athens to santorini travel time

How To Get From Athens to Santorini

Updated On: January 9, 2024

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

You basically have two ways to get from Athens to Santorini: by ferry or by plane . I am explaining below which one is the best and most efficient method for 2024: ferry or flight?

In my honest opinion, the absolute Best Way to get from Athens to Santorini is by plane (taking a 45mins flight from Athens).

Here are the three options you have basically:

The ferry from Athens to Santorini takes 5-9 hrs (depending on which ferry you choose) and if you are visiting the island only for 3-4 days, you will be wasting too much time on the sea. If it’s your first time in Greece though, it can be an interesting experience, as I am explaining below.

As a rule of thumb, if the ferry to a Greek island takes more than 5 hours, then it’s better if you fly to the island.

You can always search directly here to see if and when there are ferries from Athens to Santorini:

Ferryhopper is the largest and most safe website in Greece to book your ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini, but you can also use it just for checking timetables and prices between Athens and all greek islands.
Booking.com Flights has all the available options for flights from Athens to Santorini (JTR is Santorini’s airport code) with all possible airlines (Aegean, Ryanair, Easyjet, TUI, Olympic, British Airways, Sky Express, Volotea etc)

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Obviously, whatever I am explaining in this post applies to the return trip from Santorini to Athens as well.

ON THIS PAGE:

Athens to Santorini Flights
Arriving at and Departing from Santorini Airport
Ferries from Athens to Santorini
Blue Star Ferries to Santorini
Seajet Ferries to Santorini
Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
Athens Airport to Rafina Port
Athens Aiport to Central Athens

Keep reading…

ATHENS TO SANTORINI TIPS:

You basically have 2 options of getting from Athens to Santorini: by ferry or by plane .
Best way To get From Athens to Santorini: By Plane (45mins) especially if you are visiting Santorini for 2-3 days only because it’s simply faster; the ferry is still worth looking though as it’s roughly 3 hrs from Rafina port and it is not taking as long as the ferry to Santorini for example
Best Website for Ferry Prices & Timetables: Ferryhopper
Athens has 2 ports with ferries to Santorini : Piraeus (or Pireas – PIR) and Rafina (RAF). Piraeus is the largest port with more ferry options in general but Rafina is closer to the Athens Airport (El.Venizelos) and it has more available ferries for Santorini; in my honest opinion you should choose Rafina port if you decide to take the ferry to Santorini
Between April-October there are more than 4 ferries a day from Athens to Santorini (from Piraeus port) and 9 ferries a day from Athens to Santorini (from Rafina port) ; there are far less ferry options in the winter (November-March)
How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Santorini: it varies from 5hrs (fast-Seajet Ferries) to 9 hrs (slow-Blue Star Ferry) ; the same applies for the ferry from Santorini to Athens
How much does it cost to take a ferry from Athens to Santorini: the slowest ferry (Blue Star) costs 50 euros and the fast ferry (Seajet Ferries) can cost up to 90 euros
You must book your ferry online and you can then enter the ferry with the barcode that will be on the email that will be sent to you. This will be clearly written on the email you will receive from Ferryhopper and it is now the system that most ferry companies use BUT some smaller companies may ask you to get a printout from a kiosk that is outside of the ferry and it is this print out that will allow you to enter the ferry. As a rule of thumb, if your ticket you got through email from Ferryhopper has a barcode then you can enter the ferry directly.
How long is the flight from Athens to Santorini : the flight is around 40 mins long and checking in is usually quick but you have to be 2 hrs in advance to the airport as with any flight in the world.
Best Way to go from Athens Airport to Athens main port (Piraeus) to take any ferry is by taking the Athens Airport Bus X96 ( X96 Bus Route – X96 Bus runs every 20-30 mins) – X96 Bus ticket costs 6 euros (adult) and 3 euros (kids) or buy an ATH.ENA Card
Best Way to go from Athens Airport to Rafina Port is by taking another bus (called KTEL) that runs every 1 hr from the Airport.
Direct International Flights from Athens to Santorini: only from major european cities and only between April-October ( Santorini’s Airport Code: JTR)
The Best Airline to fly from Athens to Santorini is Aegean Airlines (Check flights on Booking.com Flights)
Strikes in Greece: strikes can happen anytime in Greece and for any means of public transportation within short notice; usually, they may happen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays; yes, they may mess up your trip but they are necessary for the hard-working people of Greece so that they can have decent salaries and benefits for their lives. So, get over it and try to find some alternatives for your trip (a taxi is usually the best option).
Strong Winds – Ferries Cancellations: in case there are strong winds (which can be pretty common in August in Greece), then the Greek Port Authorities may stop all ferries from departing, so bear in mind this is also a possibility that can mess up your trip; as an average there might be 4-5 days during the summer months that this can happen so get prepared
Business Seats on Ferries in Greece: in my opinion, they are not worth the extra money as you only get a bit more space and a slightly quiet area to sit but even the standard seats are very spacious
The Ferry Schedule for all greek islands is announced only 2-3 months before the actual trips, so if you cannot find any scheduled ferries for your trip 3 years from now, please check again 2 months before your actual trip.

Okay, so let’s see all the available options from Athens to Santorini (that also apply to the return trip from Santorini to Athens):

1. Athens to Santorini flights

Taking a flight to Santorini is obviously the quickest and most expensive option bu it is highly recommended if you are staying on the island for anything less than 5 days as you won’t be wasting time on the slow ferry boats. It’s also the best thing you can do if you are only interested in Santorini and not bothered about Athens (Greece’s capital).

The best and cheapest website to book or search for flights from Athens to Santorini is Booking.com Flights as it has all the available options (including the low-cost airlines like Ryanair).

A few useful info to have in mind, when booking your flight to Santorini:

Santorini’s Aiport website
Athens Airport Code is : ATH (Athens)
Santorini’s Airport Code is: JTR (Thira – Santorini’s official name)
Every plane that lands on Santorini, takes off after 40 minutes to fly back to Athens.
The exact times of the flights change and they are not the same throughout the year, so make sure you get the right times from Booking.com Flights as it will give you all the available flights immediately.
There are more flights from Athens to Santorini between April – October (high season)
If you book your tickets well in advance (6 months) you could probably find some very good deals with return tickets. I have flown to Santorini with just 30-40 euros (with return!) , so it’s definitely do-able!
The cost of the flight from Athens to Santorini may come up to 300 euros during the high season (April-October)

The airlines that fly from Athens to Santorini (April-October) are (these may change, though):

Aegean Airlines (Olympic Air is basically the same airline with a different brand name)
Sky Express

PROs OF FLYING FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI:

So much faster than the ferry (45 mins on the air)…you can literally save a whole day and spend it in Santorini instead
If you have just landed at the Athens airport you can just wait there till your connection flight to Santorini departs (Athens Airport is not very big but leave at least 2.5 hrs between the 2 flights otherwise it is going to be very risky and tight)

CONs OF FLYING FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI:

It can be much more expensive
The flight times to Santorini may not be convenient and you might have to spend some boring hours at the Athens airport
You don’t get to see any other Greek islands ( you can get a glimpse of them by taking the ferry which is like a mini cruise in a way…see below)

The airlines that fly directly to Santorini from major European cities (April-October) are:

Laudamotion , Eurowings, Austrian Airlines (from Vienna)
Thomas Cook (from Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester, Brussels)
Thomson (from Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol)
Volotea , Blue Panorama, Iberia (from Venice, Bari, Naples, Palermo)
Germanwings (from Cologne)
Norwegian (from Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm)
Transavia (from Paris, Amsterdam)
British Airways (from London Heathrow, London City)
Condor (from Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgard, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt)
Aegean (from Russia, Italy, Cyprus)
Easyjet (from Rome, Milan, Geneva, Manchester, Gatwick)
Vueling (from Barcelona, Bilbao)
Jetairfly (from Brussels)
HolidayJet (from Zurich)

ARRIVING AT AND DEPARTING FROM SANTORINI AIRPORT:

Santorini’s airport is pretty small and it can be extremely crowded during the high season.

There are plenty of car rental options outside of the Santorini airport but it is always wise to book well in advance.

The best website to rent a car for Santorini is Rentalcars.com .

There are also many taxis waiting for you at the airport and the Santorini local bus as well.

A taxi from the Airport to Fira would cost you 25 euros and in general, to all other directions shouldn’t charge you more than 40 euros (the furthest towns are Oia and Akrotiri). The local bus to Fira (local buses are called KTEL in Greece) will cost you 1.60 euros.

2. Ferries from Athens to Santorini

Going to Santorini by ferry is the second option you have and it can be a very nice experience if you are visiting the island for any more than 5 days and if it’s your first time in Greece.

A few important things to know about the ferries from Athens to Santorini:

You have 2 ports to choose from for your departure from Athens to Santorini: Piraeus port or Rafina port. Piraeus will always give you more ferry options on a daily basis but Rafina is closer to Athens Airport.
The slow ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini takes approx. 8 hours to arrive (Blue Star Ferries) – check timetables here
The quick ferry from Athens (Piraeus to Santorini) takes 5 hours to arrive (Seajets, Golen Star Ferries) – check timetables here
Slow Ferry ticket to Santorini costs ~20-30 euros (depending on the seat you chose)
Fast Ferry ticket to Santorini costs ~70-80 euros (depending on the seat you chose)

ATHENS TO SANTORINI FERR IES

Before deciding which ferry to take (and also to check timetables and prices for all ferries), you should head over to Ferryhopper and simply put your desired dates.

Here is an example of ferry timetables from Athens to Santorini:

This is just an example of a ferry schedule!

For the latest Ferry schedule, always check on Ferryhopper .

You basically have the following options for ferry boats from Athens to Santorini:

From Piraeus port: BLUE STAR FERRIES (slow-8hrs),
From Piraeus port: SEAJET FERRIES (fast-5hrs),
From Piraeus port: GOLDEN STAR FERRIES (fast-5hrs),
From Piraeus port: ZANTE FERRIES (slow-10hrs),
From Rafina port: GOLDEN STAR FERRIES (fast-5hrs),
From Rafina port: GOLDEN STAR FERRIES (slow-9hrs),

Let’s see all the available options in more detail:

BLUE STAR FERRIES:

Bluestar Ferries are the biggest you can take to go to Santorini and are the most stable but also the slowest (8 hours to arrive)

No matter how bumpy or windy it is, you won’t feel much with these ones.

The Blue Star Ferries from Athens to Santorini, visit other islands before they arrive at Santorini which can give you a very good glimpse of some other greek islands too (Syros, Paros , Naxos, Ios). You don’t get to see much but it’s nice to feel like you are on a small cruise!

The best way to check for the available Blue Star Ferry times schedule is to visit the Ferryhopper website.

They run all 365 days per year and there are basically 2 ferries per day from Piraeus port to Santorini: one in the early morning and one in the afternoon.

Check the exact timetables on Ferryhopper.

Where can you book Blue Star ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini?

You don’t really have to book the ferry tickets in advance or online. There is no need for that because they rarely sell out. But…you can always book them online (just to be sure) on the Ferryhopper website (even if you don’t book them there, you can always check the timetables of the ferries on the dates you want to travel)

BE CAREFUL THOUGH:

According to the greek law the tickets have to be printed out only by certified travel agencies or the Ferry companies , so even if you book it online you have to visit a travel agent or the kiosk at the ferry port to take the print outs anyways (not a big deal..everyone is doing that anyways).

How much the Blue Star Ferry ticket cost?

The cheapest ticket for the Blue Star ferry costs 40 euros (no reserved seat) but it’s highly advisable to get an aiport style seat which will cost you 60 euros per person. A cabin is not really required (it’s just 8 hours) and you can go outside while the ferry is sailing.

BUT FOR THE LATEST PRICES ALWAYS CHECK THE Ferryhopper WEBSITE.

SEAJET FERRIES:

Seajet Ferries are less stable and that is because they are faster to take you to Santorini. On average, there are 2 to 3 Seajets Ferries on a daily basis from Athens to Santorini during the high season and they take about 5.5 hours to take you to Santorini.

There is very limited outside space on Seajets Ferries.

Also, bear in mind that these are most highly to get cancelled depending on the weather conditions (very unlikely from June-September but it’s always a possibility).

Check the exact timetables on Ferryhopper .

Where can you book Seajet ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini?

These tickets do sell out as there is a limited number of seats on these ferries. The best thing you can do is to book them online in advance on Ferryhopper website.

ferry ticket greek islands blue star ferry highspeed

How much the Seajet Ferry ticket cost?

The cheapest ticket for the Seajet Ferry costs 55 euros but depending on the time and the ferry you choose, the ticket might cost you up to 80 euros (one way). There are no cabins on these ferries.

HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO PIRAEUS PORT

The easiest and cheapest option to get to Athens ferry port called Piraeus is by taking the bus X96 that stops just outside of the Athens airport.

X96 bus takes between 50 mins to 80 mins (depending on the traffic) to go to the Athens ferry port (Piraeus) and the X96 bus route to Piraeus ferry port is the following:

This is how to get from the Athens Aiport Exit to the X96 and X95 bus stops just outside of the airport:

Santorini Ferries depart from E7 Port Gate so you have to stop at the bus station which is called: STATION ISAP (this is also a metro station).

Or in greek : ΣΤΑΘΜΟΣ ΗΣΑΠ

In case you feel lost you can just ask the bus driver (they always speak english if you speak with a very clear accent like an italian mafioso in a away… 😉)

But in reality you will find some brand new GPS screens showing you where you actually are:

The X96 bus runs 24/7 and there is a bus every 30 mins roughly (in Greece time runs in a very strange way…so never expect something to be on time…that’s just a small tip from greeks…you’d better get used to that unfortunately).

But there is a X96 bus every 20-30 minutes, so there will be one for you too!

Click here to see all the stops of X96 Bus (from Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry port to Santorini) and the live timetables

For the X96 bus, you have to buy tickets from a kiosk which is just outside of the bus stop (and also just outside of the airport, just follow the “Bus” signs in the airport).

For adults the Athens bus ticket (called “ATH.ENA) costs 6 euros and for kids (under 6) it costs 3 euros.

You can also take a taxi from the Athens airport to the Piraeus Ferry port which costs 50-60 euros but it’s really not recommended because it doesn’t worth it in my opinion…

The X96 bus is pretty fast and it costs only 6 euros!

Also, BE CAREFUL:

Sometimes the X96 Athens Airport Buses say: “AEROLIMENAS-PEIRAIAS”

Don’t get confused.

T his is a greek version of saying: “Airport – Pireaus” , so it’s the same really…

HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO RAFINA PORT

The easiest and cheapest way to get from Athens aiport to Rafina port is by taking a KTEL bus.These are different buses than the blue ones (like X96 or X95) and the bus stop is just across the street from the airport exits (see picture above). You can buy the ticket on the bus from the driver and it costs around 3 euros (there might be a slight difference every year).

The timetables for the bus Athens Aiport to Rafina are on the following table (roughly a bus every 3 hours):

HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO CENTRAL ATHENS

To go from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square (the most central point in Athens), you have to take either the metro from the airport (it’s actually overground for some stations and then it goes underground) or the bus X95 which will take you to Syntagma Square within 30-40 mins.

The X95 bus stop is next to the X96 bus stop and the tickets are exactly the same and are sold from the same kiosk.

This is Bus X95 route (from Athens airport to Syntagma square – central Athens):

You can also take the metro line 3 to get to Syntagma Square from the Athens Airport.

Check on this link the timetables for Athens metro lines

These are the timetables of Athens Metro Line 3:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the ferry ride from athens to santorini.

The ferry ride to Santorini is usually 4 hour and 15 minutes with the fast ferry, but it can also be up to 8 hours with the slower but cheaper ferry. The fast ferry has airplane-style seats and you cannot go outside but the slow ferry (Blue Star Ferries) is bigger and offers the option to stay on the open deck for as long as you want.

What is the best way to travel from Athens to Santorini?

The best way to travel from Athens to Santorini is by plane because you will be wasting too much time with the ferry. If you are visiting Santorini for anything less than 5 days, it is better to take a 45 minutes flight from Athens to Santorini.

Is it better to fly or ferry to Santorini?

It is better to fly to Santorini because the ferry trip takes more than 4 hours and you will be wasting at least half a day in total just to arrive to the island. The flight to Santorini is more expensive than the ferry in general but it’s totally worth it if you are visiting the island just for a few days. However, the ferry to Santorini can be quite enjoyable and refreshing as you also get the opportunity to see a few more greek islands on the way to Santorini.

You basically have 2 options to get from Athens to Santorini: by plane or by a ferry. My honest recommendation is to take the ferry only if it’s your first time in Greece and only if you are going to spend more than 5 days in Santorini. A smart idea is also to mix the 2 options and get the ferry to go to Santorini (preferrably the Blue Star ferry as it’s more stable and less likely to cancel due to bad weather) and then get a flight back to Athens.

If you do take the ferry though, make sure you have plenty of movies loaded on your tablet, crosswords and books in hand… (it’s also a good idea to have some food with you because even though there are some restaurants in the Blue Star Ferries they are not offering the best food in the world…). You also get to see some other greek islands before you arrive in Santorini (ok…it’s just the port but you can still take a selfie with another greek island on the background). For me, the best way to check timetables and even book your ferry tickets online has been Ferryhopper for the last years and I highly recommend it to everyone looking to get a ferry to Santorini from Athens.

I remember the days when I was a kid (or even till recently) when as a family we had to visit a specific travel agency to book and get the ferry tickets but these days are long gone! No matter how you choose to travel from Athens to Santorini, it is for sure that your heartbeat will rise when you are approaching the island… And there is no way you won’t be surprised by the amazing blue colour of the greek sea !

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

🛏️ Booking.com is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com's large and safe platform of available certified drivers

SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube Channel for Updated Guides and Videos for the Greek Islands!

10 thoughts on “How To Get From Athens to Santorini”

Hi! Is there any overnite bunk bed cabins fir the long journey from Athens to Santorini

Yes, definitely! You can get a room with 1 or 2 bunk beds in the ferries that go to Santorini. However, I do recommend taking the faster ferries as the cabins may get too expensive at the end…

How long before my flight from Athens to Santorini should I arrive at the airport? I will only have a carry-on and this is at the end of September. Thank you in advance.

hi, You would need at least 1 hour to be safe but even more if you can.

My flight from US lands in Athens at 9:00am. What flight time should I book to Santorini. Curious to know how long it takes to go through customs and security.

Please allow at least 3 hours. There might be long queues in the passport control area.

HI.. we plan to travel from Toronto, Ont. Canada around Sept. 4th this year or next. We would like to see Athens, Santorini, naxos, paros and maybe 1 more island. Is it best to land in Athens, then stay 2-3 days, fly into Santorini and then book a ferry to Naxos, Paros, etc. and back to Athens? What’s the cheapest way as we wish to do Santorini first for 3 days to see sites and relax more on beaches on the other island and explore ruins and culture. Plan to book accommodations on Bookings.com on those islands. Is it best to travel only with a carry on as I heard it costs for every regular luggage if we have to fly from Athens to Santorini. Thank you so much for your help. Valentina

Hi Valentina,

Short answer is yes. That sounds like a solid plan in my view. If you fly directly to Athens from Toronto, then you have to take a flight/ferry from an island to Athens. Alternatively, you can check direct flights from any of the islands you want to visit (especially Santorini) to any other major european capital such. as London and see if there any connecting flights to Toronto from there, instead of Athens. That way, you will avoid Athens for a second time. Or you can do that in the beggining of yourmtrip and then leave Athens for the end of your trip. Hope that makes sense! Also, it is true that airlines in Europe charge extra for any luggage and most companies allow only a carry on bag (not even a cabin bag…). Make sure you check each airlines luggage policy as each one is different!

First, I’m so impressed with your site. Very thorough and well organized. You obviously spend a lot of time organizing it. So thank you. My husband and I want to travel to Santorini in October. Is it too late? Will everything be shut down? Also any recommendations on lodging in Santorini and even Athens would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Francine,

Thanks for your kind words. I am really trying to help people visiting Greece as it’s my country! October is probably the best time to visit Santorini if you want to avoid the tourist crowds. Everything will be open in October but it will definitely be less busy than the summer months. However, towards the end of October things are slowing down and most businesses close out for the winter during the last month of October (especially the businesses around the beaches of Perissa and Kamari). BUT most of the businesses in Fira will remain open and are mostly open throughout the year nowadays.

In regards to lodging, I have a long list of recommended Santorini hotels in this post:

https://santorinisecrets.com/best-hotels-in-santorini/

And in regards to Athens I highly recommend you read my post on “Where to Stay in Athens” as not every neighbourhood is the same:

https://santorinisecrets.com/where-to-stay-in-athens/

And I also have a great list of Hotels for Athens too:

https://santorinisecrets.com/best-hotels-in-athens/

Overall, it really depends on your budget but I truly believe that October is probably the best month to visit Santorini and Athens.

Hope that helps!

TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Oia: Maregio Suites Fira: Cosmopolitan Suites Imerovigli: Grace Santorini Firostefani: Tsitouras Perivolos: Orabel Suites Perissa: Anastasia Princess Kamari: Sunrise Studios

TOP RATED VILLAS IN:

Oia: Anemi House

Fira: Anteliz Villa

Kamari: Eolia Villa

Pyrgos: Sensation Villa

Akrotiri: Cavo Ventus

Firostefani: Villa Aura

Imerovigli: Grace Villa

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI:

🌄 Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks

🍷 Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour

🥾 Hike the path from Fira to Oia

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

Readers said:.

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“Better than a travel guide!”

My name is Pavlos and I come from the beautiful country called Greece. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays.

Booking.com i s the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)

Ferryhopper is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

Santorini Secrets

Athens to Santorini Ferries

Greece › Greek Ferries › Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini Updated: June 3, 2024 By Santorini Dave

Where to Stay in Athens
Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Port Guide
Where To Stay in Santorini
Santorini Ferry Port Guide

The Piraeus Ferry Port is 30-minutes by taxi or train from central Athens. Ferries to Santorini depart from Gates E6, E7, and E8 which are directly across the street from the train station. Tickets can purchased in Piraeus but it’s better to buy ferry tickets in advance .

Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini Santorini is a 4.5 to 6-hour ferry ride from Athens by the fastest highspeed ferries and catamarans, and 7 to 9 hours (or more) by the slower car ferries and overnight ferries. Most ferries from Athens to Santorini also stop in Naxos and Paros en route. Some ferries will stop in Ios, Mykonos, Foledandros, Milos, Sifnos, and Serifos. In high season (May to October) there will be 4 to 7 ferries per day from Athens. In low season there will always be at least one ferry per day. Ferries from Santorini to Athens have a similar frequency but run later in the day. There are multiple flights per day from Athens to Santorini year-round. Ports in Athens Ferries to Santorini depart from two primary ports near Athens: Piraeus and Rafina. • Piraeus: The largest and busiest port in Greece, Piraeus is located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of central Athens. The port is easily accessible via public transportation, including the Athens Metro Line 1 (Green Line) and various bus routes. Most ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus. • Rafina: Located 30 kilometers east of Athens, Rafina is a smaller port with fewer departures but offers a closer option for those staying near Athens International Airport. Buses run regularly between the airport and Rafina port. Ferry Operators Several ferry companies operate the route between Athens and Santorini, offering a range of services, vessel types, and ticket options: • Blue Star Ferries: Known for their comfort and reliability, Blue Star Ferries operates conventional ferries with regular departures from Piraeus to Santorini. The journey typically takes around 8 hours. • SeaJets: Specializing in high-speed catamarans, SeaJets offers faster connections between Athens and Santorini. The journey duration is approximately 4.5-5.5 hours. • Hellenic Seaways: Operating both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries, Hellenic Seaways provides services between Athens and Santorini. Journey durations vary depending on the type of vessel. • Golden Star Ferries: Offering conventional and high-speed ferries, Golden Star Ferries connects Athens and Santorini with varying travel times depending on the vessel. Ticket Classes and Amenities Ferry tickets for the Athens to Santorini route are available in different classes, depending on the vessel and company: • Economy Class: The most affordable option, offering basic seating in indoor or outdoor areas. • Air Seat Lounge: Comfortable airplane-style seats in a designated indoor seating area. • VIP & Business Class: A more luxurious experience with spacious, comfortable seating and additional amenities. • Cabins: Available on overnight and some daytime trips, cabins offer private accommodations with beds and small but functional bathrooms and showers. • Ferries offer a range of amenities, such as restaurants, bars, snack kiosks, and Wi-Fi. The availability of these services depends on the ferry company and vessel type. Booking Tickets Ferry tickets can be purchased online (recommended), at travel agencies , or directly at the Piraeus port . It is advisable to book in 2 to 3 months in advance, especially for high season (late May to early October) when popular ferries can sell out quickly. Be sure to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, as departure gates can change with little notice.

The Blue Star ferry from Athens to Santorini at the Piraeus Port.

Athens airport train for Santorini ferry.

There is now a direct train from the Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port. The station is directly across the street from the E6 port entrance.

Example Piraeus to Santorini Ferry Schedule Piraeus-Santorini ferry schedule on ferryhopper.com . • How to buy ferry tickets: Ferryhopper.com • Best seats: I recommend Business or VIP if available (nicer seats in a more relaxed setting) • When to book tickets: 2 to 3 months in advance (any sooner and some ferry routes might not be released yet, any later and some ferries could be sold out)

All ferries to and from Santorini use the Athinios Ferry Port . The port is 20-minutes by bus or taxi from Fira (Santorini’s largest town).

Buses and taxis at the Santorini ferry port.

There will be at least one bus waiting at the Santorini port for all arriving ferries. Taxis are less reliable but if there are some they will be easy to find.

Common Ferries from Athens to Santorini

The SeaJets Worldchampion Jet ferry. The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini.

Standard Seat (silver) on the Athens to Santorini ferry.

Standard Seating (silver) on the Worldchampion Jet ferry between Athens and Santorini.

Business Class/VIP seating on Athens to Santorini ferry.

I recommend Business (club class) and VIP (platinum) for the tables, increased space and leg room, and more-relaxed atmosphere. Also the best views are found in Business and VIP.

The SeaJets Champion Jet 2 ferry. Also very fast.

The Blue Star Naxos ferry. A good choice if you’re prone to seasickness.

The Blue Star Patmos ferry. A good choice if you’re prone to seasickness.

The Blue Star Delos ferry. A good choice if you’re prone to seasickness.

The Hellenic Seaways Ariadne ferry. Since Hellenic is owned by Blue Star this will often be listed as the Blue Star Ariadne.

The Anek F/B Prevelis ferry.

This is the Hellenic Highspeed 7 which is almost identical to the Minoan Lines Santorini Palace (which I don’t have a photo of).

The Zanteferries Dionisios Solomosis ferry. The slowest (but often cheapest) ferry from Athens to Santorini.

The SeaJets Superjet ferry. The worst for seasickness. This is a small ferry and can give a very rough ride in choppy seas. If you’re prone to seasickness choose a different ferry.

