Ferries Santorini

When traveling by ferry to Santorini, you can take advantage of regular discounts available to specific traveler categories. While these discount of up to 50% differ from one company to another, you can generally expect lower ferry ticket prices for:

• Children (up to 10-12 years old)
• Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
• Students of Greek Public Universities and ISIC card holders
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons
• Large families (Greek citizens)

Additionally, many ferry companies offer special discounts to loyalty club members.

Note: infants and children under 5 years usually travel for free.

Athens - Santorini ferries

From Athens, you can travel to Santorini from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina with both high-speed and conventional ferries.

• Piraeus - Santorini: available year-round, with up to 10 daily crossings in the summer and 2 daily crossings in the off-season. The journey takes 4 hr 50 min to 11.5 hr and ferry ticket prices start from €46.50.
• Rafina - Santorini: active seasonally, from April to October, with 1-2 daily crossings. The trip lasts 5 hr 20 min to around 6 hr and tickets cost from €82.

Cyclades - Santorini

You can travel to Santorini from most islands in the Cyclades, with both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries. Most routes are served all year round, while a few are seasonal.

• Mykonos - Santorini: usually available from March to November, with up to 8 daily ferries in the summer. The journey takes 1 hr 55 min to 3 hr 15 min, and tickets are priced from €82.50.
• Paros - Santorini: active all year round and served with up to 8 daily crossings in the summer, with a travel time of 1 hr 30 min to 5 hr 40 min and tickets costing from €13.
• Naxos - Santorini: you can travel all year round by ferry, with up to 8 daily crossings. The ferry trip lasts 1 hr 5 min to 2 hr 45 min and ticket prices start at €31.50.
• Ios - Santorini: available all year round, with up to 7 daily crossings. The ferry trip lasts 20 min to 1 hr 20 min, and tickets cost from €6.50.
• Milos - Santorini: typically served with 1-2 daily crossings in the high season and 1-2 weekly ferries in the low season. The trip lasts 1 hr 50 min to 5 hr 10 min, and tickets are priced from €16.
• Folegandros - Santorini: active all year round, usually with 1-2 daily crossings taking 45 min to just under 3 hr. Ferry tickets cost from €7.
• Anafi - Santorini: typically available 4-5 days a week in the low season and 1-2 daily crossings in the high season. The ferry trip lasts 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 30 min and ticket prices start from €7.
• Amorgos - Santorini: available seasonally, from the end of April to early October, with 1-2 daily ferries. Travel time ranges from 1 hr 15 min to 3 hr 15 min and tickets cost from €11.50.
• Syros - Santorini: usually available with up to 4 daily ferries in the summer and weekly crossings in the low season. The journey takes 2 hr 35 min to 7 hr 40 min, while tickets are priced from €17.50.
• Sifnos - Santorini: typically served with 1-2 daily crossings in the summer and 4-5 times a week in the low season. The ferry trip takes 2 hr 50 min to 6 hr 55 min, while ticket prices start at €12.50.
• Koufonisia - Santorini: available seasonally, from the end of April to early October, with 1 daily crossing that takes 1 hr 50 min and tickets priced from €95.70.
• Sikinos - Santorini: usually served 3-4 days a week with up to 3 crossings per day. The journey takes 1 hr 40 min to 2 hr 50 min, and tickets cost from €6.50.
• Tinos - Santorini: active seasonally, from May to mid-October, with 1-2 daily crossings. The ferry trip takes 3 hr to 3 hr 55 min, and ticket prices start at €66.
• Serifos - Santorini: normally served with 1-2 daily crossings in the high season and 2-3 times a week in the low season. Travel time ranges from 3 hr 15 min to 6 hr 15 min, and tickets cost from €16.50.
• Kimolos - Santorini: usually available once per week, with the journey taking around 4 hr 20 min and ferry tickets priced from €13.
• Therasia - Santorini: typically active seasonally, from May onwards, with the Korfos - Santorini and Riva - Santorini routes served up to 6 days a week. The journey takes 15 min to 25 min and tickets cost from €3.
• Andros - Santorini: usually available seasonally, from April to October, with 2-8 daily guaranteed crossings via Mykonos or Paros. The journey takes 4 hr to 9 hr, depending on waiting time, while tickets cost from €89.

