How to get from Athens to Santorini: Ferry, Flight, and the Case for Slowing Down
Planning how to get from Athens to Santorini in 2026? We compare the ferry and flight options, including travel times, ticket costs, Piraeus port, Santorini airport, baggage, seasickness, and which route we’d actually book.
There are two ways to arrive in Santorini from Athens: the efficient way and the romantic one.
The flight gets you there quickly, lifting out of Athens and landing on the island in less than an hour.
The ferry asks more of you: an early start, a transfer to Piraeus, a few hours crossing the Aegean, and, if the weather is kind, one of the great arrivals in Greece, as Santorini’s volcanic cliffs rise from the sea.
We’ve travelled through the Greek islands slowly, mostly by ferry, and still think arriving in Santorini by water gives you a sense of the island that a flight never can. But this isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision.
In 2026, with summer crowds, expensive flights, busy ferry ports, rough meltemi winds, and increasingly tight itineraries, the best option depends on how much time you have, where you’re arriving from, and how you like to travel.
This guide breaks down exactly how to get from Athens to Santorini by ferry or flight, including travel times, ticket costs, ports, airport transfers, baggage, seasickness, and which option we’d choose depending on your trip.
HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI
FERRY DEPARTURES | Up to 8 per day from Piraeus in peak summer
FERRY COST | From €46.50 economy, with conventional ferries usually cheaper and high-speed ferries often significantly more expensive
FERRY TIME | Around 5 hours on the fastest services to over 11 hours on slower ferries or indirect routes
OPERATORS | Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets and Fast Ferries
BOOK | Through Ferry Hopper, our recommended booking platform
FLIGHT DEPARTURES | Multiple daily direct flights in peak summer
FLIGHT TIME | Around 50–55 minutes
FLIGHT COST | Varies widely by season and baggage, with summer fares rising quickly once luggage is included
IS IT BETTER TO FLY OR FERRY FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI?
Flying is the better option if you’re short on time, arriving in Athens on an international flight, travelling in peak summer with limited flexibility, or prone to seasickness.
The flight itself takes around 45 to 55 minutes, and even with airport transfers and check-in, it’s usually the fastest way to reach Santorini.
The ferry is better if you’re travelling slowly, carrying more luggage, continuing on to other islands, or want the classic Aegean arrival into Santorini.
It takes much longer, usually between 5 and 11 hours from Piraeus, depending on the ferry, but the journey feels like part of the trip rather than just a transfer.
If this is your first time in Greece and you have the time, we’d take the ferry at least once. If Santorini is a short stop on a packed itinerary, fly in and save your energy for the island.
ATHENS TO SANTORINI FERRY
For us, the ferry is still the most memorable way to travel from Athens to Santorini.
Ferries depart from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, and arrive at Athinios Port in Santorini.
In summer, there are usually multiple daily crossings, with journey times ranging from around 5 hours on faster vessels to more than 11 hours on slower or overnight services. Outside the peak season, schedules are reduced, so always check current timetables before locking in your itinerary.
There are two main ferry experiences on this route.
High-speed ferries, usually operated by SeaJets, are faster and more efficient, but they’re often more expensive, more enclosed, and can feel rougher in windy conditions.
Larger conventional ferries, including Blue Star services, are slower but generally more stable, more spacious, and better if you want fresh air, open decks, and a proper Aegean crossing.
If you’re travelling with kids, heavy luggage, or any tendency towards seasickness, we’d choose a larger conventional ferry over a smaller high-speed catamaran. If you’re trying to save time and don’t mind a more enclosed journey, the fast ferry makes sense.
Either way, book ahead for July, August, and September. This is one of the busiest ferry routes in Greece, and the best departure times and seat categories can sell out.
TIP | Book your Athens to Santorini ferry tickets well in advance
BLUE STAR OR SEAJETS? WHICH FERRY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Choose SeaJets if you want the fastest ferry from Athens to Santorini and are comfortable with a more enclosed, airline-style journey.
High-speed ferries are usually the quickest option, but they can feel bumpier when the Aegean is windy.
Choose Blue Star if you want a slower, more comfortable crossing with more space, better stability, and open decks.
It’s usually the better choice for families, seasick travellers, photographers, and anyone who wants the ferry to feel like part of the trip.
Our advice? If the timings work, choose the larger ferry. Santorini is not a place you want to arrive at already frazzled.
