Ferry from Santorini to Athens

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Santorini to Athens with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts of up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
• Students of Greek Public Universities
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and children up to 4 years travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

Ferries traveling from Santorini to the ports of Athens are both conventional and high-speed, offering travelers flexibility and comfort.

Onboard, you can typically expect to find air-conditioned lounges, spacious open decks and snack bars, as well as shops for a pleasant journey. Most ferries also feature a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to stay connected during your journey.

Cabins and accommodation

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, in addition to standard deck/lounge seating, you can also book numbered reclining seats or a seat in the business/VIP lounge for a more comfortable journey from Santorini to Athens. These seats are available on both conventional and high-speed ferries, typically offer more space, and are in a quieter lounge.
Prices for reclining seats start at €64, while business/VIP seats cost from around €117.

Can I book a cabin?

Yes, you can book a cabin only on the conventional ferries traveling from Santorini to Athens, for 1-4 passengers. Typically, you have a choice between:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a window
• Deluxe cabins
• Wheelchair-accessible cabins with adapted amenities
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

Cabin prices usually start at around €92 each.

Luggage

The ferry companies in Greece are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight. You can store your bags and suitcases at the designated luggage area onboard the ferry to Athens from Santorini.

Each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy. We recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg of luggage to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on Santorini - Athens ferries, for free, provided you include it in your booking.

Make sure to carry along the necessary health certificates, tickets, and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Good to know: for more details on what to expect, check out our guide on ferry travel with pets in Greece.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On the high-speed catamarans, your pet can stay with you, while on the conventional ferries, you also have the option of booking a pet-friendly cabin or a space in the onboard kennels.

Most ferries have designated pet-friendly areas, however pets are generally not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Santorini to Athens:

• The port of Athinios in Santorini can get quite busy in the summer, so we recommend getting there at least 1 hour before your departure, especially if traveling with a car.
• The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before your ferry trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• The air-conditioned lounges of Greek ferries can get a bit chilly, even during the summer, so bring along a light jacket or sweater for a more comfortable journey.
• From Santorini, you can also travel to many Cycladic islands. For more ideas and inspiration, check out our blog on the top islands near Santorini, and plan a quick day trip before returning to Athens!

Where to take the ferry from Santorini to Athens

You can catch the ferry to Athens from the port of Athinios in Santorini. It is located on the western coast of Santorini, 8 km from Fira, 20 km from the village of Oia, and about 10 km (6.2 miles) from Santorini International Airport.

On-site, you will find traveler amenities, including waiting areas, ATMs, cafés, mini-markets, ticket offices, and car rental agencies.

Important: Athinios is a compact and highly active port, which can get incredibly busy during the peak summer months.

How to get to the port of Santorini

• By car: you can reach the port via the main island road toward the Athinios cliff descent. 
• By bus: The local KTEL public buses run regular routes from the central station in Fira directly down to Athinios Port, with the trip taking 20 to 25 min and bus schedules usually aligned with ferry departures and arrivals.
• By taxi: a taxi ride from Fira takes around 25 min and from Oia around 45 min. As there is a limited number of licensed taxis servicing the island, pre-booking a private transfer or shuttle service online is highly recommended.  

Where does the ferry arrive in Athens?

Ferries traveling from Santorini to Athens dock either at the port of Piraeus or the port of Rafina:

• The port of Piraeus is the largest and most popular gateway to Athens, with ferries from the Cyclades typically docking at Gates E4, E6, E7, E9, or E10. The port is located about 12 km southwest of the Athens city center. It is a massive complex equipped with air-conditioned waiting rooms, ATMs, and countless cafés. Once you disembark, you are just a short walk away from the Blue and Green metro lines, which take you directly to Monastiraki or the Airport.

• Rafina is on the eastern coast of Attica, about 30 km from central Athens and around 20 km from Athens International Airport. Around the main quay, you will find fish tavernas and shops, while the bus terminal (KTEL Attikis) is located right across from the ferry piers, offering a direct link to the city center and the airport.

The duration of the Santorini - Athens ferry trip normally ranges from 4 hr 50 min to 10 hr 45 min, depending on the port of arrival, type of ferry and company. Here are indicative times for each route to Athens:

• Santorini - Piraeus: 4 hr 50 min to 10 hr 45 min
• Santorini - Rafina: 6 hr 5 min