For most travelers, the best way to get from Athens to Santorini is the ferry from Piraeus.
It is slower than flying, but it is one of the classic Greece travel routes and it makes much more sense if you want the island-arrival experience, a vehicle, or a more flexible Cyclades trip. If pure speed is your priority, flying wins. If you want the more iconic route and do not mind the extra travel time, the ferry is the better choice. Ferries from Piraeus to Santorini run year-round, typically arrive at Athinios port in Santorini, and current trip times range from about 5 hours to over 11 hours depending on the vessel. Ticket prices currently start from around €46.
If you are still budgeting the trip, read how much does a trip to Greece cost in 2026. If you are comparing Greece with a cheaper beach alternative, read Albania vs Greece travel cost in 2026. If you are pricing Europe more broadly, read how much does a trip to Europe cost in 2026.
Quick verdict: high-speed ferry, standard ferry, or flight?
| Option | Typical duration | Typical cost | Best for | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed ferry | about 5 to 5.5 hours | about €46–€90+ | faster island transfer, summer trips | best ferry option if you want speed |
| Standard / conventional ferry | about 7.5 to 11+ hours | about €46–€70+ | cheaper, steadier ride, cabin option | best value ferry option |
| Flight | about 45–55 min flight time | varies a lot | shortest total travel time if timed well | best if speed matters most |
How do you get from Athens to Santorini by ferry?
You take the ferry from Piraeus port in Athens to Athinios port in Santorini.
That is the main route most travelers mean when they ask about the Athens to Santorini ferry. Ferryhopper currently lists up to 9 daily crossings in summer, while Ferryscanner shows the route running year-round with especially strong frequency from June to September.
Which port do ferries to Santorini leave from in Athens?
For most travelers, ferries to Santorini leave from Piraeus.
That is the main Athens port you should plan around. The useful practical detail is that Line 1 connects central Athens with Piraeus. STASY’s official Line 1 timings show Monastiraki to Piraeus takes about 17 minutes, and This is Athens confirms that Line 1 is the key rail connection between central Athens and the port. From central Athens more broadly, around 20 to 30 minutes is a realistic planning range depending on exactly where you are starting.
How do I get from Athens city centre to Piraeus port?
For most people, the easiest budget option is Line 1 to Piraeus.
If you are staying around Monastiraki, this is especially simple. If you are staying elsewhere in central Athens, you may need one change. This is Athens also notes that Bus 040 connects Piraeus with Syntagma 24 hours a day, and the seasonal X80 express also runs between Piraeus and Syntagma in the warmer months.
Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Yes.
High-speed ferries on this route are mainly associated with SeaJets, and current live route listings put the fastest crossings at about 5 hours. Ferryscanner currently shows the fastest ferry at 5h, while Ferryhopper gives a broader route range of 5 hours to over 11 hours depending on the vessel type.
How long does the high-speed ferry take vs the slow ferry?
High-speed ferries usually take about 5 to 5.5 hours.
Standard or conventional ferries are usually more like 7.5 to 11 hours, depending on stops and vessel type. That makes the fast ferry much quicker, but not necessarily the best value for everyone.
How much does the ferry from Athens to Santorini cost?
Current live route listings put Athens to Santorini ferry tickets from around €46 to €117+, depending on season, ferry type, and ticket class.
That is why it makes more sense to think in ranges than one fake fixed number. If you are taking a fast ferry in peak season, expect the higher end. If you are taking a conventional ferry and booking with some flexibility, you can often stay closer to the lower end.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Fly if your only priority is speed.
Take the ferry if you want the more classic Greece route, prefer avoiding airport friction, want to travel with a vehicle, or plan to continue island-hopping later. For many first-time Greece trips, the ferry is more memorable. For short itineraries, the flight is usually the smarter time-saving move. The ferry trip itself ranges from about 5 hours to over 11 hours, while flights are far shorter in the air.
Which ferry company is best for Athens to Santorini?
The best company depends on what you care about.
- SeaJets is the best choice if speed matters most.
- Blue Star Ferries is usually the better choice if you want a conventional ferry, a steadier ride, and the option to book a cabin.
- Fast Ferries is also part of the route mix on conventional services.