HOW TO BOOK ATHENS TO SANTORINI FERRY TICKETS
The easiest way to book your Athens to Santorini ferry tickets is through Ferryhopper, which we used throughout our two months in Greece and found far simpler than booking through the individual ferry company websites.
Enter your travel dates, compare departure times, ferry types, journey lengths and seat categories, then book online. Your tickets are sent by email and stored in the app, and many operators now offer e-tickets or online check-in, making boarding much easier.
You can also buy tickets at Piraeus Port, but we wouldn’t recommend relying on this in summer. The Athens to Santorini route is one of Greece’s busiest, and the best departure times, seat types and high-speed ferries can sell out in advance.
Book ahead, especially from June to September, and arrive at Piraeus at least one hour before departure.
BOOK | Book your Santorini ferry tickets through Ferry Hopper
ATHENS TO SANTORINI FERRY TICKET OPTIONS
Athens to Santorini ferry tickets range from basic economy seats to business-class lounges and private cabins, depending on the ferry company and vessel.
On high-speed ferries, economy seats are usually fine. They’re airline-style, allocated, and comfortable enough for the shorter crossing.
Business, VIP or premium seats may offer a quieter cabin and a little more space, but we’d only pay extra if the price difference is small. For most travellers, economy is the best-value option.
On slower conventional ferries, ticket options are usually broader and better suited to the longer journey. You’ll typically find deck tickets, numbered seats, business lounges and private cabins.
For most travellers, we’d recommend booking a numbered seat, especially in summer.
It gives you a guaranteed place to sit, which matters on a busy five-to-eleven-hour crossing. Deck tickets can be cheaper and perfectly fine on a calm day, but they’re less comfortable if the ferry is full or the weather turns.
Cabins are worth considering for early, late, or especially long crossings, or if you want proper rest before arriving in Santorini.
BOOK | Book your Santorini ferry tickets through Ferry Hopper
HOW LONG IS THE FERRY RIDE FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI?
The ferry ride from Athens to Santorini usually takes between 5 and 11 hours, depending on the ferry type, route, season and weather conditions.
High-speed ferries are the quickest option, with the fastest services taking around 5 hours. Larger conventional ferries are slower, generally taking around 7 to 11 hours, but they’re often more comfortable, more stable, and better suited to travellers with luggage, kids, or a tendency towards seasickness.
In peak summer, ferry schedules can change due to strong Aegean winds, so always check your departure time and travel duration before booking, and again before travelling.
WHERE IS PIREAUS PORT & HOW TO GET THERE
Piraeus Port is not in central Athens, but in the port city of Piraeus, around 10 kilometres southwest of the city centre. It’s Greece’s largest port and the main departure point for ferries to Santorini and the Cyclades.
The port is huge, so always check your ferry ticket for the correct departure gate before you travel.
Athens to Santorini ferries usually depart from gates E6, E7, E9 or E10, but gates can change, so check the port screens when you arrive.
METRO
The metro is the easiest and best-value way to get from central Athens to Piraeus Port.
From Monastiraki, take Line 1, the green line, directly to Piraeus. From Syntagma, Line 3, the blue line, is usually the better option, reaching Piraeus in around 20 minutes.
A standard Athens transport ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across metro, bus, tram and trolley services.
Best for | Most travellers, especially if you’re staying near Monastiraki, Syntagma, Omonia or a metro station
Cost | €1.20
Time | Around 20–30 minutes from central Athens
Good to know | Check your departure gate before travelling, as some ferry gates are a long walk from the metro station
BUS
Buses also run between Athens and Piraeus, including routes such as 040 and 049.
They can be useful if you’re staying near a convenient bus route, but traffic makes them slower and less predictable than the metro. For most travellers, we’d only choose the bus if it leaves from very close to your accommodation.
Best for | Travellers staying near a direct bus route to Piraeus
Cost | €1.20 with a standard Athens transport ticket
Time | Around 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic
Good to know | Less reliable than the metro if you’re travelling close to your ferry departure time
TAXI OR RIDESHARE
Taxis and rideshare apps are widely available in Athens and make sense if it’s hot, you’re travelling with children, or you have lots of luggage.
From central Athens, the journey usually takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic. It will cost more than the metro, but it can be worth it if you want a door-to-port transfer without hauling bags through stations.
Best for | Families, groups, early departures, hot days or lots of luggage
Cost | Usually around €25–€45 from central Athens, depending on traffic and time of day
Time | Around 20–40 minutes from central Athens
Good to know | Ask to be dropped at your exact ferry gate, not just “Piraeus Port”
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BOARDING THE FERRY IN PIRAEUS
Piraeus is huge, busy, and not somewhere you want to be working things out at the last minute.
