In brief, going from Athens to Santorini
by ferry is simple!
- The ports of Athens that serve this route are Piraeus and Rafina.
- Ferries operate daily year-round from Piraeus Port, while Rafina Port operates seasonally (April–October).
- A ticket costs '48' 'EUR'(48 Euros) - '185.90' 'EUR'(185.90 Euros) depending on the ferry type, from Economy Deck to VIP/Cabin.
Disclaimer: The information provided below is based on data from previous years. 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 in both the morning and the evening.
• From Piraeus Port: The first ferry departs at 07:00, while the last one departs at 17:30.
• From Rafina Port: Ferries operate from May to October.
Indicative Ferry Routes from Piraeus & Rafina ports*
For the ferry route Athens-Santorini, two types of vessels are available: conventional passenger ferries, which are the most budget-friendly option, and high-speed ferries, which are the fastest way to reach your destination.
Watch our video presentation featuring 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 5h to 11h15m, depending on the type of ferry you’re traveling on. A high-speed or catamaran vessel will get you there in about 5h, while a conventional ferry can take up to 11h15m.
The fastest ferry is WorldChampion Jet by Seajets.
Prices & Tickets
The prices for ferry tickets range between '48' 'EUR'(48 Euros) and '185.90' 'EUR'(185.90 Euros).
Economy Deck or Air Seat tickets start at '48' 'EUR'(48 Euros) (Fast Ferries), while Business, VIP, or Cabin options can reach up to '185.90' 'EUR'(160 Euros) depending on the company and ticket class.
The most expensive tickets are for VIP class or cabins on conventional ferries.
Passengers can also benefit from the discounts offered by most ferry companies. With the relevant documents, you may get up to 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 departure times, 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 also 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 destination safely and with peace of mind. We’re here if anything comes up during your ferry trip.
Most vessels offer several seat types at different price points.
Generally, 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 usually the most expensive. They allow you to spend your trip comfortably in the ship's luxury lounge. Prices shown refer to the standard passenger class available on each vessel type — Airplane Seat (Economy) for high-speed ferries and Economy (Deck) for conventional ferries.
How to find your ferry in the ports of Athens (Piraeus & Rafina)
Piraeus Port, the closest port to Athens' center
Athens has two ports with ferries to Santorini.
In Piraeus Port, Gates E6, E7, E9 and E10 serve ferries that depart to Santorini, as well as other Cycladic islands. The departure gate will be indicated on your ferry ticket (printed or electronic). Rafina Port is much smaller and doesn’t have any gates, so you’ll be able to spot your vessel. 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, as there is often heavy traffic. Especially in high season, keep in mind that both in Athens and in Santorini there can be traffic congestion near the port, so make sure you leave enough time.. Do you need a transfer? We've got you covered! Check out our Transfer service!
Luggage
Luggage storage in the World Champion Jet by Seajets
Ferries are generally flexible when it comes to luggage.
There is no check-in, and you are responsible for carrying your luggages 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 with you 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 board and park.
Keep in mind that high-speed vessels have a limited garage capacity, and vehicle spots tend to sell out.
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 not purchasing a vehicle ticket before contacting your car rental company.
Alternative ways to reach Santorini
Mykonos also has an international airport, so you can fly there directly from abroad and then take a ferry from Mykonos to Santorini.
Alternatively, you can fly directly from Athens International Airport to the domestic airports of Naxos, Paros, or Milos and then take a ferry to Santorini from there.
About Santorini
Oia village
Santorini is one of the most popular islands 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.
