How to Get to Hydra Island: The Complete Travel Guide

The Best Ways to Travel to Hydra Island, Greece

Tucked away in the glimmering Saronic Gulf, Hydra Island is a timeless escape known for its romantic port, stone mansions, and the rare luxury of silence—thanks to its total ban on motor vehicles. But before you lose yourself in Hydra’s labyrinth of cobbled paths and donkey trails, you’ll need to figure out how to get there. And here's the twist: you can’t just fly in.

Hydra has no airport, and there are no cars allowed on the island, making the journey itself part of the adventure. But don’t worry—we’ve got your route mapped out, from fast ferries to scenic drives, and even water-taxis for the extra bold.

🚤 The Most Popular Route: Ferries from Athens (Piraeus Port)

The Basics

Most travelers arrive in Hydra by ferry from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the island—especially if you're flying into Athens International Airport. Ferries run year-round, with up to 11 crossings daily in summer.

Travel Time & Cost

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Ticket Price: €28–€40 one-way (depending on speed and season)
• Passenger-only ferries: No vehicles allowed, which suits Hydra just fine.

Major Ferry Operators

• Hellenic Seaways / Blue Star Ferries
• Alpha Lines
• Magic Sea Ferries

You can easily check schedules and book tickets online at Ferryhopper, a trusted aggregator with real-time availability.

Where to Board

Ferries to Hydra depart from Gate E8 at the Piraeus Port. You can get there by:

• Metro Line 1 (Green Line) directly from Athens city center
• Taxi (~45 minutes from Athens Airport)
• Airport Express Bus X96 (budget-friendly option)

Pro Tip: Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially in July and August when seats sell out fast.

🚗 Road Trip Option: Drive to Metochi + Local Ferry

If you’re road-tripping through the Peloponnese or just want a more flexible option, drive to Metochi, a small port directly opposite Hydra on the mainland.

Getting to Metochi

• Drive Time from Athens: ~2.5 hours
• Secure Parking: €5–€6 per day

At Metochi, hop on the local “Freedom” ferry run by Hydra Lines. It’s a no-frills boat that gets the job done in 20–25 minutes across the water.

Tickets & Schedule

• Price: €7–€8 one-way
• Booking: No need to book online—just show up 15 minutes early and buy at the kiosk
• Departures: At least two daily year-round; more in summer
• Website: hydradirect.com

Important Note: Bicycles are not allowed on Hydra. Leave them in Metochi, as they’re banned on the island entirely.

🏝️ Island Hopping & Regional Ferries

Hydra is part of the Saronic Gulf ferry network, so you can also reach it from:

• Poros
• Spetses
• Ermioni
• Porto Heli

This makes island-hopping a breeze, especially in summer when schedules are frequent. Most ferries between these islands and Hydra are operated by the same companies that run the Piraeus route. For real-time schedules, visit Ferries.gr or Ferryhopper.

💸 Private Water-Taxi Options

If you missed the last ferry or want to splurge on something special, private water taxis are available.

From Athens

You can charter a speedboat from coastal marinas like Varkiza or Flisvos, but be ready to pay premium prices:

• Price: ~€500 one-way (up to 7–8 people)

Around Hydra

You’ll see water-taxis bobbing in Hydra’s harbor, often painted in cheerful colors. These are mostly used for:

• Trips back to Metochi
• Late-night transfers
• Remote beaches or private excursions

Some reliable locals, like Captain Kostas, offer 24/7 water-taxi service. Ask around the port or call ahead to arrange.

🧳 What to Expect Upon Arrival in Hydra

Stepping off the ferry in Hydra Town feels like stepping into another era. There are no cars, no buses—just donkeys, mules, handcarts, and cobblestone. Most accommodations are within walking distance of the port, but if you’ve packed heavy:

• Mule porters are available right at the dock
• Cost: Varies by load and distance, usually modest
• Alternatives: Some hotels offer handcart assistance

Travel Tip: Pack light if you can. Hydra’s charming terrain includes many steps and hills!

🛥️ Organized Day Cruises

If you’re short on time, consider a day cruise from Athens that includes Hydra, often bundled with Poros and Aegina. While convenient, these visits can be rushed—so if you really want to soak up Hydra’s magic, staying overnight is highly recommended.

🧭 Your Journey Begins with the Ferry

Reaching Hydra is more than just logistics—it’s your first taste of what makes this island so unforgettable. Whether you glide across the Saronic Gulf from Athens on a high-speed ferry, or cruise in from Metochi after a scenic road trip through the Peloponnese, getting to Hydra is part of the magic. The car-free charm, cobbled lanes, and harbor views await—so choose your route and start your adventure.