Check your ferry company, departure gate, and e-ticket requirements the day before travelling, and arrive at least one hour before departure, or earlier if you’re travelling in peak summer or with a vehicle.
Boarding can look chaotic if it’s your first Greek ferry.
Cars, luggage, passengers, port staff, and crew all move at once, and the process rarely feels like a neat airport queue. Have your ticket ready, keep your passport or photo ID accessible, and move when the crew tells you to move. It works, but it helps to expect a little theatre.
FERRIES FROM OTHER ISLANDS TO SANTORINI
If you’re already in the Greek Islands and wish to visit Santorini, a number of surrounding islands have direct ferry services. These include Amorgos, Anafi, Folegandros, Crete (Heraklion), Ioa, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Tinos.
As always, we suggest checking departure routes and times, and booking your tickets in advance through Ferry Hopper.
BOOK | Book your Santorini ferry tickets through Ferry Hopper
WHAT ABOUT FERRY DELAYS, ROUGH SEAS AND CANCELLATIONS?
It’s super important to realise that ferry delays can happen in Greece, especially in summer when the meltemi winds blow through the Aegean.
High-speed ferries are usually more affected by rough seas than larger conventional ferries, which is another reason we’d choose a bigger boat if you’re prone to seasickness.
Avoid booking an Athens to Santorini ferry on the same day as an important international flight, wedding, cruise departure or non-refundable hotel check-in.
Build in some buffer, check your ferry status before travelling to Piraeus, and keep your booking details handy in case schedules change.
HOW TO GET FROM SANTORINI PORT TO FIRA & OIA
Once you arrive at Santorini Ferry Port, also known as Athinios Port, New Port or Thira Port, you’ll understand why everyone warns you about it.
It’s busy, steep, crowded and often chaotic, with buses, taxis, hotel transfers, hire cars and ferry passengers all funnelling into one small port below the caldera cliffs.
The good news is that Santorini is small, and once you’re out of the port, travel times are relatively short.
Athinios Port is around 9 kilometres from Fira and around 23 kilometres from Oia. In normal traffic, the drive to Fira takes around 15–25 minutes, while Oia usually takes around 30–45 minutes.
In peak summer, or when several ferries arrive close together, expect delays.
There are a number of ways to get from Athinios Port to Fira, which we’ve listed below:
LOCAL BUS
The cheapest way to get from Santorini Port to Fira is by local KTEL bus. Buses generally connect with ferry arrivals and travel from Athinios Port to Fira, where you can change for onward buses to Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari, Perissa and other parts of the island.
The official 2026 fare from Athinios Port to Fira is €2.70. Tickets are usually bought on board, and cash is the safest option.
If you’re heading to Oia, you’ll usually need to change buses in Fira, which can add waiting time, especially in summer. The bus is cheap and useful, but it can be crowded, and the climb out of the port is not exactly relaxing if you’re standing with luggage.
Cost | €2.70 to Fira, plus an onward fare if continuing to Oia
Time | Around 20–25 minutes to Fira, longer if continuing to Oia
Good to know | Buses generally wait for ferries, but queues can be messy in peak season
TAXI
Taxis are available at Athinios Port, but there are not many of them, and demand spikes as soon as a ferry arrives.
If you’re arriving in July, August or September, don’t assume you’ll simply walk off the boat and straight into a taxi.
Expect to pay around €25–€35 to Fira and significantly more to Oia, often around €60 or more depending on the season, time of day and demand. Santorini taxis are often fixed-price or negotiated rather than strictly metered, so confirm the fare before you get in.
Cost | Around €25–€35 to Fira; around €60+ to Oia
Time | Around 15–25 minutes to Fira; 30–45 minutes to Oia
Good to know | Cash is useful, and availability can be limited when ferries arrive
PRIVATE TRANSFER
A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest and least stressful way to get from Santorini Port to your hotel, especially if you’re staying in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani or somewhere outside Fira.
Many hotels can arrange port transfers, and there are also private transfer companies operating across the island. It costs more than the bus, but after a long ferry ride, this is often the option you’ll be grateful you booked.
Cost | Varies by destination and provider
Time | Around 15–45 minutes, depending on where you’re staying
Good to know | Book before you arrive, especially in peak summer
We used buses regularly in Santorini, and the service is super efficient. It does get busy, so you might need to get elbows out to secure a seat, but that’s all part of the fun.
