Fast Ferries

Who they are

Fast Ferries is a Greek operator based at Rafina port, focused on serving the Cyclades with a combination of conventional ro-ro ferries and faster craft. Its Rafina base makes it a natural choice for Athens airport arrivals heading directly to the islands — the port is considerably closer to the airport than Piraeus, saving time and hassle at the start or end of a trip.

The company has operated the Rafina–Cyclades corridor for many years, building a timetable that reflects the strong demand from both Greek and international tourists. In peak summer the schedule intensifies to meet the surge in visitors; a leaner year-round programme serves islanders and shoulder-season travellers.

Network and routes

Fast Ferries concentrates its network on the northern and central Cyclades. The company's routes thread out from Rafina through Andros and Tinos before reaching Mykonos — one of Greece's most visited islands — and continuing south to Paros, a hub for onward connections to Naxos, Ios and Santorini.

This corridor is one of the busiest in the Greek ferry system, and Fast Ferries' consistent year-round presence means it serves both tourists and residents who depend on reliable mainland connections. The route to Paros adds particular value, giving passengers an alternative to Piraeus when heading into the central Cyclades.

Inter-island legs — Andros to Mykonos, Tinos to Paros — can be combined to create island-hop itineraries using a single operator.

Fleet and on board

Fast Ferries' fleet is built for practicality: vessels carry passengers, vehicles and freight, with open car decks and comfortable indoor passenger lounges. Seating is plentiful on the larger vessels; outdoor deck space provides views of the Attica coastline as you leave the mainland.

A café-bar offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and light meals. Journeys from Rafina to Andros or Tinos are under two hours on the faster sailings; the Mykonos run typically takes two to three hours depending on the vessel and stops made. Crossings to Paros are longer and benefit from the lounge seating and food service.

Booking and tips

Fast Ferries tickets are available directly on the operator's website and through ferry booking platforms. Prices reflect demand — book early for peak-season sailings, especially if you need vehicle space.

Rafina port is compact and easy to use. Vehicle passengers should arrive at least an hour before departure; foot passengers can check in 30–40 minutes prior. The port has a small selection of cafés and a supermarket nearby for last-minute provisions.

For passengers connecting from the airport, the X31 express bus runs directly between Athens International Airport and Rafina. The journey takes roughly 35–45 minutes. Confirm onward ferry timing before booking your flight connection — Fast Ferries' morning departures suit same-day arrivals well.