The SeaJets Sea Jet 2 ferry. This is also a small ferry and should be avoided if you’re sensitive to rough seas.

Greek Ferry Guide
Athens – Travel Guide
Athens – Piraeus Ferry Port Guide
Athens – Where to Stay
Athens – Best Hotels
Athens Riviera – Best Hotels

About Santorini Dave

I am planning to visit Santorini at then end of June. I was thinking to use overnight ferry to travel from Athens to Santorini. However, I could not find any such ferry on ferryhopper or Blue Star Ferry portal.

Could you please help me find the place where I can book the overnight ferry.

Thanks in advance!

Some weeks have only one or two overnight ferries, and sometimes none. Keep checking – occasionally there are late additions to the schedule – but don’t be surprised if there are no late evening or overnight ferries.

Hi Dave, We’re looking at ferry times and tickets for April next year from Athens to Santorini. Do you know if we buy one ticket each to Santorini can we break our journey and stay at another island? e.g. Paros for 1 or 2 nights then go on to Santorini? Or do we need to buy separate tickets for each leg of the journey which seems very expensive? We can’t seem to find the answer.

Cheers Elaine and Geoff

Tickets are good for just one leg of any journey and do not allow for stops (whether overnight or just for a few hours). In your example, you would need to buy a ticket for Athens to Paros, and a separate ticket for Paros to Santorini.

Have you ever heard of Volotea airlines? I didn’t see that mentioned in your review. Are they newer to the scene? They seem to have the most flights from Athens to Santorini with competitive pricing but I’ve never heard of them. Any insight?

I have flown with them many times. Not especially new. They’re a fine, typical budget airline in Europe.

Just like you took many many hours out of your days to compile this AMAZING website – I wanted to take a few minutes to say a HUGE thank you for all the valuable information.

We are travelling from Johannesburg in South African and are starting to plan our trip to Greece. This trips always take SOOOO much time to research and drill down on all the necessary information. You, however, have saved me all this work and for that I really thank you.

I was hanging on every word and every tip you gave.

I feel comfortable and confident that our trip is going to be world class and all thanks to YOU.

If you ever find yourself in Sunny South African in Johannesburg please do not hesitate to call me as I would certainly like to host you as our guest and show you around our amazing country.

Thanks for all your time and professionalism in putting together this website – Dave you are brilliant.

Jenny Smith

Thanks Jenny. I love to hear that this site is helpful. Have a great trip.

We will be in Athens for the marathon in November and we were considering traveling to Milos, Sifnos, and Santorini. We have not found any ferry schedule for November. Do you have any recommendations on how to get to these islands?

Thanks, Joe

There will be a ferry from Athens to Sifnos in November. There should also be a ferry from Sifnos to Milos. But the ferry from Milos to Santorini is 50/50 at best (though there will be an Athens to Santorini ferry).

Hi there, thanks so much for your very helpful website!

I am traveling with a friend and her 12 year old daughter and will be taking the Blue Star ferry from Piraeus to Santorini. Since it is a long trip I thought it might be nice to book a cabin for our luggage and for our own restroom, etc.

The the L2/luxe cabins seem much more spacious/comfortable than the standard cabins, but they are only 2 berth.

Would it be a problem to book the two adults into a luxe cabin and then book an economy ticket for my friend’s daughter, but have her (and her luggage) join us in the cabin? I can’t seem to find any information on if they check the tickets to allow access to certain decks/areas.

Are there any other problems this might cause that I might not be thinking about?

Yes, they will check tickets but that doesn’t mean the child would be allowed to access the cabin. Email Blue Star ferries at [email protected] to ask how you should buy tickets.

Thank you very much for the detail information! This is a wonderful website. We will be in Athens December 27 – January 1, would a day trip to Santorini be possible?

Possible? Yes. Take an early flight to Santorini and get the last flight back to Athens. But much better if you can stay even one night. Take a small bag with just a few necessary items. Stay the night at a cheap hotel. It’ll be worth it for the extra time.

Hi Dave, What a fabulous website. My family and I are heading to Greece and Italy in June. We are hoping to spend 3 or 4 nights on Santorini. (Flying in from Athens). I have a recollection of flights during this time being quite cheap and abundant in January. Are you aware if all there special come out at the beginning of the year? We are then looking at flying from Santorini to Naples. There is only one flight at the moment, but hoping again that cheaper flights will come out at the beginning of the year. Any information on this will be greatly appreciated.

I would book flights as soon as possible as they tend to go up, not down. I doubt there’ll be more than one flight per day from Santorini to Naples so I would book that one too before prices go up. But in general, do I have any insight into what prices will be in January, no.

Thanks for the great info! We are arriving in Greece on November 18 and plan on heading to Crete via plane when we arrive. After Crete we want to go to Santorini for a few days. Trying to decide weather to buy a flight from Crete to Santorini ahead of time or if we should wait to see if there’s a ferry between the two island. Do you know if a ferry runs to Santorini from Crete around the week of November 20th?

Thank you in advance for your help!

There won’t be any direct ferries or flights from Crete to Santorini in November. You’ll need to fly via Athens.

Amazing details. Thank you so much.

My wife and I plan to visit Santorini in late April. We are in an early planning stage and are getting good price on flight (Ryan and Aegean). Do these airlines charge a separate baggage allowance over and above the ticket price we’ve already paid ? I just want to be sure before I book cause I’ve heard the baggage charges are very heavy.

Thanks, Sahil Chopra

Every airline is different and they even have different rates depending on where you’re flying from. The information should be on their websites though. Or on the fine print when booking a ticket.

Hi Dave – I’ve just started looking into making plans to be in Greece November 17 to 26 (flying in and out of Athens). Based on this time of year where would you suggest we spend our time? Ideally, I’d like to visit Athens, Santorini, and another island (maybe Crete?). Thank you in advance for your advice.

Athens and Santorini are both recommended. But there are no ferries between Santorini and Crete in November so you’d need to fly via Athens to get between the two islands. With that in mind, Naxos is probably the best 2nd island. If you wanted to stick to other mainland destinations then Nafplio would be a great choice.

The greatest informative site by far. i was wondering how to pay you back as a token of appreciation, then i saw the Patron site. I loved it. I’m in.

My question: My wife and I will be traveling to Santorini in a week. We are going to take the bluestar ferry. If we book a cabin, do we get the whole cabin to ourselves or do we share it with others (as it has 4 beds)?. Also, if we get the Cabin, do we still get access to business lounge?

I contacted bluestar by email, and i am still waiting for their response. I was wondering if you know.

Thank You, JH

You need to purchase the whole cabin to be together. Otherwise you have to ticket separately (each on an individual line on the booking app) and you’ll be in (separate) male and female cabins. Some ferries do have 2-berth cabins but the ones on the Santorini route I don’t believe currently have these cabins. And you would have access to all the public areas of the ferry (which is most of it) but I don’t believe you’d have access to the business lounge. (I can’t say for sure on that last point.)

Hi Dave, We will be traveling in Italy end of May-beginning of June and are planning to spend our last few days of the trip relaxing in Santorini. The only direct flight I see from Rome to Santorini on the day we need leaves Rome @ 23:40 and arrives the next morning @ 02:50. Will more flights from Rome to Santorini become available in the spring or is that typical? I am hesitant to book our Santorini room if there are not flights on the days we planned to go. Is it better to look at flights from Rome to Athens and then fly from Athens to Santorini? Really appreciate your advice! Thanks, Aubrey

I would guess that there will be more Rome-Santorini flights added but there are no guarantees – especially for any specific day. Is it better to fly via Athens? You’ll definitely find many flights and can pick and choose your flight times. But the Vueling one is so cheap, I’d be tempted to book it as an insurance policy if you do start booking hotel rooms but don’t want to commit to the Athens flight.

Hi Dave – we will be visiting Santorini in mid October, and arriving in Piraeus on a cruise ship in Terminal A, which appears to be E11 according to the maps. Our ship arrives at 6am, so I’m trying to determine if we can make the 7:25am Blue Star ferry to Santorini. Do you know approximately how far it is or how long it takes to get from E11 to E6 at the port? Thanks so much – loving your site.

You can see the route you need to take here . It’s just over a mile. It’s walkable but try to get a taxi which will be able to take you right up to the ferry. There should be taxis waiting at your cruise port but the first ones will get snapped up quickly so try to be the first off your ship. If you don’t have your tickets you’ll need to get them at the Blue Star kiosk (which is what I mapped as your destination). As long as your cruise is on time you’ll be fine but that’s not guaranteed by any means. Ferries leave on time so don’t expect any cushion. Good luck.

We are visiting at the end of December. How convenient are ferries to other islands (say IOS or Crete) from Santorini during December? Are there any convenient islands that you would recommend visiting from Santorini?

In December ferries are less common than in summer but there is always a daily ferry to Naxos, Paros, and Athens (and often Ios). Naxos is a great island to visit in the off season. Paros also very good.

Hi Dave, I am planning to take ferry on September 9 from Naxos to Piraeus. I have 2 options: Seajets duration about 3 hours or Blue star duration 5.5 hours. Which one would you suggest to take? Thanks

Obviously the Seajets is faster, but if you’re asking for my personal preference then I’d go with the Blue Star. It’s much more comfortable/enjoyable/relaxing.

Hi Dave, super informative web site.

In Oct, I’ll be flying Aegean to JTR on a Sun, arriving at 16:25. Plan to stay in Oia. I looked up sunset time and it will be around 19:00. Is that enough time for me to settle down to watch the amazing sunset? I’m not sure how long it will take to collect luggage and get a taxi to Oia.

As long as your flight isn’t late that’s lots of time. You should easily be to Oia by 18:00.

I’m planning on going to Greece next September for 10 days any suggestions on how many nights I do in Athens and Santorini and Mykonos? I was thinking 3 nights each and the last night near the hotel but I’m up for any suggestions. Airbnb preferred. Your blog is very detailed and I really have gotten so much information on planning my trip.

Any information would greatly be appreciated. Irene

I would recommend 2 nights in Athens, 3 in Mykonos, and 4 in Santorini.

Thank you for all the information, it’s been really helpful. I have a quick question about sea jet doing a morning round from Santorini to Rafina starting May 20, none of the travel agents are aware of this schedule. I was wondering if it runs and how do I go about booking it? I wanted to book it for May 24 as I have to catch a flight out of Athens at 8.

Thank you so much, C Sami

On May 24 it will depart Santorini at 9am and get to Rafina at 15:45. It’s one of the smaller Superjets (so could be a rough ride). Book through Seajets.gr

It’s thrilled to bumped into your blog and got so much useful info for travelling in Athens & Santorini! We will be travelling to Santorini for 4 days from 22-25th September. We are thinking to book in advance the Blue Ferry when leaving for Santorini on 22th but leaving for Athens by the Hellenic Seaways on 25th, Monday. However, I’ve checked through the Hellenic website that there is no Highspeed ferry available for that day. Is that mean the tickets are sold out? Will it schedule another Highspeed ferry for that day and I shall wait for it? Would appreciate for your reply. Thanks in advance.

There doesn’t appear to be a ferry that day. (In past years service has been every day in the high season, but this year Hellenic has dropped a few days through the week.) I would switch your ferries and take Hellenic to Santorini, and Blue Star (which runs every day) back to Athens.

This is an awesome blog David! Really helpful. We are travelling to Greece in August. We are trying to book Blue Star ferry from Athens to Mykonos via their website. But facing issues as the reservation is not getting completed. Can we book in other portals like greekferries.gr?

We are looking to book in advance as August is the peak season.

Thanks, Vaibhav Kapoor

You can try another website but if the main Blue Star site is not working I have a hard time seeing how adding a middle man is going to help. You could try emailing Blue Star at [email protected] . But you have lots of time – it’s not going to sell out in May. Give it a week and check back to see if your reservation goes through.

Your site is amazing with a wealth of practical info. So, thank you for that! I have a couple of logistics that I’m trying to work out and hoping you can help. Our total trip looks like this: Arrive Athens at 4:30 pm on May 21st, depart Athens on the 28th via 6:00 AM flight (yuck!). We’d like to visit Santorini, Paros and tour Athens on the back end. Because our flight into Athens arrives late afternoon May 21st, and 45 minutes is probably not enough time to make a turn around to catch the 5:15 to Santorini, we’re looking at alternate options. Acknowledging that we’ll be exhausted and good for a nice dinner out and early to bed, I’m thinking that we could stay the night in close proximity to the Airport to catch a relatively early departure to Santorini. Does that sound like a good plan? Do you have a recommendation for accommodations and restaurants close to the airport? Ultimately we’d ferry from Santorini to Paros and Paros to Athens.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Rebecca McLean

Personally, I would go into Athens, enjoy an evening meal in the Plaka and stay at a hotel that is close to the Monistiraki metro station (e.g. A For Athens ). Then take the Blue Star ferry the following morning at 7:25am from Piraeus. You’d be able to sleep in a little more (up at 6am instead of 4:30). And I find the ferry more relaxing than flying. Also, the ferry will get you to Paros at 11:30 when your hotel room will likely be ready. The flight will get you there before 7am and you’ll probably be sitting at a cafe in Parikia with your bags at your feet waiting for 2 or 3 hours. If you did decide to fly the Athens Airport Sofitel is very nice, has a good restaurant, and is steps from the airport.

Flights are a little more expensive than I’d like to spend now for October, Athens to Santorini and back. I am seeing a less expensive option for Sky Express. Is this a reliable airline?

Thanks! Liz W.

Yes, they’re fine.

I’m travelling from Santorini to Athens on 29th July by Blue Star Ferry and was checking their website. There is a ferry (BLUE STAR 2) at 17:00 hours departing from Santorini. While booking the seat they are showing Economy and AIR SEATS LOUNGE-1. My question is are those air plane like seats in the later category and there are two such lounges, do you have any recommendation which one to opt for?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, the Air Seats Lounge are big comfortable seats, somewhat like airplane seats but bigger. That’s what I would recommend getting as it’s nice having a reserved seat. There is no difference between the different lounges.

Can you recommend any nice hotels near Athens airport? We only have one night there after flying in from Santorini?

Thanks! Rachael

The best hotel near the Athens airport (and the only one within walking distance) is the Sofitel . Good restaurants, nice rooms, great little pool, gym, sauna. About a 1 minute walk from the terminal.

We have a 2.5 hr connection time, arriving from Santorini to the Athens Airport to catch our international connection flight. Are we able to check through our luggage from Aegean airlines domestic to a Qatar Airways international flight (from Santorini to Doha), thanks.

Sometimes if the two airlines are partners then luggage can be checked through to the destination. But Aegean and Qatar airlines are not partners so I doubt it.

Dave, Do the ferries operate on March 25, Independence Day?

Hi Dave, The pictures of the seating types on the ferry is just what I was looking for. Many thanks for putting that up. My wife and I will be visiting Santorini in the last week of January. We have a few queries –

1) We are considering taking the Aegeon Pelagos Prevelis ferry on the way out of Santorini to Heraklion which departs really early morning at 3:40 AM and reaches at 9:40 AM. Is that a good idea? Most flights via Athens reach Heraklion only around noon at the earliest, so half the day will be lost. That’s why we are considering the ferry but have a few concerns: – Do these ferries operate on time in the winter months or they often cancelled or delayed? – I am told that the ferry ride can be rough in the winter. Is it rough on the inside? – We are planning to book the A2 outside cabin so that we can catch some sleep. I am told that it is a cabin for 2 only and has a window. Is that comfortable for some shuteye?

2) Given that January is off-season, I am told that the volcano & hot springs tour and other such tours will not be operational. Similarly for the open air theater. So we plan to do the Fira-Oia trek, spend some time at Santo wines, Amoudi Bay, etc. Is there anything you recommend that we see and which would be open in Jan?

3) Weather wise, I understand that the temperature will be in the low teens and windy. Does it rain a lot? Any advice on rain gear to carry?

Appreciate any light you can throw on the above queries.

Ferry can be rough in winter but it’s a larger car ferry so shouldn’t be terrible. Yes, they can be cancelled – but it’s not too common. Cabins are nice-ish and you should be able to get some sleep. In Santorini, try to get to Akrotiri and see the archaeological museum in Fira. January can be windy and wet or sunny and mild, no telling. Be prepared for anything and definitely have a good thick rain coat.

Dave! Help! I want to come to Greece, but I’m overwhelmed. I think I want to visit Athens briefly, then go to Mykonos, Santorini and possibly Crete. I have a good travel agent, but she is using a wholesaler, Gate 1. I’m just not happy with the direction they are leading me in. Can you help? I feel like if I can start with the hotels than I can figure the other things out.

Yeah, travel agents suck, not as people obviously – but what they offer in terms of hotels are lame. First decide where you want to stay: Mykonos Town or one of the beaches on Mykonos; Oia, Imerovigli, or Fira on Santorini; Chania, Rethymnon, or Agios Nikolaos on Crete. Then use Booking.com to find hotels with a rating of 8.0 or better. If it’s got a good rating the chance of getting a bad hotel are almost zero. Hotels are ultra-aware of online forums and reviews and bend over backwards to keep guests happy. The end-result is that most hotels nowadays are good or better – and the bad ones don’t stay around long.

Hi Dave, Your site is so informative,I would like to see Santorini’s in its full swing with blue sky and blue water. Which is the best month for such climate? Is it OK in March or April? Regards Anu

March and April can be wonderful on Santorini (blue skies and warmish weather) as long as you don’t want to swim or suntan (for that you have to wait until early May).

We are planning to visit Greece (Athens, Myconos and Santorini) during the 1st week of December. We have 5 days for this trip. Is this an okay time to visit Greece in December? Any advice on trip planning?

Athens and Santorini can be great in early December. Mykonos, less so, as it really shuts down in the off season. Also, there are no ferries between Mykonos and Santorini so you’d need to travel via Athens to get from one to the other. So, I would focus on Athens and Santorini and save Mykonos to another visit.

Thank you for your site! I am looking into a Paros to Rafina ferry because I plan on flying back to US the following morning and think it might be easier to stay in a hotel near or attached to the airport. I do not see this port on the Blue Star website. I might also mention I am looking far in advance to get acquainted with the website because my trip is planned for the week of the July 17, so right now the ferry times are not posted. I assume there is a bus in the middle of the night that would transport us from Rafina to the airport, but we might be willing to do a taxi directly to the hotel. Thank you again for your help! My proposed itinerary is: 7/17 Piraeus to Santorini (maybe by flight), 7/20 Santorini to Paros (ferry), 7/22 Paros to Rafina or Piraeus. Or perhaps simplifying it and just staying in Santorini only for 5 nights. Chloe

Yes, there will be a Paros to Rafina ferry in July. Easy to book at a later date so don’t worry about that. And yes there will be a bus from Rafina to the airport. I recommend staying at the Airport Sofitel which is steps from the terminal.

I am going to be traveling from Athens to Santorini on September 26th. I went online to Blue Star Ferry’s website and there doesn’t appear to be a ferry that day (or perhaps their website has an error?) Anyway, I wanted to book ahead of time and now I’m worried that there is not a ferry that day. Is there any other way I can confirm or find the ferry schedule?

Thanks so much! Amy

Yes, there’s a ferry every day to Santorini. On September 26th it departs at 7:25am. Blue Star does appear to be having trouble with their website. If you don’t get a chance to book in advance you’ll be fine showing up at the port an hour before the ferry departs and buying a ticket. Or, assuming you’re in Athens the night before, it’s easy to purchase at any travel agent in central Athens (they’re all over the place).

Hi, wonderful help your website is. I have purchased tickets from Athens to Santorini with high speed ferry.

Can you tell wether I can board with the online tickets or do I have to go and collect the tickets from the ticket office?

If the e-ticket has a bar code it’s good for boarding the ferry. If not, then you’ll need the email and a passport to pick up your tickets from the Kiosk at Piraeus.

Santorini Dave – first and foremost congratulation on the best traveling report I have ever seen. AT this moment my family travels to Santorini and I wanted to look it up. Great research, comments and pictures on every step you have to take. Last year I traveled with my girls in Europe. Myself I put the trip which was great success. BUT ….. of course there were few bumps like not validating my metro tickets on the platform. Looking for the box in the metro I was told how to do it. Until I got to the next station and validated the ticket I had a vision of paying 3000 euros fine. With your pictures and explanation that will not happened to anybody going to Santorini. Keep it up.

Thanks Dorothy. Glad it’s been helpful.

Just found your site and it is so helpful. We are going to Greece from September 18 – October 1 for honeymoon. We land in Athens on September 18 at 12:25pm. We want to go to Santorini and one other island and then on the back end of our trip a couple of days in Athens. I am having difficulty choosing the 2nd island. I want it to be different than Santorini but also not too far away from Athens. I have been looking at Paros, Naxos, Folegandros, Serifos, Kos. Any recommendations?

Also, we have been told that we should go to Santorini as our 2nd island as nothing compares to it. Do you agree?

Susan Marfise

Paros, Naxos, Felegandros, and Serifos are all wonderful islands. You can’t really go wrong with any of them. Serifos might be a little harder to get to depending on the schedule. Kos is definitely a no as it’s a long way from Santorini and few direct ferries. Order you visit doesn’t matter. Do what’s best based on the ferry schedule.

Hi Dave. We are travelling from Santorini to Athens on Tues 26 July. My intention was to travel Blue Star for the advantages you outline above (cheapest, most unaffected by weather, most fun). However the only options are the Blue Star 2 leaving at 6:10am which heads straight to Piraeus arriving 11:15am, or the Blue Star Delos leaving at 3:30pm and arriving Piraeus at 11:15pm. I really don’t want to arrive in Piraeus at 11:15pm given we are only in Athens for 2 nights. With the earlier option I imagine I would need to get up before 5am to try and organise ourselves to be down at the port by 5:30am? Would you suggest just getting the Hellenic Seaway Highspeed 6 which leaves 12:25pm and arrives Piraeus 5:05pm, a much more attractive schedule?

Thanks for your help and for this wonderful website!

I agree. I’d do the Hellenic too.

Hi Dave! Thank you for this website. It is SO DANG HELPFUL!

My husband and I will finally be taking our honeymoon to Santorini. We’re going to go in using the Blue Star ferry, but plan to take a flight out directly to Athens. The only flight available from Santorini is at 8:20am, arriving in Athens at 9:10am. Our international flight is at 1:10pm. Do you think this gives us enough time? Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Micaela

There are no guarantees but I’d be fine with your 4 hour connection time in Athens.

Thank you so much for the all the information you provided in this forum. It really helped me a lot, planning my trip in August. One question though, I would be arriving in Athens on 14th afternoon and would be leaving for Santorini the next day by taking the early morning Ferry from Piraeus. So I was thinking about booking all my Ferry tickets through Danae Travels and collecting it from the airport when I land in Athens. So, do you think it is a good idea? Do you know how their service is? Chitradip Saha

If you really wanted to have them in hand then sure. But it will cost you extra to book with Danae. I would recommend booking directly with Blue Star then picking up from the kiosk at Piraeus (right beside the ferry leaving for Santorini). Just be sure to arrive in Piraeus 60 to 90 minutes prior to departure.

Hi Dave, Such amazing work you are doing. I with my wife will be in Greece from April 15 till April 23, for 9 nights and will be distributing 3 nights each with Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Should I book ferry tickets in advance? Also, can i get ferry back to Athens from Santorini in the morning around 7?

You’ll be fine booking ferry tickets when you arrive in Athens (buy from any travel agency you come across in Athens a day or two before traveling). There are morning ferries in April from Santorini to Athens that leave at 7am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Hi Dave, Such an awesome website!! My husband and I are planning a trip to Greece the last 2 weeks of July. Neither of us has been to Greece. We definitely want to go to Santorini and are thinking of adding Paros and Mykonos. The issue we are having is in what order to do the islands and if we should do Athens first or last. The flights from Montreal all arrive around 10 am ish (so far). So we’re thinking Athens for 1 night and then to Santorini for 4 nights, then Paros for 3 nights, Mykonos for 3 nights, then home. Do you have a better itinerary idea or any suggestions. We are considering flying from Athens to Santorini to save time.

Jen and Jon

I would fly Athens to Santorini to start your trip (you’re already at the airport) and save yourself the time going into Athens and then back to the airport the next morning. Visit Athens at the end – this has the added benefit of giving you some buffer time at the end of your trip in case there are ferry cancellations. From Santorini ferry to Paros, ferry to Mykonos, and ferry back to Athens.

Your website is brilliant! Really found it helpful when looking at getting about in Santorini!

I’m hoping you may be able to give some advice on the airport – Me and my partner are flying overnight from Birmingham (UK) to Athens on Saturday 23rd July and arrive at 4:30am local time. The Ryanair flight departing Athens for Santorini at 7am looks like the best option to me, as I’m thinking 2 hours 30 should be enough time in between the flights to get our hold baggage, check in again and go through security. My only concern is the return flight on Saturday 30th July. We’re scheduled to leave Athens and return to Birmingham at 8pm local time. The only return flight through Ryanair available from Santorini to Athens is at 4:55pm, arriving at Athens airport at 5:45pm (all being that there are no delays etc!). Do you think this will leave enough time to collect our hold baggage, check in for our flight home to Birmingham and go through security etc again? Neither of us have ever flew to Athens before so not sure what the airport is like, how far away terminals are from each other, how many check in desks etc there are and what baggage collection carousels are like (some airports are notoriously slow – Birmingham being one of them!)

Any advise would be really appreciated!

Thanks, Jessica

There are no guarantees but 2 hours 15 minutes should be plenty of time. Or rather, I’d feel fine making those plans.

Hi Dave, great website and it really helps a lot!

I’ll be arriving Athens on March 25 and plan to do the blue star ferry to Santorini on March 26. Knowing that March 25 is the Greek Independence Day and it is followed by the Easter holidays, I’m wondering if there will be a lot of people taking the ferry during such vacation? Will the tickets sold out fast? My plan is to buy the tickets at the airport without prior booking.

Greek Easter is different than Western Easter – so not an issue for your trip. You should be fine buying ferry tickets at the airport when you arrive.

We are planning to come to Santorini from Athens on April 1 for 1 night. I was hoping you can help advise that fastest route to get to Athens to Santorini on that day. Are there any fast hydrofoils the period we are going? The ferry will take too long. It seems to be the low season and not much transportation available when compared to the summer months.

Your reply is most appreciated. Thank you.

Regards, Nicole

The fastest boat is the SeaJet that leaves at 7am and gets to Santorini at 11:50am. If you want faster than that then you’ll have to fly. Aegean has a 5:15am flight that arrives in Santorini at 6am.

Hi Dave, Thank you for the reply. Given that we are staying in Santorini for one night only, we would also like to visit Mykonos for a few hours. Is it possible? Which fast boat will take us there. Can we stop over at Mykonos from Athens to Santorini or vice versa? Your info is much appreciated.

