options when you book. In summer there are several departures a day, which also makes a day trip from Santorini to Ios possible, although one day is very short for an island with this many beaches.
Routes to Ios at a glance
| Route | How | Typical journey | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens (Piraeus) to Ios | Ferry | About 3 to 4 hours by high speed boat, longer on conventional ferries | Widest choice of departures |
| Athens (Rafina) to Ios | Ferry | Similar to Piraeus, depending on the boat | Close to Athens airport |
| Santorini to Ios | Flight to Santorini, then ferry | Usually under an hour by high speed boat | The closest airport to Ios |
| Mykonos to Ios | Flight to Mykonos, then ferry | Longer, often with stops at other islands | Fewer direct connections |
| Helicopter | Fly in through Youtopia’s partner | The fastest option | Arranged on request |
Arriving at the port of Ios
All ferries arrive at the port of Ios, in the bay of Gialos on the west side of the island. From here, Chora is a short drive up the hill and Mylopotas is just beyond it. Youtopia Villas are about ten minutes from the port, and guests can book a transfer from the port through our partner, so you do not have to think about taxis or luggage after the boat. If you land early, Gialos beach is right next to the port for a first swim, as we explain in our guide to the best beaches in Ios.
Getting around Ios
Ios is small and easy to get around. In summer a local bus runs between the port, Chora and Mylopotas, and in high season it also serves Manganari. Taxis are available but limited in peak weeks, so for most visitors a rental car, scooter or ATV is the best choice, especially if you want to reach the east coast or the quieter beaches. Youtopia can advise you on vehicle rental and boat rental, as listed on our services page.
When to travel to Ios
The main season runs from late spring to early autumn, when ferry connections are most frequent. July and August are the busiest months for both boats and the island, so book ferries and accommodation early if you travel then. June and September are ideal for many travellers: warm sea, long days, calmer beaches and easier ferry bookings. The summer north wind, the meltemi, can occasionally delay or cancel smaller boats, so leave a little room in your plans on the day you connect with an international flight.
Plan your arrival with Youtopia
Once your ferry or flight is booked, the rest is simple. Let us know your arrival time and we can arrange the port transfer, vehicle rental or a helicopter fly in. Choose between Youtopia Villa I, Youtopia Villa II, the Grand Youtopia Villa for groups of up to eight, or the Junior Suite for couples, and check the offers page for the Loyalty Club discount and last minute rates when you book direct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest airport to Ios, Greece?
The closest airport to Ios is on Santorini, a short ferry ride away. Mykonos airport is another option, with a longer boat trip. Many travellers also fly into Athens and take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, the port close to Athens airport.
How long is a ferry from Santorini to Ios?
High speed boats from Santorini to Ios usually take under an hour, and conventional ferries a little longer. Exact times depend on the company, the vessel and the season, so check the current schedule when you book.
How much does a ferry ticket from Santorini to Ios cost?
The price depends on the ferry company, the type of boat and the season. High speed boats cost more than conventional ferries, and fares can change during the summer, so compare the current options on the ferry operators’ booking sites before you travel.
Is it possible to take a day trip from Santorini to Ios island?
Yes, in summer there are usually enough departures to go to Ios in the morning and return in the evening. One day is short, though, so most travellers prefer to stay a few nights on Ios to enjoy the beaches, Chora and the sunsets.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Ios?
From Piraeus or Rafina, high speed boats reach Ios in about 3 to 4 hours. Conventional ferries that stop at other islands take longer, up to 11 or 12 hours on some routes. Schedules change with the season.
How do you get around on Ios?
In summer a local bus connects the port, Chora and Mylopotas, and it also runs to Manganari in high season. For the rest of the island most visitors rent a car, scooter or ATV. Youtopia can advise guests on vehicle and boat rental.
Is Rafina or Piraeus better for Ios?
Rafina is close to Athens airport, so it is convenient if you land and continue the same day. Piraeus has the widest choice of departures and is easier to reach from central Athens. Choose based on your ferry time and where you are staying before the trip.
