EXACTLY How to Get to Ikaria in 2024
If you’re looking for a trip to a Greek island, Ikaria is the place to be! If you’re not sure how to get there, good news: this post will give you all the detailed information you need to arrive in Ikaria, Greece, including flights and ferry routes, city-to-island routes, and how to get to Ikaria from other islands.
We’ll also help you research how to travel around Ikaria once you get there, ensuring you can see all the sites on this fantastic island!
We’ve covered the cheapest route to Ikaria, the fastest possible route, and everything in between.
I highly recommend visiting Ikaria. There’s so much to see, from the Folklore Museum Of Vrakades to the breathtaking mountains and the famous Ikarian sea, where Icarus, son of Daedalus, fell after flying too close to the sun.
On top of all that, there are some stunning, unique beaches and thermal baths! One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is Messakti, which is to the North of the island.
Make sure you visit the beautiful fishing village of Armenistis – one of the prettiest on the island!
Whether you’re island hopping in Greece or you’ve reached Athens airport and want to get to Ikaria, this is the guide to help you through the journey.
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Where is Ikaria Located?
Ikaria is an island in the northern Aegean Sea. By ferry, it is 2 hours 45 minutes from the party island of Mykonos and the historic gem of Samos, 7 hours from Athens, and 4 hours 20 minutes from Chios.
View ferry prices and availability for your dates here.
The main town of Ikaria is Agios Kirykos, which is also a ferry port. It’s also the administrative capital of the island and the regional unit, which includes the island of Fourni, a 25-25 minute ferry ride away.
Ferries also dock in Evdilos, north of Ikaria, which is an hour away from Agios Kirykos by car.
View hire car prices for your dates here.
Ikaria is known for its peaceful, natural, and relaxed atmosphere. Much of the island is mountainous with beautiful Greek mountain and sea views.
In addition to several beautiful beaches, there are many museums in Agios Kirykos and several smaller villages around the 255 km2 island, which makes it a perfect place for families.
Note: Ikaria and Chios are both very near Turkey, and a faster option may be to go via Turkey. However, this will require going through passport control and leaving the Schengen Area.
How do You Get to Ikaria?
There are several ways to get to Ikaria, but the most popular is by ferry – either passenger ferry or car ferry.
You can also get a plane from Greece to the National Airport or an international flight to Chios.
View flight prices for your dates here, or compare ferry prices here.
Flights to Ikaria
Though you can fly directly to Ikaria, the airport only serves the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, and a few of the islands, and these flights operate around 3 times a week.
Alternatively, you can fly to Chios and then get the ferry. These flights are also only domestic, going to the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki and the islands of Lemnos, Mytilene, Rhodes, and Samos.
These flights are much more common and run every day. The only airlines that fly to Chios or Ikaria are:
- Olympic Air
- Aegean Airlines
- Sky Express
Make sure you book ahead online or by phone to get a good deal! The prices in Athens start at as low as €30 and can go even lower at certain times of the year. The ferry from Chios to Ikaria takes 4hrs 20 mins via Karlovasi or 6hrs direct.
View flights for your dates here >>>
How to Get to Agios Kirikos from Ikaria Airport
Getting from Ikaria Airport to Agios Kirikos is relatively straightforward due to how close they are. The distance between the airport and Agios Kirikos is about 12 kilometres, which translates to a drive of approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Taxi: The most convenient way to travel from Ikaria Airport to Agios Kirikos is by taxi. Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. The fare is reasonable, and this option provides a direct route to your destination without any stops.
By Rental Car: If you prefer more flexibility during your stay, you might consider renting a car at the airport. Several rental agencies operate at Ikaria Airport, allowing you to pick up a car upon arrival and drive yourself to Agios Kirikos.
By Bus: While less frequent, a public bus service runs from the airport to various parts of the island, including Agios Kirikos. However, the schedule can be sparse, so it’s important to check the latest bus timetables upon your arrival or plan accordingly.
Ferries to Ikaria from Athens and Other Greek Islands
Although flying is fast, the ferry is by far the most common and convenient way to get to Ikaria. Not only that, but you get to take in the beautiful sights of the Aegean Sea as you go! Ferries are definitely best for island hoppers in particular.
A detailed guide is below, but use Ferryhopper to get the best deals and times for your ferry needs!
How to Get to Ikaria from Mykonos
These two islands are about as opposite as you can get in terms of atmosphere, but they’re equally beautiful and worth visiting!
The only way to get from Mykonos to Ikaria is by ferry unless you fly back to the mainland first.
- A ferry from Mykonos Airport to Agios Kirykos takes 3 hours and 5 minutes and ranges in price between €30 and €90.
