How To Get To Sifnos

Sifnos isn’t the easiest Greek island to reach, and that’s part of what makes it so special.

There’s no airport here, no direct international connections, and no overly streamlined route that funnels in crowds. Instead, getting to Sifnos requires a bit of planning, often by ferry. But once you arrive, you quickly realise it’s more than worth the effort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get to Sifnos, the different ferry options, and the best routes depending on where you’re travelling from.

(We got return flights from London to Mykonos and got the ferry from there, not the cheapest option, but we wanted to check out Mykonos on the way).

Where is Sifnos?

Sifnos is part of the Cyclades island group in Greece, sitting roughly halfway between mainland Greece and islands like Milos and Paros. The main port in Sifnos is Kamares, located on the west coast of the island. This is where all ferries arrive and depart from.

Map of the Cyclades with Sifnos highlighted and all of the ports that you can get the ferry to - Ferryhopper

What Airports are Near Sifnos?

Sifnos doesn’t have its own airport, so getting there always involves a combination of flying and then taking a ferry. The airport you choose depends largely on where you’re travelling from. There’s no “perfect” airport for Sifnos, but Athens is the easiest and most reliable entry point with the most options and the cheapest ferry fares. Milos is the closest island airport, and Santorini/Mykonos work well if you’re planning a multi-island trip

International Airports

If you’re flying in from outside Greece, you’ll typically arrive at one of these airports:

• Athens (ATH) – The most reliable and usually the best option

• Santorini (JTR) – Good if you want to combine islands

• Mykonos (JMK) – Similar to Santorini, but often busier and pricier

Domestic Airports

If you’re travelling within Greece or hopping between islands, there are several smaller airports nearby. From all of these, you’ll continue onwards to Sifnos by ferry.

• Milos (MLO) – One of the closest and most convenient (and also an amazing island to visit!)

• Paros (PAS) – Well-connected and easy to reach

• Naxos (JNX) – Slightly further but still a good option

• Syros (JSY) – Useful if coming from Athens

• Astypalaia (JTY) – More niche, fewer connections

When you’re flying in, remember that airports and ferry ports are often in different locations, so you’ll need to factor in transfer time and taxi costs. On islands like Santorini and Mykonos in particular, traffic can get very busy, especially in peak season, so journeys to the port can take longer than expected. It’s always worth leaving yourself plenty of time between landing and your ferry departure.

Athens has two main ferry ports, Piraeus and Rafina, and it’s important to make sure you’re heading to the correct one. Piraeus is the larger and busier port with the most frequent connections to Sifnos, while Rafina is smaller and slightly closer to the airport but offers fewer routes, so always double-check your ferry departure point before setting off.

Choosing Which Ferry To Take

There are several ferry companies operating routes around the Cyclades, but rather than listing them all here, it’s worth knowing that schedules change frequently depending on the season, demand and timings.

The easiest way to plan your journey is by using comparison websites like FerryScanner or Ferryhopper, which show all available routes, operators and transfer options in one place. You can compare prices there and then, if you prefer, book directly through the ferry company’s own website once you’ve found the option that suits you best.

High-Speed Ferries (Fastest Option)

• Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours from Athens

• Operators: Seajets (most common)

• Pros: Quick, modern, ideal if short on time

• Cons: More expensive, can be rough in windy weather

Conventional Ferries (Slower, More Relaxed)

• Duration: ~4 to 5 hours from Athens

• Operators: Blue Star Ferries and others

• Pros: Cheaper, more stable, better outdoor space

• Cons: Takes longer

If you’re trying to maximise your time on the island, the high-speed ferries are worth it. But if you prefer a more relaxed journey, or you’re travelling during windy conditions (which is common in the Cyclades), the slower ferries are often a better experience. You’ll get outdoor decks, more space, and a much smoother ride.

Blue Star Ferries are generally considered the most reliable and established ferry operator in Greece, offering large, stable boats and consistent schedules, while faster options like Seajets prioritise speed but can be more variable in terms of cost and reliability.

How much does the ferry cost?

Pricing depends on the type of ferry you get and where you're departing from, and it can vary by season and demand. Typically in peak season, ferry prices will be around:

• €40 for a slow ferry from Athens → Sifnos

• €60-€90 for a fast ferry from Athens → Sifnos

• €110 for Mykonos → Sifnos

• €70-€100 for Santorini → Sifnos

• €35 for Milos → Sifnos

The return fares are similar in price, and the tickets are all single fares.

A smooth sailing to Sifnos

A rougher sailing back to Mykonos

Getting from the Port in Kamares to Your Accommodation

Once you arrive in Kamares, getting around is straightforward:

• Car rental – Our recommended option for flexibility

• Taxis – Available at the port (limited numbers in peak season)

• Bus – Reliable routes connecting Kamares to Apollonia and other villages

If you’re staying in Apollonia or Artemonas, it’s about a 10–15 minute drive from the port.

Read our full guide on getting around Sifnos here.

Get To Sifnos by Helicopter

If you really want to splash out, there is a helipad on Sifnos, and you can fly in by helicopter from Athens or nearby islands.

The journey from Athens takes about 40 minutes, and prices typically range from €3,000 to €6,000, depending on the size of the helicopter and the group. It’s a very premium option, but if you’re short on time or want to turn the journey into part of the experience, it would be hard to beat. We have a feeling the views will be incredible!

You can check routes and availability at https://flyhoper.com/.

Is Getting to Sifnos Worth It? - Absolutely

The extra step of taking a ferry naturally filters out mass tourism, and what you’re left with is an island that still feels genuinely Greek.

You get incredible food, beautiful beaches, and a slower pace of life without the chaos of Mykonos or Santorini.

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