Rafina vs Piraeus vs Lavrio: Which Port for Your Island Ferry
Athens has three ferry ports. Here is which islands each one serves best, how to reach Rafina and Lavrio by KTEL bus and when the smaller port saves hours.
Choose Rafina for Andros, Tinos and often Mykonos, Paros and Naxos: it is on the east coast of Attica, closer to those islands and about 30 to 40 minutes by bus from the airport. Choose Lavrio for Kea and Kythnos. Use Piraeus for Crete, the Dodecanese, the Saronic islands and the western Cyclades, and when you want metro access.
Piraeus has the most departures and the best public transport. Rafina and Lavrio are smaller ports reached mainly by KTEL Attikis regional buses, by car or by taxi, but they cut sea time on some routes.
Which islands are closer from Rafina and Lavrio?
| Port | Main destinations | Why use it |
|---|---|---|
| Rafina | Andros, Tinos, Mykonos; also Paros, Naxos and other Cyclades by fast boat; Marmari on Evia | Shorter crossing to the northern Cyclades; near the airport |
| Lavrio | Kea, Kythnos; some routes to other Cyclades and the North Aegean | Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens |
| Piraeus | Crete, Dodecanese, Saronic islands, most Cyclades, North Aegean | Most departures; metro, tram and airport bus |
Routes and operators change by season, and winter timetables are much thinner. Check the operator schedule before you choose a port.
How do I get to Rafina?
- From the centre: KTEL Attikis buses leave from the Pedion tou Areos park area, on Mavromateon Street near Victoria metro station. The trip takes around an hour depending on traffic.
- From the airport: KTEL buses run from outside the arrivals level several times a day, roughly 30 to 40 minutes to Rafina.
- By taxi: the airport to Rafina is a metered trip; it is short, so a taxi is practical for a group with bags.
KTEL fares are paid in cash or at the kiosk, and the company does not use OASA tickets. Check current fares and times with KTEL Attikis by phone or at the station; we could not confirm 2026 prices from an official source.
How do I get to Lavrio?
- From the centre: KTEL Attikis buses to Lavrio also start from the Pedion tou Areos area; allow 1.5 hours or more.
- From the airport: there is no simple direct link at all hours; many trips need a change at Markopoulo. A taxi takes about 40 minutes.
- By car: around 60 km from the centre via Attiki Odos and the Lavrio road.
When does Rafina save hours?
Rafina makes most sense when you are flying in and heading straight to Andros, Tinos or Mykonos. The airport-Rafina bus is short, while getting from the airport to Piraeus can take 90 minutes on the X96 bus. The crossing is also shorter because Rafina faces the Cyclades. For a full day in Athens before sailing, Piraeus is often easier, because the metro takes you to the port directly.
What about parking and arriving by car?
All three ports have paid parking near the quays, and spaces at Rafina fill up on summer weekends. If you take your car on the ferry, book a vehicle space in advance and arrive earlier than foot passengers; operators print check-in times on the ticket. Our guide to driving in Athens and Attiki Odos tolls covers motorway costs on the way.
How do prices compare?
Fares depend more on the ship than on the port: high-speed catamarans cost more than conventional ferries on the same route. For Mykonos and Tinos, Rafina sailings are often shorter and sometimes cheaper than from Piraeus, but compare both on the day you want; prices change through the season.
Which port suits where I live in Athens?
Where you start matters as much as where you are going. Residents of the eastern and northern suburbs, such as Chalandri, Agia Paraskevi, Gerakas or Pallini, are closer to Rafina than to Piraeus, and the drive avoids the centre. People living in the southern coastal suburbs reach Piraeus easily by tram T7 or by car along the coast. Lavrio is closest for those staying near Sounion or in south-east Attica.
From central neighbourhoods such as Koukaki, Pangrati or Kolonaki, Piraeus is usually simpler: one metro ride with no bus timetable to watch. Rafina from the centre means a KTEL bus from Pedion tou Areos or a long taxi ride across the city.
What changes in winter?
From roughly November to April, the smaller ports lose most of their fast boats, and some islands get only one or two sailings a day or fewer. Rafina keeps its regular routes to Andros and Tinos, and Lavrio to Kea and Kythnos, but timings shift and strong north winds suspend crossings more often. Book the return before you go, and keep a free day in case the weather holds you on the island.
Bottom line
Landing at the airport with a ferry to Andros, Tinos or Mykonos the same day, check Rafina first. For Crete, Rhodes or Aegina, Piraeus is the only sensible choice; our Piraeus ferry guide explains its gates.
FAQ
Is there a metro to Rafina or Lavrio?
No. Neither port has a metro or train link as of November 2026. Use KTEL buses, a taxi or a car.
Can I use my Athens transport card on KTEL buses?
No. KTEL Attikis is a separate regional company with its own tickets.
Which port is best for Mykonos?
Both Rafina and Piraeus serve Mykonos. Rafina is usually the shorter crossing and is closer to the airport.
Do strikes and wind bans also affect Rafina?
Yes. Seamen’s strikes and Coast Guard wind bans apply to all ports, and Rafina routes are often among the first suspended in strong north winds.
