Your Ultimate Guide to Discovering Hydra Island
Get to Hydra by hydrofoil, by car or with a bus from mainland
3 ways to travel to Hydra:
1. From Piraeus Port to Hydra by Hydrofoil
The quickest and most popular method to reach Hydra is by hydrofoil from Piraeus, the major port city of Athens. Offering daily services, these fast ferries whisk you to Hydra in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, providing a smooth and scenic journey across the Argosaronic Sea. Operators like Hellenic Seaways, Alpha Lines and MagicSeaFerries ensure a comfortable ride.
For schedules and tickets, contact:
HellenicSeaways (+30) 210 419 9000
Alpha Lines (+30) 210 429 5020
Magic Sea Ferries (+30) 210 461 0500
For more information contact:
Piraeus Port Authorities: (+30) 210 451 1310
Hydra Port Authorities: (+30) 229 805 2279
2. Travel to Hydra by Car or Bus from mainland:
A Step-by-Step Guide
- By Car
Travel distance from Athens: 200 km, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Navigate the Athens-Korinthos National Road, exit towards Epidavros, and follow signs for Hydra.
The route splits near Palia Epidavros; choose between heading towards Epidavrou – Kosta on the left Google map Directions
or Ermioni to the right, with Google Maps for guidance.
Google map Directions
Your destination: Metochi Ermionis, a gateway opposite Hydra. Parking options include free and guarded spaces. From Metochi, opt for a water taxi (about €70) (+30 229 805 3690) or the Freedom boat service (€7.5 per person, ~30 minutes) to Hydra (tel. +30 694 424 2141).
Remember, cars are a no-go on Hydra, preserving its serene atmosphere.
-By Bus
Athens to Kranidi by Bus
Once you've arrived in Athens, the next step is to travel to Kranidi, a picturesque town on the mainland located opposite Hydra Island, in Argolida area. You can do this by taking a comfortable intercity bus from the main bus station in Athens.
Head to the Athens KTEL Bus Station “Kifissos”:
This station is well-signposted, and you can easily get there by taxi.
Location of the Bus Station – Bus ticket office: Central Bus Station “Kifissos”, Kifissou Avenue & Drakontos 78, 10442 Athina, tel.: 801 11 44000, +30 210 5134588
Board the Bus to Kranidi: Once you've purchased your ticket, proceed to the designated platform to board your bus. The journey to Kranidi offers scenic views of the Greek countryside. It will take around 2 hours and 40 min.
Exit the bus station in Kranidi and you'll likely find a taxi stand nearby. Taxi services are readily available, and drivers are usually familiar with the route to Ermioni or Metochi.
Taxi websites-telephones to make an appointment
Taxi Korontinis Ermioni (+30 697 719 9614)
Bozikis Taxi Ermioni (+30 698 692 2436)
Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
1st option: Kranidi to Ermioni by Taxi
Ermioni, a charming coastal town about 15 kilometers away from Kranidi. Now that you've arrived in Ermioni, you're just a boat ride away from Hydra Island: Once you have your ticket, board the small boat to Hydra Island. You can find details about the routes here: Hydra Tours Travel
2nd option: Kranidi to Metochi by Taxi
When you reach the bus station in Kranidi, you can take a taxi to Metochi (its an area directly opposite Hydra). Is takes around 30 minutes to get to Metochi (it’s a destination of 27 km). And from there a boat to Hydra. Check the daily routes with Freedom boats
Your adventure on Hydra Island begins the moment you step off the boat. Enjoy your stay, explore the island's beauty, and create lasting memories of your Greek getaway. Safe travels!
