How to Get to Sifnos: Everything You Need to Know

A small ferry boat, sailboat and yacht anchored at the dock on a Greek island. The water is a cobalt blue and there is a whitewashed town behind the boats under a blue sky. Taking a boat is the only way to get to Sifnos.

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Planning a trip and wondering how to get to Sifnos? You’ve come to the right place.

Located in the Cyclades, the Greek island of Sifnos is known for its whitewashed villages, fantastic beaches, and delicious cuisine.

After spending 4 days on Sifnos, we think it’s the perfect Greek island for slow travelers and want to help you get there!

Accessible only by ferry from Athens or nearby islands, getting to Sifnos requires some planning.

In this post, we share the easiest and most convenient ways you can get to Sifnos. Each transportation option is covered in detail so you can decide the best route for your vacation.

Let’s do this!

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🔹Book the best hotels: Booking.com
🔹Find great flight deals: Skyscanner
🔹Reserve a rental car: Discover Cars
🔹Purchase travel insurance: InsureMyTrip
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🔹Easily stay connected: Airalo
➡️Check out all our Travel Resources here!

A Google map showing the island of Sifnos in the Aegean Sea just south of mainland Greece.

Where is Sifnos Greece?

In the middle of the Cycladic islands, Sifnos sits halfway between Athens and the island of Santorini. It is approximately 75 km (47 miles) from mainland Greece.

This means you can reach Sifnos by ferry from the port of Piraeus or nearby islands in 2-5 hours.

Just like the beaches in Kalamata, Sifnos has tons of swimmable beaches. The people are friendly and the Greek food is incredible!

If you want to experience authentic Greek island life, Sifnos is worth a visit!

Now, let’s figure out how to get you to Sifnos.

Of course, the cheapest and easiest way of getting to Sifnos will depend on where you are coming from.

Robyn standing at the back of the ferry as it travels to Sifnos port. You can see a nearby island with a small white town surrounded by the blue water.

How to Get to Sifnos

The only way to get to Sifnos is by ferry or boat. Sifnos does not have an airport.

Below we go into the 2 best options for getting to Sifnos.

Option 1: Fly to Athens – Ferry to Sifnos

If you want to get to Sifnos from Athens, you will need to fly into the Athens International Airport. This is Greece’s largest and busiest airport.

There are direct flights to Athens from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Athens is a summer hotspot with many historic sites, so book early for the best rates. You can add wheelchair assistance to your booking if needed, as I do.

When looking for the best deals on international and domestic flights, we always check Skyscanner first.

Skyscanner searches multiple flight airlines at once and displays the prices for different dates at the top so you can find the best and cheapest flight for you.

Skyscanner also lets you set up a price alert, you can track price changes and book when fares drop.

The platform is easy to use, and allows you to filter by airlines, layovers, flight duration and more to customize your search.

Once you decide on a flight, Skyscanner takes you to the actual provider’s website, so you can view and read the necessary fine print, and make an informed decision on your travel plans.

👉Find the Best Flights with Skyscanner
✔️compare airlines
✔️find the best price
✔️flexible search options
✔️easy to navigate platform

➡️Book your flights with Skyscanner now!

Getting to Athens Ferry Port

Now that you are in Athens, head to the Piraeus Port to catch a ferry.

Piraeus Port is Athen’s main and most convenient port for ferries to Sifnos. It is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from central Athens.

You can easily reach Piraeus Port by taxi/airport transfer, bus, or metro.

From there you will take a direct ferry from Piraeus to Sifnos Port.

Getting to Piraeus Port
🚕TAXI: Takes 20–30 min from Athens’ city center
🚌BUS: Direct bus from Athens International Airport takes 60 min
🚄TRAIN: Takes 48 min on the Green Line from Monastiraki Station in central Athens. The metro is affordable & runs frequently

The metro and bus will arrive between E5 and E6 gates next to the port.

From there, hop on the free shuttle bus that connects to E1, E2, and E3 gates. It runs about every 20 minutes.

⛔Make sure you know which gate the ferry to Sifnos leaves from!

Ferry from Athens to Sifnos Port

From Piraeus Port to Sifnos, ferries operate year-round and take between 2.5 – 5 hours.

A passenger ticket ranges from €30 – €89.

If you decide to rent a car in Greece, you can purchase a car/motorbike ticket as well.

Ticket price and trip duration will depend on the type of ferry you choose: high-speed or regular ferry.

Gavin wearing a blue tshirt, black shorts and a pale blue face mask in front of a small Olympic Airways airplane on the tarmac in Milos. If you want to get to Sifnos, fly to a nearby island first.

Option 2: Fly to a Greek Island – Ferry to Sifnos

Alternatively, you can take a short flight from Athens to one of the nearby islands in the Cyclades.

From there, you can hop on a ferry to Sifnos.

