Golden Star Ferries

Who they are

Golden Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company founded in 2011. It sails from Rafina, the port on the east coast of Attica, to the Cyclades all year round. For travellers arriving at Athens International Airport, Rafina is often the more practical port: it is about 30 minutes away by car, much closer than Piraeus.

The company runs a mixed fleet of conventional ferries and high speed boats. Service runs all year on the core northern Cyclades route, with more sailings and a longer high speed line from spring to autumn.

Network and routes

The backbone is Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos, which carries islanders all year and heavy tourist traffic to Mykonos in summer. Some sailings continue to Paros.

From spring to autumn a high speed line runs further south. In 2026 the Superexpress left Rafina at 07:20, called at Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Ios, and reached Santorini around 12:40, a bit over 5 hours. It ran daily from 1 May to 31 October, with a reduced timetable around Easter. The return leaves Santorini at 14:15 and calls at Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Tinos on the way back to Rafina.

Inter-island legs such as Andros to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros or Santorini to Mykonos are useful for island hopping without going back to the mainland.

Fleet and on board

Golden Star runs conventional ferries such as Superferry and Andros Queen alongside high speed boats such as Superexpress. The high speed boats cut crossing times and suit foot passengers in a hurry. The conventional ferries take longer, cope better with wind and carry more cars, motorbikes and luggage.

The ships have indoor lounges, a café-bar with snacks and hot drinks, and outdoor deck space on the conventional ferries. Ferryhopper lists a free luggage allowance of up to 50 kg. Pets travel in pet cabins or kennels, which should be booked in advance, or on outside decks on a leash and muzzle.

Booking and tips

You can book on the Golden Star Ferries website or on booking sites such as Ferryhopper, which show the full schedule and prices. Ferryhopper lists a 75% refund if you cancel up to 7 days before departure and 50% from 6 days to 12 hours before.

Rafina port is small and easy to navigate. Arrive at least 40 minutes before departure, or 60 to 90 minutes with a vehicle. Parking near the port fills fast in July and August.

The meltemi wind can stop sailings from Rafina as it can from Piraeus. If a sailing is cancelled, contact the company or your booking site about the next available sailing or a refund, and check the status the evening before you travel.

For times and fares, see our Athens to Mykonos, Santorini to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros and Rafina port pages.