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 35 minutes 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 5h35 | about €46–€90+ | faster island transfer, summer trips | best ferry option if you want speed |
| Standard / conventional ferry | from about 6h06 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 |
👉 Compare Athens to Santorini ferry times and prices on Bookaway
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. It runs year-round, with up to about 9 daily crossings in summer and far fewer from November to March.
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. Metro Line 1 connects central Athens with Piraeus, and the ride from Monastiraki takes about 17 minutes. From elsewhere in central Athens, allow 20 to 30 minutes depending on where you start.
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. Bus 040 also connects Piraeus with Syntagma 24 hours a day, and the seasonal X80 express 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 run by SeaJets, and the fastest crossings take about 5 hours 35 minutes. Depending on the vessel and stops, the full range is about 5 hours 35 minutes to over 11 hours.
How long does the high-speed ferry take vs the slow ferry?
The fastest high-speed ferry takes about 5 hours 35 minutes.
Blue Star Ferries starts from about 6 hours 6 minutes, while slower conventional sailings can take over 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?
Athens to Santorini ferry tickets cost from around €46 to €117+, depending on season, ferry type and ticket class (checked September 2026).
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.
👉 Check today’s Athens to Santorini ferry prices on Bookaway
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 35 minutes 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.
The main operators on the Piraeus to Santorini route are Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets and Fast Ferries. Cabins are normally available on Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries conventional sailings, while high-speed ferries do not have cabins.
Athens to Santorini ferry operators compared
| Operator | Ferry type | Typical journey time | Cabins | Vehicles | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeaJets | High-speed | about 5h35 | varies | Yes | High-speed travel |
| Blue Star Ferries | Conventional passenger ferry | from 6h06 | Yes | Yes | Cabins and conventional ferry travel |
| Fast Ferries | Conventional passenger ferry | varies | Yes | Yes | Seasonal conventional sailings |
Checked on operator websites in September 2026. Schedules change by season, with fewer sailings from November to March.
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 range from about 6 hours 6 minutes to over 11 hours, 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 with several operators, 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.
How far in advance should I book the Athens to Santorini ferry?
Book as early as you can for summer.
This route gets busy from May through September, when most sailings run. That is 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. Summer has the most sailings, while the edges of peak season are usually easier to manage than the busiest weeks of July and August.
If you also want data working as soon as you land or board a ferry, read Best eSIM for Greece.
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 35 minutes 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?
The fastest high-speed ferry takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. Blue Star Ferries starts from about 6 hours 6 minutes, while slower conventional sailings can take over 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.
Planning more routes, islands and city stops? Explore more of our Greece travel guides for practical trip-planning advice.
Enjoy every single day