This is a great way to save time, avoid a long ferry journey, and visit more than one island!

Islands with Direct Flights from Athens:
➡️Santorini
➡️Mykonos
➡️Naxos
➡️Paros
➡️Milos

Some international destinations offer direct flights to Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK), like the UK.

Benefits of Flying to Nearby Islands

One of the best things about traveling Greece is “island-hopping” through the Cyclades.

After our two week Peloponnese road trip, we flew from Athens to Milos first. From there, we took a 40-minute ferry to Sifnos for a relaxing 4 days before returning by ferry to explore more of Milos.

Each island is unique with different landscapes, activities, beaches, and atmospheres.

We highly recommend visiting more than one island on your Greece itinerary.

Greek Islands with Ferry to Sifnos
➡️Milos to Sifnos (40 min)
➡️Paros to Sifnos (55 min)
➡️Mykonos to Sifnos (2 hours)
➡️Santorini to Sifnos (3 hours)
➡️Naxos to Sifnos (3 hours 45 min)

✅HELPFUL TIP: Not all ferries are direct. Some may require a transfer, so check schedules & availability before booking your ferry ticket.

🛳️Need a ferry to Sifnos?
➡️Book with Ferryscanner here!

Types of Ferries to Sifnos

There are two types of ferries available in Greece: high-speed and regular (or slow ferries).

High-Speed Ferries

As one of the largest ferry companies in Greece, SeaJets operates a high-speed ferry from Piraeus Port to Sifnos.

The journey to Sifnos takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on stops and the route.

There are express direct routes, as well as routes that stop at other islands including Serifos, Kimolos, and Kythnos.

You will be able to choose your route when you book your ferry ticket.

🛳️Speed Ferry Amenities:
✔️comfortable seating (with premium options)
✔️indoor air conditioning
✔️restaurants & cafes
✔️children’s play area
✔️washrooms & Wi-Fi

⛔High-speed ferries are more affected by rough seas since they travel at a very high speed. There is also no outside seating area.

Unfortunately, I became seasick on a high-speed ferry to Santorini. It sucked to the point that I won’t ever take another high-speed ferry again.

But Gavin is completely fine with them. Just be forewarned.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Taking a high-speed ferry is very bumpy. Something to consider if you travel with back pain or are sensitive to motion.

Robyn smiling while standing at the back of the slow ferry. You can see the island behind her with white villages. If you're wondering how to get to Sifnos without added pain, take a slow ferry.

Regular (Slow) Ferries

Aegean Sea Lines and Zante Ferries operate regular ferry services to Sifnos.

I call them slow ferries just because of the difference in speed. But in reality, they are the standard ferries in Greece.

The journey from Piraeus Port to Sifnos takes approximately 5 hours and offers a more relaxed trip.

We took the slow ferry to Sifnos and loved it! There were comfortable outdoor chairs at the back where we enjoyed beautiful views of the Aegean sail with a cold drink.

🛳️Regular Ferry Amenities:
✔️comfortable seating (inside & out)
✔️indoor air conditioning
✔️cabins for overnight journeys
✔️restaurants & cafes
✔️children’s play area
✔️washrooms & Wi-Fi

Ferryscanners dashboard with a large banner displaying an aerial image of the deep blue sea beside a Greek island with the words: Book Your Ferry Tickets written in white on top. Below is space for the date and number of tickets.

If you plan to travel in high season, I recommend booking your ferry as early as possible.

High-speed ferry tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially during summer between June and September.

Purchase Tickets Online

The easiest way to purchase ferry tickets is online. And yes, Greece makes it very easy.

We purchased our ferry tickets through FerryScanner and had no problems at all. We recommend them and will use them again when we return to Greece.

Ferryscanner simplifies the booking process, making it easy to check schedules, and compare prices across multiple operators.

Their platform is easy to navigate and you can book ferry tickets directly through them for any destination in Greece.

🛳️Find the best ferry to Sifnos here
✔️compares ferry companies
✔️find the cheapest tickets
✔️excellent customer service
➡️Book Now with Ferryscanner!

Purchase Tickets In Person

You can also purchase tickets in person directly at the port.

This may be riskier in high season when ferries can reach capacity, but it is possible. And we have done it before too, and never had a problem.

This is an easy option if you are traveling on foot, don’t have a rental car, or prefer to be spontaneous.

But with any spontaneous travel, flexibility is important… so just keep that in mind.

A view of Kamares next to the Sifnos Port on the island. White buildings sit against the backdrop of beautiful mountains and a blue sea.

Get to Sifnos by Private Boat or Yacht Charter

If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious way to get to Sifnos? Private boat or yacht charters are available from major ports like Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Private charters can vary in price based on the type of boat and duration. Options are available from shared sailing tours to exclusive yachts.

For these types of adventures, booking in advance is crucial, especially in peak summer months.

