Greece
Irakleia to Naxos Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
At a glance
The Irakleia to Naxos ferry takes about 1h 25m, with 2 listed sailings between 09:25 and 11:40. It is operated by Small Cyclades Lines.
- First sailing
- 09:25
- Last sailing
- 11:40
- Sailings listed
- 2
- Crossing
- 1h 25m
Irakleia to Naxos ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:25 | 10:50 | 1h 25m | Small Cyclades LinesExpress Skopelitis | Tue, Thu, Fri |
| 11:40 | 13:05 | 1h 25m | Small Cyclades LinesExpress Skopelitis | Mon, Wed, Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Irakleia – Naxos crossing
Two departures serve this leg, and which one you get depends on where the Express Skopelitis spent the night. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays she begins her day at Koufonisi, touches Irakleia at 09.15 and sails at 09.25, into Naxos at 10.50. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays she starts further out at Donousa, so the same call falls at 11.40, reaching Naxos at 13.05.
How long you get in Naxos
The same ship turns round and leaves Naxos at 14.00 on the outbound run. That leaves you 3 hours 10 minutes ashore on the Tuesday–Friday rotation, and 55 minutes on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday — enough for the port, not for the Chora. It is the only ferry of the day in this direction, so a missed sailing costs you until tomorrow.
An hour and twenty-five, either version
Both crossings are timed at 85 minutes. The Skopelitis is a 1986-built local ferry with room for around 340 passengers and roughly 11 vehicles — no restaurant, no reserved seating, and the vehicle deck fills first. Blue Star Ferries also calls at Irakleia, but on the Piraeus line rather than this inter-island circuit.
Which timetable this is
The times above belong to the autumn edition, running 14 September to 31 October 2026, and match the winter one that preceded it. Small Cyclades Lines publishes a separate high-season schedule for June to mid-September with different days and departure times.
Your destination
About Naxos
Ferry crossings to Naxos range from 25 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes . The port facilitates 12 routes connecting to other destinations. Naxos is linked by ferry to the mainland Greek ports of Piraeus and Rafina. It also has direct sea connections with Heraklion on Crete. Naxos Ferry Operators and Connections Six ferry operators provide services to Naxos: Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Small Cyclades Lines. Within the Cyclades archipelago, direct routes connect Naxos with Donousa, Ios, Irakleia, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and Tinos. The fastest crossing is the 25-minute route, while the longest direct service takes 6 hours and 5 minutes. The variety of operators and routes means a range of vessel types, from high-speed catamarans to conventional ferries, serve the island. The specific duration of any journey depends on the departure port, the operator, and the type of vessel used for the crossing.
Full Naxos travel guideVehicles, pets & onboard
- 340 passengers and 11–12 cars
- Open aft deck
- Freight and island supplies
- Day excursions in the Small Cyclades in season
- Tickets and times through island agents — no online booking
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Irakleia – Naxos route
Express Skopelitis works this crossing on all 4 listed sailings.
Express Skopelitis
Small Cyclades Lines
4 sailings on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 1h 25m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Small Cyclades Lines) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Small Cyclades Lines.
How often does the ferry run?
There are 2 departures on operating days, with the first at 09:25 and the last at 11:40.
What time are the first and last sailings?
The first sailing currently departs at 09:25 and the last leaves at 11:40. Departure times vary by day and season — check the timetable above for the exact sailing you need.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 1h 25m and several sailings a day (first 09:25, last 11:40), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings operate on selected days, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Small Cyclades Lines does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Small Cyclades Lines, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Naxos
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Naxos.
Same departure port
More ferries from Irakleia
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Irakleia or Naxos
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Sep 14, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 7, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
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