How to Get to Ikaria from Athens
Athens to Ikaria is a very popular route, as many people land in Athens specifically to visit the islands. There are a few options to get between Athens and Ikaria. The ferry is the cheapest option. Your choices are:
- A ferry from Piraeus Port to Evdilos – 7.5 to 9-hour journey
- A ferry from Piraeus Port to Agios Kirykos – 6 to 8-hour journey
- A ferry from Rafina Port to Evdilos – 8.5 hr journey
- A ferry from Piraeus Port or Rafina via Mykonos, Chios, or another island – 6 hour journey
- A ferry to Samos, Naxos, or Chios followed by a flight – a 6 to 8-hour journey
- A flight from Athens to Ikaria – 4 hours (fastest option)
- A flight from Athens to Chios followed by a ferry – a 7 to 8.5-hour journey
How to Get from Crete to Ikaria
The biggest island and the one with the biggest population, Crete is a popular holiday destination. There are several ways to get between Crete and Ikaria. These are:
A ferry via Mykonos (cheapest option) – a 12-hour journey
A direct ferry – 17-hour journey
A bus ferry to Athens followed by a ferry – a 19-hour journey
A flight from Heraklion (fastest) – 5-hour journey
A flight from Chania – 6-hour journey
How to Get from Chios to Ikaria
Chios to Ikaria is one of the most popular routes between Greek islands. There are a few ways to get between them, including:
A ferry via Karlovasi – 4.5-hour journey
A direct ferry – 6 hr journey
A flight from Chios Airport (fastest) – 4.25-hour journey
Samos to Ikaria Island
Samos and Ikaria are relatively close islands, and therefore, the only way between them is by ferry. The options are:
A fast ferry (fastest) – 2.5 – 3hr journey
A slow ferry (cheapest) – 3hr to 3.5hr journey
Naxos to Ikaria
Naxos is a popular tourist destination for those interested in ancient archaeology. The only real option to get between it and the natural beauty of Ikaria is to go by ferry, though there is a very long flight route. You can get a ferry via Mykonos, which takes 4 hours.
How to Get Ferry Tickets to Visit Ikaria
Planning ahead is best for securing ferry tickets to Ikaria, especially during peak travel seasons when ferries can sell out.
I recommend booking your tickets online via Ferryhopper. You can get an amazing overview of schedules, prices, and availability, allowing you to compare options easily.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at the port from authorized ticket offices. For convenience and to avoid long queues, online booking is recommended to avoid waiting for the next sailing.
Travel Tips: Ensure you have a printed or digital copy of your ticket on the day of travel (different ferry companies have different rules). Arriving at the port well in advance of your departure time is advisable to ensure a smooth boarding process.
How to Get to Ikaria from London
Your options for getting from London to Ikaria are fairly limited, but there are still options! They are:
- Fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and fly to Ikaria
- Fly to an island that serves Ikaria and fly to Ikaria
- Fly to a nearby island and get a ferry
- Fly to Athens and get a ferry
UK airports that fly to Athens are:
- London Heathrow
- London Gatwick
- London Stansted
- London Luton
- Bristol
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
UK airports that fly to Thessaloniki are:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Leeds Bradford
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- London Luton
- London Stansted
- Manchester
- Newcastle
UK airports that fly to Mykonos are:
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- London Luton
- Bristol
- Manchester
- Southampton
Ikaria Port
The main port of Ikaria is Agios Kyrikos, which is south of the island. It is 12km from the airport and next to the marina and harbour. The city centre is only a few metres away, and the Port Authority of Ikaria is based here. There are also several hotels and traditional apartments nearby.
The secondary port is the northern port of Evdilos. Most commercial vessels, as well as some passenger ferries, dock here. There’s a marina nearby, and the port is only a few metres from the town centre. It’s 35km from the airport.
How to Get Around Ikaria
Ikaria is a relatively small island, but there are several ways to get around. The main options area:
- Public bus
- Cars and motorbike rentals
- Private rentals and taxis – View car rental prices here or get a private transfer quote here>>
- Ferries and small boats around the island
The roads are quite winding and old-fashioned, so drive carefully!
Buses in Ikaria
Buses are a great way to get around the island. They’re run by Amfitriti Travel and are a good way to see the island. They start at €1.30 depending on the length of the trip and give discounts to large groups and families.
Taxis in Ikaria
Taxis are quite expensive, but they’re a reliable way of getting around the island quickly. They can be found and picked up in any central part of the island, and a couple of companies allow pre-booking.
Organised Tours in Ikaria
Thanks to its nature, rich wine, and Greek food production, Ikaria has plenty of tours to experience! Some of our favourites are:
On the island itself, you can also find several small tours of the natural scenery, historical areas, and ferry tours.
Hiring a Car in Ikaria
Car and motorbike rentals are popular in Ikaria as getting the car there on the ferry can be a bit of a hassle – and of course, if you flew to Greece, you don’t have your own car with you!
Rentals are a common option, and there are a few rental places in Agios Kyrikos, Evdilos, and Armenistis.
These are the best way to find the island’s hidden gems and explore with your family or by yourself! View car hire prices and availability for your dates here.
FAQs: How to Get to Ikaria
What airport do you fly into in Ikaria, Greece?
Ikaria has its own airport, Ikaria National Airport, which is conveniently located just 12 kilometres from Agios Kirykos, the island’s main port and administrative capital. The airport primarily handles domestic flights, with regular services from Athens, Thessaloniki, and several other Greek islands. It’s important to note that flights to Ikaria are limited, operating around three times a week, so booking well in advance is advisable to secure your travel plans.
How long is the ferry trip from Athens to Ikaria?
The duration of the ferry journey from Athens to Ikaria depends on the port of departure and the specific route. Ferries depart from Piraeus Port to Agios Kirykos, and their travel time ranges from 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, ferries from Piraeus Port to Evdilos take about 7.5 to 9 hours. You can depart from Rafina Port to Evdilos for a slightly longer journey, which typically takes around 8.5 hours. These options provide a scenic and enjoyable way to reach Ikaria while enjoying the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.
Is there a ferry from Mykonos to Ikaria?
Yes, there is a direct ferry connection from Mykonos to Ikaria. The ferry ride from Mykonos to the port of Agios Kirykos in Ikaria typically takes about 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Further Information and Useful Posts
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