Sailing to Greece with a private guide may be perfect for travelers with hidden disabilities or chronic pain

You can customize your journey to Sifnos to fit your unique travel style. You can choose your departure times, and travel pace, and decide what islands to stop at.

A woman's hand holding two Canadian passports. Make sure you have a valid passport and visa begore going to Sifnos.

Getting to Sifnos: Visa Information

Greece is part of the European Union. So if you are from the EU, you do not need a visa.

Many travelers, including those from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia, can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Travelers from countries not on the visa-free list will need a Schengen visa to enter Greece.

All travelers will need to ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date!

Check here for additional visa requirements for Greece.

A wide view of Sifnos port and the white town of Kamares on the right. There are a couple of boats in the deep blue water and beautiful mountains sweeping across the island.

Getting Around Sifnos

Once you’ve arrived, there are many options to get you around Sifnos.

🚌Public Transportation

Sifnos has an excellent public transportation system with comfortable buses that run on time. We used it and would recommend taking the bus.

There are bus stops in most towns on the island, including many of Sifnos’ beaches.

🚓Taxi & Private Transfer

Sifnos offers taxi or private transfers from the ferry port in Kamares to hotels or other destinations on the island.

Hotel Arranged Transfer

Many hotels in Sifnos provide private transfers for their guests, either included in the booking or for an additional fee.

Contact your hotel in advance to arrange this service.

Local Taxi Service

There are limited taxis available on Sifnos, so booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

🚗Rental Cars & Scooters

You can also rent a car or scooter while visiting Sifnos. There are plenty of rental agencies at the Sifnos port in Kamares.

Renting a car allows for greater flexibility as you can travel at your own pace.

Driving allows you to discover some of those hidden gems and best restaurants in Sifnos that public transport doesn’t reach.

Although we did not rent a car in Sifnos, we did rent one on the island of Milos.

The gorgeous pool at Nivel Boutique Hotel, one of the best Sifnos hotels with a pool in Apollonia. The long pool is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas. There is a white building at the far end and you can see the landscape in the distance.

Where to Stay on Sifnos

For such a small island, Sifnos offers amazing accommodation choices. You will find everything from luxury villas with hilltop pools to small boutique pensions on the beach.

These are our top 2 picks:

🏨Nival Boutique Hotel

This award-winning hotel offers stunning views of the Aegean, minimalist Bohemian decor, and a fantastic pool with sun loungers and umbrellas.
✔️stunning views
✔️spacious rooms
✔️private terrace
✔️attentive staff

➡️Book your stay at Nival Boutique Hotel now!

🏨Pension Ageliki

This charming, family-run hotel offers waterfront, air-conditioned apartments with a furnished balcony and direct beach access in Platis Gialos.
✔️traditional Cycladic design
✔️garden terrace
✔️comfy sun loungers
✔️close to amenities

➡️Book your stay at Pension Ageliki now!

A ferry in the distance sailing on the still open water with islands in the far distance. There is part of the Greece flag in the top left foreground of the image. Getting to Sifnos by ferry is the easiest.

FAQs: How to Get to Sifnos Island

How long is the ferry from Athens to Sifnos?

The ferry from Athens to Sifnos typically takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose. High-speed ferries are faster, while standard ferries take longer but are more budget-friendly.

What is the closest airport to Sifnos?

Athens International Airport is the closest airport to Sifnos with international flights. From Athens, you can take a ferry from Piraeus Port to reach the island. The closest domestic airport to Sifnos is on the nearby island of Milos. From Milos, you can take a ferry to Sifnos, which usually takes around 45 minutes.

How do you travel to Sifnos?

The only way to travel to Sifnos is to take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens, or a ferry from a nearby island in the Cyclades. You can also rent a private boat or yacht charter.

How long is the ferry ride from Paros to Sifnos?

The ferry from Paros to Sifnos takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the ferry type and route. High-speed ferries are quicker, while standard ferries take longer.

How long is the ferry from Naxos to Sifnos?

The Naxos to Sifnos ferry typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the ferry route and operator. High-speed ferries are the fastest option.

Gavin wearing a white shirt and black shorts on his way to Sifnos. He is standing at the back of the ferry beside the white railing and you can see an upper deck above him. The sun is glistening on the water with mountains in the distance.

Final Thoughts: How to Get to Sifnos

Getting to Sifnos may take a bit of planning, but there are great options to choose from.

Whether you choose the fast ferry for a quick arrival or the slower one to soak in the Aegean views, Sifnos’ charm, relaxed vibe, hospitality and traditional cuisine are worth the effort!

With reliable ferry schedules, nearby airports, and private boat options, reaching this little gem is easier than you might think.

The form of transportation that is best for you will depend on the kind of adventure you seek. Whatever way you choose to get to Sifnos, enjoy the journey!