Crete - Santorini

The Crete - Santorini ferry routes are served year-round and seasonally with high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries.

• Heraklion - Santorini: active year-round, with 1-2 daily ferries in the high season and 2 weekly crossings in the off-season. The journey takes 1 hr 35 min to 4 hr 20 min and ferry tickets are priced from €15.
• Rethymno - Santorini: the seasonal route is served from May to October with 2 weekly crossings. The journey takes 2 hr 20 min and tickets cost from €104.70.
• Sitia - Santorini: normally available all year round, with 2 weekly crossings taking 6 hr to 7 hr 35 min and tickets priced from €21.50.

Dodecanese - Santorini

The Dodecanese islands and Santorini are connected with year-round and seasonal routes that are served with conventional ferries.

• Rhodes - Santorini: usually available year-round with 2-3 crossings per week. Travel time ranges from 11 hr 40 min to 17 hr and tickets cost from €25.50.
• Karpathos - Santorini: the Karpathos (Pigadia) - Santorini and Diafani - Santorini routes are typically served all year round with 2-3 ferries per week. The journey takes 6 hr 40 min to 11 hr 35 min and starting ticket prices range from €23.50 to €26.50.
• Kasos - Santorini: normally active all year round with 2-3 weekly crossings and a travel time of 5 hr 10 min to around 10 hr. Ticket prices start at €23.50
• Halki - Santorini: usually available year-round and served 2 times a week. The ferry trip lasts 9 hr 40 min to 15 hr 5 min and tickets cost from €25.
• Nisyros - Santorini: when active, this seasonal route is served with 1 weekly crossing that lasts 8 hr 15 min, and tickets cost from €42.
• Astypalea - Santorini: when available, the seasonal route is usually served once a week. The ferry trip takes 2 hr 35 min, while ticket prices start at €41.

• Blue Star Ferries mainly serves routes from Piraeus, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Folegandros, Anafi, Syros, Sikinos, Heraklion, Sitia, Rhodes, Karpathos, Diafani, Kasos, Halki, Nisyros, and Astypalea with conventional ferries.
• Fast Ferries serves routes from Piraeus, Ios, Milos (Adamantas), Folegandros, Sifnos, Sikinos, Serifos, and Kimolos with conventional ferries.
• Golden Star Ferries serves the routes to Santorini from Rafina, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Tinos with high-speed catamarans.
• Maistros Santorini serves routes from Ios, Folegandros, Anafi, and Sikinos with conventional ferries.
• Seajets operates routes from Piraeus, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Milos (Adamantas), Folegandros, Amorgos (Katapola), Syros, Sifnos, Koufonisia, Tinos, Serifos, Andros, Heraklion, and Rethymno with a fleet of high-speed catamarans.
• Small Cyclades Lines serves routes from Amorgos (Katapola) with conventional ferries.
• F/B Kato Nisi is a conventional ferry connecting Santorni with the ports of Korfos and Riva in Therasia.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Santorini?

Greek ferry companies are generally flexible when it comes to baggage, however, each one has its own luggage policy:

• Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, and Seajets allow you to bring luggage with a total weight of up to 50 kg.
• With Fast Ferries, F/B Kato Nisi and Small Cyclades Lines, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, with no size or weight restrictions.
• Maistros Santorini allows you 1 piece of carry-on luggage, plus 1 personal item, such as a handbag.

The ferry trip to Santorini ranges from as little as 20 min to 17 hr, depending on your port of departure. Here are indicative travel times for each main island group:

• Athens to Santorini: 4 hr 50 min to 11 hr 30 min
• Cyclades to Santorini: 20 min to 9 hr
• Crete to Santorini: 1 hr 35 min to 7 hr 35 min
• Dodecanese to Santorini: 2 hr 35 min to 17 hr

Which is the fastest route to Santorini?

The fastest ferry route from Athens is Piraeus - Santorini, with the journey taking as little as 4 hr 50 min.

If you are traveling within the Cyclades, the fastest routes are Ios - Santorini and Riva - Santorini, which take around 20 min.

From Crete, the shortest journey is on the Heraklion - Santorini ferry, which takes around 1 hr 35 min. The fastest route from the Dodecanese is Astypalea - Santorini, with a travel time of 2 hr 35 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Santorini?

