How do I get to Chios by ferry?

The main route is an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens), operated by Blue Star Ferries, taking approximately 8 hours. There are also connections to Lesvos and Samos within the North Aegean.

Where does the ferry arrive on Chios?

Ferries dock at the town port in Chios Town (Hora), directly on the waterfront. The main square and commercial centre are a short walk away.

Is there a fast ferry to Chios?

High-speed catamaran services to Chios are limited or seasonal — most travellers use the overnight conventional ferry from Piraeus, which is cheaper and carries vehicles.

Chios Ferries

Guide to ferries at Chios — the port in Chios Town, overnight routes from Piraeus, and connections within the North Aegean island group.

The port: Chios Town

Chios' ferry port sits directly on the waterfront of Chios Town (Hora), the island's capital, on the west-facing coast of the island opposite the Turkish coast near Çeşme. The ferry terminal is central, with hotels, cafés and the main commercial streets immediately behind it. The closeness of Turkey — less than 10 kilometres across the strait — gives the waterfront a distinctive eastern Aegean feel.

Overnight service from Piraeus

The primary connection is the overnight ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries from Piraeus, taking roughly 8 hours. The route is a classic North Aegean overnight — you board in the evening, sleep aboard, and arrive in Chios early morning. The service is year-round and carries vehicles. It is not the fastest option but it combines travel with a night's accommodation and is popular with locals and longer-stay visitors.

North Aegean connections

Chios sits within a chain of North Aegean islands that includes Lesvos and Samos. Ferry connections between the islands are available, making it possible to island-hop within the group before or after the Piraeus crossing. The distances between the northern Aegean islands are greater than in the compact Cyclades, so plan connections carefully.

Practical tips

The island is known for mastic production — the unique resin harvested from Pistacia lentiscus trees in the south of the island — and for its medieval Genoese villages (the Mastichochoria). Arriving by overnight ferry gives you the full day to explore. If you are planning to hire a car, do so in advance in summer as supply is limited on smaller islands.

Ports & terminals

Chios FerriesView on map →

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Chios by ferry?: The main route is an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens), operated by Blue Star Ferries, taking approximately 8 hours. There are also connections to Lesvos and Samos within the North Aegean.
Where does the ferry arrive on Chios?: Ferries dock at the town port in Chios Town (Hora), directly on the waterfront. The main square and commercial centre are a short walk away.
Is there a fast ferry to Chios?: High-speed catamaran services to Chios are limited or seasonal — most travellers use the overnight conventional ferry from Piraeus, which is cheaper and carries vehicles.