Not really. There’s no easy/quick way of stopping at Mykonos en route to or from Santorini. With such limited time don’t waste any more of it on a ferry than you have to. You’ll have more than enough things to see and do to fill your time in Santorini.

Hi Dave, Your site is great! Good thing I stumbled upon it! I have few questions. We will be travelling to Greece, first time for us, on August 11. We haven’t decided for how many days yet.

1. Which islands beside Santorini will be a highlight to visit them during that time? Or will Santorini will fullfill 90% of things we will see in the other islands? 2. Which are the best beaches to visit during that time? 3. Can you propose an itinerary (when to travel to the islands/beaches, how many days, which ferries/port etc.) when we arrive in Athens (around 9PM on 8/11) for us to maximize few days both at Athens and the islands?

I have 3 kids (16, 11, 10) and so if I need to consider that into the equation? Also, which Hotels/B&B should I choose for a reasonable price?

We are very excited and Thanks in advance.

It’s hard to give advice for an indeterminate number of days. If you only have 3 or 4 then spend all of them on Santorini. If you have a few more then go to Ios, Naxos, or Paros to find some great beaches. Since you’re arriving late at night there won’t be any ferries so you’ll have to wait until the next morning to get something – and you won’t be to an island until the early afternoon at the earliest – so I would consider looking for a flight from Athens to Santorini for the night of your arrival. This will save you the time and hassle of coming into Athens.

Very informative website!

Do you know if Hellenic high speed ferries operate in mid May? I tried searching one-way from Piraeus but Thira was not loaded in the to drop-down list. I do, however, manage to select the above under SeaJets.

I was hoping to compare the time and price before booking.

Thanks, Yvonne

There should be a Highspeed4 and Cat4 from Piraeus to Santorini throughout May. The schedule is not official yet but that’s what it’s currently showing. Both leave between 7am and 8am from Piraeus.

We are coming to Athens for 3 nights in September then over to Santorini for 3 nights. A ferry would take all day (8 hours) where as plane is maybe 4 hours including security but more expensive. Is that correct? I was hoping you could tell me if the water is very choppy at that time of year? I get extremely sea sick but I’d love to travel by sea for the views. Nomiki

Those times you suggest are roughly accurate. The sea in September is about as calm as it gets – but that’s no guarantee for what it will do.

Great information! Do you know of a ferry option for Santorini to Piraeus that would leave early (7:00?) but arrive in the afternoon? I found one from Zante Ferries leaving at 7:00 but arriving at 20:00, which is too late for me. I would be traveling next Tuesday.

Thanks, Mackenzie

The Zante and the Blue Star are the only ferries next Tuesday and the both get to Piraeus late.

Dear Dave, your website is amazing,

Would you like to ask what is the best romantic Island to visit for 3 night? Is it cheaper to buy Ferry tickets online and in advance? And then pick them up from the airport? And how is the weather in May? Is it beach weather?

Thanks Lulu

The most romantic island in Greece is Santorini, for sure. With one or two rare exceptions it doesn’t save money to book in advance. Picking the ferry tickets up from the airport will be a few euro more than booking or buying through the actual ferry companies. Weather in May is generally great for sightseeing and relaxing but can be a tossup for beach weather. There can be a big difference between early May (generally sunny but still some rain and cool days) and late May (rain is less common, can be quite warm).

May I know from your opinion, is it possible if i only stay for 1 night in santorini? Or do I need at least 2 days for me to explore Santorini if I come on February 16?

thanks in advance!

More time is always better, but yes, you could see a fair bit in one day. It obviously depends on when you arrive and depart on each day. If you arrived really early on day 1 and left late on day 2 then you could get a fair bit accomplished.

My wife and I are in the early stages of planning a visit to the Greek Islands when it gets warmer. Not so much concerned about the mainland. We’ve looked at the tours provided by the big firms like Insight, Trafalgar, and Globus, but each one uses the same cruise line for the visits to the island – Celestyal. The problem is that the ship arrives in Santorini about 1600 and leaves after sunset. I’ve been to Athens and Santorini, but my wife has never been to Greece. She wants to see Santorini in its proper glory with all the vibrant colors. I’m thinking that maybe after the tour ends in Athens, we could go back to the ferry port or airport and go to Santorini. You site popped up first when I went to Google with the question about how to get from Athens to Santorini. I can’t believe the detail you provided … and the photos! You should be the island’s tourist bureau chief. Thank you so much. Now we just need to sort all this out. Right now I’m searching the Internet for some other tour company that will allow us to spend a reasonable amount of time on Santorini.

Greg Nelson

You have it exactly right. By taking a tour you miss out on the best times to see the islands: early morning and evening. Though it seems tempting to do a cruise/tour I highly recommend planning and traveling on your own. It takes a little more effort but creates a much more memorable trip.

I am thinking to leave Santorini in mid December for Istanbul and transit in Athens. Do you think the proposed flight transit is workable?

8.20 am/11.20am (Which is better?) Santorini – Athens 1.40 pm Athens – Istanbul

Do you think there will be a problem taking the public transport from Fira to the airport considering I need to be in the Santorini airport about an hour before the flight (right?) around 7.20am?

Yes, that early flight should work fine. Getting to the airport that early could be a problem (and winter bus schedules are very thin). I’d plan on taking a taxi.

I totally agree with Hitesh!

I absolutely LOVE this. We’re going to Greece this December and I almost cancelled my trip since I kept reading negative comments about going to Greece in Dec BUT, I feel so much better now after reading your comments.

So, we’re taking my parents to Greece for my dad’s birthday. My sister and I are both in our early 30s and parents 60s. We’re flying to Athens on Dec 16 at 7pm to Dec 24th at 7:55 am.

I know it’s gonna be a little cold and quiet. Would we be able to see Santorini? I was planning to see Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. We’re pretty chill people. Would be happy seeing some historical sites, beautiful ocean, and spend some time with family. Definitely not a party person. Of course have good food too.

1. Should we just stay in Athens and Santorini since we’re going in December? 2. How much Euro we should bring for 4 people if we book our hotels from here? We’re not big drinkers and I would say we’re pretty conservative with money. Also, we’re bringing a credit card too with no foreign transaction fee. 3. Should we spend first few days in Athens then go to Santorini? 4. Any other island would be nice to see in December? I keep hearing that Crete is too big and need one week just there!

I would really appreciate any feedbacks.

Thanks a lot.

1. Athens and Santorini are 2 of the better destinations in December. Crete, Naxos, and Paros are also good. Mykonos not so interesting outside of summer months. 2. Without knowing your budget I can’t say. There are bank machines on all the islands so getting more cash is never a problem. 3. No big difference, but if you do Santorini then Athens you’ll have a built in buffer (so as not to miss your flight) in case ferries or flights from the islands are delayed or canceled. 4. Crete is great. The only disadvantage is that there are no ferries from Santorini to Crete in the off season so you’d have to return to Athens then go to Crete. Naxos and Paros on the other hand have direct ferry service with Athens and Santorini making island hopping easy, even in December.

Your website is very informative. I’m feeling a lot more sorted about travelling to Greece after reading this site. My Husband and I are planning to travel from 31st January to 6th February. I have a few questions as I want to plan this trip on my own and I absolutely detest Indian package tours. 1. How is the weather going to be in early February? 2. Will it be crowded? 3. Apart from Santorini and Athens, which places can we see during this span? 4. What are the hotels in Santorini that offer a good sea view?

Thanks Madhurima Chatterjee

1. Cool and grey. 2. No. 3. Those are the 2 best places to visit in the off season. Any other place will be very quiet and hard to get to and from. 4. Here are the best hotels in Santorini .

Thank you so much for all the info. Your site is very helpful! I’m planning to visit Greece from November 28 to December 4 this year. I’ve just read that it’s not great season to visit islands since it’s cold and wet. Do you recommend I should stay in Athens and see attractions in Athens as many as possible, instead of heading to Islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini ? Please give me any suggestion for great experience in Greece in Winter season.

Thank you, Rumi

Definitely skip Mykonos as there’s not much to do there outside of the summer season. Santorini still has much to see even when the weather is not-great (as long as it’s not pouring rain). If you’re traveling by ferry then you don’t have to book your tickets in advance so you could check the weather forecast and go if it looks decent. Athens still has lots to do in the winter, so no worries there.

Getting from Athens to Santorini: stress-free routes, key pit stops, and the very best travel times

View of Santorini, Greece with a cruise in the waters

Greece is synonymous with ancient sites and idyllic islands surrounded by deep blue seas. For your first trip to Greece, start in Athens , one of the oldest cities in the world, for a cultural and historical orientation of the country.

But a visit to Greece isn’t complete without spending time on the fabled Greek islands with their iconic white-washed houses and windmills. If you have time for just one island trip, head to Santorini , the jewel of the Greek archipelago, for an unforgettable getaway.

It’s easy to plan a combined city and island vacation as Athens and Santorini are just about 145 miles apart. You can get to Santorini from Athens easily by air or sea.

We’ve put together this guide to show you the best ways to travel from Athens to Santorini for a stress-free Greek vacation.

Athens to Santorini by plane

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Santorini from Athens is to hop on a plane. The flight connecting Athens and Santorini is only 45 minutes and there are multiple flights a day.

All flights depart from Athens International Airport , also known as Eleftherios Venizelos. The airport is about 16 miles from downtown Athens and you can get there by metro, bus, taxi, or private transfer .

As the plane approaches Santorini International Airport, you get to take in the aerial views of the crescent-shaped island. Santorini’s small but efficient airport is just 4 miles from Fira , the largest town on the island.

You can choose from a range of airlines. The two major Greek carriers Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines and budget airlines Ryanair, Sky Express, and Volotea operate daily flights. If you visit during the peak season, especially in July and August, book your air tickets in advance to secure seats at affordable prices. During the shoulder and low seasons, return air tickets can cost less than $100.

While you pay more to travel by plane, you save time. Moreover, flights, unlike ferry rides, are less likely to get delayed or canceled due to weather conditions like choppy seas and strong winds.

Athens to Santorini by ferry

To experience the seafaring rite of passage to the Greek islands, take a ferry to Santorini. Marvel at the dramatic landscape and picturesque villages perched on the cliffs unfolding in front of you as the ferry enters the caldera.

A group of travelers boarding a cruise from Athens to Santorini

Most ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus port , a busy transportation hub in Athens. A variety of vessels like ferries, hydrofoils, catamarans, and cruise ships pass through Piraeus’ Great Harbor (Megas Limin). You can take the metro, bus or taxi from central Athens to Piraeus Port. Some ferries leave from the smaller Rafina port , which is closer to the airport. Check the ferry details carefully before booking your tickets.

There are two types of ferries you can take to Santorini: the traditional ferry and the high-speed ferry. The traditional ferries are usually huge vessels that carry up to 2,500 passengers and vehicles. These types of ferries are also called slow ferries because the journey can take up to 7-10 hours. The long ferry ride is relaxing as you can sit on the deck to soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean’s changing scenery. You can choose seats from economy to VIP class, depending on your budget. There are also facilities onboard such as a restaurant and bar.

The high-speed ferry costs more but takes you to the island in about 4-5 hours. But with speed comes some drawbacks: the smaller ships have no outdoor areas and the ride could be choppy, so be prepared if you’re prone to seasickness.

There are many ferry companies running the Athens-Santorini route. Book your seats on any of these: Blue Star (popular option), SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, and Golden Star. Websites like Ferryhopper and Greek Ferries are comprehensive booking platforms where you can check the ferry schedules and book tickets. Download the apps that accompany these platforms as they provide useful updates like live route tracking and expected arrival times.

The cost of the ferry tickets ranges from $35 to $140 depending on the types of ferries, seats, and sailing dates. Traveling by ferry is cheaper than air travel and you don’t have to pay additional baggage fees. During the peak season in July and August, ticket prices go up and they sell out fast, so book your tickets in advance. The best time to visit Santorini is in late spring and fall in September and October when you can get discounted tickets.

Some ferries make brief stops at islands like Naxos , Paros , and Milos en route to Santorini so you add island-hopping excursions to your itinerary.

A Blue Star Ferries cruise at Athinios Port in Santorini

Ferries arrive at Santorini’s New Port (Athinios) , just a 20-minute bus ride from Fira. The buses and port can be crowded in summer so make sure you set off early for the port to catch your ferry. Check out our guide to Santorini’s ferry port for more tips and tricks.

If possible, select a ferry that arrives in Santorini just before the sun sets so you’ll have the chance to watch the legendary Santorini sunset painting the landscape with spectacular hues as you approach the island.

Athens to Santorini by cruise

Cruises, boats and ferries on the waters of Santorini, Greece

For a hassle-free journey, join a cruise with a fixed itinerary that connects Athens to the Greek islands like Santorini. Cruising is popular with travelers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation.

There are many different types of cruises that cater to every traveler’s needs and preferences. The mainstream cruises carry over 1,500 passengers while the midsized cruises fit about 500 to 1,500 passengers. The cruise routes connect Athens to Santorini and usually cover a number of Greek islands and even ports of call in other countries along the Mediterranean coast. Big cruises drop you at the busiest ports while smaller cruises provide premium services and customized itineraries.

Cruise ships anchor in the Aegean sea near the cliffs of Fira. Passengers are then ferried on smaller boats to Santorini’s old port, Skala. The convenience of cruising comes with crowds so you’ll descend on Santorini with the other passengers from your cruise and other incoming cruises. To avoid the crowds, disembark from the ship quickly and venture to other villages farther away from the tourist circuits like Oia and Imerovigli .

Best way to get from Athens to Santorini

For travelers who want speed and convenience: Travel by air from Athens to Santorini as you’ll save a lot of time. If you don’t wish to miss the experience of viewing Santorini from the Aegean Sea, join boat tours that sail around the caldera where you’ll even get to swim near the volcano.

For budget travelers who enjoy slow but scenic travel: Hop on the conventional ferry with your books, snacks, and seasickness pills and embrace the time-honored way of traveling by sea.

For travelers who want a hassle-free guided tour: Pay more to join a luxury cruise that has everything covered—from food to lodging to shore excursions. Sit back and relax as the ship takes you to Santorini and other Greek attractions from Athens.

Recommended tours and activities

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

Ferry Tickets
Ferry routes

Ferry schedules

Is there a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini?

Yes, there is at least 1 daily ferry crossing from the port of Piraeus to Santorini year-round.

Ferry routes to Santorini are usually operated by 4 ferry companies : Blue Star Ferries , Zante Ferries , Seajets , and Fast Ferries .

Tip : you can check real-time data for ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini on our fare search engine.

What’s the ferry schedule from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini

The ferry connection between Piraeus and Santorini is daily all year long. During the high season (June to September), there are usually up to 5 direct crossings per day, while in the winter there are up to 3 ferries per day serving this route.

The earliest ferry departs from Piraeus around 07:00 , arriving at Santorini port at noon. The latest departure can be from 17:30 to midnight depending on the season.

Ferry Tickets, Offers & Discounts

How much is the ferry from athens (piraeus) to santorini.

The Athens - Santorini ferry prices vary between €40 and €89.70 for a standard ticket. The average ferry ticket cost for a single passenger is €58 . However, ferry ticket prices get higher or lower depending on reductions, offers, seat type, and cabin selection.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available offers for the ferry trip to Santorini from Athens (Piraeus). Take a look at our ferry routes, find lower ferry prices for this route and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper.

Traveling from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini by ferry is easy, comfortable and you can take advantage of lower-cost ferry tickets thanks to the available discounts. The ferry companies offer discounts up to 50% to the following passenger categories :

Children from 5 to 10 years old
Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
Students of Greek Public Universities
People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note : infants and children up to 4 years travel for free . However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

Ferry Route Info

How long is the ferry ride from athens (piraeus) to santorini.

The Athens to Santorini ferry time usually ranges between 5 hr and 13 hr . The duration of the trip to Santorini depends mainly on the type of vessel and the ferry company.

Tip : bear in mind that ferry timetables are subject to change. Therefore, make sure to check your departure time before your trip. You can also track your ferry in real time on the Ferryhopper App !

What’s the distance between Athens and Santorini?

The distance between the port of Piraeus and the port of Santorini (Athinios) is 127 nautical miles (approximately 236 km).

Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini?

Yes, you can travel with a fast ferry from Athens to Santorini as many companies run the route throughout the year. The duration of the trip with the high-speed ferry to Santorini is approximately 5 hr .

Is there an overnight ferry to Santorini from Athens (Piraeus)?

Yes, there is an overnight ferry from Athens to Santorini offering sleeping cabins. It departs from Piraeus at 20:30 and arrives at Athinios port around 04:55 . During the high season, the latest ferry arrives in Santorini around 02:00.

Ferry Trip Tips

Useful tips for your ferry trip to santorini from athens.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Athens to Santorini:

The port of Piraeus can be quite busy, especially in the summer. We recommend arriving at the port 90 min before your departure, particularly if you are traveling with a vehicle.
The tickets for the crossing Piraeus - Santorini can sell out fast during the high season. If you are planning to travel during this period, make sure to book your tickets well in advance . We also suggest that you book your accommodation as early as possible.
Athinios, the port of Santorini is small and can get extra crowded in the high season. On our blog, you can find a helpful guide for the port of Santorini.
Summer ferry rides can be a bit bumpy . There is nothing to worry about but if you feel seasick you can ask the ferry crew for some aspirin or carry with you anti-nausea pills.
For more info on the island and holidays in Santorini , please visit our relevant page.
Island hopping around Santorini is the best! Check our Map of Ferries to discover the available ferry connections between Santorini and Mykonos, Paros or Ios.

Where to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini

You can catch the ferry to Santorini from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The port of Piraeus is located approximately 15 km south of the city center of Athens and 45 km from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos . You can get to the port of Piraeus by car, taxi, as well as public transport , including bus, metro and suburban railway.

Ferries from Athens to Santorini normally depart from Piraeus Port Gates E6, E7, E9, and E10 . Departure gates may change, so we recommend checking your ticket and the electronic display boards located at the port for more information.

Can I travel on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini ferry with a car?

Yes, you can travel with a vehicle in the majority of the ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini. Both conventional and high-speed ferries provide the service of vehicle transfer.

The ferry prices range between €85 to €128 depending on the type of vehicle, the ferry company as well as the season.

Ferry luggage

Ferry companies are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight. You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the ferry to Santorini.

Tip : each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy. We recommend luggage up to 50 kg to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area

The trip to Santorini is quite short, so many high-speed ferries don’t have cabins. However, you can book a cabin when traveling with an overnight ferry from Athens to Santorini.

You can travel with your pet on the ferry to Santorini from Athens, depending on the company and type of vessel you’ve chosen. Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Book cheap ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes from Piraeus to Santorini easily. Compare ferry schedules, companies and book Athens - Santorini ferry tickets online.

How to Get From --> Athens to Santorini

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What to expect when visiting Santorini

Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks — whitewashed buildings overlooking cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Not-so-fun fact: Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.

Volcanic-sand beaches dot the coasts of Santorini. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. They all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Do yourself a favour and spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!

2 ways to get from Athens to Santorini

Athens to santorini by flight.

Taking a flight is a fast way to visit Santorini from Athens. You can find tickets for as low as €26 ($28). Note that you’ll need to take transfers to and from the airports, so total fares can cost about €49 ($53).

Both airports in Athens and Santorini are located a bit outside the city centre. So although the flight itself only takes 55 minutes, the entire trip may take around 2 hours, excluding the waiting time for your flight.

From Athens, you can reach Santorini in three steps. We explain these below:

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Athens City Centre to Athens Airport by Train

When you fly from Athens to Santorini, you first need to travel 35 km southeast from Athens city centre to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

Depending on where you’re staying, you can take the Athens Metro line for €10 ($10.90), a bus for €6.50 ($7.10), or a taxi from €66 ($72). Travel time from the centre to Athens Airport is between 40m to 1 hour 10 minutes.

The train is our recommended option to get to Athens Airport, especially if you’re staying near a Metro Line 3 Station. Trains are available every 30 minutes from 05:40-23:30.

Travel time by train is 40m.

Step 2: Athens to Santorini by Flight

You’ll have plenty of choices when taking a direct flight from Athens to Santorini, even more so during the high season (April to October).

Prices for flights to Santorini from Athens can get as low as €14 ($15.20), depending on the airline and the date of your trip.

Aegean Airlines — Greece’s largest airline company — operates multiple flights per day, but these are quite expensive at around €53 ($58). On the other hand, low-cost carrier RyanAir offers the cheapest Athens to Santorini flight fares, but RyanAir is available only during peak season.

The flight time from Athens to Santorini is around 55m.

As this is a very popular route, it’s best to book flights months in advance to get the cheapest tickets available.

Step 3: Santorini Airport to Fira by Taxi or Bus

Flights from Athens arrive at Santorini Airport . You’ll then need to travel around 5 km northwest to get from the airport to Santorini city centre in Fira.

Metered taxis are available at the airport 24/7. A ride to Fira takes around 15 minutes, and rates start from €25 ($27). If you’re travelling in a group, it’s really much more convenient to split the cost and take a taxi.

A shuttle bus is a cheap and direct way to get from Santorini Airport to Fira. Buses are available from 06:00-23:00 with a 90-minute interval. You can get a ticket for €1.80 ($2) for the bus ride that takes 25m.

If you’re taking the bus, be advised that the buses can get packed to the brim, making for an unpleasant and unsafe (from pickpockets) journey.

Athens to Santorini by Ferry

Although slower, the ferry from Athens to Santorini will be a very scenic journey .

Travel time is 5 hours for high-speed ferries and 6-10 hours for regular ferries (plus a 1-hour transfer to and from the ports). Combined ferry and transfer rates from Athens to Santorini start from €46 ($50).

A ferry ride between Athens and Santorini is a slow but sweet journey. The ferry is something we recommend if you have extra time and would like to see the charming Greek islands in the Cyclades along the way.

Below, we explain the journey in three steps:

Step 1: Athens City Centre to Piraeus Port by Train

When travelling by ferry from Athens to Santorini, head to Piraeus Ferry Port , 15 km southwest of central Athens. Ferries that go to Santorini depart from this pier. The easiest way to get to Piraeus is by train.

You need to take the Metro green line (Line 1) from either Monastiraki or Omonia station in the city centre. The train ride would take only 30m, and a ticket costs €1.50 ($1.60).

From the train station, just cross the street to get to the ferry port.

Step 2: Piraeus to Santorini by Ferry

There are two kinds of available ferries between Athens and Santorini during the high season. High-speed ferries (Seajets) take almost 5 hours. Meanwhile, regular ferries (Minoan Lines, Blue Star, and Anek) take 6-10 hours.

If you’re short on time, take the Seajets fast ferry. But if you want to enjoy calmer seas and amazing views, you can opt to travel with slow ferries that cost much cheaper.

Ferries dock at Athinios Ferry Terminal on the west coast of Santorini. This port is around 9 km away from Fira town centre.

Step 3: Santorini Ferry Port to Fira by Bus or Taxi

The last leg of this journey is to travel from the port to Fira town centre. You can take a bus or a taxi for this route.

When arriving in Santorini, there will be buses waiting for the ferry’s arrival near the port. The buses can’t accommodate all passengers, though. If you miss the bus, then you’ll most probably have to wait a few hours for the next one.

A bus ticket costs around €2.30 ($2.50) for the 30m journey from the ferry terminal to the city centre.

Alternatively, you can take a 20-minute taxi with rates from €30 ($33).

Frequently Asked Questions about Athens to Santorini

How can i travel from athens to santorini.

When going on a trip from Athens to Santorini, you have two main options: by ferry or by flight. There are several ferry companies that operate on the Athens to Santorini route, offering convenient and scenic journeys. If you want a faster trip to Santorini, there are many flights available daily.

Ferry rides from Athens to Santorini take 6-11 hour, depending on whether you take a conventional or high-speed ferry. Flight time, including transfers, is around 2 hours.

Are there any cheap flight options from Athens to Santorini?

You can find cheap flights from Athens to Santorini. Many airlines offer affordable fares for this popular route. Compare flight deals from Athens in advance via Skyscanner to secure the best airfare rates.

How can I find cheap tickets for the Athens to Santorini ferry or flight?

To find cheap tickets from Athens to Santorini, we recommend checking out BookAway for ferry options and Skyscanner for flights. These travel platforms generally show the most competitive fares. Additionally, booking in advance or considering flexible travel dates can often help you find cheaper tickets.

How can I get from Santorini to Athens?

When travelling the opposite direction from Santorini, you can take a flight back to Athens for a faster journey time. But if you want another shot at enjoying the view of the Cyclades Islands, then a ferry from Santorini to Athens is also a good idea. Rates range from €45 ($49) to €49 ($53).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Athens to Santorini . If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

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Athens to Santorini

Athens to Tinos

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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

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How To Get From Athens To Santorini – The Complete Guide 2022

Are you planning to get the Athens to Santorini Ferry tickets ? We prepared this thorough guide to help you out with all the available options you have.

Read carefully. If you want to book a ferry from Athens to Santorini, then use this: It is the most popular and reliable service .

The ports mentioned in this post are the ones for either visiting a few of the Greek islands and island hopping.

Several destinations or vacation places are easily accessible in the world.

One of the best destinations in Santorini in Greece.

Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands , it is a straightforward place to access and a fantastic destination point.

Also known as Thera or Thira , Santorini is in the southern Aegean Sea, which is about 120m southeast of Athens .

It is among the favorite of the Cyclades group of islands . How to get from Athens to Santorini ?

Table of Contents

How to Get from Athens to Santorini?

When you consider flying from Athens to Santorini, it will take one almost round one hour to reach the town of Santorini.

There are many direct flights available every day and cost a minimum of USD 40 to a maximum of USD 175 (unless you booked all tickets ahead).

Make sure you check prices and book way ahead of your day of arrival.

A popular way to get to Santorini is by ferry from Athens, if you land in Athens first and you should do! There are quite a few ferry routes to choose from.

Here are the instructions to help you out getting the Athens to Santorini ferry tickets options.

As with ferries from Athens, there are more than four available ferries every day that travels from Athens to Santorini; that is in the summer alone.

Summer is one of the best days to visit the Greek islands of Santorini to enjoy what nature has to offer at its best.

This ferry trip will end up costing you a minimum of five hours to a maximum of eight hours in the water.

It will cost one an average of USD 50. Prices and availability change depending on high season or not.

Make sure to check prices and book in advance from here .

You will realize that the reason you have decided to visit Santorini is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and enjoy the warm weather.

Note that they are not only the cheapest way to get to Santorini but also one of the ways to enjoy the beautiful island with a remarkable volcanic landscape, spectacular sunsets, and much more .

Athens to Santorini Ferry - Where to Stay in Santorini: Best By Traveler Type

Essentials Before Getting the Ferry

Athens to santorini ferry trip.

There are two most common types of ferries, the conventional ferry, and the High-Speed ferry.