ATHENS TO SANTORINI FLIGHT
Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get from Athens to Santorini, especially if you’re short on time, arriving in Greece on a long-haul flight, travelling with young kids, or only spending a few nights on the island.
Direct flights operate year-round between Athens International Airport and Santorini Airport, with Aegean Airlines, SKY express and Ryanair among the main airlines on the route. In summer, flight frequency increases significantly, and Santorini also receives direct flights from a number of European cities.
If your international flight arrives in Athens early enough, flying straight on to Santorini can be the smartest option. It saves crossing Athens to reach Piraeus, avoids a long ferry after a long-haul flight, and gets you to the island with more of the day intact.
The main downside is cost. Summer fares can rise quickly, especially once checked luggage, seat selection and low-cost airline extras are added. Compare the final price, not just the headline fare, and book early if you’re travelling between June and September.
As always, please consider whether flying is appropriate during the climate crisis. On average, flights from Athens to Santorini produce 30kg + of CO2 emissions, which in our opinion, is unnecessary. If you chose to fly, please offset your emissions. Learn how, here.
ATHENS TO SANTORINI FLIGHT TIME
The flight time from Athens to Santorini is 50 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
WHERE IS ATHENS AIRPORT & HOW TO GET THERE?
Flights from Athens to Santorini depart from Athens International Airport, officially Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
The airport is around 33 km east of central Athens, and travel time usually takes between 35 and 60 minutes, depending on your transport method and traffic.
METRO
The metro is the easiest option for most travellers heading from central Athens to Athens Airport.
Take Metro Line 3, the blue line, which connects the city centre with the airport. The journey takes around 40 minutes, with trains generally running every 30 minutes.
Cost | €9 one-way or €16 return
Time | Around 40 minutes
Good to know | Airport metro tickets are different from standard Athens metro tickets
TAXI OR RIDESHARE
Taxis and rideshare apps are widely available in Athens and are the easiest option if you have luggage, children, an early flight, or accommodation that isn’t close to the metro.
The journey from central Athens to the airport usually takes around 35–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost | Usually around €40–€60 from central Athens, depending on time of day and traffic
Time | Around 35–60 minutes
Good to know | Allow extra time during peak traffic, especially if travelling from central Athens
BUS
Airport express buses connect Athens with the airport, including the X95 from Syntagma Square.
They’re cheaper than taxis and can be useful for very early or late flights, but they’re generally slower and less comfortable with luggage than the metro.
Cost | Cheaper than the metro airport ticket
Time | Around 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic
Good to know | Airport buses run 24 hours, unlike the metro
HOW TO GET FROM SANTORINI AIRPORT TO FIRA AND OIA
Once you arrive at Santorini Airport, you’ll likely want to get straight to your accommodation, drop your bags, and make the most of your first day on the island.
Fortunately, Santorini is small. The airport is around 5 kilometres from Fira and around 15 kilometres from Oia, so travel times are relatively short outside peak summer traffic.
In normal conditions, the drive from Santorini Airport to Fira takes around 10–20 minutes, while Oia usually takes around 25–40 minutes.
BUS
The cheapest way to get from Santorini Airport to Fira is by local KTEL bus.
The airport bus runs to Fira, where you can connect to onward buses for Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and other parts of the island. If you’re staying in Oia, you’ll usually need to change buses in Fira, which can add waiting time, especially in summer.
Cost | Around €2.20 to Fira, plus an onward fare if continuing to Oia
Time | Around 15–20 minutes to Fira, longer if continuing to Oia
TAXI
Taxis are available at Santorini Airport, but there are limited vehicles on the island, and queues can build quickly when several flights arrive at once.
Expect to pay around €25–€35 to Fira and around €50–€70 to Oia, depending on the season, time of day and demand. Confirm the fare before you get in.
Cost | Around €25–€35 to Fira; around €50–€70 to Oia
Time | Around 10–20 minutes to Fira; 25–40 minutes to Oia
PRIVATE TRANSFER
A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest way to get from Santorini Airport to your hotel, especially if you’re staying in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani or somewhere outside Fira.
It costs more than the bus, but after a flight, baggage collection and Santorini airport crowds, it can be worth every euro.
Cost | Varies by provider and destination
Time | Around 10–40 minutes, depending on where you’re staying
We used buses regularly in Santorini and found the network surprisingly useful, especially from Fira. But from the airport, with luggage and summer crowds, a taxi or pre-booked transfer can be the smarter, less stressful option.
