how-to-get-to-naxos

How to Get to Naxos

The Complete 2026 Travel Guide


Naxos remains one of the few large Greek islands without a major international airport (for now!), which means your journey usually involves a connection in Athens or a nearby island. Here are the two primary ways to reach our shores.

Option 1: By Plane (Fast & Convenient)

Flying is the quickest way to reach Naxos, with a flight time of approximately 40โ€“45 minutes from Athens International Airport (ATH).

The 2026 Flight Schedule
  • Low Season (October โ€“ April): Generally 1โ€“3 flights per day. These are primarily operated by Olympic Air (Aegean) and Sky Express.

  • Peak Season (May โ€“ September): Frequency increases significantly to 6โ€“10 flights per day.

  • Note for 2026: Due to the ongoing airport expansion, larger aircraft like the ATR-72 can now operate with higher passenger capacities, but seats still sell out months in advance.

Pro Tip: Aim to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight. If you are connecting from an international flight, allow a minimum of 3 hours for layover time to account for potential delays or baggage re-checks.


Option 2: By Ferry (The Scenic Aegean Experience)

For many, the vacation truly begins on the deck of a ferry. Most travelers depart from Piraeus (close to Athens center) or Rafina (closer to the airport).

The 2026 Ferry Schedule
SeasonFrequencyVessel TypesDuration
Low Season1โ€“2 dailyConventional (Blue Star)5h 30m
Peak Season7โ€“10+ dailyHigh-Speed & Conventional3h 15m โ€“ 6h
  • Piraeus Port: The main hub. Blue Star Ferries offers the most stable, year-round service, while Seajets and Hellenic Seaways provide high-speed options in the summer.

  • Rafina Port: A great alternative if you are coming straight from the airport. It’s a shorter drive to the port, though ferry times to Naxos aren’t as frequent as to Piraeus, so it’s not usually recommended.


The “Island Hopper” Way

If you canโ€™t find a direct flight to Naxos, consider flying into Mykonos (JMK) or Santorini (JTR), which both have massive international airports with direct flights from London, Paris, and Berlin.

  • From Mykonos: A high-speed ferry takes only 35โ€“50 minutes to reach Naxos.

  • From Santorini: A high-speed ferry takes about 1.5 hours.

Strategic Tip: Many travelers choose to spend their first night in Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini to decompress, before taking a morning ferry or flight to Naxos. This “slow travel” approach ensures you arrive in Naxos refreshed and ready to explore.


Seamless Arrival with Naxos Transfers

Regardless of how you arrive, the transition from the port or airport to your hotel should be effortless. At Naxos Transfers, we monitor all flight and ferry arrivals in real-time.

  • Reliability: We work harder than anyone to ensure your driver is waiting exactly when you land or dock.

  • Flexible Terms: Our Policies allow for changes if your ferry is delayed by the Aegean winds.

  • Rewards: Join our Rewards Program to save on all your transfers during your stay.

Avoid the taxi scramble. Book Nowย to secure your 2026 transfer and start your Naxos adventure in comfort.

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