Ferry from Athens to Santorini

Two Chairs On The Terrace With Caldera View in Santorini

Are you looking to travel with a ferry from Athens to Santorini? Taking a ferry is a popular way to make this journey. This particular ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the beautiful Greek islands along the way. Several ferry companies operate between Athens and Santorini, offering a range of options for travelers. In this web page, we will guide you through the process of booking a ferry ticket from Athens to Santorini.

How to get from Athens to Santorini by ferry?

To get from Athens to Santorini by ferry, there are a few options available. The trip can take everywhere from 5 to 8 hours relying at the type of ferry you pick.

One choice is to take a high-speed ferry, which can get you to Santorini in as little as 5 hours. These ferries are a little more costly than the slower alternatives, but they offer a quicker trip.

Another alternative is to take a conventional ferry, which takes around 7-8 hours to reach Santorini. These ferries are less expensive than the high-speeds and most of them can carry plenty of vehicles.

It's important to notice that ferry schedules can range depending on the time of year, so it's recommended to check the schedules in advance and ebook your tickets early to avoid any last minute surprises. You can book your ferry tickets on line through our user-friendly booking platform, fast and effortlessly.

Once you arrive in Santorini, there are numerous transportation alternatives available to get you in your final vacation spot. Taxis and buses are easily available on the port, while lots of hotels also offer travel services to their visitors.

Taking a ferry from Athens to Santorini is a terrific way to discover the stunning Greek islands and enjoy the beautiful surroundings along the manner. Just be sure to choose the ferry that best suits your desires and finances.

Departing from the port of Piraeus

Advantages

  • More departure options
  • Options for regular and high-speed ferries
  • Most popular
  • Close to Athens city center
  • Easy to reach
  • Very good transport network (buses, metro, tram, taxi)
  • Cheaper public transport tickets

Disadvantages

  • 40 km away from Athens airport
  • There is usually a lot of traffic from the city center to the port and therefore you should expect more time for your arrival in Piraeus
  • The port has 12 gates and you have to walk long enough to find your boarding gate
  • A longer journey to Santorini

Departing from Rafina port

Advantages

  • Shorter travel time
  • Close to Athens airport (20 km)
  • A small port with 1 departure gate
  • Is a great choice if you want to get from the airport directly to a ferry port without having to go via the city center of Athens

Disadvantages

  • Few departure options
  • High-speed Ferries only
  • Few accommodation options
  • Few transport options from Athens to the port
  • Far from Athens city center (30 km)

Ferry companies & schedules from Athens to Santorini

The ferry schedule from Athens to Santorini varies depending on the time of year. During peak season (June to September), there are more frequent ferries.

During the off-season (October to May), there are fewer ferries. Here is a general overview of the ferry schedule:

  • Blue Star Ferries operates daily ferries from Athens to Santorini. During top season, there are up to 3 ferries per day. During the low season, there may be normally 1 ferry per day. The first ferry from Athens to Santorini normally departs at around 7:25 am and arrives in Santorini at around 3:30 pm. The closing ferry usually departs at round 7:25 pm and arrives in Santorini at around 3:30 am
  • SeaJets operates daily ferries from Athens to Santorini as well. During high season, there are up to 4 ferries according to day. During the off-season, there's usually 1 ferry according to the day. The first ferry from Athens to Santorini normally departs at round 7:00 am and arrives in Santorini at around 11:45 am. The ultimate ferry typically departs at around 7:00 pm and arrives in Santorini at around 11:45 pm
  • Hellenic Seaways: The first ferry from Athens to Santorini typically departs at round 7:00 am and arrives in Santorini at round 2:45 pm. The last ferry generally departs at round 7:00 pm and arrives in Santorini at round 2:45 am

It's important to note that the ferry timetable is subject to change. 

With go-ferry.com you can connect online with the reservation systems of most Greek shipping companies compare prices, find information about routes and vessels, look for alternative routes and instantly print your ticket for the ferry Athens-Santorini.

