Ferry from Athens to Santorini

Athens to Santorini ferry at a glance

• Departure ports: Athens (Piraeus Port & Rafina Port) ➔ Santorini (Athinios Port)

• Main operators: Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries

• Duration: 4–5 hours (High-speed catamaran) | 7–8 hours (Conventional)

• Frequency: Daily departures year-round; up to 10+ daily sailings in peak season\

• Distance: 128 nautical miles (237 km)

• Starting ticket price: €35 – €46.50 (Conventional) | €89 – €100 (High-Speed)

Tip 1: High season (June–September) sells out fast—book months ahead if you are bringing a car. Upon arrival at Athinios port, pre-arrange a hotel transfer or taxi because public buses get crowded instantly.

The ferry from Athens to Santorini is the most scenic and convenient way to reach this iconic Greek island. Whether you’re traveling for romantic sunsets, stunning caldera views or the famous blue-domed churches, taking the ferry allows you to enjoy the Aegean Sea and bring your vehicle for easier island exploration.

Booking your Athens to Santorini ferry tickets is easy and secure through Go-Ferry.com. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit our booking system: Enter the port of departure and desired travel date. Choose Piraeus (Athens’ main port) or Rafina (closer to the airport)

2. Pick your ferry company: Compare schedules and choose between several carriers and their high-speed or conventional ferries. Continue to pricing and passenger details

3. Complete your booking: Secure your e-ticket and receive the booking confirmation via email

4. Arrive at the port: Check-in at least 45-60 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth journey

Why take the ferry from Athens to Santorini?

With multiple daily departures from Piraeus and Rafina, travelers can choose between high-speed ferries for a quick trip or conventional ferries for a relaxed and budget-friendly experience. Unlike flights, ferries allow you to carry more luggage, enjoy onboard amenities and soak in breathtaking sea views.

Advantages of ferry travel from Athens to Santorini

• Affordable & flexible: More cost-effective than flights, with multiple departure options

• Bring your vehicle: Travel with your car, motorbike or campervan

• Spectacular sea views: Enjoy the Aegean landscape and nearby islands

• Eco-friendly alternative: Lower carbon footprint compared to air travel

• Comfortable journey: Ferries offer lounges, restaurants and spacious decks

Travel tips for your trip

• Book your ferry from Athens to Santorini early during peak season (June-September) to secure the best fares

• Arrive at the port on time to avoid last-minute stress

• Carry essentials, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket for windy crossings

• Pack snacks and entertainment for the journey, especially on longer ferry trips

Which port in Athens is better for traveling to Santorini?

In order to travel with a ferry to Santorini from Athens, travelers have the ability to choose between 2 ports:

• Piraeus Port

• Rafina Port

Both ports have their advantages and disadvantages. Below, we analyze them in order for you to choose what suits your needs best!

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)

How long does the ferry from Athens to Santorini take?

• High-speed ferries: 4-5 hours

• Conventional ferries: 7-8 hours

Travel duration depends on the vessel type, departure port (Piraeus or Rafina), and intermediate island stops along the Cyclades route.

What is the distance between Athens and Santorini by ferry?

The ferry covers approximately 128 nautical miles (237 km) across the Aegean Sea. Ships set sail from either Piraeus or Rafina port in Athens and dock at Athinios Port on the southwestern coast of Santorini.

• Piraeus Port: Located 15 km south of central Athens; easily reached by Metro Line 1 (Green) and Line 3 (Blue)

• Rafina Port: Located 30 km east of Athens; ideal for direct transfers from Athens International Airport (20 km away)

• Athinios Port (Santorini): Main passenger terminal located 8 km from Fira and 20 km from Oia

How often do ferries operate between Athens & Santorini?

Ferries from Athens to Santorini run daily throughout the year, with frequency increasing to over 10 daily sailings during peak summer months. Blue Star Ferries operates daily year-round conventional sailings, while SeaJets, Fast Ferries, and Golden Star Ferries add multiple high-speed and seasonal options from spring to autumn.

• Blue Star Ferries: Daily conventional crossings year-round (departing mainly from Piraeus)

• SeaJets: Daily high-speed catamarans during high season (WorldChampion Jet, Eurochampion Jet)

• Fast Ferries & Golden Star Ferries: Frequent weekly sailings from Rafina and Piraeus

Which ferry companies operate the Athens to Santorini route?

