Getting from Andros to Karpathos

If you are heading to Karpathos from Andros you are making your way from the northernmost island in the Cyclades to a long mountainous island in the southern Dodecanese, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a strong local culture and the extraordinary village of Olympos in the north where centuries-old customs are still very much alive.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Andros to Karpathos. The two islands are in completely different parts of Greece with no sea connection between them. Getting there means taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, which runs up to 11 times daily and takes around 1 to 2 hours, flying to Athens and then flying to Karpathos directly, or taking the overnight Piraeus to Karpathos ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 13 to 20 hours.

Getting there by air

Karpathos has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Andros has no airport. Taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, flying to Athens and then Athens to Karpathos takes around 1 hour 15 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, fly to Athens and then fly to Karpathos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, drive to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Karpathos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in around 13 to 20 hours depending on the route.