Conventional Ferry

It takes around 8 hours to reach Santorini from Athens. There are two ferry companies. These are the Blue Star Ferries from Athens and the Hellenic Seaways ferry from Athens.

The ferry from Athens, runs every day throughout and leave Athens at 7.25 am (make sure to check timetables on your travel period).

This series have the capability of taking automobiles because of the large decks making it ideal for walking around.

Even though it is a much slower ferry, it is the most stable one when you are in the rough sea.

High-Speed Ferry tickets

As for the Seajets ferry company , the ferry ride are pretty fast and take around 5 hours to reach Santorini by ferry; they are said to be the fastest ferries available. The common one is the Champion Jet 1. Hellenic Seaways run them.

These ferries are much faster than the conventional ferries but cost much more.

Unlike the conventional ferries that have large decks to walk around, HighSpeed ferries are much different. They have airplane-style seating and huge windows, covered by the seawater, meaning you will not enjoy much scenery.

They are also very bumpy in rough seas when compared to the conventional ferries.

Tickets Sales of Athens to Santorini Ferry

It is essential to note that the ferry tickets cannot be bought when you are boarding the ferry.

If you don’t book in advance, then you will likely get the tickets from the ticket agents in downtown Athens at the Metro station or the harbor. They are beside the gate E7.

The agents that sell the tickets can also are at the bus stop for the X96 bus that is coming from Athens airport.

Point to note here is that you should always buy your ticket in advance, preferable some days before traveling.

There are no return tickets that are available only the one-way tickets. The best way to go around this is by buying two one way tickets. This will save you some valuable time and pressure.

The other thing to have in mind about the ticket is that you cannot buy a multi-stop ticket is you wish to make stops.

Cost of Tickets for Athens to Santorini Ferry

Usually, the Blue Star Ferries will cost depending on how you might wish to travel. The Economy is around USD 44, VIP is USD 61, and the slightly expensive cabin berth costs around USD 63.

Prices change per year.

The high-speed ferry tickets are the real deal as it costs for USD 70 for the economy, and about USD 73 in business with the VIP going for USD 85.

Athens Ferry Ports to Get to Santorini

There are two major ports in Athens. The main one is Piraeus ferry port (Piraeus to Santorini), and the other one is the port of Rafina. That one is just a secondary port situated on the Northwestern coast of Attica.

Athens to Santorini from Piraeus

Among the two ports, Piraeus is one of the closest ports to Athens City Centre.

You will realize that reaching the port is quite easy using any of the means available that is the metro, train, bus, and even taxi. These means are available from the city center and also the Athens airport.

Reaching the port from the airport is instead very direct, using the express bus popularly known as the X96 and cost around USD 6. The trip is about one hour and thirty minutes.

The taxi from Athens airport will cost much more than the bus around USD 70, but they are fast, taking only one hour.

Now, from the center of Athens is a different scenario. Here the best alternative is using the train from the metro. The train is much shorter, taking less than half an hour and also cost much lower as compared to the others, around USD 2.

Taking a taxi is more expensive compared to the bus and the train. It costs around USD 35, and the whole journey might take approximately 40 minutes when there is no traffic and over an hour when there is traffic.

The bus ride from the city center has two options, that is from Syntagma square to Piraeus and from Omonia Square to Piraeus.

Both options take you to the Piraeus bus stop that is in Korai square. That is close to the Municipality Theater. From there, it is just a 10 minutes’ walk to gate E9.

Athens to Santorini from Rafina

Rafina port is much closer to the airport, but very far from the center of Athens. It is only convenient for travelers who fancy going to the Northern Cyclades islands of Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.

This journey is concise and the best if you want to avoid the center of Athens and would want to leave for Santorini very early in the morning. Most of the ferries depart Rafina very early in the morning.

Reaching Rafina from the airport and the city center can be done by the use of the Ktel bus or a Taxi. The buses run one hour ever from Athens airport and will take around one hour to reach Rafina.

As from the center of Athens, the bus will take around one hour thirty minutes and runs after every 30 minutes.

Things to Consider for the Athens to Santorini Ferry

Sickness: Some of the mentioned ferries like the high-speed and the sea-jets can be very bumpy during rough seas. The reason why it is wise always to take the large Blue Star if you are prone to seasickness as they are the only ferry ride that is not bumpy.
Food: There are plenty of alternatives when it comes to the foods available on the ferries, with so much to pick from that includes the lounges, snack bars, and restaurants. One thing that you will not miss to spot is the fast-food shops that are across gate E6 and are open for 24 hours with much more food to offer for your journey.
Ferries cancellations: The ferries can be canceled once in a while, especially in August. It is one of the months that is too windy, except the BlueStar, which is more comfortable to withstand the wind. Some times there are strikes.
Ticket Validation: It is essential to validate your ticket, failure to which you will likely get a fine to a sum of USD 70.
Double-check the Ferry schedules and when ferries operate per destination. Sometimes, strikes come up.

Advantages of Booking your Ticket in Advance

This ticket is sold out quickly, especially in July and August, so it is a good idea to buy your ticket in advance from a travel agent or a travel agency in Athens.

There is no island so busy throughout the year in Greece as Santorini.

Buying the ticket in advance will save you money as they come with no additional cost.

You will also be ready for your trip without any hitches associated with last-minute bookings. That is most common with the High-Speed ferries that tend to sell out more often.

Booking the ticket in advance will help you take care of the crazy time on August 15, which is a very massive holiday in Greece.

There is a lot of traffic around that date because people are returning to their homes from the islands. The ferries are usually very packed.

The automobile spots on the ferries are fewer, so you need to book your ferry ahead.

Booking the ticket in advance will come in handy if you have a car that needs to be on the ferry.

If you plan to have a sleeping cabin, then you are advised to check your ferry schedule and book the tickets in advance to get the limited spaces available for the sleeping cabins.

Athens to Santorini Ferry Companies Comparison

Depending on which ferry companies you are traveling with the class is very different in their style and settings.

Blue Star Ferries – Athens to Santorini

The Blue Star Ferry Deck class is popularly referred to as the Economy class. It gives the passenger access to almost everything that the ferry has to offer, like restaurants and cafeterias. One of the significant drawbacks of this class is getting the sitting space. The best way to beat this is by upgrading your seat to a reserved airplane style seat for 5 US dollars.
Business Class offers more comfortable seating and waiter services; It is less noisy and less crowded compared to the economy class. There is also a lounge.
Cabins: this is also available in the BlueStar. The cabin usually has a bed that comes in 2-beds and 4-beds kind of arrangement. You will even realize that cabins inside the ship have no windows, unlike the cabins that are on the exterior, which have portholes.

Check ferry prices and availability for tickets and book your ferry from here .

Hellenic Seaways High-Speed Athens to Santorini Ferries

There is not so much difference between the classes on the Hellenic Highspeed ferries apart from the fact that they are separate.

Economy: this is at the rear half of the ferry tickets
Business: the main difference from the economy apart from the fact that it is in front of it, is that there is much more room in between the seats.
VIP: this is slight very different. One thing that is so clear apart from the distinguish leather seats is the waiter service. The VIP is situated in the front of the ferry and has a window that is looking either straight or on the floor, depending on the kind of ferry that you are in.

SeaJets Ferries

Economy: The economy class is scorching and crowded.
Business Class: it is the best-recommended class to get when traveling as it is not crowded.

Check prices and availability and book your ferry from here .

What to Do When Arriving at Santorini

When the ferry arrives at Santorini, it is bustling, and so should you, the ferry takes only a few minutes at the port.

You should be up and ready with your luggage and belongings when the ferry is about to reach the port.

You should not be worried about your transportation to Fira as there are buses that meet every arriving ferry.

Apart from the buses, there are always taxis which have to be snatched very quickly because of the demand.

Conclusion for your Ferry Choices

Santorini is one of the most amazing places to go for a vacation in Greece, as a couple or as a family. If you go solo, then you will meet someone special. The island has this unique vibe and energy.

The best way to enjoy yourself is to prepare yourself and know some of the basics. Such will save you money along with your valuable time in the long run.

The above information should be convenient when you are planning for that trip of your lifetime. Especially when you’re planning to take a trip on a ferry from Athens to Santorini.

Make sure to read all our posts for Santorini. While you are in Athens, you have tons of things to experience (apart from visiting the Acropolis museum and archaeological site). You can find all of them here .

Do allocate 2-3 days for Athens before getting aboard your Athens to Santorini ferry.

The Best Crete to Santorini Ferry Guide 2022
Best Guide: Athens to Mykonos Ferry or Flight 2022
Ultimate Mykonos to Santorini Flights & Ferries
Best 14 Day Trips From Athens Greece 2022
Why Stay in the Magnificent Santorini Caldera

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How to Travel From Athens to Santorini [2024 Guide]

Last Updated on: Jan 19, 2024
Read Time 21 mins
Published: Apr 9, 2020

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Are you in Athens? Or are you planning to be there anytime soon? Then, the beautiful island of Santorini definitely needs to be on your bucket list! Doubtlessly, Santorini is one of the most beloved tourist sites to visit in Greece, with its breathtaking views and mesmerizing sunsets.

Apart from being the most picturesque Greek island, it is also an ideal holiday location to relax and enjoy astonishing sunset views. There, you can experience the lively culture and traditional festivities of the Greeks.

Unfortunately, many tourists are often misguided and confused about Santorini in their travel plans, wasting time and money significantly.

Fortunately, you are at the very right place, as we have gathered a detailed guide about how to travel from Athens to Santorini and help solve all your queries here.

So, keep scrolling explorers!

Ferries from Athens to Santorini

Ready for a trip to Santorini? Traveling to Santorini via ferry has been quite popular among tourists for quite some time now.

Luckily, more than 4 or even 6 ferries (during summertime), make round trips from Athens to Santorini daily, making it super convenient to visit.

Compared with the direct flight to Santorini, ferries are relatively cheaper yet time-consuming.

However, one thing is certain: traveling by ferry is more enjoyable than a flight, as you will have an incredible opportunity to be mesmerized by the beautiful Aegean Sea and get glimpses of the surrounding islands of the Cyclades.

Today, various ferry companies operate from different ports of Athens to Santorini, each with different timetables, amenities, and facilities for the passengers.

Some among them are high-speed ferries, which are relatively smaller in size, with the rest being conventional ones with larger decks.

These ferries have a capacity to transport up to 2,500 people at once, and the best ones offer an optimal range of features and facilities to the passengers, including airline-style seating, private cabins, restaurants, bars, and some outdoor sundeck areas.

Among the prominent, the most popular ones are Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, and Golden Star Ferries.

The departure from Athens is served by Piraeus port and Rafina port . You may choose either according to your personal convenience.

Piraeus port lies very close to the city’s center and is easily accessible by train; thus, it is an ideal option if you are already in Athens.

At Piraeus Port, you’ll find both conventional and high-speed Ferries of all the major operators, including Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Golden Star Ferries.

The ticket for conventional ferries costs around 35€ , while for high-speed ferries and catamarans, the price can range from 60€ to 90€.

If you plan to visit Santorini immediately after landing in Athens, we’d suggest using Rafina port as it’s close to the airport (El. Venizelos).

Also, if you’re looking to make a stop at Mykonos on your way to Santorini, Rafina port should be your definite choice.

Although Rafina Port only serves high-speed ferries and not conventional ones, it still has all the modern port facilities.

At Rafina port, the minimum price for a superjet ticket lies around 70€ .

How Long Is the Ferry Ride From Athens To Santorini?

Unlike planes, ferry rides are a bit time-consuming and take several hours for a single trip. During the high season, 6-9 ferries depart daily from Athens to Santorini.

These range from high-speed catamarans that depart at 7 am in the morning and take almost 5 hours to arrive at Santorini to conventional ferries, which may take up to 9 -9 ½ hours to reach the destination.

Usually, these ferries are always on time. However, high-speed ferries may be delayed in rare cases due to unsuitable weather conditions.

Trip duration from Piraeus Port to Santorini

Sea Jet Ferries(fastest) – 5 hours
Golden Star Ferries – 5 hours
Blue Star Ferries – Up to 8 hours
Zante Ferries- up to 10 hours

Trip Duration from Rafina Port to Santorini

Golden Star Ferries(high speed) – 5 hours
Golden Star Ferries(conventional) – 9 hours

Cost of Ferries from Athens to Santorini

The price of a ferry ride from Athens to Santorini varies depending on the vessel’s facilities for the passengers (including the class of travel, (e.g., economy, business, etc.) and the duration.

Plus, it is greatly affected by respective seasons as well. As a rule of thumb, conventional ferries are cheaper than high-speed catamarans; however, the ticket price may vary accordingly.

Cost of Ferries from Athens to Santorini

The estimated price ranges of the ferries are mentioned below:

Blue star Ferries- €33 – €119.5
Sea jets – €56.5 – €109.7
Golden Stars Ferries- €55 – €68
Zante Ferries- €39.5 – €88.5

Choosing a high-speed or conventional ferry depends on the traveler’s needs.

If you enjoy sunbathing on the boat and prefer large boats over smaller ones, then you should choose a conventional one.

On the other hand, you should opt for a high-speed ferry if you wish to arrive at Santorini as fast as possible.

Although ferry tickets for Santorini are easily available year-round, during summer seasons, it would be ideal to buy them beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.

The tickets can be bought either online on the respective websites of the ferry operating companies or even through local agents’ offices, which can be easily found at Piraeus and Rafina Ports.

highspeed ferry from athens to santorini

What one must know about Economy, Business, VIP, and Cabin ferry classes when traveling to Santorini from Athens?

Economy Class: The economy or the deck class varies significantly in large ferries like Blue Star ferries, and small ones like SeaJet ferries. In large carriers, an economy class ticket gives you access to all indoor and outdoor seating and all restaurants, bars, and cafes. In contrast, the economy class in small carriers is quite crowded (and hot) and definitely not recommended.
Business Class/VIP class: If traveling comfortably is your ultimate priority, without a doubt, you should go for the business class. The large and small ferries provide passengers with a less crowded and noisy environment. A lounge with sofas and waiter service is also available in conventional ferries such as Bluestar. Although it might be slightly more expensive than the deck class, it is worth it!
Cabins: Cabin class is only available in large conventional ferries, where private cabins with 2 or 4 bunk beds are available. In most cases, they must be reserved beforehand, as there are limited cabins. The best part about these cabins is their external window that offers views of the beautiful Aegean Sea.

Blue Star Ferries to Santorini

Blue Star Ferry is one of the most renowned ferry operating companies, which serves itineraries from Athens to the Cyclades islands, including Santorini.

Luckily, the ferry transports passengers 365 days a year, so you don’t have to worry even if you are traveling during the off-season. Two ferries depart from Piraeus port daily, one in the morning and one in the evening.

No one likes a bumpy cruise! Fortunately, you can forget about bumpy rides with Blue Star ferries, as it’s the most stable among all other ferries. So, even if the wind goes wild, you won’t feel much!

On a Blue Star ferry, you can travel on board and enjoy the magnificent sea and fresh sea breezes.

The cheapest ticket is priced around 30 Euros , while it may go up to 120 Euros depending on the traveler’s class.

As far as the schedule is concerned, the Blue Star ferry departs from Athens early in the morning at 7:25 am daily and stops at other islands, including Syros, Paros, Naxos, and Ios, before arriving at Santorini at 14:55 .

It takes approximately 8 hours for the complete trip.

During the high season, Blue Star also operates evening departures.

The ferry leaves Athens at around 6:00 pm and arrives at Santorini at 12:35 am .

If time isn’t a big concern for you, Blue Star Ferries will truly provide you with an exceptional experience!

BLUE STAR FERRIES

Address: 1-7 Lysikratous & Evripidou Street 17674 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
Phone: +30-210-8919800, Fax: +30-210-8919829
e-mail: [email protected]

Seajet Ferries to Santorini

Seajet Ferry is generally preferred by tourists who are short on time, as this ferry takes 5 hours to travel from Athens to Santorini.

Quite simply, the ferry sails at an incredibly high speed but unlike conventional Ferries, these do not have large open decks but rather closed compartments with airplane-style seating.

These are also relatively costlier, with a minimum price ranging from 55 Euros to almost 110 Euros .

It must also be known that high-speed ferries like Seajet lack cabin class due to limited space.

The biggest concern regarding Seajet and similar high-speed ferries is that they are often canceled due to unavoidable weather conditions.

Every day, almost 3 trips are operated from Athens to Santorini.

Seajet ferries are only great if the time concerns one; otherwise, one must go for the conventional ferry rides only.

SEAJET FERRIES

Address: 2, Astiggos & Akti Tselepi 18531 Piraeus
Phone: +30 210 7107710, daily 06:00 – 22:00
e-mail: [email protected]

How To Get From Athens To Piraeus Ferry Port To Catch the Ferry To Santorini

The Piraeus ferry port is located very close to the center of Athens and all the well-known hotels in the city , and luckily it’s super simple to reach there.

If you are in downtown Athens, you can easily access the Piraeus Ferry port via train (green or blue line).

Taking the train service from Monastiraki station or even Omonia Station can easily get you to Piraeus within 20-30 minutes .

Not just that, the metro runs continuously from 5:30 am in the morning to midnight, with short intervals of 5-10 minutes . Plus, they only cost €1.20 , so you can go easy in your pocket.

If you want to learn more about getting around Athens, please read our detailed guide here .

Piraeus Ferry Port can also be accessed by taxi or cab service. To help you more to make the right choice, we suggest you click on this page , scroll down to the transfers section, and select one of the services we have already tried for you! Pick some, read their reviews, and book anyone you like.

Top Recommended Hotels Near the Piraeus Ferry Port

Most of the ferries operate early in the morning; thus, many prefer to stay near Piraeus Port the previous night.

For a tourist, it might be a bit complicated to find the perfect and budget-friendly hotel , but you certainly don’t need to worry as here we have mentioned our top picks for hotels near the Piraeus Port that you will truly love:

Eva Apartments

Set up at an optimal distance of 700 meters from the Piraeus port of Athens, it provides guests with free-wifi service.

Check Eva Apartments on Booking.com

Phidias Piraeus Hotel

Conveniently located in the center of Piraeus (1.3 km from Piraeus Port), it offers guests free shuttle service and extremely comfortable rooms.

Check Phidias Piraeus Hotel on Booking.com

Aegean Windows

Situated right next to the Piraeus Port at a minimal distance of 300 meters. It offers all the modern amenities, including free wifi and large-screen T.V. Some deluxe rooms also offer a direct port view.

Check Aegean Windows on Booking.com

Ports Little Gem

A luxury yet affordable hotel located within 1 km from Piraeus Port, with all the modern amenities of a luxurious hotel.

Check Port’s Little Gem on Booking.com

Piraeus City Hotel

Located just 50 meters from the port and in the range of the bus stop for the airport bus (X96), it is surely one of the best hotels in the entire city of Athens.

Check Piraeus City Hotel on Booking.com

How To Get From Athens Airport To the Ferry Port

The best way to get to the Piraeus Ferry port from Athens International Airport is by getting on the metro (blue line) right across the airport’s entrance and getting off at the Piraeus metro station. The ticket costs 10 euros . Remember that the metro service runs from approximately 5:30 in the morning to midnight.

Alternatively, you can also take the bus.

The X96 Bus service serves the route between the Airport and Piraeus and will get you to the port within 90 minutes .

The bus ticket only costs 5.5€ and operates annually (even on off-seasons). The X96 bus departs at an interval of 30 minutes from Athens Airport . You can easily find the information/ticketing counter from Exits 4 and 5 of the airport (El. Venizelos).

If your ferry leaves from Rafina port, you may take a direct bus to Rafina port, which only takes 30 minutes to arrive.

Fortunately, the ticket only costs 4€, and you can easily buy it from the bus driver.

These buses can be found easily between the airport’s Exit 2 and Exit 3 . To help you more, we suggest you visit our Athens maps page and download for free the Athens Airport Bus and Airport Metro Map

You may also take a taxi or cab to the Piraeus port. Usually, taxi drivers charge around 50€ to 60€ to go from the airport to the Piraeus port, which would take approximately an hour to reach.

For Rafina, you can easily reach it in no more than 15 minutes and expect to pay around 25€ and 35€ .

Book now a private transfer from Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port. Best price you can get and free cancelation!

Flights from Athens to Santorini

Indeed, air travel is the quickest way to reach Santorini. Although it is relatively expensive, you can definitely reach Santorini airport in just 45 minutes . During summertime, more than 20 daily flights are operating on this itinerary.

Heads Up : Aviasales searches travel and airline sites to help you find cheap flights at the best prices . Search for tickets with 728 airlines and leading ticket offices and get the best prices on flights.

A flight leaves from Athens Airport for Santorini approximately every 2 hours , from 6 am in the morning to 11 pm at night.

In the high season, every plane that lands on Santorini departs back towards Athens just after an interval of 40 minutes , thus you can be sure that flights between the two destinations are quite frequent.

A variety of local and International Airlines serve this route including:

Olympic Air (Aegean Air) – During peak season, these airlines operate up to 9 daily flights from Athens to Santorini. The tickets can be easily bought online from Aviasales . They operate various flights ranging from Dash 8 prop planes (70 passengers) to Airbus 320 (168 passengers).
Ryanair- It only functions for a specific period of time. Starting on 26th March, it has 1 flight per day (at 7:15 am) which ends on October 24th. During peak season, they also run an evening flight (at 11:10 pm), from the 1st of June until the 30th of September .
Sky express

In winter, the flights from Athens to Santorini are reduced to 3-4 , as there aren’t many tourists during the off-season.

Apart from these, many International flights also have a direct route from European cities to Santorini that skips the interval at the Athens Airport (El. Venizelos).

Find cheap flights at best prices to every destination! Latest flight deals.

How Far Is Athens From Santorini by Plane

Athens and Santorini are separated by a distance of 235 km (or 145 miles ), and air travel is the fastest way to cover this distance.

Within 45-50 minutes , you can reach the Santorini airport ( JTR ) from the Athens International Airport ( ATH ).

Santorini Airport is relatively small and can often be overcrowded during peak season.

Unfortunately, there’s only a single baggage carousel operating at the Santorini airport, thus you must be mindful of your baggage.

In any case, it’s best to pre-book a rental car or bus service; if you haven’t, you can easily find numerous buses and taxis just outside the airport.

The average time duration of respective flights is mentioned below:

Sky Express (every day) – 55 minutes
Aegean (every day) – 45 minutes
Olympic Air (every day) – 45 minutes
Volotea (every day) – 55 minutes
Ryan Air (every day) – 45 minutes
Hahn Air (every day) – 55 minutes

How Much Does It Cost To Fly From Athens To Santorini

The price range of air travel between Athens and Santorini varies depending on the season. The ticket price is extremely low in winter and quite pricey during the high season.

The flight usually costs anywhere between $40 and $175 ( 37€ -162€ ). You can get a phenomenal deal and discounts if you book your ticket well in advance ( 4-5 months ).

During peak season, Ryanair is considered to be the most affordable of all.

To give you a clearer idea, below we will list the estimated price range of the specific flight on the Athens to Santorini itinerary:

Sky Express – $55 – $380
Olympic Air – $45 – $240
Volotea – $50 – $340
Ryan Air – $28 – $190

(For more accurate information, kindly visit the respective websites of the flights.)

Aviasales searches travel and airline sites to help you find cheap flights at the best prices. Search for tickets with 728 airlines and leading ticket offices and get the best prices on flights !

Top Recommended Hotels To Stay on Santorini Island

Santorini Island has numerous tourist spots, so it certainly deserves a visit for at least a few days.

The most enchanting feature of Santorini is its ultra-luxurious hotels and villas that offer remarkable hospitality and a spectacular view of the island.

Top Recommended Hotels to stay in Santorini Island

Here we have gathered the top picks for hotels in Santorini Island:

Irene City Villas

Located at Fira’s city center and a distance of 2.3 km from Exo Gialos Beach, it is an ideal accommodation with luxurious, clean, and nicely decorated rooms.

Check Irene City Villas on Booking.com

Abelis Canava Luxury Suites

Offers exceptional luxury to the guests with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. Also, the hotel offers all guests free private parking and phenomenal room service.

Check Abelis Canava Luxury Suites on Booking.com

La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel

Each room is served with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a coffee maker machine. It’s situated in the best-rated area in Kamari and has an extremely hospitable staff.

Check La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel on Booking.com

CAPE 9 Villas & Suites

Features a phenomenal view of the Caldera from the hotel. Also, it offers beauty and massage services for individuals or couples. The best part is that the bus stop can be reached within 100m from the hotel, while Santorini Airport is just 8 km away.

Check CAPE 9 Villas & Suites on Booking.com

Cavo Tagoo Santorini

Provides personalized services and mesmerizing sunset views. It includes 5-star accommodation with ultra-luxurious rooms. It’s located 5 km from Fira and 6 km from Oia.

Check Cavo Tagoo Santorini on Booking.com

Simply put, the island of Santorini is one of the most incredible and mesmerizing sites to visit in Greece.

Today, it has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. People from all over the world visit it and are left wonderstruck by its beauty.

They are astonished by the splendors of the island, which truly reflects the culture and vibrancy of the Greek lifestyle.

Once you get there, you’ll fall in love with the place!

Tips and Useful Information on Traveling From Athens to Santorini

Traveling from Athens to Santorini is one of the topics most discussed among our readers, especially those who haven’t visited the island before.

In this final part, we’ll review some of the most frequently asked questions that arrive in our inbox and give you some tips to start planning your trip from Athens to Santorini.

Is Santorini or Mykonos better?

Mykonos is the starlet of the Aegean Sea, an island with international fame for its nightlife, high-end hotels, and flashy crowds. Nevertheless, the magnificent sunset views, the black sand beaches, and the romantic atmosphere make Santorini an island that is truly one of a kind.

Is it better to fly or take a ferry from Athens to Santorini?

Obviously, it’s much more convenient and faster to fly from Athens to Santorini even though it can be quite expensive. However, we strongly recommend that you travel to Santorini by ferry and get the chance to enjoy a relaxing cruise and marvel at the views throughout the Aegean Sea.

Is Santorini expensive?

Santorini is quite expensive compared to other islands in the Aegean Sea or Athens. There’s a reason Santorini attracts more than two million tourists each year — the white-and-blue-washed island in the Greek Cyclades is basically heaven on earth. But it’s also about twice as expensive as Athens, with hotel prices in the summer climbing to $250 , on average, per night.

How much money do you need for a week in Santorini?

The average hotel price in Santorini for a couple is €109 or ( $133 ). So, a one-week trip to Santorini for two people costs, on average, €1,524 or ($1,853). These average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your travel budget.

How easy is it to get around Santorini?

Santorini is quite a small island and getting around town or the nearby beaches on foot or with public buses should not be a problem. You can get a KTEL bus from Fira to many seaside destinations around the island and back with a small fare.

Do you need a car in Santorini?

If you plan to stay around the main touristy spots and not drift away from all the traditional sights then buses and public transportation should be enough. Nevertheless, we recommend renting a car to see all the hidden gems and the secluded beaches of Santorini.

