Mykonos to Ios Ferry
Mykonos to Ios — At a Glance
- Season: Ferries operate from April to October. No winter service.
- Frequency: Several ferries per day (3 daily) during the season.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Golden Star Ferries.
- Tickets from: €58 – €60 per person.
The Mykonos to Ios ferry is one of the more straightforward hops in the Cyclades, linking two islands that could hardly be more different in character. Mykonos, all boutique hotels and cosmopolitan energy, gives way to Ios, where the legendary beaches and whitewashed Chora have drawn travellers for decades. Ferries run from April to October, with no service over the winter months.
At the height of summer you can expect around 3 sailings per day, with frequency tapering off slightly in the shoulder months. That said, even in April and October there is at least a daily option, so the crossing is rarely an inconvenience.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Mykonos to Ios:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | No | – |
| March | No | – |
| April | Yes | 1.0 |
| May | Yes | 2.1 (2–3) |
| June | Yes | 3.0 |
| July | Yes | 3.0 |
| August | Yes | 3.0 |
| September | Yes | 3.5 (3–4) |
| October | Yes | 2.2 (2–3) |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Two companies serve the Mykonos–Ios route, and the difference in journey time between them is significant:
- Seajets – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Golden Star Ferries – approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
Tips for the Mykonos–Ios Ferry
- If you are prone to seasickness and see a Force 5–6 forecast, take preventive medication the night before as well as on the morning of travel.
- In autumn, the combination of warm sea and cooling air can produce dramatic storms – watch the forecast carefully for trips in October and November.
- In Ios, the whitewashed Chora draws visitors with its narrow footpaths, windmills, and the climb to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa for sweeping views across the Aegean. The island’s beaches are among the finest in the Cyclades – Mylopotas, Manganari, and Magganari are the most celebrated – while Homer’s reputed tomb lies on the northern hillside.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Mykonos to Ios?
During the season, which runs from April to October, you can expect around 3 sailings per day at peak summer. Frequency is lower in the shoulder months, but there is at least a daily departure throughout the season.
How long is the ferry from Mykonos to Ios?
The crossing takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on which company you sail with. The faster option gets you to Ios in well under two hours.
How much does the Mykonos to Ios ferry cost?
Standard seat tickets start from €58 per person. Prices can reach €60 or more depending on the operator, the class of ticket, and the time of year you travel.
Which ferry companies operate the Mykonos–Ios route?
The route is served by Seajets, Golden Star Ferries.