The ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos takes between 35 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes depending on the service, runs multiple times daily in summer, and costs around 10–16 euros per person — making it one of the easiest inter-island connections in the Sporades Islands.
If you are planning a trip that combines both islands, this page covers everything you need to know: journey times, ticket prices, how to book, which port to arrive at, and what to expect on the day of travel.
Skiathos to Skopelos Ferry: The Basics
Ferries on the Skiathos to Skopelos route are operated by Hellenic Seaways and Anes Ferries, running conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans. The route is short and well-served, particularly from May through October when tourist demand is high. Out of season, services reduce significantly, so always check timetables if you are travelling between November and April.
There are two key things to know before you book your Skiathos to Skopelos ferry ticket:
- Skopelos has two ferry ports — Glossa (Loutraki) in the north and Skopelos Town in the south. Most ferries from Skiathos call at Glossa first, then continue to Skopelos Town.
- The journey time to each port is different. Glossa is closer and takes roughly 35–50 minutes; Skopelos Town adds another 30–40 minutes on top of that.
Make sure you know which port you need before you buy your ticket. If your accommodation is near Glossa village, arrive at Glossa port. If you are heading to Skopelos Town, stay on the ferry for the full journey.
Journey Times
Journey times vary depending on whether the service is a high-speed catamaran or a conventional ferry:
- Skiathos to Glossa (Loutraki): approximately 35–55 minutes
- Skiathos to Skopelos Town: approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
High-speed services are faster but slightly more expensive. Conventional ferries are slower but can carry vehicles, which matters if you are bringing a car or motorbike across.
Ticket Prices
Foot passenger fares on the Skiathos skopelos ferry route typically range from around 10 to 16 euros per person one way, depending on the operator and service type. High-speed ferries tend to cost a little more than conventional ones. Vehicle fares are charged separately and vary by vehicle size.
Prices fluctuate by season and can sell out on popular summer departures. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for July and August. The best place to search and compare fares is Ferryscanner, which aggregates schedules and prices across operators and lets you book directly.
How Many Ferries Per Day?
In peak summer (July–August), there are typically 4–6 ferry crossings per day from Skiathos to Skopelos, spread across the morning, midday, and afternoon. Departures tend to cluster in the morning between 09:00 and 14:00, with a few late afternoon options.
Shoulder season (May, June, September, October) still has a good number of daily departures, usually 3–4. In winter, services drop to 1–2 per day and occasionally none at all during bad weather.
Always check the current timetable rather than relying on last year’s schedule — routes and frequencies change each season.
Skiathos to Skopelos Ferry Times: What to Expect
First departures from Skiathos port typically leave between 09:00 and 10:00. There are usually mid-morning and lunchtime options, with some operators running a late afternoon crossing. Evening departures are rare on this route.
If you are travelling from Skiathos and want to arrive in Skopelos Town with enough daylight to settle in, aim for a morning or early afternoon crossing. The 35–80 minute crossing is short enough that even an afternoon departure leaves you with time to explore on arrival.
Glossa Port (Loutraki)
Skopelos Glossa Ferry Port — officially called Loutraki — is a small port at the base of a steep hillside on Skopelos’s northern tip. It is the first port of call on most services from Skiathos, which makes it the faster option if your destination is in the northern part of the island.
Glossa village itself is about 3 kilometres uphill from the port. Taxis and occasional buses connect the two, but the road is winding. If your hotel is in or near Glossa, arrange a transfer in advance — there are rarely taxis waiting at the port outside peak hours.
The port is small with a covered waiting area and not much else. Arrive 20–30 minutes before your ferry departs and you will be fine.
Skopelos Town Port
The main port, Skopelos Town Ferry Port, is right in the centre of the main settlement. Most visitor accommodation, restaurants, and services are within easy walking distance. If you are staying in Skopelos Town, this is the port you want.
The waterfront area around the port has cafes, minimarkets, and car hire offices. Getting onward transport from Skopelos Town port is straightforward compared to Glossa, and taxis are usually available near the port in summer.
Is There a Water Taxi from Skiathos to Skopelos?
There is no scheduled water taxi service running between Skiathos and Skopelos in the traditional sense. Private speedboat charters can be arranged from Skiathos, but these are expensive and not a standard commuter option. What some people refer to as a “Skiathos to Skopelos water taxi” is typically just the regular ferry or hydrofoil service — the term is used loosely.
If you want a private transfer, contact a boat charter company in Skiathos directly. Expect to pay significantly more than a standard ferry ticket, and factor in that weather conditions can cancel private boats more easily than scheduled ferries.
For most travellers, the scheduled ferry is the practical, affordable, and reliable option.
How to Get to Skopelos: Your Full Route Options
If you are wondering how to get to Skopelos more broadly, the standard approach from mainland Greece is:
- Fly into Skiathos Airport (SKI) — the nearest international airport
- Take the ferry from Skiathos port to Skopelos
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Volos or Agios Konstantinos on the mainland directly to Skopelos, but these are longer crossings (2–3 hours from Volos, around 3.5 hours from Agios Konstantinos). For most visitors, flying to Skiathos and taking a short ferry crossing is the fastest and most convenient route.
Skopelos is also reachable from Alonissos and Skopelos’s other neighbours. See the Islands near Skopelos page for connections across the group.
Practical Tips for the Crossing
- Book ahead in summer. July and August departures fill up quickly, especially on the faster catamaran services. Use Ferryscanner to compare options and lock in your seat early.
- Arrive at the port early. Aim for 20–30 minutes before departure. Skiathos port can be busy and loading starts before official departure time.
- Check the weather. The Aegean can be choppy, particularly in August when the meltemi winds blow. High-speed services are more likely to be affected or cancelled than conventional ferries. Check conditions the night before.
- Know your port. Confirm whether you are disembarking at Glossa or Skopelos Town — the ferry calls at both, and it is easy to miss your stop if you are not paying attention.
- Bringing a vehicle? Not all services carry vehicles. Check before booking. The conventional ferry does; the catamaran typically does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos?
The crossing takes between 35 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes depending on which port you are going to and which type of service you take. Glossa (Loutraki) is the closer port at around 35–55 minutes from Skiathos. Skopelos Town takes longer, usually around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes total.
How much does the Skiathos to Skopelos ferry cost?
Foot passenger tickets typically cost between 10 and 16 euros one way, depending on the operator and time of year. High-speed catamaran services can be slightly pricier than conventional ferries. Vehicle fares are additional and vary by size. Check current prices on Ferryscanner for the exact fare on your travel date.
How many ferries run from Skiathos to Skopelos each day?
In peak summer there are usually 4–6 crossings per day. Shoulder season typically offers 3–4 daily services. In winter, services reduce to 1–2 per day and may be suspended during bad weather periods. Timetables change each season, so always verify before you travel.
Can I take a car on the Skiathos to Skopelos ferry?
Yes, but only on conventional ferry services — not on the high-speed catamarans. If you need to transport a car, motorbike, or campervan, filter your search to vehicle-carrying services and book vehicle space in advance. Car spaces are limited and sell out faster than passenger tickets in peak season.
Do I need to book the Skiathos Skopelos ferry in advance?
In July and August, yes — advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for the faster morning services which fill up quickly. Outside peak season you have more flexibility, but booking ahead is still good practice to guarantee your preferred departure time. Use Ferryscanner to search live availability and book online.