Is Santorini a party island?

Santorini boasts a vibrant nightlife but not the kind that made Mykonos famous. It also has luxurious nightclubs and bars with amazing views but the atmosphere here is quite more laid-back and relaxing.

Is it better to stay in Oia or Fira?

Both Oia and Fira are amazing places to stay during your trip to Santorini. They both offer luxurious accommodations and high-end gastronomy. Yet, Oia is known as the most luxurious area of the island while Fira is considered to be more traditional and romantic.

Is Santorini safe at night?

Like all the popular tourist destinations in Greece, Santorini is absolutely safe any time of the day. Nevertheless, you should always keep an eye out for your belongings while you’re out at night or when you are on the beach.

To sum it up, there are two ways to get from Athens to Santorini island; by plane or a ferry.

If you are exploring Greece for the very first time, we’d suggest traveling by ferry.

You’ll be flattered by the charming blue color of the Aegean Sea and these ferries would be perfect for some fascinating Instagram pictures.

On the other hand, if it’s not your first time, you may take a direct flight to Santorini and utilize the time saved in exploring the island. It’s definitely a win-win situation in both cases!

We hope this detailed guide on how to travel from Athens to Santorini has solved all your queries and will make the trip easy and convenient for you!

A Quick Reminder:

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Richard Cummins / Getty Images

Santorini, a beautiful island in Greece's southern Aegean Sea, is where one of history's largest volcanic eruptions took place during the Minoan civilization between circa 2700 and circa 1450 BCE. The distance between Athens and Santorini—known as Thira by the Greeks—is 146 miles (234 kilometers) or 126 nautical miles (203 kilometers). The island is the biggest one in a small archipelago also called Santorini.

Arriving in Santorini by ferry—docking at the bottom of cliffs that form the famous volcanic caldera—is breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon. Online ferry schedules are not always accurate; they often change seasonally and differences in the weather can cancel sailings last minute. If you prefer to have everything pinned down and paid for before you arrive, you may want to fly to Santorini, which can be a much faster option (with variable prices). There are more ferries and flights per day in the high season of April through October than in the winter.

How to Get from Athens to Santorini

Flight: 45 minutes, from $16 (fastest)
Ferry: 5 hours, from $44 (scenic route)

Going as a foot passenger on a ferry to Santorini is usually much cheaper and you can rent a car, a moped, or a scooter when you arrive. Besides, if you take a vehicle by ferry, you'll have to negotiate a terrifying road up the side of the caldera with several hairpin turns.

Reserving your ferry far in advance is unnecessary and often not possible. Booking and ferry websites often contradict each other and are unreliable. Foot passengers can almost always get on a boat when buying tickets in person a day in advance—or at the docks just before boarding—except around the Greek Orthodox Easter in the spring and in August, when local families take island vacations.

It's helpful to use a Greek travel agent to get both your hotel and ferry tickets, as the agent will be legally obliged to get you to your destination. You can also purchase your tickets from Aktina Travel Group at Athens International Airport. Travel and ticket agents are around the tourist areas, near Syntagma Square. The Amphitrion Group has offices in Athens city center and Santorini. You can also ask at your hotel for the closest reliable ticket seller or try near the port docks.

Most people choose the port Piraeus, located south of and closest to Athens, as it offers the biggest choice of boats year-round. Rafina, north of the city, is closer to the airport in Athens. Several ferries a day leave Piraeus between April and October, and a few depart from Rafina daily. From November through March, the ferries run much less frequently. There are several kinds of ferries. Whether you take a fast or slow boat, allow the better part of a day for travel, as the journey takes between five and eight hours—and sometimes even more.

Modern sea-going ferries travel between Athens and Santorini, carrying as many as 2,500 people as well as hundreds of cars and trucks. They have airline-style seating, private cabins, restaurants, bars, and some outdoor sundeck areas. It takes anywhere from seven to almost 14 hours for a puddle jumper that visits eight other islands before it arrives at Santorini. You'll save money compared to the high-speed boats and get the feeling of a real ocean cruise while you dine, drink, and shop. Most boats stop at several different islands before arriving at Santorini so you can quickly look at the diversity of portside life, though there is not enough time to disembark.

Hydrofoil or jet ferries travel at speeds of between 35 and 40 knots. Most are catamarans, though a few older jets are monohulls, which can carry between about 350 and 1,000 passengers and some vehicles. Depending on how many island stops they make, they take between four and a half and five and a half hours. There are lounges for drinks and snacks. These boats shave about three hours off your trip and are easier to book in advance, but cost about twice as much as a conventional ferry and offer no outdoor space. Most of your time you're strapped into an airplane-type seat and miss the dramatic arrival at the bottom of the cliffs, one of the highlights of any trip to Santorini. Also, the speedboats can cause motion sickness and are more often canceled because of bad weather than conventional ferries.

Several ferry companies serve the Athens to Santorini route, with frequently changing fares and schedules. Blue Star (about $44 one way) is said to be the most comfortable and smooth—a plus for those who may get seasick—though your ride will take almost eight hours. Seajets run high-speed jet boats, with one-way fares of approximately $87. The trip takes about five hours each way. Return trips may take an extra hour.

You can fly from Athens International Airport to Santorini National Airport in about 45 minutes with Ryanair, Sky Express, Aegean Olympic Air, or Volotea, usually via direct flight. In the summer, visitors will find about 20 flights a day, versus in the winter when usually only a few flights per day take off. Some airlines fly daily and others go certain days of the week, starting at $16 and up one way—reserve in advance for the best deals. Ryanair is typically the cheapest airline.

What to See in Santorini

Travelers enjoy walking around Fira. The caldera side offers great views from many local restaurants, cafes, bars, and more, and you can stop at The Museum of Prehistoric Thera to see the ruins of Santorini's ancient cities. Additional attractions include the coastal town of Oia with whitewashed houses atop the cliffs and Atlantis Books , globally famous for its beautiful ocean and cliff views, plus a nice selection of foreign and antiquarian books. The former Oia Castle is known for its gorgeous sunsets. Some beloved beaches for swimming and eating include Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos. Most of the island's beaches have dark volcanic sand and lovely views.

Slow ferries can take from seven to 14 hours to get from Athens to Santorini while high-speed options take around five hours.

From take off to landing, it takes 45 minutes to fly from Athens to Santorini.

Tickets with high-speed ferry operator Seajets start at $87 for a one-way fare. Tickets with Blue Star start at $44 for one-way fares.

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FERRY Athens to Santorini: Times, Prices, Tickets, Itineraries [2024]

Island hopping around the Aegean Sea, and catching the ferry from Athens to Santorini in 2024 is easy with this complete guide and the latest information about ferry ports, schedules, itineraries, different ticket classes, and how to book. Read on to find everything you need to create your perfect Santorini holiday.

Athens to Santorini Ferry Route

While a flight is great if you need to get there quickly, many visitors choose to get to Santorini just like Homer’s ancient heroes did: on the deck of a ship (or high-speed ferry as the case may be).

There’s something incredible about arriving from the sea below the cliffs of Santorini!

Athens Ports

The city of Athens has three major ports: Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio, but ferries to the island of Santorini generally only run from the first two at the moment.

Here’s the best way to get to each port and some things you should bear in mind.

How to Get to the Port of Piraeus

Located to the south of Athens City Center, Piraeus isn’t just the biggest passenger port in Greece, it’s the biggest in Europe. Once its own distinct town, ancient Piraeus has long been linked to its larger neighbor and has been gradually swallowed by Athens’ slow sprawl southwards.

The quickest way to get to Piraeus is via taxi.

If you’re leaving from Athens International Airport, trips will take up to forty minutes to an hour in the middle of the day but come at a hefty price of around 50 euros (flat rate) and 70 euros after midnight.

Piraeus seen from inside Piraeus Ferry Port

The next quickest way is to take a direct train from Monastiraki metro station.

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Line One should take you straight to Piraeus and from there it’s only a ten to fifteen-minute walk to the terminal gates. Tickets cost about 10 Euros , although trips are free for children under six.

Finally, there’s the bus, which takes a little bit longer than the other options but is significantly cheaper and will take you directly to the terminal.

Taking just over an hour and a half on average, the bus costs around 6 Euros and departs every 15-30 minutes twenty-four hours a day.

Remember to take the X96 bus from Athens airport, this stops at Gate E6 (where the Blue Star ferry bound for Santorini departs) just a stone’s throw from the ticket booths at Gate E7.

How to Get to the Port of Rafina

Sitting on the other side of the Attica Peninsula, Rafina has a much shorter history than its rival, Piraeus.

It’s also being upstaged by nearby Lavrio, an ancient mining port set to be transformed by investment from tech company Microsoft.

Rafina has the advantage of good connections with other Greek islands like Mykonos , and it’s closer to Athens International Airport.

Unlike the costly journey to Piraeus on the other side of the city, a taxi from the airport to Rafina will take around twenty minutes and cost up to 40 euros.

There is no direct rail line to the ferry terminal, but public KTEL buses run straight from the airport at the hour, depending on the season.

They should take about forty minutes (if you’re lucky) to get to the ferry terminal and cost about three euros, with children traveling free.

Athinios Port, Santorini

While the traditional berth at Skala still sees big cruise ships dock, the smaller and newer Athinios is Santorini’s major ferry port.

It’s the destination for all boats coming from Athens. Fifteen minutes from Fira (Thira), Athinios is an unassuming little village at the base of imposing volcanic cliffs on the island’s caldera side.

Though far from ritzy, a number of little snack shops are here to serve you while you’re waiting and there are plenty of places to book taxis or rent cars for traveling throughout the island.

As the only port on the island, Athinios can be quite busy at peak seasons, so make sure you get in there early to pick up your tickets and avoid missing your ferry.

How to Get to Athinios Port

Buses to and from Athinios pretty much run from the capital at Fira and nowhere else, so if you’re counting on public transport, make your way to Fira bus station.

Photo of three buses lined up at the Fira bust station on Santorini Island, Greece

One-way trips cost only a few euros. but the timetable changes according to the ferry schedule and is usually only printed out a few days in advance.

Fira is your connection to pretty much everywhere else on the island, from the black sands of Perissa Beach to rugged and volcanic Kamari. Regular connecting buses will take you to all the key destinations.

Please note that while taxis are an option, there are precious few on Santorini, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get one in peak periods.

Ferry Schedules

FerryHopper is also the simplest way to book multi-island trips so that you can Greek island hop easily.

Popular destinations for ferry bookings include the islands of Rhodes , Tinos , Syros, Paros , Mykonos , Naxos , Ios, Milos , and Crete .

FerryHopper will also have all your ferry timetables for trips between Athens and Santorini, but here is some general advice you should keep in mind.

The peak season for ferry trips is, unsurprisingly, the summer, and anywhere from six to nine ferries run between Athens and Santorini around June and July.

Winter sees the number of ferries drop considerably, but there’s always at least one per day.

On a conventional ferry it usually takes around eight hours from departure to reach your destination, but high-speed catamarans will take you there in about five hours.

Passengers waiting for ferry from Heraklion to dock at Athinios Port, Santorini, Greece

While this might seem like the superior option, they’re not for those of us prone to seasickness and it can be a wild and bumpy ride (especially if the weather is against you).

Despite what the timetable might say, ferries can and do get canceled due to wild weather in Greece , especially around August though this rough period generally clears by around September.

Be prepared for cancellations depending on the season you’re traveling in and the local conditions at the time.

Another thing to remember is that the Aegean ferry business can be as rough as the seas themselves, and ferry lines, ships, schedules, and gates change from year to year.

For instance, the once staple Hellenic Seaways ferry Highspeed 6 no longer runs the Athens to Santorini route, and now operates over in Spain.

Ferry Companies

Blue star ferries.

Departing from Gate E6 at the port of Piraeus, Blue Star generally runs slower car ferries that are a lot more comfortable and have a lot more seats than some of their speedier competitors.

This means it’s much easier to get a seat and tickets are quite a bit cheaper. This allows you room to upgrade to more comfortable airplane-style seats or (if you’re traveling overnight) a sleeper cabin on the Blue Star Patmos.

Seajet (formerly Hellenic Seajet Ferries) will get you to and from Athens to Santorini the quickest, with its highspeed ferries SuperJet and WorldChampion Jet running the distance in just under five hours.

For this reason, Seajet ferries sell out quickly.

However, if you’re not a fan of a hectic ride or just simply want to stretch your legs, Seajet may not be the line for you, as Seajet vessels generally don’t let passengers walk about on deck while they’re in transit.

Golden Star Ferries

If you’re leaving from Rafina rather than Piraeus, the Golden Star-operated SuperExpress I is the most reliable bet for direct trips between Athens and Santorini in the summertime.

Though not as quick as a SeaJet, the SuperExpress is a high-speed car jet and will get you to your destination a good two hours before larger and slower alternatives.

Ferry Tickets and Classes

The insanely long lines for ferry tickets in the morning (at Gate E7 at Piraeus Port) just make it obvious that you should book a ticket online.

There is no extra cost at all and it’s one simple way of making the journey smoother.

Keep in mind that you sometimes have to buy an individual one-way ticket for each part of your trip, as some Greek ferry lines generally don’t do multi-stop or return tickets. Ferryhopper is your best bet for creating multi-island itineraries.

Classes on ferries depend on the type of ship you’re traveling on and the class itself.

On a Blue Star ferry, economy class is also known as deck class and while it allows you both inside and outside seating, it comes with no reserved seat in itself.

T his can mean difficulties in rough weather or busy trips. A 4 Euro upgrade to an airplane-style seat is probably better in these times.

Economy on a high-speed Seajet sees you packed in like sardines, and an upgrade to business class offers a lot more room to move your legs and remain cool, calm, and collected.

Business-class on Blue Star on the other hand puts you in a much more comfortable lounge-type environment a little reminiscent of an airport foyer (but with waiters on call).

VIP tickets are far more expensive but are generally situated in small restaurant decks, restricted from general passengers, with their own bars and services.

Sleeper cabins are also available for overnight trips with options to book group rooms or shared hostel-style bunk rooms.

Flying from Athens to Santorini

But what if the ocean horrifies you? Or you simply don’t have the time to be lazing around on deck?

Photo of the exterior of the 'new' Santorini airport (JTR) Terminal building in Greece.

If that’s the case there are direct flights from Athens to Santorini every day and at all times of the year, (sometimes up to twenty per day at peak periods).

Costs range from just $40 a flight to over $100 depending on the level of luxury you’re after.

Ryanair and EasyJet generally offer the cheapest flights but many other airlines fly this route, including Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, Volotea, and Sky Express.

Keep in mind that these flights book out much quicker than ferry tickets, so earlier planning will be needed. Flights are sometimes canceled due to the windy conditions of Santorini.

However, if you want to bypass Athens altogether, there are also direct flights to Santorini’s International Airport from European cities (including Rome, London, Paris, and Berlin), depending on the season and the particular year.

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Planning a trip to Greece but wanting to get away on an extraordinary day trip to Santorini from Athens? A picturesque island filled with blue hues, Instagram-worthy views, and incredible things to do! Here’s the ultimate Athens to Santorini day trip guide to get you there.

The Ultimate Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

After spending 4 days in Athens, Greece, we were ready to get away; ready for a little escape.

While my 2 girlfriends and I loved wandering around the ancient ruins of Athens , strolling the picturesque streets, and exploring what the historic city had to offer , we were itching for a day trip getaway.

So, a bit of research later, we had our sights set on doing a day trip to Santorini from Athens.

We found some inexpensive flights with RyanAir that left early in the morning and returned late in the evening, leaving us a full day to experience what Santorini had to offer!

While I didn’t absolutely fall in love with the island of Santorini, it’s a great day trip from Athens.

Interested in doing some more island hopping while in Greece? Take a look at this in-depth Greek island hopping itinerary !

Sad donkeys in Santorini, Greece. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

You’ll find the island has:

Beautiful views.
Incredible hikes.
Gorgeous buildings and architecture.
Spectacular blue hues — in both the ocean and homes.
Delicious eateries and cafes.
Instagram-worthy photo spots (obvi, as this Greek island is mega-popular on social meeds).
Welcoming locals.

But why exactly did I not fall in love with it?

Truth be told, I found it pretty dirty and extremely overhyped. Throughout the island, garbage was kinda everywhere (no doubt, an effect of over-tourism ) and after visiting the island of Aegina (just an hour away from Athens), it didn’t really seem that special to me.

Aegina is way less busy, less touristy, had more things to do, and is more beautiful in my humble opinion!

Anyhow, to create your own views and opinions of Santorini, you need to visit it for yourself! No doubt, this island is loved by many, and you could fall in love with it, too.

So, with that said, here’s the ultimate guide on how to travel from Athens to Santorini — best way to get to Santorini, how to get around the island, best attractions/things to do, and how much to budget, as well as frequently asked questions about the island and/or the day trip.

Beautiful yellow church on Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

Table of Contents

THE ULTIMATE DAY TRIP FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI GUIDE

How to get from athens to santorini.

First things first: what’s the best method of getting from Athens to Santorini?

To get from one to the other, you have two different options —

1. Hopping on a flight. 2. Cruising on a ferry.

As we’re talking about a day trip here, the most logical option is to fly. Because a typical ferry journey or cruise from Athens to Santorini takes anywhere from 4.5 hours to 7.5 hours, depending on the ferry type.

Thus, to get the most time on the island and make the most of your day trip to Santorini, flying makes most sense. The flight time to Santorini takes about 45 minutes — a short, little flight!

Additionally, most of the time, a roundtrip flight is the cheapest way to get to Santorini! A win-win in my book.

So, with that said, where is the best place to find cheap flights from Athens to Santorini? My first pick: Skyscanner.com . Second choice would definitely be Skiplagged.com .

The best part about Skyscanner is that you can pick the explore option, which allows you to find the cheapest day to fly in a chosen month.

For example, if I search for flights from Athens to Santorini in the entire month of February, I can see the cheapest day to fly roundtrip is the 16th. With airlines RyanAir and Volotea it costs €71 roundtrip and the flights leave morning and late evening. Perfect for a day trip!

With that said, it’s best to plan your trip to Santorini, Greece in advance to get the best flight price.

Use this Skyscanner Widget to Book Your Flight!

Santorini views. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

Psst… hey you! Yeah, you. Are you thinking of traveling without proper insurance? Think again, pal ! You never know what could happen when on the road. That’s why I always recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance !

Click here to check out World Nomads Travel Insurance.

Getting around santorini — island transportation.

When you arrive on the island by plane, you’ll land at the Santorini (Thira) International Airport. Well connected by Santorini’s public bus system (KTEL), you can pretty much get to anywhere from here.

Although, the bus system isn’t the only way to get around the island.

Alternative options to get around Santorini are:

ATV (quads).

Out of all the transportation methods mentioned, getting around by bus is the most affordable. The easiest way to get around Santorini is by renting a car for the day.

We found the easiest method to get around the island was by the public bus system. Costing around €1.80-2.50 euros per trip, it’s relatively inexpensive transportation.

Although, if you want to rent a scooter, ATV, or car in Santorini, here’s how much it’ll cost:

Scooter: €15.00 to €45.00 depending on the season and scooter type.
ATV (quad): €20.00 to €45.00 depending on the season and ATV type.
Car: €24.00 to €50.00 depending on the season and car type.

If you’re not comfortable driving your own vehicle to get around, I highly recommend the KTEL bus system. It’s clean, safe, very affordable, and — most of the time — on time! Can’t get much better than that, right?

Additionally, walking around the island is a great way to discover what it has to offer! Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and experience the hidden gems of Santorini (if there are any left, that is).

Check out this post next on wandering the ancient ruins of Athens ! SO COOL.

Gorgeous island views on Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

How much does a day trip from Athens to Santorini cost?

Next question on the list: how much to budget when traveling to Santorini?

While everyone has different spending levels, if you’re on a rather small budget, here’s a general outlook of how much it’ll cost to travel to the Greek island.

Transportation cost breakdown:

If you get lucky with flights, they’ll likely cost you around €70-90 roundtrip .
Additionally, you’ll need to factor in how much it’ll cost to get from the center of Athens to the airport (and vice versa). In my experience, an Uber typically costs around €30 one-way. So, overall, it would cost €60 roundtrip from central Athens to the ATH airport. Also, keep in mind, an Uber is likely going to be cheaper than a taxi.
On the island, if you decide to go with the bus system, you’ll likely use it about 6 or 7 times (Airport –>Fira, Fira –> Oia, Oia –> Fira, Fira –> Akrotiri, Akrotiri –> Fira, Fira –> Airport). Although, this all depends on what you want to do in Santorini. I think we rode the bus about 4 times. Key takeaway: it’ll probably cost around €10-12 total for the KTEL bus .

(P.S. Want a free ride with Uber? Click here to use my code !)

Next, you’ll need to consider food and drinks:

I’m not much of a breakfast person but let’s say you spend around €10 euros for a meal in a restaurant, that comes to €30 euros for food. Cheaper food can be found at food stands, which can be as little as €4.
And then consider if you’ll spend money on drinks. From my experience, you’ll need to budget around €30-40 for food and drinks when planning a day trip from Athens to Santorini.

Miscellaneous expenses:

Have a few hours to spare? If the sun is out and about, grab a glass of wine ( €10-12 ) at one of the many hotels that hug the rocky side in Fira. Even better, do it at sunset and have your breath taken away!
Who else knows?! Make sure to plan for some unexpected costs — as you should when traveling!

Overall, the cost of a day trip to Santorini from Athens, Greece will hover around €170-250 EUR TOTAL , depending on your spending habits and whether or not you do any tours.

This price includes everything: flights, transportation, food, and miscellaneous costs.

Tip: If you’re looking to save money while in Santorini, check out Nomadic Matt’s Santorini saving money tips .

Cross above Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

Best things to do in Santorini, Greece

Now for the fun part! Here are the top things to do, best attractions, and incredible places to visit in Santorini.

1. Watch the sunset.

While Oia is meant to have some of the most beautiful sunsets on earth, watching and admiring the sunset from any part of the island is incredible.

Santorini sunset. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

2. Hike down in the volcano caldera.

Ready for some ultimate views? Take a stroll down into the volcano caldera. You might even find a stray dog friend or two!

Hike the volcano caldera. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

3. Visit the beautiful town of Oia.

One of the most photographed towns in the world, Oia needs to be on your bucket list when visiting Santorini. It’s blue-domed buildings and whitewashed walls are absolutely breathtaking! You’ll love it.

White church on Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

4. Have a glass of wine.

It’s said that Santorini’s wine production dates back to Roman times. I’ll cheers to that! And you should, too 😉

Have a glass of wine on Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

5. Visit the Akrotiri archaeological site (Akrotiri Ruins).

Ready to soak up some history on your day trip to Santorini? The Akrotiri archaeological site dates back to Minoan Bronze Age and sometime during the 16th century, a volcano erupted.

The entire city was buried in volcanic ash, ultimately preserving the ancient city. It’s said to be the Pompeii of Greece! Pretty cool, eh?

Akrotiri Ruins. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

6. Soak up some sun at one of the many beaches.

This is a great thing to do if you’re visiting in the summer and you’re on a budget! Many of the beaches are free and are great to spend a couple hours at.

Santorini Beach. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

7. Hike the trail between Fira and Oia.

Depending on how you want to spend your time on the island of Santorini, you can do the hike between Fira and Oia — which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Once you reach one end, you can hop on a bus back to the starting town. Make sure to take plenty of water with you and enjoy the views!

White Santorini views. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

8. Have lunch with a view.

Grab a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants that have epic views of the surrounding islands and ocean.

I had a tasty veggie pasta at a restaurant that boasted a complete glass wall with beautiful views! No doubt, a lunch I’ll never forget.

Want a stress-free visit to Santorini? Check out these fully guided tours where you don’t have to lift a finger!

Lunch with a view on Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is santorini from athens.

A ferry can take anywhere from 4.5 to 8 hours. A flight from Athens to the island takes around 45-50 minutes.

Keep in mind, it takes around 50-80 minutes to get from Athens to the Port of Piraeus and around 30 minutes to get from Athens to the Athens International Airport.

Where can I find the Santorini bus schedule?

To find the best information regarding the Santorini bus schedule, visit this website: the KTEL Santorini . (That link will take you to the timetable.) Additionally, you can find bus prices on the website.

What are the best Santorini tours?

While I didn’t go on any tours in Santorini, the reviews of the following tours are excellent:

Half-day catamaran cruise with BBQ and drinks . Who doesn’t love a good day on the water with spectacular views and some cold drinks?
Santorini highlights tour with wine tasting in Fira . Want to see the best of what Santorini has to offer? This tour has your back! And wine tasting is involved… need I say more?
Small-group Santorini wine tasting and vineyard tour . Ready to have a taste of Santorini? This small-group tour is specifically focused on showing you the wine behind Santorini.
Private Santorini tour: visit the most popular destinations . More of a private tour kinda person? Try this one! You’ll discover what the best of Santorini has to offer AND you can pick and choose what time you want to depart (great for someone on a day trip to Santorini!), what to see, how long to stay, and more.

P.S. All of the above are Santorini day tours. Meaning they can be done within a day trip to the island!

Cute doggo on Santorini. • Day Trip to Santorini from Athens Guide.

With the information above, I hope you can plan an epic day trip to Santorini! A beautiful island with breathtaking views, great things to do, and lots and lots of wine. Hopefully you love it!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

13 remarkable things to do in Athens, Greece
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The Best 14-Day Greek Island Hopping Itinerary (2024 Guide)

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Article comments.

I had to laugh. On the page where Sophie talks about taking a day trip flight to Santorini, we see this.

Want to Be Earth’s BFF?

Take my 10-Day Sustainability Challenge and each day you’ll get easy, actionable steps you can take to become a bit more eco-friendly.

I’d suggest one way to be more eco friendly would be to not fly to Santorini for the day. You can’t pretend to be an earth loving eco warrior and also jump on a plane because you’re ‘ itching for a day trip getaway’.

That said, as someone who doesn’t preach eco-hypocrisy, it was nice to know that its cheap and easy to enlarge my carbon footprint in the name of ‘having a good time’.

I can’t imagine only spending a day in Santorini. I spent 3 days there and felt like it wasn’t nearly enough. The island is like heaven on Earth. I visited in the off season and had it largely to myself. Maybe I’d want to get out of there faster though if it was crawling with tourists and 90 degrees.

Ferry Athens-Santorini

Discover the best ferries from Athens to Santorini , travel tips, prices and many more. Here we go!

