Greece
Naxos to Irakleia Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Naxos
Cyclades
Arrives
Irakleia
Small Cyclades LinesAt a glance
The Naxos to Irakleia ferry takes about 1h 30m, with one departure at 14:00. It is operated by Small Cyclades Lines. Fares start from €5.50.
- First sailing
- 14:00
- Last sailing
- 14:00
- Sailings listed
- 1
- Crossing
- 1h 30m
Naxos to Irakleia ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:00 | 15:30 | 1h 30m | Small Cyclades LinesExpress Skopelitis | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Naxos – Irakleia crossing
Two operators run out to Irakleia on different clocks. Blue Star Ferries leaves Naxos at 12.10 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and is alongside an hour later, at 13.10, on its way down the Piraeus–Amorgos line. Small Cyclades Lines follows at 14.30 with the Express Skopelitis, taking 90 minutes, six days a week.
The fast boat and the local boat
The hour difference is not only speed. Blue Star's Blue Star Naxos is a full-size ro-pax with indoor lounges and a proper car deck, passing through on a longer run. The Skopelitis is a 1986-built island ferry of about 340 passengers and 11 vehicles, and Irakleia is her first call rather than an intermediate stop — she carries the freight, the post and the islanders as much as the visitors.
What happens after Irakleia
The Skopelitis does not stop there. She continues Irakleia 15.40, Schoinousa 16.00, Koufonisi 16.45, and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays runs on to Donousa, arriving 17.55. Whichever island you are bound for, this is the same afternoon departure from Naxos; you simply get off later.
Timetable editions
The 14.30 sailing is listed to 13 September 2026. From 14 September Small Cyclades Lines moves it half an hour earlier, to 14.00, and drops Sunday from the week. The Blue Star departure is published without an end date. Confirm the day before travelling — on this route the operator, not just the time, changes with the weekday.
Vehicles, 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 Naxos – Irakleia route
2 ships work this crossing across 2 listed sailings, most often Blue Star Naxos.
Blue Star Naxos
Blue Star Ferries
1 sailing on this route
Express Skopelitis
Small Cyclades Lines
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Which of the two ferries should I take?
They are different services. Blue Star Ferries leaves at 12:10 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and takes about an hour on a full-size ro-pax. Small Cyclades Lines follows at 14:30 with the Express Skopelitis, a small local ferry, taking around an hour and a half. The Blue Star sailing is faster and more comfortable; the Skopelitis runs on more days of the week.
Is there a ferry to Irakleia every day?
Not from both operators. The Express Skopelitis sails six days a week; Blue Star Ferries calls three days a week. Between them there is a departure on most days, but the timing shifts by more than two hours depending on which one is running.
What changes on 14 September 2026?
Small Cyclades Lines moves its departure from 14:30 to 14:00 and drops Sunday from the schedule. The published autumn edition runs to 31 October 2026.
Can I take a car across?
On the Blue Star vessel, yes, on a normal car deck. The Express Skopelitis carries only around eleven vehicles, so space is genuinely scarce in summer and freight has priority.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No. Naxos and Irakleia are both in Greece, so this is a domestic crossing.
How long does the crossing take?
About 1h 30m, covering roughly 15 nautical miles.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around €5.50. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Small Cyclades Lines.
How often does the ferry run?
There is 1 departure on operating days, departing at 14:00.
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 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.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Irakleia
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Irakleia.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Naxos or Irakleia
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 12, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
€5.50
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Naxos on the map
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