- The Athens to Santorini ferry sails from Piraeus port, taking about 4 hours 50 minutes on the fastest catamaran to over 10 hours on the slowest conventional ship.
- Flying from Athens to Santorini takes around 50 minutes with Aegean Airlines.
- Athens isn’t Greece’s only gateway — Thessaloniki and Heraklion also handle major international flights.
- Ferries land at Athinios port on Santorini, a short taxi or bus ride from the main towns, not at the airport.
Athens to Santorini ferry: operators, duration and price
Ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, and arrive at Athinios port on the island. Three operators run the route: SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries.
- SeaJets runs high-speed catamarans that make the crossing in about 4 hours 50 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes. Fares for an economy seat start from around €79.70.
- Blue Star Ferries operates larger, conventional ships that take longer but cost less. Sailing times run from roughly 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours or more, with fares from about €46.50.
- Fast Ferries is the slowest option, at around 10 to 11 hours, with fares from about €48. It’s a multi-stop service, so it sails only a few times a week — up to five departures in peak summer, dropping to two or three in the off-season.
Across all three operators combined, the route sees as many as 9 sailings a day in peak summer, dropping to roughly 1 to 2 a day in winter.
- Book ahead in summer: June to September sailings sell out days in advance.
- Arrive early: get to Piraeus 1 to 1.5 hours before departure, more if you’re bringing a car.
- Check your gate: Piraeus has multiple piers, and your ticket states which one to use.
Flying from Athens to Santorini instead
Flying is the fastest way to cover the roughly 217km between Athens and Santorini. Aegean Airlines operates the route non-stop in around 50 minutes, with multiple daily departures.
Sky Express also flies this route, and budget carriers add extra seats in peak season. A one-way fare can cost about the same as a ferry ticket, sometimes less if you book early.
Ferry or flight: which should you choose?
| Choose this | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| The ferry | You want the classic arrival by sea, you’re travelling with a car, or you need more baggage space. |
| A flight | You’re short on time, you get seasick on longer crossings, or you’re connecting from an international flight the same day. |
| Both | Many travelers fly one way and take the ferry the other, to get a taste of each. |
Greece’s other main entry points
Athens International Airport (ATH) is Greece’s busiest gateway, handling around 34 million passengers in 2025 and serving as Aegean Airlines’ main hub. It’s the default entry point for most international visitors.
Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) is the main gateway to northern Greece, handling almost 8 million passengers in 2025. It’s a practical entry point if Halkidiki or the Balkans come first on your trip.
Heraklion Airport (HER) on Crete is Greece’s second-busiest, with more than 10 million passengers in 2025. It suits travelers who plan to combine Crete with a Cyclades island-hop.
Santorini’s own airport also takes direct seasonal flights from dozens of European cities between April and October, on airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Aegean. Most of these routes bypass Athens entirely, which can save time if you’re flying in from Europe.
Plan your Athens to Santorini trip
Compare hotels in Santorini to lock in a place to stay before summer books out. If Athens is part of your trip too, hotels across Greece are easy to compare in the same search.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
The crossing takes about 4 hours 50 minutes on a SeaJets high-speed catamaran, or up to 10 to 11 hours on the slowest conventional ferry, Fast Ferries. Blue Star Ferries falls in between, from around 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours or more.
How much does the Athens to Santorini ferry cost?
Economy fares start from about €46.50 with Blue Star Ferries, €48 with Fast Ferries, and €79.70 with the faster SeaJets. Prices rise in summer, and for cabins or vehicle space.
Is it faster to fly from Athens to Santorini?
Yes, Aegean Airlines flies the route non-stop in around 50 minutes, versus 5 hours or more by ferry. Factor in airport check-in time too, which narrows the gap somewhat.
Which port do ferries to Santorini leave from and arrive at?
Ferries leave from Piraeus, about 20 to 30 minutes from central Athens by metro. They arrive at Athinios port on Santorini, not at the airport.
Can I fly into Greece without going through Athens?
Yes. Thessaloniki and Heraklion both handle major international traffic, and Santorini’s own airport takes direct seasonal flights from many European cities in summer.
Do I need to book Athens to Santorini ferry tickets in advance?
In peak season, from June to September, yes — popular sailings can sell out days ahead. In winter, you can usually buy tickets closer to your travel date.
Sources
- SeaJets — official route and fare information
- Blue Star Ferries — official route and fare information
- Fast Ferries — official routes and schedule
- Santorini Dave — Athens to Santorini Ferry Tickets: Prices, Schedules & Tips
- Aegean Airlines — Flights from Athens to Santorini
- Athens International Airport — Facts & Figures
- Fraport Greece — 2025 passenger traffic at Thessaloniki and regional airports
- Wikipedia — Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis”
- Santorini Airport (JTR) — Flights & Destinations
- This Is Athens — Getting to and from Piraeus port
- Ferryhopper — Piraeus to Santorini ferry routes, schedules and crossing frequency
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
