%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(23.7293%2C37.9776)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(25.157859%2C37.583522)%2F24.4435795%2C37.780561000000006%2C6%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Tinos is a Cycladic island known for its marble villages and old dovecotes. Pilgrims come for the church of Panagia Evangelistria, but the beaches stay quiet. The cheapest way to get from Athens to Tinos is the ferry from Rafina at $32 (€28). It's the quickest too, taking 2h 35m - 4h 45m. Sailing from Piraeus costs more at $58 (€51).
Distance from Athens to Tinos
Athens and Tinos are about 130 km (81 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h 35m and 5h 35m.
2 ways to travel from Athens to Tinos
There are two ways to travel from Athens to Tinos. You can choose between the ferry and ferry via Piraeus. The journey takes 2h 35m–2h 55m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $24 (€21).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Athens→Rafina1h
- Rafina→Tinos3h 40m
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Athens to Tinos.
Athens to Tinos by Ferry via Rafina
The first option when travelling from Athens to Tinos is to take a ferry via Rafina. This town is located 35 km east of Athens city centre.
If you're looking for the fastest option and don't mind a slightly bumpier ride, travelling via Rafina is both faster and cheaper than taking a ferry from Piraeus.
Including the 1-hour bus ride to the port, the total journey cost starts from $32 (€28).
Below, we explain the step-by-step journey from Athens to Tinos via Rafina.
Step 1: Athens to Rafina by Bus
From Athens city centre, you’ll first have to travel to Rafina Port. There are 2 ways you can do this: by 1-hour bus or by 30-minute taxi.
Buses from Athens to Rafina Port depart from Nomismatokopio Bus Stop, just outside Nomismatokopio Metro Station. They run several times a day.
A bus ticket costs $3.00 (€2.60), and the journey takes around 1 hour. Make sure to bring cash or small change because card payments are not accepted.
The bus arrives at Rafina Bus Stop. From here, it is just a few minutes' walk to Rafina Port.
Alternatively, you can take a private transfer, which takes around 30 minutes. You can pre-book your car with BookAway, with fares from $28 (€24). You can also take a taxi or Uber, although fares are generally more expensive, starting from $46 (€40).
Step 2: Rafina to Tinos by Ferry
Three ferry companies operate on the Rafina to Tinos route: Seajets, Fast Ferries, and Golden Star Ferries.
If you're looking for the fastest crossing, some Seajets sailings can get you to Tinos in as little as 1.5 to 2 hours. That said, its high-speed catamarans can get quite bumpy on rough seas. Not every Seajets sailing is this fast, though.
Depending on the ferry departure you choose, the journey can take up to 3.5 to 4 hours. Ticket prices from Rafina to Tinos start from $29 (€25).
Ferry tickets are available on Omio.
Booking Tip
The ferries arrive at Tinos Port, which is just beside the island’s city centre.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, you can consider taking a slower ferry from Piraeus Port. You can read more about this option in the next section!
Athens to Tinos by Ferry via Piraeus
If you prefer a slower, smoother ferry journey, it is best to travel from Athens to Tinos via Piraeus Port. This port is highly accessible, only a 30-minute train ride from the city centre, but the ferry ride itself will take a bit longer.
Blue Star Ferries will give you a very steady, calm ride that takes about 5 hours to reach the island. Combined costs for this route start from $58 (€51).
While Piraeus is much closer to central Athens than Rafina (about 15 km away), the longer ferry crossing may be worth considering if you are prone to seasickness. Conventional ferries are larger and generally more stable than high-speed catamarans, making them better suited to the strong summer winds in the Aegean Sea.
Step 1: Athens to Piraeus by Train
Piraeus Port is located about 15 km southwest of Athens city centre. You can get there by metro train in around 30 minutes for only $1.40 (€1.20).
From Athens city centre, take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) or Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) to Piraeus Station. Popular departure stations include Monastiraki (Lines 1 and 3), Omonia (Line 1), and Syntagma (Line 3).
You need to get off at Piraeus Station.
Line 1 (Green Line): Arrives at the historic station building.
Line 3 (Blue Line): Arrives at the newer underground station.
From either station, follow the signs to your ferry gate. Depending on your departure gate, the walk through Piraeus Port takes around 5–20 minutes.
If you'd rather be dropped off closer to your ferry terminal, you can take a taxi from central Athens. The journey takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares start at around $18 (€16).
Step 2: Piraeus to Tinos by Ferry
Blue Star Ferries and Seajets each operate one daily ferry on the Piraeus to Tinos route.
Blue Star Ferries operates a large, conventional ferry that reaches Tinos in around 5 hours. Although the journey takes longer, the larger vessel offers a smoother ride, even when the sea is rough.
If speed is your priority, Seajets uses a high-speed catamaran to reach Tinos in around 2.5 hours — about half the time of Blue Star Ferries. Tickets are generally more expensive, though, and the smaller vessel is more affected by strong winds.
Ferry ticket prices start from $57 (€50).
Ferry tickets are available on Omio.
Booking Tip
It’s best to check their schedules a few days before your trip to be sure. You can also book your tickets online for guaranteed seats.
All ferries arrive at Tinos Port, about 1 km south of the iconic Panagia Megalochari Church.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Tinos?
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!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Athens to Tinos, roughly 130 kilometres (81 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $32 (€28). The quickest trip takes 2h 35m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Athens to Tinos?
The distance from Athens to Tinos is 130 kilometres (81 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Athens to Tinos?
Journey times from Athens to Tinos overlap: ferry via rafina 2h 35m - 4h 45m, ferry via piraeus 2h 55m - 5h 35m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Athens to Tinos?
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Tinos is by ferry with ticket costs starting from €28.
Route Update History
- New ferry operators: SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries.
- Updated ferry prices.
- Updated ferry departure times.
- New ferry via piraeus operator: SeaJets.
- Updated ferry via piraeus prices.
- Updated ferry via piraeus departure times.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
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.