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How to get from Ikaria to Lesbos
There is no daily direct link between Ikaria and Lesbos. Some ferries on North Aegean routes connect them on certain days, often via Samos and Chios, taking roughly 7–10 h; otherwise you combine ferries with a change in Samos or Chios, or fly via Athens.
Best option: Ferry. A ferry via Samos or Chios is the most direct way, provided you plan around the few weekly sailings.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Ferry from Agios Kirykos or Evdilos (Ikaria) to Mytilene (Lesbos), direct on some North Aegean routes or with a change in Samos or Chios | about 7–10 h, longer with a connection | a few sailings a week at most | about €30–60 | Routes change by season and are often overnight; check current timetables carefully. |
| flight Fly from Ikaria to Athens, then Athens to Mytilene | about 4–6 h including the connection | daily options via Athens in most seasons | about €100–250 | Small island-hopping flights linking North Aegean islands have run in some years; check whether one is operating. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check which Ikaria port your ferry uses: Agios Kirykos in the south or Evdilos in the north.
- Overnight ferries have cabins; book one for a long sailing.
- Chios makes a good one-night stop if your connection is tight.
- In winter, strong north winds can cancel or delay sailings; keep a spare day.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Ikaria to Lesbos?
Only on some days. Certain ferries on North Aegean routes call at Ikaria, Samos, Chios and Lesbos, which connects the two islands without a change, but they run only a few times a week and timetables change by season. On other days you need to change, usually in Samos or Chios.
How long does the ferry take?
About 7–10 hours for a sailing that calls at the islands in between, and longer if you change boats and wait for a connection. Sailings are often overnight, so a cabin is worth booking. Check current timetables, as journey times depend on the route and number of stops.
Can I fly from Ikaria to Lesbos?
Usually only via Athens, taking 4–6 hours with the connection and costing more than the ferry. In some years small subsidised flights have linked North Aegean islands, so check whether one is operating. Ikaria's airport is small and flights are limited, especially in winter.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, it is wise. With only a few sailings a week, cabins and car spaces fill up in summer, particularly around 15 August. Book as soon as timetables are published, then check again a day before departure, since weather and schedule changes are common on North Aegean routes.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.