Getting from Andros to Ios

If you are heading to Ios from Andros you are making your way from the northernmost island in the Cyclades to an island in the southern part of the group. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades on its south coast and a Chora above the port that comes alive in the evening.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Andros to Ios running in summer on the wider Blue Star and Seajets routes that connect the northern and southern Cyclades. The journey takes around 5 to 8 hours with stops along the way through Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. It keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades. Alternatively, take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, make your way to Piraeus and board the Piraeus to Ios ferry, which runs multiple times daily in summer and takes around 4 to 8 hours depending on the vessel.

Getting there by air

Ios has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Andros has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, flying to Athens and then Athens to Santorini, followed by the short ferry from Santorini to Ios taking around 35 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the direct seasonal ferry from Andros to Ios when the schedule works for your dates. It keeps the journey within the Cyclades and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, fly to Athens and fly to Santorini, then take the short ferry across to Ios. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, drive to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Ios ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.