Getting from Athens to Paros is easy — the island has both a busy ferry link from Piraeus and its own airport with multiple daily flights. Which one to pick depends on your budget, your schedule and how much of the Aegean you want to see on the way. Here's the complete rundown.
Option 1: the ferry from Piraeus
Ferries leave Piraeus (Athens's main port) for Paros several times a day in summer, docking at Parikia in the centre of the island's west coast.
- Conventional ferries (e.g. Blue Star): around 4 to 4.5 hours, the cheapest and steadiest option, with open decks, cabins and space for vehicles. Deck tickets typically run €35–45.
- High-speed ferries (e.g. SeaJets, Golden Star): around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, airline-style seating, typically €55–80. Faster, but bumpier in wind and with no outside deck.
In July and August book a few days ahead (a few weeks for August weekends and around August 15). Off-season, one or two ferries a day still run and you can usually buy tickets on the day. Piraeus tip: gates are spread over a big port — arrive 45–60 minutes before sailing and check your gate number.
Option 2: the flight to Paros (PAS)
Olympic/Aegean operate multiple daily 40-minute hops from Athens International (ATH) to Paros National Airport. Fares swing from about €45 one-way booked early to €120+ last-minute in peak season. The airport is small and quick — you'll be outside 15 minutes after landing — and sits in the southwest of the island, about 10 km from Parikia. Full details in our Paros Airport guide.
Ferry vs flight: how to choose
| FerryFlight | ||
| Time port-to-port / door-to-door | 2.5–4.5 h sailing, plus getting to Piraeus | 40 min flying, plus airport time |
| Typical cost | €35–80 | €45–120+ |
| Luggage | Effectively unlimited | Airline limits apply |
| Experience | Deck views, island approach | Fast and functional |
| Weather risk | Rare cancellations in strong wind | Rarely affected |
Rule of thumb: flying wins for short trips and families with small kids; the ferry wins on price, luggage and the feeling that the holiday starts the moment you sail out of Piraeus. Many visitors fly one way and ferry the other.
When you arrive
Both the port and the airport have one thing in common: the moment you arrive, you'll want wheels. Buses meet some arrivals but connect only the main towns; taxis are few on the whole island. Car Hire Paros does pickups at both Parikia port and Paros Airport — reserve ahead in summer and your car is waiting when you step off. Check availability and prices, and see whether you need a car in Paros if you're undecided.
Planning the rest of the trip? Start with the complete Paros guide and our day-by-day itineraries. Arriving from the islands instead? See Mykonos to Paros and Santorini to Paros.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Paros?
Between 2 hours 40 minutes on the fastest boats and about 4 hours 30 minutes on conventional ferries, depending on operator and stops.
How far is Paros from Athens?
About 160 km southeast of Athens across the Aegean — far enough that the flight takes just 40 minutes, close enough that the morning ferry has you swimming by mid-afternoon.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry from Athens?
Mainland rentals usually can't be taken to islands (and it rarely makes financial sense). Standard practice is to rent on the island itself — pickup at the port as you disembark.
Which side of the ferry should I sit on?
Heading to Paros, the left (port) side gives you Syros and the approach views. But honestly: get a deck seat and move around.
Cover image: A.Savin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.