Note: Timetables were accurate when they were published, but can change without notice.

Give a date and click on "search" to view the updated timetables!

Notice: Each year and depending on the period, there may be more or fewer connections from Athens to Santorini. The biggest shipping companies (ferry operators) announce the new ferry schedules by the end of December and the rest of them by January-March each year!

Ground services

Useful tips for ground services and public transport options by arriving in Santorini from Athens by ferry.

Which port in Santorini

Santorini with 4 seaports serves not only ferry vessels but also cruise ships, yachts, and fishing boats.

  • In the southwestern a part of the island, is the port of Athinios, in which all traditional and high-speed ferries arrive from Athens and different destinations
  • In the old port of Skala, which is positioned near Fira (the capital of the island), daily ships depart towards the volcano for tours
  • In the traditional port of Amoudi, traveler boats start their adventure to the island of Thirasia
  • The port of Vlychada, within the southernmost point of Santorini, is full of yachts and small fishing boats. Also some visitor excursions by boat begin and cease here

Bus transport service from Athinios port

  • The public buses that begin from the port of Athinios (the main port of the Athens to Santorini route) going to the metropolis of Fira, have an immediate response with most of the ships that arrive at the island. Although most visit the main station of Fira, a few make intermediate stops inside the villages of Pyrgos, Karterados and Messaria
  • Those travelers heading from Athinios port to Oia, will have to change the bus at the central station of Fira
  • The schedules are published out of the doors of the relevant bus station of Fira and at most of the main stations
  • The price ticket from the port of Athinios to Fira prices approximately 2.50 euros. Night departures (from 00:30 to 05:00) are extra priced and the ticket expenses are about 3.00-3.50 euros

Transportation services in Santorini

  • The public transport of Santorini is quite good. There are frequent departures by bus to all the villages of the island. The departure and arrival of the cycle route, is the capital of the island, Fira
  • Tickets are purchased by the bus driver. Price ranges from 2.00 to 3.50 euros per person and per route

The main station in Fira

Taxi in Santorini

  • Santorini taxis are gray and have a "taxi" sign on the top
  • Taxis can carry up to 4 people (depending on the size of buggage)
  • Taxis in Santorini fee a further rate for luggage, pick-up from ports, and overnight transportation
  • Taxis may be rented for any course on the island
  • The main start line of taxis is positioned within the central square of Fira
  • It is feasible to call the taxi and it will pick you up from in which you are and take you to the favored vacation spot

Main taxi locations in Santorini

  • Fira Central Taxi Station is located in Dekigala Square, very close to the bus station.
    In the port of Athinios
  • At the airport
    Taxi and radio taxi number: +30 2286022555, +30 6906794316
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Online transport services
  • Prices: From Athinios port to Fira Town approx. 15,00-20,00 Euros

Tip: If you already have a reservation in a hotel in Santorini, try to contact them for your transfer from the port of Athinios. Most hotels have their minibusses and usually take you for free or at a very low cost!

Note: All the above information about Santorini was accurate when published but can be changed without notice.

Book your ticket early enough

Usually, you don't need to book in advance if you are traveling out of season or to unpopular destinations. However, when you are going to travel on the days of Orthodox Easter, the Holy Spirit, or Greek national holidays, in June, July, August, or September, then it would be wise to make a reservation at least a few months in advance.

Sometimes the ferries can be so full that it makes it really difficult to find an available ferry from Athens to Santorini and much more if it is a return ticket. Many travelers have had bad experiences with adventures due to the inability to find an available ferry ticket!

If you do not like this kind of hassle, please read why you need to book your ferry from Athens to Santorini early enough, on the next page.

Ferry accommodation options

Everything you need to know about ferry types and accommodation options; reserve the ideal accommodation option for your ride from Athens to Santorini and get fresh and relaxed at your destination! Comfortable armchairs, business class comfort seats, or economy deck chairs. There is a range of accommodation options to choose from for a day or night crossing to your destination.

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