Yes, it is possible to travel overland to Skyros from the UK, although it takes more planning than flying.
The usual route is by train through Europe to Italy, ferry from Italy to Greece, then onward travel via Athens, Kymi and the Skyros ferry.
Some people choose the overland route because they want to reduce the impact of flying. For others, it is also about enjoying a slower, more interesting journey. Often, it is both.
Skyros is an island, so the final part of the trip is always by ferry. But if you want the journey to feel like part of the holiday, travelling mostly overland can be a very rewarding way to arrive.
One important thing to know is that there is currently no direct international passenger train to Athens. Greece is not currently connected by international passenger rail, so the usual overland route is train through Europe to Italy, ferry to Greece, and then onward travel within Greece.
The route in simple terms
The journey usually looks like this:
- UK to Paris by Eurostar
- Paris through France and Italy by train
- Italy to Greece by ferry
- Patras to Athens by road or coach
- Athens to Kymi
- Kymi to Skyros by ferry
In real life, you should think of the overland route to Skyros as a two- to three-day journey, depending on where you stop and how much breathing space you build in.
Step 1: Get from the UK to France
The usual starting point is Eurostar from London to Paris. From there, most overland journeys continue south through France towards Italy.
Some people stop overnight in Paris. That can make the whole trip feel easier and less rushed, especially if you want the journey to be enjoyable rather than just efficient.
Step 2: Travel through Italy
From France, you continue by train into Italy.
The exact route depends on which ferry you choose, but common ports are:
- Bari
- Ancona
- Venice
If you are not in a hurry, breaking the journey in a city like Milan, Bologna, Venice, Ancona or Bari can make it much more enjoyable.
Step 3: Take the ferry from Italy to Greece
This is the longest part of the journey, but also one of the nicest.
There are regular ferry crossings from Italy to Greece, including routes to Patras and Igoumenitsa. If you are aiming for Athens, Patras is usually the more straightforward arrival point. From Patras, you continue overland within Greece to Athens by coach, car or onward connection.
Igoumenitsa is also possible, but it is further north-west, so the onward journey to Athens is longer.
In simple words: train to Italy, ferry to Patras, then continue by road or coach towards Athens.
That sounds long, but it is not the same kind of travel as an airport day. Many people book a cabin, sleep on board, and treat the sea crossing as part of the holiday.
Step 4: Get to Kymi
To reach Skyros, you need to get to Kymi on the island of Evia.
If you come via Athens, the practical public transport option is usually the KTEL Evias bus. The journey from Athens to Kymi takes around two and a half to three hours, depending on the service and timings.
Kymi is the port for the Skyros ferry.
Step 5: Take the ferry to Skyros
From Kymi, you take the ferry to Linaria, the port of Skyros.
The crossing usually takes around one and a half to one hour forty-five minutes, depending on the timetable and conditions. Timetables can change, so it is always worth checking the latest sailing times before you travel.
Arriving by ferry is a beautiful way to reach the island. As you come into Linaria, the journey begins to feel very different from a standard airport transfer.
If you are travelling with Skyros Holidays
For most guests, the simplest route is still to fly via Athens and connect with the domestic flight to Skyros.
If flights are full or unavailable for a particular week, please contact the Skyros office before making alternative plans, so we can advise on the most practical options for your dates.
If you are planning to travel independently overland, we recommend allowing plenty of time and checking train, ferry and coach timetables carefully close to travel.
Is it difficult?
Not really. But it does take more planning than flying.
The main thing is not to treat it like an airport transfer. Overland travel works best when you give it some room.
That usually means:
- building in an overnight stop
- allowing time between train and ferry connections
- checking ferry timetables close to travel
- keeping an eye on seasonal schedules
- not assuming every stage will line up perfectly without planning
If you do that, the journey becomes much easier to enjoy.
Why people like doing it this way
The biggest difference is how it feels.
You do not jump from airport to airport and arrive suddenly. You move through Europe more gradually. You see places change. You cross the sea properly. By the time you reach Skyros, you already feel a long way from everyday life.
For some people, that is the whole point.
So, is it worth it?
If your only priority is speed, probably not.
If you want a lower-impact journey, more time to settle into the trip, and the feeling that the holiday starts before you reach the island, then yes – very much so.
By the time the ferry comes into Linaria, you are not just arriving at Skyros.
You have travelled there.
If you’re considering a Skyros holiday and would like to talk through travel options, contact the Skyros office before booking your flights. We can help you understand the current recommended route for your holiday week and what to allow for when planning your journey.
If the journey matters as much as the destination, explore Skyros holidays and talk to us about the route that suits you best.