Table of contents : • Available ferries • Ferry types (video) • Distance & Duration • Prices • Map & Photos

In brief, going from Athens to Santorini by ferry is simple! - Ferries operate daily throughout the year . - The ports of Athens that serve the itinerary and back are Piraeus and Rafina . - A ticket costs '48' 'EUR' (48 Euros) - '90' 'EUR' (90 Euros) for a standard seat . ➜ Search schedules online

Available ferries

Santorini Palace by Minoan Lines arriving in Santorini

Santorini Palace arriving at Athinios port, from Athens

Disclaimer: The information provided below is based on previous years' data. To find the exact routes for your dates, please refer to our booking engine . Ferries from Athens operate all year round. However, during the peak season (May to September) there are multiple ferries per day that depart both in the morning and in the evening. • From Piraeus Port : The first ferry departs at 07:00 , while the last one departs at 20:30 . • From Rafina Port : Ferries start to operate in April and end in September.

Indicative Ferry Routes from Piraeus & Rafina ports*

Ferry athens, piraeus - santorini (thira).

ferry ATHENS, RAFINA - SANTORINI (THIRA)

Types of ferries

Blue Star Delos passing in front of the caldera

Blue Star Delos on its way to Athinios Port

For the ferry route Athens-Santorini, two types of vessels are available: conventional passenger ferries , which are the cheapest option, and high-speed ferries , which are the fastest way to reach your destination. Conventional ferries are usually bigger and can carry more cars and motorbikes. High-speed boats offer numbered seats and have smaller garages. A conventional ferry is a better option if you’re not in a hurry.

View our video presentation with some of the ferries operating between Athens and Santorini.

Distance & Duration of the trip

The distance between Piraeus port and Santorini is 125 nautical miles (134 miles or 231 kilometers). The duration of the trip from Athens is 5 to 9.5 hours , depending on the type of ferry you’re traveling with. A high-speed or catamaran vessel will get you there in 5-6 hours, while a conventional ferry will get you there in 7-9.5 hours. The fastest ferry is World Champion Jet by Seajets.

Prices & Tickets

The prices for ferry tickets are between '48' 'EUR' (48 Euros) and '164' 'EUR' (164 Euros) . Standard tickets cost up to '89.7' 'EUR' (89.7 Euros) depending on the vessel type, while business-class ticket prices are '80.5' 'EUR' (80.5 Euros) - '120' 'EUR' (120 Euros) . The most expensive tickets are in VIP class in speed boats or if a cabin is included in conventional boats. Passengers can also benefit from the discounts offered by most ferry companies. With the relevant documents, you will be able to get a 50% discount if you belong to one of the following categories: ISIC cardholders and children up to 10. Babies and toddlers travel for free with many companies.

On FerriesinGreece, you can search for all available ferry schedules and timetables, compare ferry boats, companies and prices, create your itinerary, and book your ferry tickets in 4 easy steps on our secure server. FerriesinGreece is an awarded ferry booking engine rated 4.7/5 stars by its customers. Read our customer reviews . We don’t just sell ferry tickets. We offer you personalized follow-up and assistance during and after your ticket purchase. Our specialized team is always ready to assist you with issues that might arise and help you get to your destinations safely and with peace of mind. We are here to handle anything that might come up regarding your ferry trip.

Types of seats

Seats in the World Champion Jet by Seajets

Most vessels offer various types of seats to choose from for different prices. Generally, keep in mind that economy lounge seats or standard seats are the most affordable option, while the most expensive tickets are in VIP class in speed boats or if a cabin is included in conventional boats. Standard seats in conventional boats are not numbered, which means that you will have to be on board early enough to catch one. You will also not be able to leave your seat unsupervised. Airplane seats are the cheapest kind of numbered seats. They can be found in separate lounges that are smaller but guarantee that you will be able to keep a comfortable seat during the whole trip. VIP or business seats are the most expensive ones. They allow you to spend your trip comfortably in the ship's luxury lounge.

How to find your ferry in the ports of Athens (Piraeus & Rafina)

Aerial view of the port of Piraeus, near Athens

Piraeus Port, the closest port to Athens' center

Athens has two ports serving Santorini. In Piraeus Port , Gates E6 , E7 , E9 and E10 serve ferries that depart to Santorini among other Cycladic islands. The gate of departure will be indicated on your ferry ticket (printed or electronic). Rafina Port is much smaller and doesn’t have any gates . You will be able to see your vessel easily. Don't get lost! Get our Piraeus Port Map and Rafina Port Map . As for Santorini, Athinios port serves all passenger ferries. The port is located 8 km from Fira, the capital of the island. Find more info, photos, and a map of Athinios Port . In any case, make sure to arrive at the port at least 1 hour in advance since there is a lot of traffic. Especially if you are traveling in high season, keep in mind that both in Athens and in Santorini, you will encounter traffic congestion around the port and you should make sure you get there on time. Do you need a transfer? We've got you covered! Check out our Transfer service !

Luggage storage in the World Champion Jet by Seajets

Ferries are very flexible in terms of luggage policies. There is no check-in and you are responsible to carry them on board and place them in the luggage room or carry them with you. Keep in mind that the holder of a full ticket is allowed to carry luggage up to 40 kilos or 0,5 cubic meters free of charge . As for luggage storage, you have two options: you can either keep your belongings next to you on the ship or use its luggage area . It is recommended to keep your personal items onboard and use the luggage room for your suitcases.

Traveling with a car

Vehicle garage in the ferries

For cars and motorbikes, an additional vehicle ticket is required, which does not include the driver’s ticket. You will also have to get to the port 60-90 minutes before departure to have enough time to get on board and park. Keep in mind that high-speed vessels have a limited capacity in their garage and they tend to get fully booked. For safety reasons, you cannot enter the garage during the trip. Note : Many car rental companies do not allow customers to ferry their vehicles. We recommend avoiding purchasing a vehicle ticket before contacting your car rental company.

Alternative ways to reach Santorini

Mykonos island also has an international airport, so it is possible to fly there directly from abroad and then get from Mykonos to Santorini by ferry. Alternatively, you can fly directly from Athens International Airport to the national airports of Naxos, Paros or Milos and then take a ferry to Santorini from there.

About Santorini

The village of Oia in Santorini and its famous views and churches

Oia village

Santorini is the most popular island in Greece, visited by millions of people every year. We have created a mini-guide for Santorini , which features the best things to see & do on the island.

Where to go next?

The most popular destination after Santorini is Mykonos . Discover the best ferries operating the Santorini - Mykonos ferry route . Other popular destinations are Naxos , Paros and Heraklio (Crete).

Illustrated Map

View the different routes on our illustrated map.

Map of the ferry route from Athens to Santorini

Photos of ferry vessels

INFORMATION

Customer Support

Frequently asked questions (faq).

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How To Get From Athens to Santorini

Last Updated February 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Transportation » How To Get From Athens to Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular of the Greek islands and the inevitable question you’ll have is “how do I get from Athens to Santorini”? The good news is that there is really good infrastructure in place to get you from the capital city to Santorini.

Athens to Santorini by Ferry

blue star ferry in piraeus from athens to santorini

This is probably what you’ve heard and seen if you’ve ever had friends go island hopping in Greece or read any stories.

Travel by f erry is the most basic and traditional way to get to the Greek Islands and especially around the Western Cyclades.

So how do ferries in Greece work?

Let’s start with the basics. Where can you even get on a ferry if you’ve just landed in Athens?

There are two ports: Piraeus port and Rafina port .

Piraeus port – This is a large industrialized port and primary hub for ferries in Athens. There are many options to go from Athens to Santorini from here but the trade-off is that it is further away from the airport.
Rafina port – This is much closer to the Athens airport but has fewer options being a much smaller local port.

For most, it’s not so much about choosing the port you want to use but which ferry you want to take that fits your itinerary and budget.

Here are the companies that run from each port. This is subject to change every year so it’s best to do a search on FerryHopper :

blue star ferry in piraeus athens to santorini

This is going to be different for each traveller but these are the top factors to consider:

Most popular – The top ferries that most travellers end up taking are Blue Star, Sea Jets, and Golden Star Ferries. There’s nothing wrong with the other companies but they’re typically not the primary options.
Price – Blue Star Ferries without a doubt is almost always the cheapest. Also, the super slow options can also be very cheap.
Speed – Sea Jets has fastest ferry at 4.5 hours but Golden Star Ferries is not far behind.
Stability – If sea-sickness is a concern, the Blue Star Ferries are larger ships and as a result, you’ll unlikely feel any swells. The faster ships are stable but bumpier and more susceptible to bad weather.
Potential for cancel – Blue Star will pretty much run no mater what but the high speed ferries will often get cancelled if there’s poor weather. That said, in the summer months (June-September, except August), this is less likely to happen. August is quite windy though so they can be cancelled for days at a time.
Ferry style – The larger ferries such as Blue Star (2,400 passengers) are kind of like small cruise ships with multiple decks, cafes, bars, gift shops, tables in the rear of the ship, and different spots to sit in the open-air in addition to the cabins of indoor seats. If you’ve done the Interislander Cook Strait ferry in New Zealand , it’s similar. High-speed ships are smaller (1,200 passengers), has more tightly configured rows of seats, and you can’t go outside when it leaves the port.
Port – Most leave from Piraeus but Golden Star Ferries also operates from Rafina which is much closer to the airport. More on that below.

Again, make sure to use FerryHopper to see what’s available for the dates you’re interested in.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE

You need to read the companion Greek Islands Travel Guide that dives into all the things we learned hopping the Western Cyclades including the ferries and beyond.

Greek Islands Travel Guide

The beauty of taking the ferry is that on average, it is cheaper.

High-speed ferries (i.e. Sea Jets and Golden Star Ferries): 70 EUR
Slow ferries (i.e. Blue Star Ferries): 35 EUR

The other consideration to make is that there are no add-on fees for luggage. You’re allowed to bring on luggage up to 50kg but the terms of the ticket doesn’t really limit the number of bags you can bring on so it’s safe to say that you’ll be fine with whatever you’re travelling with.

blue star ferry tickets from athens to santorini

If you account for everything, you really can’t beat Blue Star Ferries . Here’s why:

Stable – It’s slower but especially if you’re prone to seasickness, you’re guaranteed to barely feel the effects. Remember that this is a long journey and you’d rather not be stuck on a rocky ship for 5+ hours.
Price – It’s one of the cheapest options.
Always runs – Compared to high-speed ferries, they almost never get cancelled.
Open-air – You’ll love being able to get fresh air and watch the scenery change as you’re leaving Athens, passing by various islands, and arriving in Santorini. This may be more important to the photographers out there!
Rarely sells out – They have the most sailings and run large ships so there’s always a spot.

What most people will tell you is that you can easily buy ferry tickets on the day of or perhaps at a Greek travel agency if you start the trip somewhere on mainland Greece. Yes, this is true if you have changing trip plans and need the flexibility but other than that, I would always book your ferry ticket in advance .

If you’ve gone through the trouble of meticulously planning your trip, you are better off having the comfort of securing your seat.

This is even more important during high season when there’s a huge influx of travellers but also local Greeks especially during their huge holiday the week of August 15. There are fewer seats on high-speed ferries so those will often sell out more often. Also, if you plan on booking a sleeper cabin, those do book out quickly.

The best way to do this is by using FerryHopper . They’re essentially a search engine for all ferries and allow you to do it reliably without the need to pay some of those extra fees travel agents tack on. They also have a nifty way to build an island hopping trip as well.

To get started, you can simply use the form below to check for sailings and prices.

Use this Ferry Planning Tool

FerryHopper allows you to find out what ferry companies are operating to and from Santorini. We recommend using this to help with trip planning.

If you’re in a bind and need to purchase tickets at the airport, you can buy ferry tickets from Aktina Travel Agency on the arrivals level of the airport.

blue star ferry kiosk in pireaus port in athens

Worst case, you can also go directly to the ticket booths at the port. For Blue Star Ferries, this is at Gate E7, Sea Jets is at Gate E9, and Golden Star Ferries is at Gate E7 in Piraeus. In Rafina, there’s a large agency, Togias Travel that handles tickets for all companies.

Interested in island hopping?

Finally, it’s worth noting that all ferry tickets are purchased as individual one-way tickets even if you were doing a round trip.

When putting together an Greek island hopping trip , you’re buying each leg on its own and as a result, you can mix and match between companies.

There’s no real incentive to purchase tickets with one company since they don’t offer discounts. Also, they don’t have island hopping passes or discounts if you buy multiple legs together.

Each company has different classes but worth understanding because it’s not necessarily clear.

Blue Star Ferries

Economy/Deck – This is the cheapest fare and gives you access to the open inside and outside seating. This is essentially a first-come-first-serve style.
Economy/Air Seats – For roughly 4-5EUR more, you can choose specific areas of the ship (they call it lounges) for airplane-style reserved seats in economy. To be honest, any lounge number you choose won’t really matter.
Business Lounge – This gives you access to a real business lounge and is in a completely separate area from economy. Seats and sofas here are much more comfortable, it’s less crowded, quieter, and they have waiter service.
Cabins – This breaks down between ones on the inside or outside with a window. They are in 2-bed or 4-bed configurations with closet and desk. You can book a whole cabin or share with strangers (male or female-only).

Sea Jets/Golden Star Ferries

Each company has different names for the classes but it basically breaks down into these two classes

Economy – Mostly airplane-style seating in long rows. Some ferries have tables with the seat.
Business/Club – Separate cabin next to the window with much fewer seats per row.
VIP/Platinum – The highest level offered by Sea Jets with plush seats with tables, electrical outlets, dedicated service.

Is it worth upgrading?

This will be largely up to personal preference and budget but for most travellers, economy will be perfectly fine and comfortable. The only caveat is that if you’re taking Blue Star Ferries, make sure to pay extra for the reserved seats as that will make your life a lot easier knowing that you have a specific spot on the ship as opposed to being part of the free-for-all.

Choosing seats

One thing that I noticed when booking ferries in Greece is that it’s not like an airplane where you can choose specific seats on a map. The system will pretty much choose a seat for you when you check-in online or collect your tickets in person.

If you have a very specific request, you could ask the agency where you’re picking up the ticket to see if they can accommodate.

That said, from my experience, you always forget to ask and before it’s too late, they’ve already printed your ticket. Go in with the expectation that you’ll just be assigned whatever is available.

There are a couple of ways you can get from the Athens airport to the Piraeus port.

Bus – There is a bus you can take from the Athens airport. Bus X96 is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get to Piraeus. It runs all hours of the day, comes by every 20-30 minutes, and only costs 6 EUR. It can take 50 to 90 minutes depending on the traffic. You can purchase tickets at the booth and you can also pay by credit card.

Taxi – For something slightly faster at 40 to 70 minutes is the taxi. However, this will run you 50-60 EUR so it is not cheap.

Private transfer – You can pre-book these ahead of time and will cost 65-75 EUR. If you’re coming in from the city, this can be as little as 14 EUR .

If you’re coming from central Athens, your best option is to take the metro/subway to Piraeus. From Monastiraki (Line 1) for example, it’ll take 20-30 minutes. The metro ticket costs 1.40 EUR and starts running at 5:30AM to midnight.

For a 7AM ferry, I recommend that you hop on the metro at 5:30AM right when it opens.

TIP: Remember to validate your ticket at the machine before going on the bus or metro.

In many guides, Rafina is disregarded as a legitimate port but if you’re looking to go straight from the Athens airport to Santorina via ferry, this is arguably a smarter option.

There is a privately-run bus ( Ktel Attikis ) that leaves from the Athens airport. The bus stop is in a bit of an inconspicuous spot between Exits 2 and 3 and right across from the Sofitel Mitsis Hotel.

The cost of this bus is 4 EUR and takes 30 to 40 minutes to get there, half the time of Piraeus. You pay by cash to someone that comes around once the bus arrives and you hop on. There’s no validation required.

The disadvantage of the bus to Rafina is that it is not frequent, running 4 times a day Monday – Saturday and only once on Sundays. Their full schedule can be found here (you’ll need to translate to English).

Taxi to Rafina is roughly 60 – 75 EUR and takes roughly 25-30 minutes.

Private transfers are reasonable if you want something that’s more stress-free or if the bus schedule just doesn’t fit your timing. There are also city transfers available as well. This costs as little as 24 EUR and takes 40 minutes.

Finally, another consideration to make is that since there may be only a handful of ferries leaving for Santorini from Rafina, if there’s a cancellation, you’ll need to last-minute rebook with a ferry most likely in Piraeus. This is what happened to us on our Greek island hopping itinerary but we were lucky to make it work.

Where to book your hotels, car rental, ferries, flights, activities

Hotels – Booking.com has the best inventory of properties and with their Genius tier, you can save even more money.
Car Rental – If you’ve read our guide, you can book with the big brands combined with car rental coupon codes or you can use RentalCars to do a search of most companies. Make sure to also read the guide on how to rent a car in Santorini .
Ferries – My go-to booking platform is FerryHopper .
Flights – Use Skyscanner to look for cheap flights using the Everywhere feature and also setting price alerts.
Activities – Always compare between Viator and GetYourGuide to get the best price.

Know your bearings

The Rafina port is extremely straightforward and when you arrive by bus, you’ll see your ferry docked. It should be pretty easy.

piraeus port cruise terminals and gates map

The Pireaus port is a whole other animal. Once you get off the bus or metro, there’ll be the chaos of the local neighbourhood and then the overwhelmingly large number of gates. Luckily, if you’ve done your research, you’ll know that the common ferries (Blue Star Ferries, Sea Jets, and Golden Star Ferries) are all clustered around E6 to E8d which are the closest to the metro.

Collect your tickets

At both ports, your first order of business should be to head to the respective company’s kiosk. You need to collect your actual ticket from this kiosk because your booking print-out does not constitute a boarding pass. You need this to get on board.

nomikos travel santorini agency ticket printing cost seajets

That said, if you’ve booked online and it’s with a company that has web check-in (almost all of them have it now), you can either print out your boarding pass or have it on your smartphone up to 48 hours in advance. This is QR code based and can be scanned as you board. I highly recommend this.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re printing tickets from the official company kiosk at the gate, this is free. However, if you are printing your tickets at a third-party travel agency, there may be a “ferry ticket collection fee”. We were a bit surprised when we saw this in Santorini but it turns out, this is standard practice.

If you have extra time, feel free to grab a meal or snack from one of the nearby cafes.

Boarding time

As a general rule of thumb from Athens, you can start boarding a ferry an hour before sailing time. There’s no need to board that early unless you really want to get a good non-reserved seat in the case of Blue Star Ferries. Otherwise, arriving 45-60 minutes ahead of time is plenty of time.

Arrive at your gate and right at the base of the ferry, there’ll be someone checking for your boarding pass.

For Blue Star Ferries, passengers enter in from the right side where there’s an escalator that takes you up. Other ferries will be different. Sea Jets and Golden Star Ferries has you entering on the same platform the cars use. They don’t check your boarding pass until you’ve dropped your bags and you’ve taken the stairs up to the passenger deck.

You’ll be lugging your suitcase and belongings with you.

Luggage storage

blue star ferry luggage rack from athens to santorini

This is where things are different between ships.

Blue Star Ferries – Most of their ferries do not have a special luggage hold and so you will be taking the escalator up the ferry to the passenger area and once you arrive at your seating area, you’ll find luggage racks. These are not guarded in any way and if the ferry is packed, the luggage will spill out to the nearby ground. For smaller bags, you can put them under the seat in front of you. If you do not have assigned seats, most will keep their bags nearby.
High speed ferries (i.e. Sea Jets and Golden Star Ferries) – As you board, you’ll first enter a luggage hold area near the cars. You simply drop them off on the floor, rack, container. You then board the main passenger deck. Note that you will not have access to your luggage until disembarkation.

Naturally, you’re probably wondering about safety. Between the two options above, I actually prefer the lower deck storage of bags because in theory nobody can get to it. That said, I would always keep valuables on you. Unfortunately in both situations, you’re taking a risk with your bags because anything could happen to them and there’s not much you can do about it.

If you’re super paranoid about your luggage, sit with them next to you if you can on Blue Star Ferries.

waiting to disembark greek ferry in santorini

As you get close to Santorini, they’ll be making announcements over the PA in both Greek, English and sometimes a few other languages.

At this point, it’s time to get ready to gather your belongings. If your luggage is by one of the nearby racks, make sure to pick them up.

In most cases, Santorini is the final stop so it’ll be quite obvious when everyone starts making their way out but if it isn’t, make sure you’re acutely aware of the time so you don’t miss your stop.

If you’re on one of the high speed ferries, you’ll most likely gather in the cargo hold where your luggage is also stored. Make sure to grab your luggage.

Once the ferry docks, the ramp drops and everyone will start walking off the ship. There’s no ticket or document check at this point. The ship also doesn’t linger for long so make sure to get off as quickly as possible.

In Santorini, you’ll be arriving at the new Athinios ferry port .

It will be pretty chaotic once you land in Santorini with a crowd of people standing in front holding signs and others trying to get you to book a car rental or take their taxi.

At this point, you have a couple of options but it’s highly recommended to have something planned ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to figure out a plan once you disembark.

Bus – The public bus is 2.30 EUR/person (cash only), takes 20 minutes, and is always available right when ferries arrive. The bus usually isn’t full and there’s space to stow your luggage below the bus.

Private transfer – This is either offered by your hotel, arranged by them, or a private shuttle you book on your own. There are also semi-private transfers available. The nice thing about this is that you’ll have someone there to greet you once you land, and they take you directly to your hotel.

Taxi – You can take taxis from the ferry but there aren’t many so I would not bank on them.

Rental car – There are several car rental companies at the port but it’s more limited than the airport. I really don’t recommend that you do this as the port is crazy with all the bus traffic, and switchbacks you need to get up the cliff. For some companies, their main office is somewhere else on the island so they might drive you there and you pick up your car from there. Read the full guide on where and how to rent a car in Santorini .

Bring headphones – It can get pretty loud on the ferry especially in economy
Set an alarm – You don’t want to miss your stop. Set an alarm on your smartphone 30 minutes before arrival to make sure you’re up.
Bring a jacket – The AC is very cold onboard so make sure you have a jacket or something like a hoodie if you get cold easily.
Use a real cellphone number when booking – When booking your ticket, make sure you attach a cell phone number that will be able to receive text messages internationally. If theres a delay, change in schedule, or cancellation, they will usually send out text messages to let you know.
Bring your own food – Food is expensive onboard so either pack snacks from home or buy a few things from a cafe to have on your journey.
Nausea prevention – If you get seasick easily, bring and take medication to help. The ferry from Athens to Santorini is long and you want to make sure it’s a pleasant one.
Bring cash – If you’re planning on taking the public bus once you arrive in Santorini, you’ll need cash to pay for the ticket.

So many people take the ferry but there’s always a tradeoff.

Pros of the ferry:

sun bathing on blue star ferry from athens to santorini

Price – Ferries are cheaper especially when there aren’t additional luggage costs.
Wider availability and sailings – There are way more sailings and options when it comes to the ferry and they rarely sell out because they can handle such a high capacity. You can also purchase tickets much more last minute if you need to.
Ferry experience – There’s something special about sailing in Greece where you get to take in slowly. You also get to see a lot more of the landscape.
Island hopping – Not to say you can’t do both but ferries are great to be able to jump to other smaller islands in the Western Cyclades. With a round trip flight to Santorini, you miss out on that opportunity.

Cons of ferry:

Speed – The ferry is incredibly slow when compared to a flight time of 50 minutes. You pretty much need to account for a large part of a day or overnight in your schedule.
Local connection required – After you land in Athens, you still have to connect with a local bus to get you to the port which is an additional step and inconvenience.
Sea sickness – If you’re susceptible to nausea at sea, you may experience ill-effects especially if the water is rough.
Cancellations – High speed boats are prone to being cancelled with bad weather.
Complexity of the ferry – As you’ve seen, there are a lot of new things to learn from the ferry experience and can be a bit overwhelming if its your first time.
Not as comfortable – It feels weird to be saying this but the airplane might just be more comfortable than the ferry because there are less people on board and it’s a shorter time period.

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This is the 2 week Greek island hopping itinerary we did that has to be on the top of our list of best trips we’ve ever done. Find out how we planned it and what the journey looked like.

2 Week Greek Island Hopping Itinerary

Athens to Santorini by Air

international flight arrival in athens airport

Flying may seem obvious but it doesn’t necessarily register if it’s your first time to Greece. But yes, you can actually fly to Santorini!

For those that are looking for the quickest way to get from Athens to Santorini, flying is the way to go.

Of course, these flights go round trip between Athens and Santorini but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the one-way journey.

There are 4 airlines that depart from Athens International Airport to Santorini.

If you’re not interested in going through Athens, there are direct flights to Santorini from Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, London, Dublin, Amsterdam and others. Most of these are highly seasonal. To find out whether you can bypass Athens altogether, head to Skyscanner and find what’s available and also cheapest.

TIP: Skyscanner has the Everywhere feature but it only works on the Destination. What you can do is just say Santorini to Everywhere to see what shows up. If there’s a flight out of Santorini to somewhere in Europe, you can bet there’s an incoming direct flight as well.

The Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” uses code ATH and is the primary international hub for Greece. This airport was built in just in time for the 2004 summer Olympics which means it’s relatively new, although I will say that it is aging rapidly.

For an international hub, this is not a very large airport. There is only 1 terminal.
You do not need to worry about complicated transfers if you’re landing in Athens from an international destination.
Recommended to build in at least a 2 hour buffer between your flight landing in Athens and taking off to Santorini. 3 hours is ideal .

The Santorini National Airport uses code JTR . As you can imagine, this is not a large airport and can only service 6 civilian planes at the same time. It’s located north of the village of Kamari and is on the opposite end to the famous cliffs of Santorini. Of the Western Cyclades, Santorini is one of the few that actually has a major airport.

This airport is quite small with only one baggage carousel but everything is surprisingly efficient including the passport control area.

flying athens to santorini view of from the air with aegean airlines

This is a common question that many people have when planning a trip to Greece or thinking about building a Greek Island hopping itinerary .

Since flights are the fastest mode of transportation, flying is ideal for those short on time and want to get to Santorini as quickly as possible. It is also convenient when you don’t plan on spending any time in Athens and are looking for a direct transfer.

For instance, if you have only 5 days or less and are spending it all in Santorini, you don’t want to waste 2 days on ferries. In this case, round trip flights from Athens to Santorini makes a ton of sense.

Sometimes there are big discounts on flights where the price can be lower than many of the ferries, which makes it enticing to fly.

If sea-sickness if something you worry about and would like to take that out of the equation completely, flying may be a better option for you.

The flight is only 50 minutes from Athens to Santorini.

Seasonal factors come into play so of course tickets are cheaper during the low season (outside of late June to early September) but within a week, here are a few tips:

First flight of the day is always the cheapest
Book earlier rather than last minute
Flying Monday to Thursday is usually cheaper (especially with Ryanair)

Again, I recommend that you use Skyscanner and set up a flight alert so you can track changes in price over time. Also, they have a handy calendar search feature where you can see all the prices in a month or you can let them choose the cheapest month.

deplaning at santorini international airport

Again, this is hard to say as the fare fluctuate so much and different sales are run all the time. However, on the whole, there’s a reason why low-cost carriers are classified as such.