The cheapest ferry route from Athens is Piraeus - Santorini, with ticket prices starting from €46.50.

From the Cyclades, ferry tickets from Therasia cost €3, while prices for the Ios - Santorini and Sikinos - Santorini ferries start at €6.50.

The cheapest ferry tickets from Crete are on the Heraklion - Santorini route and cost from €15.

From the Dodecanese, ticket prices for the Diafani - Santorini and Kasos - Santorini start at €23.50.

How much more is the high-speed ferry?

Prices are lower for conventional ferries than for high-speed ferries, however the difference depends on the route, season and company.

When traveling to Santorini from the port of Piraeus in Athens, standard tickets on conventional ferries are priced from around €46 to €50, while the cost for high-speed catamarans starts at about €90.

Similarly, in the Cyclades, standard ticket prices from Paros on conventional ferries to Santorini range from €13 to €33, while high-speed catamaran tickets start at around €59.

Note: high-speed catamarans to Santorini primarily operate during the high season, from April to October.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning and booking your ferry trip to Santorini, it’s worth keeping a few extra factors in mind:

• Seasonality: many ferry routes to Santorini run more frequently from April to October, with reduced schedules during the winter months.
• Travel time vs price: high-speed ferries offer shorter crossing times, while conventional ferries are usually more affordable and are often the better option if you’re travelling with a vehicle.
• Departure times: some routes operate only once or twice per day, so choosing the right departure time can be just as important as the journey duration.
• Luggage and pets: always check luggage allowances and pet policies in advance, as these can vary depending on the ferry company and vessel type.

The conventional ferries, as well as some of the larger high-speed catamarans, have car decks for transporting cars, motorbikes and camper vans to Santorini.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Santorini?

The cost of transporting a vehicle to Santorini depends on the type, ferry route and company. Here are some indicative starting prices:

• Athens to Santorini: from around €85 for a car, €40 for a motorbike and €209 for a camper van
• Cyclades to Santorini: from about €50 for a car, €10 for a motorbike and €65 for a camper van
• Crete to Santorini: from around €58 for a car, €13 for a motorbike and €70 for a camper van
• Dodecanese to Santorini: from about €85 for a car, €20 for a motorbike and €130 for a camper van

Can I take my campervan on the ferry to Santorini?

Yes, you can travel with your camper van or motorhome on conventional ferries to Santorini.

Keep in mind that the high-speed catamarans with car decks only have spaces for cars and motorbikes.

The ferry routes to Santorini are served by both conventional and high-speed vessels with modern amenities and services for a smooth trip.

Onboard most high-speed catamarans, you will find:

• Seating in air-conditioned lounges
• Kiosks and snack bars
• Wi-Fi hotspot

The conventional ferries are designed for long-haul travel and offer a wider range of amenities, such as:

• Seating in air-conditioned lounges and outer decks
• Self-service restaurants, cafés and snack bars
• Shops, entertainment spaces and play rooms for children
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Car decks

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, most conventional ferries traveling to Santorini, such as the Blue Star Delos and Dionisios Solomos, have cabins for 1-4 passengers. Typically, have the option between:

• Standard interior cabins
• Exterior cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins with a double bed and sea view
• Adapted cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

Cabins typically have air conditioning, a wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom.

How much is a cabin on the ferry?

Cabin prices on conventional ferries to Santorini depend on the route, company, and cabin type. Here are indicative starting prices:

• From Athens: around €85
• From the Cyclades: €20 to €55
• From Crete: around €50
• From the Dodecanese: €50 to €65

What type of seats you can book

On all ferries to Santorini, you can generally book standard deck/lounge seats, with many companies also offering numbered reclining seats for a more comfortable journey.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, on most ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and SeaJets you can typically book a seat in a VIP or business lounge.

Accessibility

The ferries to Santorini are typically wheelchair-accessible and accommodate passengers with disabilities, featuring ramps, elevators, adapted amenities, and boarding assistance. On the conventional ferries serving the routes to Santorini, there are also accessible cabins.

Amenities and services, however, tend to be more basic on smaller vessels serving shorter routes to Santorini. As such, it is advised to notify the ferry company at the time of booking for further details and assistance.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Santorini?

