How to get there
Patmos is so small it’s a good thing that there is no airport for it would be over crowded with people and the noise pollution would be annoying.
The only way to get to Patmos is by sea (although there is an operational helicopter pad, but this is not an option for most).
A boat from Athens ( Piraeus ) takes 7 hours with Blue Star Ferries and 9-10 hours with ANEK ferries.
Boats leave from Gate E1 in Piraeus port daily. Gate E1 is for islands of the Dodecanese, to which Patmos belongs.
Tickets for all ferries are available from the corresponding kiosks across from the boats at the port . Do try to be there early , as some people miss their boats due to queuing for tickets.
Timetables are available only for the full tourist season of July – August. They are usually issued late June. These times sometimes change so call the Ferry office to confirm or call (+30) 14944 for a recorded message in Greek, for the boat schedules of today and tomorrow to all islands in Greece. There are also timetables for flights, trains and buses on this telephone service.
Catamaran
There is also a catamaran “DODEKANISOS SEAWAYS” that reaches Patmos from the ports of Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes. Click here for more information.
Flying Dolphin
From there you can catch a flying dolphin (hydrofoil) or a small private vessel. Caution: When the wind speed reaches 6-7 Bft the flying dolphins (hydrofoils) do not leave the port they are at.
For Flying dolphin’s schedule for July-August-September click here. For other travel dates contact port authorities or travel agencies.
There are also small privately-owned ferries from different islands usually doing day tours to Patmos, their times change regularly so calling the port authorities is the only way to verify their times. Call travel agencies for more, if any details
Plane
The fastest way to get to Patmos is by flying to Samos island international airport, Kos island international airport or Leros island domestic airport.