On balance, Ryanair and Volotea have the lowest listed prices for flights from Athens to Santorini with Ryanair as the cheapest . We’ve seen rates as cheap as 9.99 EUR.

That said, don’t always take the fares at face value. Where low-cost carriers always get you are their inflated add-ons, especially when ti comes to luggage. Ryanair is also notoriously strict on weight and luggage dimensions.

Volotea – They allow 1 hand bag and 1 other carry-on for free. However, fares don’t include check-in bags. It’s 22.50 EUR for a 20kg bag per direction. That means you have to add 45 EUR to the listed fare of the round-trip ticket.
Ryanair – The base “Value fare” only includes 1 small personal carry-on. Upgrading to “Plus” which includes a 20kg check-in bag is 31.03 EUR for each direction. That’s a total of 62.06 EUR that needs to be added.

That said, Aegean/Olympic and sky express also play the same game but the aren’t as expensive.

Aegean/Olympic – Lowest listed fare is their “Light” package which only includes one cabin baggage. If you want a checked piece up to 23kg, you’ll have to opt for the highest “ComfortFlex” tier which is 28 EUR each way.
sky express – The base fare doesn’t include check-in luggage. You’ll need tup upgrade to Joy+ for 5 to 6 EUR to be eligible for 15kg or 26 EUR for 23kg each way.

With Ryanair and Volotea, there’s a reason why you hear so many complaints from travellers. While it’s not a guarantee, if you choose to fly with the, there’s a good chance that you’ll have a poor experience with the staff or you’ll have some sort of delay or cancellation.

If you’re looking for a stress-free experience, you’re better off sticking to Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air . Aegean Airlines is the only one out of the list that has won a Skytrax award .

Once you land in Athens from your international flight, you’ll deplane and head towards passport control . If you carry a Schengen EU passport, you’ll be able to walk right through. Otherwise, you’ll get in line to speak to an officer. This line moves pretty quickly. It can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.

From there, you’ll head down to the luggage carousel. If you are connecting with a different carrier on a separate ticket, you’ll need to pick up your bags, otherwise go right through. Go through the door with green signage if you have nothing to declare. This is technically the “ customs ” process.

You’ve now left the security area. You will have to do this regardless of whether you are on a connecting flight on one ticket or separate tickets. At this point, you’ll be going through the same process as if you were leaving Athens to go home.

air transat check-in counter in athens airport

Go up the to the level above and find your check-in counter .

Once checked-in, walk to the your gate and right before, there’ll be a security . This is different from other airports where there’s one primary security area. In Athens, security is right outside the gate.

In the case of tight connections, Aegean Airlines has Connection Ambassadors that can help you get to your flight. They will help expedite the process where we’ve heard that even someone with a 15 minute connection will be able to make it if it’s all on one ticket. This is even ore reason to book everything through Aegean if possible.

Once you land in Santorini, there are a couple of ways to get to your accommodations on the island.

Bus – There’s a public bus that take you from the airport to Fira. This bus has plenty of room for luggage, is air-conditioned, and only takes 10 minutes. The cost is 1.80 EUR (cash only) and you buy your ticket onboard.

There are 7 buses a day: 7:25AM, 9:10AM, 10:10AM, 11:25AM, 2:10PM, 3:40PM, 5:10PM. That said, their schedules change quite frequently so make sure to check with the local bus operator, KTEL Buses .

From Fira, you can transfer to another bus to say Oia or one of the other villages (Firostefani, Imerovigli, Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, and Akrotiri). The buses from here can be extremely busy and unpredictable in terms of whether there’s room for luggage or not.

Private transfer – This is the ideal way to get to where you’re staying. This can be offered by your hotel, pre-arranged by them, or something you book on your own .

Taxis – There are taxis available but there just isn’t a large supply of them on the island so you will often find yourself waiting a long time for them. Taxis in Santorini do not use meeter and are pre-negotiated. To give you an idea, fare to Oia starts at 35 EUR and Fira is 20-30 EUR. In my opinion, it’s not worth banking on taking a cab.

Rental car – There are several car rental companies at the airport including Avis and Hertz . Make sure to check RentalCars.com to see the full inventory of companies available and make use of discount codes where you can.

It seems like flying is the obvious choice but there has to be a reason why so many people opt to take the ferry. Here are a few things to consider.

Pros of flying:

Speed – 45-50 minutes vs 5 hours is a big difference.
Seamless transition – Most travellers will be landing in Athens and if you times things right, you can hop over to Santorini without much time wasted and you don’t have to worry about getting transit to one of the ports.
Use your points – With Aegean Airlines being under Star Alliance, you could use your points to book your flight.
Lounge access – With the exception of Ryanair and Volotea, Aegean and sky express have their own lounges and so if this is something you’re looking for, flying is the way to go.

Cons of flying:

Price – Ferries are on average cheaper although that is not always the case if you can find a good deal with a low cost carrier.
Fewer seats – There are of course way more seats on a ferry than there are a plane and so you’ll always find wider availability on ferries compared to flights.
Limited flight times – There are very distinct time slots for flights and if you can’t line things up, you might have an awkward amount of time at the Athens International Airport.
Ferry experience – There’s just something about taking a Greek ferry that is an experience on its own. Sure, it isn’t the most glamorous or fastest.
Island hopping – If you follow a Greek island hopping itinerary like ours, you’ll notice that we don’t go to Santorini first. Since Santorini is basically the only island serviced by air, you’re stuck with just doing the one island. With a ferry, you can see more of the Western Cyclades beyond just Santorini.

Draw between flying or ferry:

Santorini airport location – Yes, the airport is further away from popular areas of Fira and Oia, but the new Santorini Port is out of the way as well and requires some sort of shuttle or car rental.

As of May 1, 2022, all COVID-19 entry rules have been dropped in Greece.

This means that all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, can enter the country without having to provide COVID-19 documentation (this means either a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate) upon their arrival.

Also, all domestic COVID-19 measures have been dropped as well so COVID-19 documents won’t be checked.

Lastly, the previous passenger locator form is no longer required for either flights or ferries.

For the most up to date entry-requirements visit the official Greece travel page .

how to get from athens to santorini to see this blue domed church

There’s certainly the allure of taking the ferry but you can also appreciate the practicality of flying. As we’ve broken down extensively, each mode of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages.

When it comes to getting from Athens to Santorini, it really comes down to logistics, availability, and price. If you’re on a tight schedule and it works with your international flights, flying is great. If flights are hard to find, expensive, or don’t align with your schedule, ferries work well too whether from Pireaus to Santorini or from Rafina.

Here’s an idea. You could fly into Santorini and from there, island hop around and eventually get back to Athens by ferry. You could also do it in reverse and start island hopping by ferry before ending off in Santorini and flying back to Athens.

The choice is yours!

There is a ton of information packed here but there are a couple of key questions that we see asked all the time. Here are a few of them organized all together when it comes to getting from Athens to Santorini.

The fastest mode of transportation is by flying. There are numerous airlines that fly between Athens and Santorini and on average takes only 50 minutes.

On average, the ferry with Blue Star Ferries is usually the cheapest method of getting from Athens to Santorini. However, when there are deep sales from low-cost carriers, their airfare can rival that of the cheapest ferries.

Balancing cost, sea-sickness, and speed, Blue Star Ferries is the best ferry to take. It may not be as fast as the high-speed Sea Jets or Golden Star Ferries, but that means the ship is quite stable. It is also usually one of the cheapest fares and the ferries are quite large which means there are always spots available.

High-speed ferries are roughly 5 hours and regular ferries are 8 hours.

Ideally you arrive 1 hour ahead of time to give you enough time to figure out which gate to go to, collect your tickets, and grab some food. In a crunch, 30 minutes should be okay as well.

The schedules change year to year and from low season to high season. The most reliable way to find out the ferry times is to use the search engine, FerryHopper .

Bus X96 from the airport to Piraeus is 6 EUR. You can pay by credit card or cash.

Yes there is air condition on all ferries.

Yes they do but they are not free. In most cases, you need to purchase vouchers at the service desk while on the ferry. As an example, Golden Star Ferry charges 3.50 EUR for 3 hours.

All ferries have their own cafes which menas you’ll be able to buy basic sandwiches, snacks, and beverages while sailing.

Yes, if the ferry is relatively empty and there are open seats in the same class that are available, you can easily move to them. What you can’t do is move from say Economy Class to Business Class.

This depends on how sensitive you are. For the larger ships (Blue Star Ferries), sea sickness isn’t much of a concern but the high speed boats (Sea Jets and Golden Star Ferries) are more bumpy depending on the sea conditions and can certainly affect someone that gets sea sick easily. It is recommended to take medication ahead of time in-case in those situations.

Normally no. If you’ve purchased your tickets online and you web check-in, the seat will be automatically assigned based on class. The same will happen if you pick up your ticket at the kiosk. That said, you can always make a request if you have one before they print it.

There are no general discount codes or promotions for ferries. You also don’t get any discounts for bundling many ferries journeys together. That said, Blue Star Ferries offers discounted fare for students with the ISIC card (50% off)

Currently, only Blue Star Ferries, Sea Jets, and Golden Star Ferries offer web check-in. This allows you to do this on your computer or smartphone to receive a QR code that you can present as your boarding pass, thus bypassing the need to collect your tickets at port or at the local travel agency.

Yes, food is allowed on board.

This is certainly an option if you’re looking to leave Athens later in the afternoon. This is a unique option not so much in terms of efficiency but because of the experience of being on a large transport ferry, sleeping in a cabin, and dining onboard, similar to a cruise ship.

In 2021, ferries schedules have been reduced significantly and while there are many morning ferries (i.e. 7AM, 7:25AM), there seems to be a lack of afternoon ferries. The only one available is the Blue Star Patmos that leaves at 5:30PM which arrives in Santorini at 2:10AM but this doesn’t run daily. There are also other ferries that run overnight that are simply slower. Alternatively, look for afternoon flights from Athens International Airport which may just be simpler at the end of the day.

In most cases, economy does not have outlets but business class will. Make sure to pack your universal adapter in your day bag to make you have it on you. If it’s your phone you’re worried about, a good powerbank will do.

Yes, all ferries are equipped with bathrooms and for the most part kept pretty clean.

Yes, announcements are made in advance of arrival in Greek and English.

They are moderately safe as you ultimately can’t have eyes on your bags at all times whether on a luggage rack near where you’re sitting or below deck. That said, we personally never had issues with stolen luggage. The below-deck storage should be safer as nobody can get to it when the ferry is moving but like a luggage carousel, but like flying, someone can get to it before you when you disembark. Make sure all valuables are on you.

This depends on what your preference and budget is. In most cases, economy will suit most just fine but make sure you get an assigned seat. For those wanting somewhere quieter, use a lounge, or have access to a table to work, business-class is worth it. If you’re looking to sleep, a cabin should be considered as well.

Yes, ideally you book online with FerryHopper to take the stress away from having to buy tickets on the day of or when you arrive in Greece. That said, ferries rarely sell out unless you’re looking for a cabin or travelling during a Greek holiday. Alternatively, you can also buy tickets from an agency at the airport when you land in Athens.

Ferries are typically cancelled when the seas are rough due to weather. August is often the windiest and so there are chances ferries can be cancelled. Winter months can also bring about harsher weather as well. That said, the large ferries such as Blue Star Ferries are able to handle these conditions and are least likely to be cancelled.

You’ll see both used online. Thira is the Greek name for the town in Santorini but the anglicized version is Fira.

No, there is not a direct bus from the port but you can take the bus to Fira and transfer to another bus to Oia. That said, the Fira – Oia bus route is often quite busy and can be difficult to secure a seat and spot for your luggage.

In comparison to other international airports, Athens is not large and is quite easy to get around and well-organized. Check the map here .

No, there is only one terminal at Athens International Airport.

The minimum transfer time recommended is 2 hours. 3 hours is preferable. Remember you need to pick up your luggage, leave the security area, and check-in.

You are able to check-in up to 30 minutes prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Once you land, you’ll go through customs. This can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes. From there, you’ll need to claim your bags (no need if this if both flights are on one ticket) and with nothing to declare, exit out of the door with the green signage. You’ll be in effect, leaving the security area at this point. From there, you head back upstairs to the counter of your next airline and check-in. From there, you’ll make your way to the gate. Unlike other airports with a large security checkpoint, this doesn’t happen until you get to the departure gate itself. They’ll ask for your passport, boarding card, and you’ll go through the standard x-ray process.

To find the cheapest flight, use Skyscanner to see all flight schedules. You can also use the tool to set flight alerts, and find the cheapest day to fly.

The best time to visit Santorini is in May-June and September-October.

What you should read next

Greek Island Hopping Itinerary – Western Cyclades in 14 Days
The Comprehensive Greek Islands Travel Guide – Read Before You Go
Is Santorini Worth It? – Honest Thoughts
2 Days In Athens – Itinerary for What to Do and Where to Stay
Santorini in 3 Days – Itinerary and Travel Guide

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Cheap flights from Athens to Santorini

Good to know, when is the cheapest time to fly, popular airports near athens.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) Athens 36 min 19 km
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) Thessaloniki 5 hr 37 min 289 km
Kalamata International Airport Captain Vasilis Konstantakopoulos (KLX) Kalamata 2 hr 30 min 181 km
Araxos Airport (GPA) Patras 2 hr 51 min 202 km

Popular airports near Santorini

Santorini Airport (JTR) Santorini 6 min 1 km
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) Athens 9 hr 29 min 217 km
Heraklion International Airport N. Kazantzakis (HER) Heraklion 6 hr 12 min 119 km
Mykonos International Airport (JMK) Mykonos 5 hr 57 min 116 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Athens to Santorini

Search more flights, popular trips from athens.

These suggestions are based on the cheapest fares to popular destinations in the next six months.

Prices include required taxes + fees for 1 adult. Optional charges and bag fees may apply.

Milan RUB 4,829 Oct 18 — Oct 20 Nonstop 2 hr 30 min Ryanair
Santorini RUB 3,286 Aug 2 — Aug 5 Nonstop 50 min Ryanair
Singapore RUB 51,236 Nov 29 — Dec 2 Nonstop 11 hr 20 min Scoot
Madrid RUB 14,830 Nov 15 — Nov 17 Nonstop 3 hr 55 min Iberia

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Traveloka Team

24 May 2024 - 4 min read

How To Get From Athens to Santorini? Here’s Everything You Need To Know!

Santorini, Greece, is a symbol of exceptional beauty and charm, attracting tourists from all over the world to its incredible shores. Its most recognizable feature, the fascinating caldera caused by previous volcanic eruptions, offers a spectacular view of high cliffs covered with whitewashed dwellings overlooking the azure Aegean Sea.

Among its many attractions, Santorini is famous for its dramatic sunsets, which paint the sky with bright colors as the sun sets below the horizon, especially in the charming village of Oia.

Traveling around Santorini's lovely villages, such as Fira, Oia, and Pyrgos, is like stepping into a postcard, with tiny stone alleyways leading past blue-domed churches and classic Cycladic buildings.

Meanwhile, the island's numerous beaches, ranging from the unusual red sands of Red Beach to the black sands of Kamari and Perissa, provide exquisite settings for sunbathing and swimming, each with its own particular appeal.

Santorini, in simple terms, captivates tourists seeking relaxation, romance, and cultural discovery with its unmatched beauty, romantic atmosphere, rich history, and brilliant food. Santorini attracts people to return time and time with the promise of an incredible experience that leaves an enduring impact on the soul.

However, this time, we'll talk about how to get from Athens to Santorini, which should provide you with a fresh perspective, particularly if you're thinking about taking a trip to Greece. Now let's get straight into the topic!

How to Get from Athens to Santorini?

Shutterstock.com

Essentially, there are two primary transportation options from Athens to Santorini, via ferry or airplane. A direct flight from Athens to Santorini provides the quickest and most convenient way to the island. However, choosing a ferry is often a more economical alternative.

Ferry tickets cost between 45 and 90 euros, with Blue Star Ferries being the cheapest at about 50 euros and Seajet Ferries being the most expensive at around 90 euros. Several ferry companies travel between Athens and Santorini, departing from Athens' two biggest ports, Piraeus and Rafina. While Piraeus has more boat alternatives, Rafina is closest to Athens Airport. During the summer which is April-October, Rafina has more ferry departures than Piraeus.

Direct flights are the most expensive, with ticket prices ranging from 100 to 300 euros. Despite the extra cost, flying is still the fastest option to go from Athens to Santorini.

How Long Does it Take to Get from Athens to Santorini?

Traveling from Athens to Santorini offers two main transportation options, which is by ferry or plane. The ferry journey typically spans a duration of 5 to 9 hours, depending on the chosen service. Among the ferry operators, Seajet Ferries provides the fastest option, completing the journey in approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Conversely, the slower Blue Star Ferries may take between 6 to 9 hours to reach Santorini.

Alternatively, opting for a plane drastically reduces travel time to just 45 minutes. While ferry rides offer a scenic and leisurely journey across the Aegean Sea, flying provides a swift and efficient means of transportation to the picturesque island of Santorini.

Flight to Santorini

Start from US$ 28.20

Athens (ATH) to Santorini (JTR)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024

Start from US$ 105.65

Amsterdam (AMS) to Santorini (JTR)

Fri, 28 Jun 2024

Start from US$ 113.24

Rome (FCO) to Santorini (JTR)

How Far is Santorini from Athens?

Santorini is located about 200 kilometers southeast of Athens, Greece. This distance amounts to about 108 nautical miles over the Aegean Sea.

The distance between these two destinations strikes a great balance, providing guests with a doable trek to Santorini's gorgeous shores while also allowing for a sense of adventure and exploration along the route. Whether by ferry or plane, the distance between Athens and Santorini creates an extraordinary journey to one of Greece's most iconic and enchanting places.

Things to Do in Santorini

1. Watch the Sunset in Oia

Oia, known for its magnificent sunsets, is an iconic site that attracts tourists from all over the world. Nestled atop the cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, this lovely town provides an unequaled view of nature's stunning display as the sun elegantly falls into the horizon, creating a dazzling rainbow of hues across the sky.

As nightfall approaches, tourists descend to Oia's cliffside streets, hoping to obtain a perfect place to see the sunset. The small cobblestone streets become a flurry of activity, with both residents and tourists awaiting the moment the sun sets below the horizon.

2. Explore the Caldera

A gorgeous stroll around the caldera rim is an exciting experience that immerses you in the natural beauty of Santorini's scenery. As you follow the well-marked paths from Fira to Oia, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the island's spectacular cliffs, glistening turquoise seas, and mountainous terrain. Along the trip, pause to take in the stunning views that unfold before you, capturing the spirit of Santorini's distinct charm.

3. Visit Ancient Thira

This ancient site, perched high atop a cliff with panoramic views of the sea, is a tribute to the island's rich history. As you climb to the summit, you'll be taken back in time, surrounded by amazing ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

The ruins of Thira provide a fascinating view into Santorini's storied history, with remains of its ancient residents engraved into the terrain. Among the most remarkable features are the enormous temples devoted to numerous gods and goddesses, each bearing witness to the island's religious significance throughout antiquity.

As you walk through the historic thoroughfares, you'll see evidence of theaters where ancient Greeks gathered to see shows and spectacles, as well as residential buildings where the island's residents previously lived.

4. Relax on Santorini's Beaches

Unwind and soak up the sun on Santorini's distinctive beaches, each offering its unique charm. From the striking red sands of Red Beach to the black sands of Perissa and Kamari, there's a beach for every preference. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim or simply lounge on the shore and savor the idyllic surroundings.

5. Wine Tasting in the Vineyards

Indulge in Santorini's renowned wine culture by embarking on a wine-tasting tour of the island's vineyards. Sample a variety of locally produced wines, including the crisp Assyrtiko whites and the sweet Vinsanto dessert wines, while learning about the unique viticultural practices that thrive in Santorini's volcanic soil.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the island's traditional wineries and enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards and the sea beyond.

Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs, and Thirassia Island One Day Cruise Tour with Oia Sunset

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GREEK EDITION

May is the new July in Athens and on the islands

The tour buses for the Acropolis are paralyzing traffic on Amalias Avenue. The crowd of tourists on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is reminiscent of July. Trash overflows from the bins in the middle of the day. The sidewalks are occupied by tables and chairs. The restaurants are unbearably expensive, and at the open-air cinemas, you have to book a seat because they are among the most popular attractions in the city.

Airbnbs are gentrifying entire neighborhoods, driving out regular tenants. Rents in the center and around it are becoming a social wound. Athens belongs more and more to visitors rather than its residents. On the beaches along the southern coast on weekends, shade costs as much as champagne: 30-90 euros for an umbrella.

Swimming in the sea, even in May, is therefore a luxury for Athenians. The same goes for a short trip to the Cyclades. It’s hard to find a double room next week for less than 120 euros a day on a not particularly sought-after island. Even if Athenians could take time off in early June, the cost for an average salaried worker is unbearable. At the same time, the infrastructure on the islands is strained, water shortages are a problem even before summer starts, waste management is a challenge for local authorities, and the natural environment is deteriorating.

On the beaches along the southern coast on weekends, shade costs as much as champagne if (isNXMobile) { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('nx_ad_Category_SB_2_mb'); }); }

Can islands like Santorini, Mykonos or Paros be saved, or is the situation irreversible? Will the next island we call the “new Antiparos,” the “new Sifnos,” or the “new Kimolos” be destroyed? In the future, will we see any “xerolithies” (dry stone walls) and roosters, or will they exist only as Instagrammable accessories? Will any fisherman be fishing, or will nets only serve as picturesque backdrops for selfies? Will anyone find Greek tomatoes in tavernas in the summer, or will they cost more than quinoa?

The locals, even those who are greedy, feel that this cannot continue, and those with property see their assets devalued. Already, some islands are being discredited internationally as overpriced, dirty, overcrowded examples to be avoided. And so everyone loses.

The issue with overtourism is precisely that it affects everyone: the poor and rich residents of Athens and the islands, environmental activists, hoteliers, hotel workers, tourists – everyone.

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A miracle that’s full of holes

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Athens only made 42 cents per visitor last year

Tourism with rationed water and jerricans

Greece and Turkey bridged by tourism

More From Forbes

Fly nonstop to europe this summer on these new american airlines routes.

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Fly nonstop from Philadelphia to Copenhagen this summer thanks to a new American Airlines route.

It’s not too late to start planning an epic European summer vacation. American Airlines will soon offer three new nonstop seasonal flights to Nice, Naples and Copenhagen from its bustling Philadelphia hub. The carrier will also launch daily service—from Dallas to Barcelona and from Chicago to Venice—and extend several routes to year-round status. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the new summer flight schedule .

New Routes from Philadelphia, Chicago and Dallas

This season’s new flights from Philadelphia (PHL) are your excuse to explore new European cities this summer. Instead of heading to Paris, why n0t spend some time in the French Riviera thanks to American Airlines’ new flight to Nice (NCE)? Rather than fly into Rome, you’ll now have the option to arrive in Naples (NAP), the gateway to Southern Italy and epic day trips to Capri, the Amalfi Coast and historic Pompeii. Those hoping to stay cool in the summer heat can fly into Copenhagen (CPH), a great base for exploring more of Denmark, with easy access to the rest of Scandinavia.

Seasonal schedule from May 6 to Oct. 5, 2024 (daily):

AA746 Philadelphia (PHL) 9:10 p.m. Departure → Nice (NCE) 10:55 a.m. (+1) Arrival
AA747 Nice (NCE) 1:00 p.m. Departure → Philadelphia (PHL) 3:45 p.m. Arrival

Seasonal schedule from June 5 to Oct. 25, 2024 (daily):

AA780 Philadelphia (PHL) 7:15 p.m. Departure → Naples (NAP) 10:00 a.m. (+1) Arrival
AA781 Naples (NAP) 12:15 p.m. Departure → Philadelphia (PHL) 4:00 p.m. Arrival

Seasonal schedule from June 6 to Oct. 5, 2024 (daily):

AA744 Philadelphia (PHL) 9:35 p.m. Departure → Copenhagen (CPH) 11:10 a.m. (+1) Arrival
AA745 Copenhagen (CPH) 2:00 p.m. Departure → Philadelphia (PHL) 4:25 p.m. Arrival

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Speaking of visiting more European cities this summer, American Airlines is also restarting an old seasonal route from Chicago (ORD) to Venice (VCE), making it easier to visit the rest of Northern Italy, Switzerland and parts of Eastern Europe. It’s also launching new year-round service between Dallas (DFW) and Barcelona (BCN), a city every art lover should visit at least once—if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get your Gaudí on, this is it.

Seasonal schedule from June 5 to Oct. 26, 2024 (daily):

AA42 Chicago (ORD) 8:35 p.m. Departure → Venice (VCE) 12:35 p.m. (+1) Arrival
AA43 Venice (VCE) 2:50 p.m. Departure → Chicago (ORD) 5:50 p.m. Arrival

Year-round schedule starting June 5, 2024 (daily):

AA192 Dallas (DFW) 7:15 p.m. Departure → Barcelona (BCN) 12:00 p.m. (+1) Arrival
AA193 Barcelona (BCN) 1:55 p.m. Departure → Dallas (DFW) 5:48 p.m. Arrival

Flights serving Nice and Copenhagen will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, while the Naples route will utilize a Boeing 787-8. As for the other two routes, you can fly to Venice aboard a Boeing 787-8 and Barcelona on a Boeing 777-200.

Additional Nonstop Routes to Europe This Summer

Catch a nonstop flight from Dallas to Dublin thanks to American Airlines' expanded year-round ... [+] service.

American Airlines launched a number of routes this spring, allowing travelers to fly nonstop from Charlotte (CLT) to Dublin (DUB), New York (JFK) to Athens (ATH), Philadelphia (PHL) to Venice (VCE) and Chicago (ORD) to Athens (ATH). Flights from Charlotte and New York will utilize Boeing 777-200s, while the Chicago and Philadelphia routes will be operated by 787-9 and 787-8 aircraft, respectively.

The carrier is also expanding several flights from seasonal to year-round service, including nonstop hops from Charlotte (CLT) to Madrid (MAD), Dallas (DFW) to Dublin (DUB) and Rome (FCO), and Philadelphia (PHL) to Barcelona (BCN) and Lisbon (LIS). The Chicago-to-Madrid flight and summertime hauls from Dallas to Dublin will be operated by Boeing 777-200 planes, while the others will be serviced by a mix of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft.

Use AAdvantage Miles to Save Money on Flights

The more flexible you can be with your dates, the easier it’ll be to redeem miles for free (or nearly free) flights. Sign up for American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program before you go to accumulate miles to put toward future trips. You can also pick up extra miles by doing some retail therapy via the carrier’s online shopping portal . Of course, the fastest and easiest way to earn airline miles is by signing up for a co-branded credit card—just make sure you are in a position to hit the minimum spending requirement responsibly—or by transferring points from Bilt Rewards.