Yes, pets are generally allowed on ferries to Santorini, provided you include them in your reservation when booking your tickets.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Good to know: for more information, check out our blog on traveling by ferry in Greece with pets.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On most ferries to Santorini, you can keep your pets with you on the outer decks, the designated pet-friendly areas, as well as onboard kennels. The conventional ferries also have pet-friendly cabins.

During the trip, pets are not allowed in bars, restaurants, or indoor public areas.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, most ferries to Santorini have a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to stay connected during the journey. Typically, ferry companies have a variety of data packages on offer to suit your needs.

Keep in mind that Wi-Fi may not be offered by smaller companies or on shorter routes to Santorini.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

On conventional ferries traveling to Santorini, you will usually find many entertainment options, including Wi-Fi access, shops, lounges with TVs, restaurants, cafeterias and snack bars, play areas for children and sun decks to enjoy the sea view.

As catamarans prioritize speed, amenities on these vessels are simpler and usually limited to comfy seating lounges, snack bars and Wi-Fi to stay connected during the trip.

What documents do I need?

When traveling by ferry to Santorini, you will need to bring along:

• A valid ID document, such as a passport or national ID card
• Your ferry ticket or booking confirmation (electronic or printed)

If you are traveling with your car, motorbike or camper van, make sure to bring along your driver’s license, as well as registration and insurance documents.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Santorini on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Santorini as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

After booking your ferry tickets to Santorini online with Ferryhopper, you can check in online and show your e-ticket on your phone at the port.

Boarding usually takes place in stages, with vehicles loading first, followed by foot passengers, so allowing some extra time will help ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your journey.

As a rule of thumb, you should arrive at the port 45 min before the scheduled departure time. If you’re travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there at least 1.5 hr earlier, especially during the high season, when traffic and port activity increase.

Once boarding begins, simply follow the crew’s instructions and keep your ticket and ID handy for inspection.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, when booking your Santroni ferry trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Best time to book

The best time to book ferry tickets depends on when you plan to visit Santorini.

Summer

If you’re planning to visit Santorini during the high season (June to September), it’s best to book your ferry tickets as early as possible, ideally 2-3 months in advance. Routes from Athens and popular Cyclades islands sell out quickly, especially for high-speed ferries.

Shoulder months

For trips in the shoulder months (April-May and October), availability is usually better and you can often book a few weeks ahead of your travel dates. Keep in mind that ferries still get busy around major holidays (such as Orthodox Easter) and long weekends.

Low season

During the low season (November to March), you can book your Santorini ferry tickets even closer to your departure date. However, some routes do not operate and ferry schedules tend to be more limited, so booking early is highly recommended.

Arrival

It’s recommended to arrive at Athinios port in Santorini well ahead of your ferry’s departure time, especially during the summer.

• Foot passengers: plan your arrival at the port at least 45 min to 1 hr before departure
• Passengers with a vehicle: it is advised to arrive 1-1.5 hr early.

Arriving early helps you avoid queues and ensures a smoother boarding process, particularly in July and August, when port traffic is at its highest.

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades known for its dramatic caldera, iconic sunsets and striking landscapes shaped by lava and sea. Alongside its natural beauty, the island stands out for its local wines, unique beaches, hiking trails and archaeological sites.

For more information, check out our Santorini travel guide.

Breathtaking hike on Santorini

The main ferry port of Santorini is Athinios, located on the western coast of the island, about 8 km south of the capital, Fira.

How many ports does Santorini have?

Technically, Santorini has 2 ports: Athinios, which serves passenger ferries, and the Old Port (Gialos) below Fira, which is mainly used for cruise ships and private boats.

Important: do not go to the Old Port for your ferry departure.

How to get to Santorini port

You can get to the port of Athinios by car, taxi and public transportation:

• By bus: the KTEL buses run from Fira to the port in coordination with ferry departures. Tickets cost around €2.50.
• By taxi: there is a limited number of taxis on the island, so pre-booking is highly recommended. The taxi fare to the port is usually around €35 to €40.
• By car: you can also drive to the port, with the car ride taking 25-30 min. Keep in mind that parking at the port is very limited.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Santorini, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.