Ferryhopper currently lists Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Fast Ferries as the main operators on the Piraeus to Santorini route. It also notes that cabins are normally available on Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries conventional sailings, while high-speed ferries do not have cabins.
Is the overnight ferry from Athens to Santorini worth it?
It can be, but only for the right traveler.
If you want the cheapest sensible ferry option and like the idea of sleeping through a longer crossing, the conventional ferry can make sense. It is also the better choice if you value stability more than speed. But if you only have a few days in Greece, the high-speed ferry or a flight is usually the better use of time. Conventional sailings can run well past the 7.5 to 8-hour mark, which is why the slower option only makes sense if the price or onboard setup actually works for your trip.
Can I take a car on the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Yes.
Vehicle transport is available on the Athens to Santorini ferry route, and this is one of the biggest reasons travelers still choose the ferry over flying. If you are taking a car, book earlier than a foot passenger would, especially in summer. Omio’s current route summary confirms that vehicles are possible on the route with multiple operators.
How far in advance should I book the Athens to Santorini ferry?
Book as early as you can for summer.
This route gets busy, especially from May through September, and Ferryscanner currently shows much higher summer frequency than the quieter months. That seasonality is exactly why early booking matters more in summer, especially for fast ferries and vehicle spaces.
What is the best time of year to take the ferry to Santorini?
For most travelers, the best time is late May, June, and September.
That is usually the best balance of frequent ferry schedules and a less intense peak-season feel than the heart of July and August. This is partly an inference from the route’s much stronger summer schedule and typical Cyclades demand pattern, but it matches the route logic well: summer gives you the most sailings, while the edges of peak season are usually easier to manage than the absolute busiest weeks.
How do I get from Santorini port to the main town?
This is the part many people get wrong.
Athens ferries arrive at Athinios port, and from there the normal move is bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer to Fira.
The important thing to understand is that the cable car and donkey path are not for Athinios ferry port. Those belong to Santorini’s old port / cruise tender setup, not the main ferry port.
So if you are arriving by ferry and heading to the main town:
- bus to Fira is the cheapest normal option
- taxi or transfer is easiest with luggage
- cable car / donkey path is not the Athinios arrival solution
FAQ
How do you get from Athens to Santorini by ferry?
You take the ferry from Piraeus in Athens to Athinios in Santorini.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Usually anywhere from about 5 hours to over 11 hours, depending on the vessel.
How much does the ferry from Athens to Santorini cost?
Current fares generally start around €46 and can go well over €90 depending on ferry type and season.
Which port do ferries to Santorini leave from in Athens?
Usually Piraeus.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Fly for speed. Take the ferry for the classic route, vehicle transport, or island-hopping logic.
How do I get from Athens city centre to Piraeus port?
Usually by Line 1 rail to Piraeus. From Monastiraki it takes about 17 minutes.
How far in advance should I book the Athens to Santorini ferry?
Book early for summer, especially if you want a fast ferry or a vehicle space.
Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Yes. SeaJets is the most obvious fast-ferry name on this route.
How long does the high-speed ferry take vs the slow ferry?
Fast ferries are about 5 to 5.5 hours. Conventional ferries are more like 7.5 to 11 hours.
Can I take a car on the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Yes. Vehicle transport is available on the route.
Which ferry company is best for Athens to Santorini?
SeaJets is best for speed. Blue Star is better if you want a conventional ferry and cabin option.
What is the best time of year to take the ferry to Santorini?
Late May, June, and September are usually the smartest balance for most travelers.
Is the overnight ferry from Athens to Santorini worth it?
It can be, but mainly if you value price or cabin comfort more than speed.
How do I get from Santorini port to the main town?
Take the bus or taxi from Athinios to Fira. The cable car and donkey path are for the old port, not the main ferry port.
Final verdict
For most travelers, the best Athens to Santorini ferry plan is simple:
- leave from Piraeus
- book a high-speed ferry if you want the fastest sea route
- choose a conventional ferry if you want better value or a cabin
- go straight from Athinios to Fira by bus or taxi when you arrive
If you only care about getting there fast, fly. If you want the better travel experience, the ferry is still the more satisfying route.
