In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 120 kilometre distance from Athens to Tinos. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 2 ways to get from Athens to Tinos. You can choose between the ferry via rafina, ferry via piraeus. The most affordable option is by ferry via rafina, starting from $35. The fastest route is by ferry via rafina (4h 40m).
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4h 40m
$35
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4h 55m
$46
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The first option when travelling from Athens to Tinos is via Rafina. This town is located 35 km east of Athens city centre.
If you’re going for speed and don’t mind a bit of a bumpy ride, the ferry route via Rafina is faster and cheaper than travelling via Piraeus.
Including the 1-hour bus ride to the port, rates start from $35. This option is 10 EUR cheaper compared to travelling from Athens to Tinos via Piraeus.
See here the two journeys when travelling via Rafina:
If you prefer a slower ferry, then it’s best to travel from Athens to Tinos via Piraeus Port. This port is only 30 minutes away from Athens by train, but the ferry ride will take a bit longer.
Blue Star Ferries will give you a very steady and calm ride for 4.5 hours. Combined costs for this route start from .
Piraeus is closer to Athens than Rafina, only 15 km away. However, only regular ferries depart from this port, so the total travel time from Athens to Tinos can take around 5 hours.
See here the two journeys when travelling via Piraeus:
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
As the spiritual heart of Greece, Tinos is home to the Panagia Megalochari Church. It’s a house of worship dedicated to the country’s national patron saint: Our Lady of Good Tidings. Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk the 1 km distance from the port to the church to visit the image of the Virgin Mary.
From just walking around its small villages, you will find that there is something special about Tinos. It could be the strong spiritual atmosphere on the island that makes you feel at peace. Another bonus: ferry tickets to Tinos from Athens only cost about half the price of tickets to the nearby and more famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos!
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
Carbon Footprint
This 120 km journey produces approximately 11 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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