All details and policies mentioned were accurate as of press time.

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What you need to know about European travel this summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals has already risen by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Commission , with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant there were 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has had to cancel over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after the delivery of several of its new Boeing aircraft was delayed. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

( What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? )

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville , a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague , a daily train between Vilnius and Riga , a relaunched night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites . Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass last year, France has also introduced its own nationwide rail pass for the same price. However, this is only valid for those under 27 and excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France.

( 6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys .)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots last summer, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures have already been put in place that aim to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

( What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling. )

4. How big events could disrupt your travel

From Taylor Swift’s tour across Europe to the UEFA European Championship in Germany, Europe is limbering up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual . This is likely to mean a greater demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and even increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holiday does coincide with an event, try to explore beyond the city itself, visit nearby tourist attractions that could be quieter than normal, or just enjoy the inevitable citywide buzz surrounding the main event.

( How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics. )

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona , tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while thousands attended an anti-tourism protest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

6. How to deal with heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures in Europe above average for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April, for example, and will be enforced on selected dates until July. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash. Other new rules in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban drinking on the street and prevent shops selling alcohol at night, though you will still be able to buy drinks in bars and restaurants.

How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics

Would you travel by flying taxi? Here's everything you need to know

For hungry minds.

Peak fun: what's new in the Alps this summer, from trains to trails

3 European cities of innovation and what they're doing to build a better future

The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

The ultimate Canary Islands itinerary: 48 hours in Northern Lanzarote

A family city guide to Berlin

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10 Five-Star-Rated Activities For First-Timers Visiting Greece

G reece is a place of unfathomable beauty, with idyllic beaches, pleasant weather, and archeological ruins that have been left behind to preserve memories of an intriguing past. Because every traveler wants to experience this stunning paradise at least once, Greece is the country to visit. Rich in ancient mythology, tourists can enjoy archeology, art, history, and philosophy, along with the best ruins in Greece that date back to ancient times.

Made up of a collection of picturesque islands surrounded by azure waters and covered with tiny white buildings, it is a perfect destination. Greece offers a kaleidoscope of many experiences and environments, including pulsating cities like Athens, the ancient Greek city , and a slower pace of life in tiny and beautiful Greek beach towns and villages by the sea . It is also one of the largest open-air museums in the world.

All that said, even the most famous attractions in Greece don't always get five-star ratings. To help first-time visitors pick the best things to do in Greece (that have genuinely been tried and tested and thus received glowing reviews), here is a handful of five-star-rated activities in Greece that actually do boast five stars on Tripadvisor (hence there are a few lesser-known activities in Greece on this list as well!).

Related: Why Tiny Delos Island Is One Of The Most Important Sacred, Archeological, & Mythical Sites Of Ancient Greece

Tour The Monasteries Of Meteora & Learn About Greek History

The monasteries of Meteora, which are perched on soaring rock formations , are fabulous and famous. Eastern Orthodox monks lived in the vicinity and fled to Meteora from the Turkish army invasion . Although there are just six monasteries in Meteora, there used to be over 20 , making it one of the most impressive religious and top-rated sites in Greece.

As one of Europe's most eerie and stunning environments, Meteora is home to several ancient boulders and monolithic pillars. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightfully earns its place among the top-rated attractions in Greece (that also happens to have five-star ratings on Tripadvisor ).

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: $3.24 (3 Euros)

To get to Meteora, tourists should take a 4-hour train from Athens to Kalampaka, or they can book a day trip. Given that this is one of the top five-star attractions in Greece, booking transport or tours early is advised.

Go To The Delphi & Explore Some Of The Best Ancient Ruins In Greece

Delphi is renowned for several matters , including being both one of Greece's top tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Delphi, which is located on Mount Parnassus's flanks, was formerly a well-traveled pilgrimage site for people who came there to pay respects to Apollo, the ancient Greek god of healing, light, music, and prophecy .

Nowadays, tourists can discover temples, a spectacular stadium, a theater, and charming historical remains, which are considered some of the top archeological ruins in Greece. Followers would travel here to seek wisdom from the Oracle at Delphi.

If first-timers want to leave the city and discover another region, Delphi is an excellent spot to travel because it is only 180 kilometers (111.8 miles) from the capital city of Athens.

Entrance fee: $12.96 (12 Euros) per visitor

Climb The Legendary Mount Olympus & Enjoy One Of The Best Hikes In Greece

If tourists are a fan of Greek mythology, Mount Olympus should not be skipped from their schedule; it's the ultimate among the best activities in Greece with five-star ratings and is likely one of the most famous mountains in the world. If they wish to climb it, they must go to Litochoro, from which they can choose to hike just a portion of the way up or the entire route, depending on their degree of fitness and skill.

As they ascend, tourists might picture the legends associated with the mountain as they tour Mount Olympus, which is recognized in Greek mythology as the location where Hades controlled the Underworld and where Zeus sat on his throne.

Hiking the entire Mount Olympus duration: 2 hours

Related: Mount Olympus: Is It Real, And How Can You Explore The Mythical Mountain?

Hike The Fira – Oia Trail In Santorini & Take In Some Of The Most Beautiful Views In Greece

When visiting Santorini, tourists' bucket lists must include the climb from Fira to Oia . One of the most breathtaking short walks in the world is the 10.5-kilometer (6.5 miles) stroll around the caldera's edge.

Every step of the trip will leave hikers breathless, and it is one of the few spots on this magnificent island where they may truly feel alone.

Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Book A Full Day Tour From Athens To Zakynthos – One Of The Best Islands In Greece For Beauty

On a 5-star rated day trip to Zakynthos , tourists may take a break from the monumental and busy Athens by visiting one of the best and most beautiful Greek islands.

Tourists should meet their tour guide at the dock to go to the island via boat and then ride in a private minibus to see the attractions. Views of the entire island may be seen from Navagio Panagioti Beach, Enetiko Kastro Bochalis, and the Church of St. Dionysius.

Cost: $301 per person

Visit The Greek National Football Museum In Crete & Discover The Country's Love Of Soccer

While this is definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Greece, it's a fun stop for those in Crete. An expert suggestion for all football enthusiasts vacationing in Crete is to visit the national team of Greece's football museum in Chania. Visitors may view the uniforms of well-known athletes, the authentic soccer balls from significant games, tickets, pennants, and much more.

The display is organized by the museum's owner using personal cash. In the center of the city, on a retail strip, is where visitors will find the Greek National Football Museum . Most likely, it was formerly a store. Nikos Flekkas, the proprietor of the museum, greets visitors cheerfully as soon as they arrive at the exhibit.

All in all, this is a wholesome place to learn about the Greeks' love for soccer and is among the lesser-known attractions in Greece that deserves more visitors.

Entrance fee: Free of charge

Related: 14 Greek Islands To Consider For Your Very First Time There

Savor Authentic Greek Wines By Wine Tasting At Lyrarakis Winery

The Lyrarakis Estate is a family-run winery that has been making premium wines since 1966 with a strong emphasis on developing single-variety wines and unusual local varietals.

The five-star-rated winery provides its visitors with the chance to appreciate nature and learn about local varietals and wines defined by the singularity of their origin and history, all while being surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the vineyards and the Lassithi mountains.

Location: Alagni, Heraklion, Crete 703 00, Greece

Tour The Astrikas Estate Biolea & See How Greek Olive Oil Is Made

A 5-star-rated family-owned business called Biolea specializes in making organic olive oil by hand utilizing presses and millstones. All of their goods are bottled and manufactured on an estate. At Biolea, they do their best to achieve excellence via the integration of innovation and tradition, upholding environmental responsibility, and fostering sustainable tourism as an ethical obligation.

They actively encourage proactive communication between customers and food producers. Additionally, their olive mill is built to welcome both domestic and international guests all year long.

Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours

Book A Private Five-Star Rated Tour Of Santorini

Tourists can enjoy one of the most beautiful Greek islands to the fullest by taking a private tour of Santorini with a five-star-rated operator . A driver can take them on a road tour, so they can see the entire island at their own speed. They can also take in the expansive vistas, swim at picturesque beaches, and unwind over lunch at a restaurant by the water.

Additionally, they will discover famous sites, including a monastery, marketplaces, and a lighthouse. They will be able to customize their program from starting point to the road they want to take.

Tour duration: 5 to 6 hours
Cost: $217.41 per person

Related: These Are The Lesser-Known, But Just As Delicious, Greek Foods You Must Try

Tuck Into Some Of The Best Food In Greece On A Food Tour Around Athens

There is no better place to sample the best Greek cuisine than in Greece itself, which is often regarded as having some of the best food in the world. As such, this five-star-rated activity is a must. Greece offers different delectable gourmet tours, and on the Greek traditional food tour in Athens , tourists will have the opportunity to see one of the best cities in Greece to the fullest (and taste its delicious and authentic offerings).

Tourists will discover the city's many neighborhoods on foot while learning about the culture and way of life of today. To enjoy Greek specialties, visitors can stay away from tourist traps and visit their favorite neighborhood markets, delis, and family-run tavernas. After their tour, they can enjoy a meze meal and wine in a classic restaurant in Athens.

Traditional Greek food: Moussaka, Pastitsio (Greek lasagna), Spanakopita, etc.
Cost: $70.24

10 Five-Star-Rated Activities For First-Timers Visiting Greece

7 Best Cruises for Singles in 2024

Updated : May 29, 2024

AAA Travel Editors

Table of contents.

Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand
Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords
Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure
Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury
Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal
Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Plan Your Cruise With AAA

With many cruise lines now catering to the single crowd, going on a cruise as a single adult can be a great way to meet interesting people to make new friends, new connections and lifelong memories.

No matter what you envision from your dream singles cruise, you can find a ship and a series of destinations that will create unforgettable memories. There are a lot of options to explore, however and the sheer range of choices can quickly feel overwhelming. To help, we've highlighted several of the best cruises for singles. Keep reading to learn what, exactly, sets these expeditions apart.

1. Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand

Many singles gravitate towards exciting adventures in exotic destinations such as Bali, Malaysia and Thailand, which hold appeal simply because they provide such distinct scenery and such powerful cultural experiences.

Not all singles are willing or prepared to navigate these destinations on their own, however and this is where the Celebrity Millennium comes into play: an upscale cruise removes the hassle of planning and, instead, encourages you to relax in style.

This particular Celebrity Millennium adventure spans nearly two weeks, incorporating a unique blend of serene island adventures, cosmopolitan exploration and meaningful temple visits. Onboard, globally inspired menus and resort-style lounges are to be expected, along with plenty of adults-only spaces that will appeal to singles.

2. Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords

If Norway's iconic fjords are on your bucket list, you can't afford to miss this awe-inspiring Celebrity Apex trip . Departing from Southampton, the eight-night cruise meanders along the coast of Norway, hitting pleasant spots such as Geiranger or Kristiansand for spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. Side trips are available and, with up to ten hours docked, there is plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation options abound and, when traveling alone, the staterooms' king-size mattresses feel extra spacious. An adults-only solarium will appeal to relaxation-oriented solo travelers, while abundant dining and entertainment options make it easy to find and connect with new friends.

3. Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure

If you're struggling to choose between glamorous onboard experiences and outdoorsy experiences on land, you're in luck: Celebrity Summit provides the best of both worlds with its various Cruisetour offerings. There are many excellent options that depart from Vancouver, Anchorage or Fairbanks — but the Grand Heartland Adventure is worth considering if you crave something new.

During the Grand Heartland Cruisetour, you'll explore the stunning Inside Passage by cruise ship, before docking in adventure-oriented destinations such as Juneau and Sitka. From there, you'll continue to observe national treasures such as the Hubbard Glacier. Further exploration takes place aboard a glass-domed railcar and even a riverboat.

There's also a lot to experience onboard. The AquaClass stateroom represents a true oasis for single travelers, but the exclusive cocktail lounge and martini bar also warrant a visit. With nearly two weeks of cruising and exploration, you'll have plenty of time to unwind on your own but can also form fast friendships with similarly adventurous travelers.

4. Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury

Cruises for singles over 50 often emphasize the finer things in life, like elevated cuisine or exquisite wines. These sophisticated details are in abundant supply aboard the Celebrity Edge, which offers a decidedly elegant experience with its Taste of Luxury tour. Although often frequented by retired couples, Celebrity Edge's trips work well as singles cruises.

Available for three or four nights, this remarkable journey begins in Sydney and primarily emphasizes curated on-board experiences. That being said, there are enticing opportunities to explore while docked in Tasmania. With such glamorous suites, restaurants and clubs on board, however, the best attractions can be enjoyed without ever leaving this luxury cruise ship.

5. Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Don't assume that Disney cruise adventures are only for kids or families. If you are a proud Disney adult, you can make amazing memories aboard a thematic cruise for singles. This is a popular vacation among theme park enthusiasts, who enjoy a dose of Disney magic while also finding valuable opportunities to indulge and relax.

Disney Wish's three-night Bahamian cruise is also an excellent option for singles who crave a sea-based experience but only have a few days to spare. Yes, young travelers will be around, but there are plenty of adult-only spaces, including sports bars, dance clubs, dedicated pools and even an onboard spa and salon. Musicals, 3D films and fireworks encourage you to embrace your inner child.

6. Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal

As we've mentioned, smaller ships provide some of the best cruises for singles over 50. Not everyone desires a river-based trip, however and with Oceania Cruises , there is no need to choose between exclusivity and ocean liner grandeur.

A signature experience can be found aboard Oceania Cruises' iconic Nautica ship, which is calming, yet elegant. Echoing the journey of the famed explorer Jacques Cartier, this tour provides a powerful introduction to Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

The land-based excursions are highly educational and, of course, beautiful to behold, but there's also a lot to love on board. Belgian chocolate, Bulgari amenities and turndown service await, with many accommodations also providing spectacular views. Open-seating dining makes it easy to interact with other vacationers while wine-tasting and guest lectures promise plenty of onboard enrichment.

7. Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Another appealing option for singles who prefer slightly smaller ships, Oceania Cruises' Ancient World Wonders tour provides stops at some of the world's most iconic locations, such as Santorini and Corfu. Adventures in Dubrovnik and Istanbul can also be expected. On board this remarkable vessel, you'll gaze in awe at the Lalique Grand Staircase and, in general, enjoy a refined ambiance.

Be prepared to try new flavors and forms of expression as you explore unique offerings such as the Artist Loft and Culinary Center. Deep relaxation awaits at the Aquamar Spa or within your luxuriously contemporary stateroom or suite. This ten-night voyage provides plenty of time to lose yourself in the grandeur of the ship and the treasures of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Turkey.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your cruise today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets.

Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

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Athens to Santorini: Options by Ferry or Plane
How to get from Athens to Santorini
ATHENS TO SANTORINI with BLUE STAR FERRIES
Sailing Greece
Athens to Santorini tours
How to Travel from Athens to Santorini

VIDEO

Trip from Athens to Santorini with a few other islands views
Athens to Santorini
Exploring Santorin: 5 Must-See Attractions #travelguide
Awesome Nightlife Santorini during summer vacations 2023 #athens #europe
Highlights from our week in Greece: Athens and Santorini 🇬🇷✨🏛️🌸🩵 #travel #greece #santorini
Unforgettable Adventures in Greece: Exploring Santorini and Athens!

COMMENTS

How To Get From Athens to Santorini (2024 UPDATE)
In my honest opinion, the absolute Best Way to get from Athens to Santorini is by plane (taking a 45mins flight from Athens). Here are the three options you have basically: How Long It Takes. Cost *. Ferry (FAST) (from Piraeus port, SEAJETS FERRIES) 4.5 to 5.5 hours. 48 to 90 euros.
Athens to Santorini Island
Volotea, Ryanair, and two other airlines fly from Athens (ATH) to Santorini (JTR) hourly. Alternatively, Seajets operates a car ferry from Port of Piraeus to Santorini twice daily. Tickets cost $80-190 and the journey takes 4h 40m. Two other operators also service this route.
Athens to Santorini Ferry
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini. Santorini is a 4.5 to 6-hour ferry ride from Athens by the fastest highspeed ferries and catamarans, and 7 to 9 hours (or more) by the slower car ferries and overnight ferries. Most ferries from Athens to Santorini also stop in Naxos and Paros en route. Some ferries will stop in Ios, Mykonos, Foledandros, Milos, Sifnos, and Serifos.
Athens to Santorini: Getting there by plane, ferry and cruise
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Santorini from Athens is to hop on a plane. The flight connecting Athens and Santorini is only 45 minutes and there are multiple flights a day. All flights depart from Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos. The airport is about 16 miles from downtown Athens and you can ...
How to Get From Athens to Santorini: Flight & Ferry Options
Flights from Athens to Santorini depart from Athens Domestic Airport, otherwise known as Eleftherios Venizelos. The airport is located 33 km from Athens city centre, and travel time takes around 35 - 60 minutes, depending on your mode of transport. There are three modes of transport to get to Athens Airport - taxi / Uber, the Athens metro, or bus.
Athens (Piraeus)-Santorini Ferry, Tickets & Schedules
Ferry schedules. Athens (port of Piraeus) Santorini Trip frequency: Every day First trip: 07:25 Last trip: 09:00 Average duration: 6h 47m Price range: 45.50 € - 157.00 €. Santorini Athens (port of Piraeus) Trip frequency: Every day First trip: 08:40 Last trip: 15:45 Average duration: 6h 12m Price range: 45.50 € - 157.00 €. Ferry companies.
Athens Greece to Santorini: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Estimating costs for your adventure from Athens to Santorini will help ensure you stay within your budget: Transportation : Ferry Tickets: Approximately €30-€80 per person, depending on the ferry type and season. Flights: A one-way ticket costs around €50-€150, depending on the carrier and booking time. Accommodation :
Athens to Santorini from $28 (€24)
The cheapest way to go to Santorini from Athens is by taking a flight, which costs on average $28 (€24). This is compared to other ways of getting from Athens to Santorini: Taking a flight costs () less than taking a bus, which average ticket prices of (). A flight is $24 (€21) less than a ferry with an average ticket price of $53 (€46 ...
How To Get From Athens to Santorini?
Travel time is 5 hours for high-speed ferries and 6-10 hours for regular ferries (plus a 1-hour transfer to and from the ports). Combined ferry and transfer rates from Athens to Santorini start from €46 ($50). A ferry ride between Athens and Santorini is a slow but sweet journey.
How To Get From Athens To Santorini
It takes around 8 hours to reach Santorini from Athens. There are two ferry companies. These are the Blue Star Ferries from Athens and the Hellenic Seaways ferry from Athens. The ferry from Athens, runs every day throughout and leave Athens at 7.25 am (make sure to check timetables on your travel period).
How to Travel From Athens to Santorini [2024 Guide]
Cost of ferries from Athens to Santorini: On the Blue Star ferry it costs €33 for economy class. Courtesy: Daniel Langhammer / flickr.com. The estimated price ranges of the ferries are mentioned below: Blue star Ferries- €33 - €119.5. Sea jets - €56.5 - €109.7. Golden Stars Ferries- €55 - €68.
Athens to Santorini ferry
Athens to Santorini Ferry Time. The first ferry departs at approximately 06:45 and the last ferry departs at approximately 22:30. ... The best way to travel from Athens to Santorini is by ferry. With 4 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you ...
Athens to Santorini ferry from $28 (€24)
Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Aegeon Pelagos from Athens to Santorini. You can travel by ferry between Athens and Santorini with Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Aegeon Pelagos for as low as $52 (€46). ... The ferry time between Athens and Santorini is on average 5 h 40 min for the 145 mile (234 km) long journey, but the time ...
How to Travel from Athens to Santorini by Ferry and Plane
Modern sea-going ferries travel between Athens and Santorini, carrying as many as 2,500 people as well as hundreds of cars and trucks. They have airline-style seating, private cabins, restaurants, bars, and some outdoor sundeck areas. ... though there is not enough time to disembark. Hydrofoil or jet ferries travel at speeds of between 35 and ...
FERRY Athens to Santorini: Times, Prices, Tickets, Itineraries [2024]
Taking just over an hour and a half on average, the bus costs around 6 Euros and departs every 15-30 minutes twenty-four hours a day. Remember to take the X96 bus from Athens airport, this stops at Gate E6 (where the Blue Star ferry bound for Santorini departs) just a stone's throw from the ticket booths at Gate E7.
THE ULTIMATE DAY TRIP FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI GUIDE
Because a typical ferry journey or cruise from Athens to Santorini takes anywhere from 4.5 hours to 7.5 hours, depending on the ferry type. Thus, to get the most time on the island and make the most of your day trip to Santorini, flying makes most sense. The flight time to Santorini takes about 45 minutes — a short, little flight!
Athens Santorini Ferry
Compare ferry schedules and prices, and book online your ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus & Rafina) to Santorini with just a few clicks! Photos, illustrated map, and more. Call us at +30 212 000 3006.
Santorini Island to Athens
Volotea, Ryanair, and three other airlines fly from Santorini (JTR) to Athens (ATH) hourly. Alternatively, Seajets operates a car ferry from Santorini to Port of Piraeus twice daily. Tickets cost $85-200 and the journey takes 4h 30m. Two other operators also service this route.
Cheap Flights from Athens International (ATH) to Santorini ...
For the latest details and travel advice, users are encouraged to check the Athens International Airport's official resources. Santorini (Thira) airport: good to know ... The best time to fly from Athens to Santorini is between June and September, when you can enjoy pleasant temperatures averaging 75°F to 84°F. This period offers the warmest ...
How To Get From Athens to Santorini
If you're coming from central Athens, your best option is to take the metro/subway to Piraeus. From Monastiraki (Line 1) for example, it'll take 20-30 minutes. The metro ticket costs 1.40 EUR and starts running at 5:30AM to midnight. For a 7AM ferry, I recommend that you hop on the metro at 5:30AM right when it opens.
Find Cheap Flights from Athens to Santorini
Flights from Athens to Santorini. Use Google Flights to plan your next trip and find cheap one way or round trip flights from Athens to Santorini. Find the best flights fast, track prices, and ...
How To Get From Athens to Santorini? Here's Everything ...
Essentially, there are two primary transportation options from Athens to Santorini, via ferry or airplane. A direct flight from Athens to Santorini provides the quickest and most convenient way to the island. However, choosing a ferry is often a more economical alternative. Ferry tickets cost between 45 and 90 euros, with Blue Star Ferries ...
Cheap Flights from Athens International to Santorini (Thira)
Direct. Sat, 22 Jun JTR - ATH with Ryanair. Direct. from £22. Santorini (Thira). £24 per passenger.Departing Mon, 17 Jun, returning Tue, 2 Jul.Return flight with Ryanair.Outbound direct flight with Ryanair departs from Athens International on Mon, 17 Jun, arriving in Santorini (Thira).Inbound direct flight with Ryanair departs from Santorini ...
May is the new July in Athens and on the islands
May is the new July in Athens and on the islands. A tourist bus is seen in Syntagma Square in central Athens, Greece. [Alexandros Beltes/AMNA] Xenia Kounalaki. 01.06.2024 • 20:45. The tour buses for the Acropolis are paralyzing traffic on Amalias Avenue. The crowd of tourists on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is reminiscent of July.
Fly Nonstop To Europe This Summer On These New American ...
Father's Day Gift Guide 2024- The Best Relaxation Gifts For Dads Who Travel Jun 4, 2024, 10:02am EDT Exclusive: First Look Inside The New Ritz-Carlton Residences Riviera Maya
What you need to know about European travel this summer
Here's what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly. 1. What you need to know about flight disruptions. Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and ...
10 Five-Star-Rated Activities For First-Timers Visiting Greece
Hike The Fira - Oia Trail In Santorini & Take In Some Of The Most Beautiful Views In Greece . When visiting Santorini, tourists' bucket lists must include the climb from Fira to Oia.One of the ...
Why Greek Island Houses Are Blue and White
In 1938, a national order mandated the painting of island homes in blue and white. At the time, Greece was suffering an outbreak of cholera during the dictatorship of Ioannis Metaxas. In an effort to curb the disease, he ordered citizens to whitewash their homes. This might sound strange today, but the whitewash used to paint the houses ...
7 Best Cruises for Singles in 2024
7. Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul. Another appealing option for singles who prefer slightly smaller ships, Oceania Cruises' Ancient World Wonders tour provides stops at some of the world's most iconic locations, such as Santorini and Corfu. Adventures in Dubrovnik and Istanbul can also be expected.

How To Get From Athens to Santorini

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ATHENS TO SANTORINI TIPS:

1. Athens to Santorini flights

PROs OF FLYING FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI:

CONs OF FLYING FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI:

ARRIVING AT AND DEPARTING FROM SANTORINI AIRPORT:

2. Ferries from Athens to Santorini

ATHENS TO SANTORINI FERR IES

BLUE STAR FERRIES:

Where can you book Blue Star ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini?

How much the Blue Star Ferry ticket cost?

SEAJET FERRIES:

Where can you book Seajet ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini?

How much the Seajet Ferry ticket cost?

HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO PIRAEUS PORT

HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO RAFINA PORT

HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO CENTRAL ATHENS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Getting from Athens to Santorini: stress-free routes, key pit stops, and the very best travel times

Athens to Santorini by plane

Athens to Santorini by ferry

Athens to Santorini by cruise

Best way to get from Athens to Santorini

Recommended tours and activities

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

Ferry schedules

Is there a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini?

What’s the ferry schedule from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini

Ferry Tickets, Offers & Discounts

Ferry Route Info

What’s the distance between Athens and Santorini?

Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini?

Is there an overnight ferry to Santorini from Athens (Piraeus)?

Ferry Trip Tips

Where to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini

Can I travel on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini ferry with a car?

Ferry luggage

Book cheap ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini

How to Get From --> Athens to Santorini

What to expect when visiting Santorini

2 ways to get from Athens to Santorini

Step 1: Athens City Centre to Athens Airport by Train

Step 2: Athens to Santorini by Flight

Step 3: Santorini Airport to Fira by Taxi or Bus

Athens to Santorini by Ferry

Step 1: Athens City Centre to Piraeus Port by Train

Step 2: Piraeus to Santorini by Ferry

Step 3: Santorini Ferry Port to Fira by Bus or Taxi

Frequently Asked Questions about Athens to Santorini

Are there any cheap flight options from Athens to Santorini?

How can I find cheap tickets for the Athens to Santorini ferry or flight?

How can I get from Santorini to Athens?

Rounding it up

Most popular routes in Greece

How To Get From Athens To Santorini – The Complete Guide 2022

How to Get from Athens to Santorini?

Essentials Before Getting the Ferry

Conventional Ferry

High-Speed Ferry tickets

Tickets Sales of Athens to Santorini Ferry

Cost of Tickets for Athens to Santorini Ferry

Athens Ferry Ports to Get to Santorini

Athens to Santorini from Piraeus

Athens to Santorini from Rafina

Things to Consider for the Athens to Santorini Ferry