Ferry to Santorini 2026: routes, prices & tickets
Santorini is connected by ferry with Piraeus, Rafina, Heraklion and the main Cyclades islands. Here's how to choose a route and operator, when to book, and what to expect at Athinios port.
Ferry tickets to Santorini
- Departure ports
- 2
- Travel time
- 5 hours – 11h 15m
- Tickets from
- €15
- Ferry companies
- 4
Ferries to Santorini from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus to Santorini | 5 hours – 11h 15m | Conventional High-speed | €48 | Schedule → | |
| Rafina to Santorini | 5h 20m – 5.5 hours | High-speed | ![]() | €82 | Schedule → |
Island hopping to and from Santorini
Santorini – Heraklion1h 35m – 4.5 hours
Santorini – Mykonos1h 50m – 4h 15m
from €89.20
Santorini – Naxos1h 10m – 2h 50m
from €31.50
Santorini – Paros1h 45m – 4h 5m
from €13Ferries to Santorini from other islands: Mykonos to Santorini · Heraklion to Santorini · Tinos to Santorini · Paros to Santorini
Ferry times to Santorini
Indicative schedule — times change by season. Confirm in the search before booking.
Summer (sample date 12 August)
Summer season
How much is the ferry to Santorini
Conventional
from €15High-speed
from €64.70Starting prices per person, economy seat, one way.
When to book: for July–August 3–4 weeks ahead; May, June and September have more availability. Discounts for students, large families and island residents.
Ferry companies serving Santorini
Port information
- Port: Athinios, Santorini's main port, on the western side of the island below the caldera cliff.
- Distance: about 10 km from Fira (20–25 minutes) and about 30–40 minutes from Oia.
- Bus: connects the port with Fira and is timed around ferry arrivals and departures. From Fira, it reaches the port 1–1.5 hours before the ferry.
- Taxis and transfers: taxis are limited at peak times and there is a surcharge for pick-ups from the port. For late-evening arrivals or lots of luggage, book a transfer in advance.
- Parking: there is a car park at the port, but it gets very busy in summer. If you don't need a car, leave it at your hotel or hire one on the island.
- Don't confuse it with: the Old Port below Fira, which serves cruise ships and tour boats. You reach the town from there by cable car, donkey or about 600 steps.
How to get to Santorini by ferry
The most popular route is Piraeus to Santorini. It runs all year round, with plenty of departures a day in summer. Rafina is the alternative if you're staying east of Athens or arriving at Athens airport and would rather skip Piraeus. From the islands, the main connections are with Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Tinos, while from Crete there is the Heraklion to Santorini line.
This page shows timetables and prices for each date. Fares start from €15, depending on the route. For Piraeus, don't expect a fare that low: a conventional ferry usually costs from about €46, while a high-speed ferry starts at around €90 each way. The difference in cost comes with a matching difference in journey time.
High-speed or conventional ferry?
High-speed ferries (Seajets, Fast Ferries)
From Piraeus the journey takes about 5 hours. The fastest sailings come in a little under that, but it depends on the intermediate stops. If you only have a few days' holiday, a high-speed ferry saves you almost half a day. It is more affected by bad weather, and high-speed ferries have no cabins and limited space on board.
Conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries)
The journey from Piraeus takes 7.5 to 8 hours, or longer if the sailing makes several stops. In return you get a cheaper ticket, roomier seating areas, the option of a cabin and space for vehicles. Blue Star 1, for example, leaves Piraeus in the morning and reaches Santorini in the early afternoon. If you plan to take your car, this is usually the practical choice.
Island-hopping routes
The Mykonos to Santorini, Paros to Santorini and Naxos to Santorini routes are the most frequent for island hopping. By high-speed ferry, most take between about 1.5 and 3 hours. Departures are most frequent from June to September. From November to March, sailings become much less frequent, and on some routes there are only a few a week. If you're planning a multi-island trip out of season, book the ferry with the fewest options first and build the rest of your itinerary around it.
Tinos and Mykonos are linked with Santorini mainly in the summer months and on specific ferries, so check the day you want to travel before you commit to a hotel. There are fairly frequent sailings to and from Heraklion in summer, but fewer out of season.
When to book
- July–August and weekends: book 3–4 weeks ahead, or earlier if you have a car or want a cabin.
- May, June, September, October: there is usually availability with less advance planning, but the morning high-speed ferries fill up first.
- Winter: your plans will depend on which sailings are running. Check the timetable before booking a hotel or return flight.
If you have a flight on the same day, don't take the last ferry. Allow a buffer of at least half a day, because in July and August the meltemi (a strong summer wind) can delay or cancel sailings.
Athinios, the arrival port
All ferries carrying passengers and vehicles arrive at Athinios port, on the western side of the island below the caldera cliff. It is about 10 km from Fira, and the winding uphill road takes 20–25 minutes. The Old Port below Fira mainly serves cruise ships and tour boats, so don't confuse it with the ferry port.
From the port you can reach your hotel by bus, taxi, private transfer or hire car. The bus is the cheapest option and its timetable is linked to ferry arrivals, but it gets crowded in summer. Taxis are in short supply when several ferries arrive at once, so if you have luggage or are arriving late in the evening, book a transfer in advance. The journey to Oia takes longer, about 30–40 minutes.
Tips before you travel
- For departures, allow time to get to Athinios. The bus from Fira is timed to arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before the ferry.
- Check which port your ferry leaves from (Piraeus or Rafina) and which gate you board at. Piraeus is easy to reach from central Athens on the metro (green line).
- If you're staying in Fira or Imerovigli, you don't need a car just for the ferries. Many travellers hire one on the island for the days they want it.
- Compare operators for the same dates: arrival times vary a lot and can decide whether you make check-in or the sunset.
Santorini ferry FAQ
How much is a ferry ticket to Santorini?
Fares start from €15, depending on the route. From Piraeus, a conventional ferry usually starts at around €46 and a high-speed ferry at around €90. Prices vary with the date, seat type and availability, so search for your actual travel date.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Santorini?
The high-speed ferry takes about 5 hours, depending on stops. The conventional ferry takes about 7.5–8 hours, or longer when it calls at intermediate ports.
Which ferry companies go to Santorini?
Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries. The operators on each route vary depending on the route and the season.
Which port do ferries arrive at in Santorini?
Athinios, the island's main port, about 10 km from Fira. The Old Port below Fira is not used by scheduled ferries.
How do I get from Athinios to Fira or Oia?
By bus, taxi or transfer. The journey to Fira takes about 20–25 minutes and to Oia about 30–40 minutes. Taxis are scarce in summer, so if you're arriving late or have luggage, book in advance.
When should I book a ferry ticket to Santorini?
For July and August, book 3–4 weeks ahead, or earlier if you have a vehicle or want a cabin. Out of season there is usually availability even at the last minute, but there are fewer sailings.
Can I get to Santorini from Rafina?
Yes, there is a Rafina to Santorini route. It's useful if you're staying east of Athens or arriving at Athens airport. Check the days and times, as there are fewer sailings than from Piraeus.
Do ferries run in winter?
Yes, Piraeus is connected with Santorini all year round. However, inter-island routes and departures are much less frequent from November to March.
