Greece
Irakleia to Schoinousa Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Irakleia
Arrives
Schoinousa
Anek LinesAt a glance
The Irakleia to Schoinousa ferry. It is operated by Anek Lines. Fares start from €5.
- Sailings listed
- 0
Irakleia to Schoinousa ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Irakleia to Schoinousa ferry is operated by Anek Lines. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Irakleia – Schoinousa crossing
This is one of the shortest scheduled ferry crossings in the Aegean. Irakleia and Schoinousa are neighbouring islands in the Small Cyclades, separated by barely 2 nautical miles (about 4.5 km) of open water, so the hop between them takes only around 5 to 10 minutes at sea — you are docking almost before you have found a seat.
The traditional workhorse of this link is the Express Skopelitis, the small local ferry of Small Cyclades Lines. Built in 1986, she is a modest 45-metre vessel carrying up to roughly 340 passengers and only about 11 vehicles, which tells you everything about the scale of these islands. She runs the milk-run circuit out of Naxos in the order Naxos – Irakleia – Schoinousa – Koufonisia – Donoussa, calling at Schoinousa around six days a week; on this route Small Cyclades Lines departures have typically left Irakleia in the afternoon (around 16:10 on the Tuesday-to-Sunday rotation). Note that the Skopelitis is a genuine island ferry rather than a cruise: there is no restaurant, no on-board Wi-Fi and only basic facilities, though pets are welcome.
On several days each week the crossing is also covered by a larger Blue Star Ferries conventional vessel passing through the Small Cyclades on its Piraeus–Naxos–Amorgos service, which trims the sea time to as little as 5 minutes and adds full car-deck capacity and indoor lounges. Between the two operators there are roughly 8 sailings a week. Foot-passenger fares are very cheap for what is essentially a short shuttle — commonly in the region of €4 to €10 one way. Because the passage is so quick and both islands are tiny, it is a popular island-hopping pairing: many travellers see both Irakleia’s quiet coves and Schoinousa’s hilltop Chora on a single trip. Schedules thin out sharply outside the summer season, so always confirm the current timetable before travelling.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- WiFi on board
- onboard infotainment system
- pet transport
- vehicle transport (including alternative fuel vehicles)
- self-service restaurants
- combo menus
- cabins
- digital cabin key access
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Irakleia to Schoinousa?
It is one of the shortest ferry crossings in Greece. The islands lie about 2 nautical miles apart, so the sea passage takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes depending on the vessel — around 10 minutes on the local Express Skopelitis and as little as 5 minutes on a Blue Star Ferries ship.
Which companies operate the Irakleia to Schoinousa route?
Two operators serve the link. Small Cyclades Lines runs the small local ferry Express Skopelitis about six days a week, and Blue Star Ferries covers it on several days when its larger Piraeus–Amorgos vessels pass through the Small Cyclades. Combined, there are roughly 8 sailings per week.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares are inexpensive for this short hop, typically ranging from about €4 to €10 one way for a foot passenger, with the exact price depending on operator, season and whether you are taking a vehicle.
Can I take a car on this crossing?
Yes. Both operators carry vehicles, though capacity on the Express Skopelitis is very limited (around 11 cars), so booking ahead in summer is wise. The larger Blue Star vessels offer more generous car-deck space on the days they run.
Does the ferry run all year round?
The Express Skopelitis provides a year-round lifeline connection for the Small Cyclades, but frequency drops significantly outside the summer high season and the larger Blue Star sailings are seasonal. Always check the current timetable before travelling, as departures can be reduced or weather-affected in winter.
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 Anek 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 Schoinousa
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Schoinousa.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Irakleia or Schoinousa
Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 13, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
€5
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
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