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How to get from Athens to Hydra
Hydra is reached from Athens by sea: high-speed passenger boats from Piraeus take about 1 h 30 to 2 h, with several sailings a day in summer. There are no cars on the island, so drivers can only go as far as Metochi on the mainland (about 3 h) and cross by small boat.
Best option: Ferry. High-speed boats from Piraeus land you in Hydra harbour in under two hours, which no road route can match.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry High-speed passenger boats from Piraeus (Hellenic Seaways and other companies) to Hydra, often calling at Poros | about 1 h 30 to 2 h | several a day in summer, fewer in winter — check current timetables | about €30–50 | Boats leave from the Saronic gates at Piraeus; allow time to reach the right quay. |
| car Drive from Athens via Corinth and Epidaurus/Kranidi to Metochi (about 190 km), then a 15–20 min passenger boat or water taxi to Hydra | about 3 h to 3 h 30 in total | fuel, Athens–Corinth motorway tolls, Metochi parking, plus the boat | No cars are allowed on Hydra; this only makes sense if you are touring the Peloponnese. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book high-speed boats ahead for summer weekends and August; they have limited seats.
- Metro line 1 and the suburban railway reach Piraeus station, a short walk from the Saronic ferry quays.
- Hydra has no cars; porters with handcarts and donkeys carry luggage from the harbour.
- Fast boats are occasionally cancelled in strong winds; leave a margin before a flight.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Hydra?
High-speed passenger boats from Piraeus take about 1 h 30 to 2 h, depending on whether they stop at Poros or Aegina on the way. Conventional slow ferries are rare on this route. Sailings are more frequent in summer and at weekends. Check current timetables on the operator's site or a Greek ferry booking site before you travel.
Can I do a day trip from Athens to Hydra?
Yes. Take an early morning boat from Piraeus and an evening one back, giving you most of the day on the island to walk the harbour, visit monasteries and swim. Organised one-day cruises from Athens also stop at Hydra together with Poros and Aegina, but give you only a couple of hours on each island.
Can I take my car to Hydra?
No. Hydra does not allow private cars or motorbikes, so there is no car ferry. If you are driving in the Peloponnese, park at Metochi, opposite the island, and take the short passenger boat or a water taxi across. From Athens itself it is far simpler to leave the car and take the boat from Piraeus.
Do I need to book the Hydra ferry in advance?
In summer and on weekends, yes, as the high-speed boats have a limited number of seats and fill up, particularly on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Book online a few days ahead. Out of season you can often buy a ticket at Piraeus on the day, though booking still guarantees your seat.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.