Several ferry operators provide daily service from Athens to Santorini, including:

• SeaJets: Offers high-speed ferry services for a quick and comfortable journey

• Blue Star Ferries: Known for its reliable, spacious and affordable conventional ferries

• Golden Star Ferries: Provides both high-speed and conventional ferry options

• Fast Ferries: Features conventional ships with excellent onboard facilities

Transportation in Athens & Santorini

How to get to Athens ferry ports (Piraeus & Rafina)

Athens has two main ferry ports serving Santorini:

Piraeus port (Athens’ main port)

• Bus: Take the X96 express bus from Athens Airport to Piraeus

• Train/metro: Take the Green Metro Line (Line 1) to Piraeus station

• Taxi/private transfer: Taxis from Athens city center cost €20-€30, while airport taxis cost €50-€60. You can also book a private transfer for more convenience

Rafina port (closer to Athens Airport)

• Bus: KTEL Attikis buses connect Athens Airport to Rafina in 30 minutes

• Taxi/private transfer: A taxi ride from Athens Airport to Rafina costs €35-€40. Private transfers are quite the same in terms of pricing and offer a more luxurious experience

How to leave the port of Athinios in Santorini

Santorini’s main port is Athinios Port, located about 8 km from Fira (the island’s capital).

• Bus: KTEL Santorini buses run frequently from the port to Fira and major villages

  • The main station in Fira: 25 Martiou str. and Danezi M. str., near Alpha bank. Tel.: +30 2286025404

• Taxis/private transfers: Taxis are available but limited. Pre-booking a private transfer is recommended

  • Santorini taxis are gray and have a "taxi" sign on the top

  • Taxis can carry up to 4 people (depending on the size of the luggage)

  • Taxis in Santorini fee a further rate for luggage, pick-up from ports and overnight transportation

  • Main taxi locations in Santorini: Fira Central Taxi Station is located in Dekigala Square, very close to the bus station, at the port of Athinios and at the airport

• Car/ATV rental: Renting a car or ATV is a great way to explore Santorini’s hidden beaches and mountain villages

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!

The ports of Santorini

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

• In the southwestern part of the island, is the port of Athinios, in which all traditional and high-speed ferries arrive from Athens and different destinations. (Travelers often prefer high-speed ferries from Athens to Santorini for their quick journey times of just 5 hours)

• 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 there

Things to see & do in Athens & Santorini

Top attractions in Athens

• Acropolis & Parthenon: Greece’s most iconic landmark

• Plaka District: A picturesque neighborhood with charming streets and tavernas

• Syntagma Square: Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Greek Parliament

Must-see attractions in Santorini

• Oia Village: Famous for blue-domed churches and breathtaking sunsets

• Fira: The island’s vibrant capital, filled with shops, restaurants and stunning caldera views

• Red & Black Beaches: Unique, volcanic beaches with red cliffs, black sand (respectively) and crystal-clear waters

• Akrotiri Ruins: An ancient Minoan city preserved under volcanic ash

• Eat: Try Santorini’s famous white eggplant, fava beans and fresh seafood

• Shop: Visit Oia’s boutique stores for handmade jewelry, local wines and ceramics

FAQs about the ferry from Athens to Santorini

How much does the ferry from Athens to Santorini cost?

Ferry ticket prices from Athens to Santorini start from €35 to €46.50 for standard economy seats on conventional ferries, while high-speed ferry tickets range from €89 to €100. Fares vary based on seating class, vehicle transport, and travel season. Standard car transport tickets start from €108 to €130.

• Economy deck seat: €35 – €46.50

• Numbered aircraft seat: €50 – €65

• High-speed seat: €89 – €100

• Standard car package: €108 – €130

• Motorcycle ticket: €32 – €50

Note: Fares shown are indicative. For real-time prices, live availability, and exact booking costs, please check our live booking engine.

Can I bring my car or motorbike on the ferry?

Yes, ferries allow cars, motorcycles and campervans, but booking a vehicle ticket in advance is recommended.

Do I need a passport to travel from Athens to Santorini?

EU citizens can travel with a national ID card or passport. Non-EU travelers must carry a valid passport.

Are pets allowed on the ferry?

Yes, most ferries offer pet-friendly cabins and designated pet areas.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Most ferries have Wi-Fi, but speeds may vary depending on the location.