WHAT WE’D BOOK
Based on our experience and knowledge, here’s how we’d approach the Athens to Santorini route, depending on your situation.
FIRST-TIME VISITORS TO GREECE | Take the ferry at least once if your itinerary allows. Arriving in Santorini by sea, beneath the caldera cliffs, is genuinely special.
SHORT SANTORINI TRIPS | Fly. If you only have two or three nights on the island, don’t lose half a day to the ferry.
FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS | Fly if you’re arriving long-haul or travelling in peak summer. Choose a larger conventional ferry if you want more space to move around.
ISLAND-HOPPERS | Take the ferry. It connects naturally with Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos and Crete.
SEASICK TRAVELLERS | Fly, or choose a larger conventional ferry over a high-speed catamaran.
BUDGET TRAVELLERS | Compare both. Conventional ferries are often good value, but flights can be surprisingly affordable outside peak travel dates if you’re travelling with hand luggage only.
LUGGAGE-HEAVY TRAVELLERS | Take the ferry. It’s usually less painful than dealing with airline baggage rules and fees.
ATHENS TO SANTORINI FAQS
HOW LONG IS THE FERRY FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI?
The ferry from Athens to Santorini usually takes between 5 and 11 hours, depending on the ferry type, route, season and weather. High-speed ferries are fastest, while larger conventional ferries take longer but are usually more comfortable.
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI?
The flight from Athens to Santorini takes around 50–55 minutes. Door-to-door, including airport transfers, check-in, security, baggage and your hotel transfer, the journey is usually closer to three or four hours.
IS IT BETTER TO FLY OR FERRY FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI?
Fly if you’re short on time, arriving in Athens on a long-haul flight, travelling with young kids, or only spending a few nights in Santorini.
Take the ferry if you’re travelling slowly, island-hopping, carrying lots of luggage, or want the classic Aegean arrival beneath the caldera cliffs.
WHICH ATHENS PORT DO SANTORINI FERRIES LEAVE FROM?
Most Athens to Santorini ferries leave from Piraeus Port, the main ferry port near Athens. Always check your ticket before travelling, as departure gates can change.
WHICH SANTORINI PORT DO FERRIES ARRIVE AT?
Ferries from Athens arrive at Athinios Port, also known as Santorini Ferry Port, New Port or Thira Port. It’s located below the caldera cliffs, around 9 kilometres from Fira and around 23 kilometres from Oia.
HOW EARLY SHOULD YOU ARRIVE AT PIRAEUS PORT?
Arrive at Piraeus Port at least one hour before your ferry departure. In peak summer, or if you’re travelling with children, luggage or a vehicle, allow more time. Piraeus is large, busy and not somewhere you want to rush.
DO ATHENS TO SANTORINI FERRIES RUN ALL YEAR?
Yes, ferries run between Athens and Santorini year-round, but services are much more frequent in summer. Outside peak season, schedules are reduced, so check current ferry times before planning your itinerary.
CAN YOU TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI?
Technically, yes, by flight, but we wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll spend too much of the day getting to and from airports, and by ferry, it’s not realistic. Santorini deserves at least two nights, ideally three.
WHICH FERRY IS BETTER, BLUE STAR OR SEAJETS?
Choose SeaJets if you want the fastest ferry and don’t mind a more enclosed, airline-style journey. Choose Blue Star if you want a slower, steadier and more spacious crossing. For most travellers, we’d choose Blue Star if the schedule works.
SHOULD YOU BOOK ATHENS TO SANTORINI TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
Yes, especially if you’re travelling between June and September.
The Athens to Santorini route is one of Greece’s busiest, and the best ferry times, seat categories and flight fares can sell out or become much more expensive.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN THE GREEK ISLANDS
Honest take: if something goes wrong, a medical emergency, a missed ferry, a scooter accident on a coastal road, travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one.
After 10+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use and recommend:
FOR TRAVELLERS | World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. Their policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Get a quote from World Nomads →
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
EXPLORE SANTORINI
Santorini Travel Guide — everything you need to know before you visit
Where to Stay in Santorini — every area and budget covered
Oia Guide — what to see, when to go and how to do it right
MORE CYCLADES
Things to Do on Naxos — we spent a month here, and it's our favourite Greek island
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
Some of the links in this guide on how to get from Athens to Santorini are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
