Getting from Syros to Patmos

If you are heading to Patmos from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to an island in the northern Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the Aegean. It is where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation and the 11th century monastery of Saint John the Theologian above Chora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take the ferry

There is a direct Blue Star ferry from Syros to Patmos running around once a week, taking around 5 to 6 hours. It is a rewarding crossing that spans from the Cyclades to the northern Dodecanese and keeps the journey entirely by sea without going through Athens or Piraeus. Check the schedule carefully before booking as the service runs only once a week and departure days vary by season. Alternatively take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours.

Getting there by air

Patmos has no airport. The nearest airports are Leros and Kos. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, flying from Athens to Leros and then taking the short ferry from Leros to Patmos taking around 1 hour gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

If the weekly direct Blue Star ferry fits your schedule take it. It is a rewarding crossing that avoids Athens entirely. Otherwise take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Leros, then take the short ferry across to Patmos. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.