Athens to Skyros: Flight vs Ferry
How to get from Athens to Skyros, the ferry from Kymi versus the short flight, with times, costs and how to choose. A clear comparison for planning your trip.
Last updated 29 June 2026
There are two ways to travel from Athens to Skyros, and the right one depends on whether you value flexibility or speed. Neither is difficult; the small effort of getting here is exactly what keeps the island quiet.
In short: From Athens you can reach Skyros by ferry (drive or bus to Kymi on Evia, roughly 2.5 hours, then a 1h45 crossing to Linaria) or by a short domestic flight (about 30 minutes, then a 17 km transfer to Chora). The ferry is cheaper and lets you bring a car; the flight saves a half-day but runs on a limited seasonal schedule.
The ferry, via Kymi
This is the classic route. You first reach the port of Kymi, on the east coast of Evia, about 160 km (2.5 hours) by car from Athens, or by intercity (KTEL) bus via Chalkida. From Kymi, the Skyros Shipping Company ferry crosses to Linaria in about 1 hour 45 minutes, year-round, with more sailings in summer.
Choose the ferry if you want to bring your own car or scooter, you’d rather keep costs down, or you simply enjoy arriving by sea. Tickets are inexpensive; book ahead in July and August, especially with a vehicle.
The flight, from Athens
Skyros has its own airport in the north of the island, served by short domestic flights from Athens, roughly 30 minutes in the air. The airport sits about 17 km from Chora, so arrange a transfer or taxi in advance.
Choose the flight if your time is tight and you’d rather not spend half a day reaching Kymi and crossing by sea. The trade-off is a limited, seasonal schedule and higher cost, and you won’t have a car unless you hire one on the island.
How to choose
- Bringing a car? Take the ferry; it’s the only way to bring your own vehicle.
- Short on time? Fly, if the schedule fits your dates.
- Watching the budget? The ferry wins comfortably.
- Want the full arrival ritual? The early-evening sailing into Linaria is one of the island’s first quiet gifts.
For the full picture, including getting around once you land, see Getting Here & Around, and check when to visit before you book.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Athens to Skyros? By ferry, allow about 2.5 hours to Kymi plus a 1h45 crossing. By air, about 30 minutes’ flight plus a short transfer from the airport to Chora.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the ferry? The ferry is significantly cheaper, and it’s the only option if you want to bring a vehicle.
Can I reach Kymi without a car? Yes, by KTEL intercity bus from Athens via Chalkida to Kymi, timed with the ferry.
Ready to lock in your route? Plan your trip →