Rafina to Tinos Ferry
Rafina to Tinos -- At a Glance
- Season: Seasonal service (February to October).
- Frequency: 2-3 ferries per day in winter, increasing to very frequent service with 11+ departures per day in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 3 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.
- Operators: Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries.
- Tickets from: €29 – €35 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
The Rafina to Tinos ferry is one of the more rewarding crossings in the Cyclades, taking you from the bustling port town east of Athens directly to one of the most spiritually significant islands in Greece. With a sailing time of under four hours, it’s a manageable and enjoyable way to make the crossing.
Service runs throughout the year, though the timetable shifts considerably with the seasons. On average you’ll find around 8 departures per day, but in the height of summer — June through August — that figure climbs to 11 daily sailings. In winter, expect around 2 per day.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Rafina to Tinos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 2.0 (2–3) |
| March | Yes | 2.0 |
| April | Yes | 5.7 (3–10) |
| May | Yes | 6.2 (1–13) |
| June | Yes | 10.9 (9–13) |
| July | Yes | 11.5 (10–13) |
| August | Yes | 11.5 (8–13) |
| September | Yes | 11.8 (10–13) |
| October | Yes | 9.8 (8–12) |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Two operators run the Rafina–Tinos route, giving you a choice of sailing times depending on your schedule:
- Golden Star Ferries – approximately 3 hours 45 minutes
- Fast Ferries – approximately 3 hours 35 minutes
Tips for the Rafina–Tinos Ferry
- Lightning storms are possible in spring and autumn; they are usually short-lived and rarely affect ferry operations, but can cause brief delays at loading.
- The eastern coast of islands (lee side) provides shelter from the meltemi; ports on the eastern shore of Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros are usually calmer.
- On longer crossings, locate the indoor seating areas first in case weather or wind forces you inside partway through the journey.
- In Tinos, the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in the island’s main town is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Orthodox world, drawing hundreds of thousands of faithful each year. Beyond the port, the island’s marble-carved villages and the distinctive marble-latticed dovecotes of the countryside make for rewarding exploration.
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 Rafina to Tinos?
2-3 ferries per day in winter, increasing to very frequent service with 11+ departures per day in summer. Service runs year-round.
How long is the ferry from Rafina to Tinos?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 3 hours 35 minutes, while the slowest takes around 3 hours 45 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Rafina to Tinos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €29 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €35 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Rafina–Tinos route?
The route is served by Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries.