Getting from Syros to Ioannina

If you are heading to Ioannina from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to a city in the mountains of Epirus in northwestern Greece, on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis with the Pindos range behind it and the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world, an hour away.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Syros to Ioannina. Ioannina is an inland city with no sea connection. Getting there means taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, which runs up to 6 daily crossings in summer and takes around 2 hours on the fast boat, and then either flying from Athens to Ioannina or driving northwest via the E65 motorway, which takes around 6 to 7 hours from Athens.

Getting there by air

Ioannina has its own airport with connections from Athens. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Ioannina gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. The airport is just 4 kilometres from the city centre. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Ioannina. It is the fastest and most practical approach. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal to Ioannina runs several times daily and takes around 6 to 7 hours, which is worth considering if you prefer not to fly the second leg. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and drive northwest via the E65 motorway to Ioannina.