- Must visit
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Major archaeological museum displaying frescoes, pottery, and finds from Akrotiri; essential for understanding ancient Santorini.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Athens to Santorini (Island)
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 06
Cheapest price on Oct 06
$70
Average ticket price on Oct 06
$98
Fastest journey on Oct 06
5 h
Average journey duration on Oct 06
6 h 5 m
Ferries on Oct 06
4
Distance
234 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Athens to Santorini (Island) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Santorini (Island) will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
Fast ferries
On Tue, Oct 06, we found 4 ferries from Athens to Santorini (Island), including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 06 the direct ferries cover the 234 km distance in an average of 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 5 h .
On Tue, Oct 06 the slowest ferries will take 8 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
BLUE STAR DELOS7:25 AM8h05Port of Piraeus3:30 PMAthinios Port$701One-way0 transfers
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 19:30 AM5h40Port of Piraeus3:10 PMAthinios Port$1071One-way0 transfers- EUROCHAMPION JET 27:00 AM5h00Port of Piraeus12:00 PMAthinios Port$1071One-way0 transfers
- SUPER JET 27:40 AM5h35Port of Piraeus1:15 PMAthinios Port$1071One-way0 transfers
- EUROCHAMPION JET 27:00 AM5h00Port of Piraeus12:00 PMAthinios Port$1071One-way0 transfers
- SUPER JET 27:40 AM5h35Port of Piraeus1:15 PMAthinios Port$1071One-way0 transfers
- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 19:30 AM5h40Port of Piraeus3:10 PMAthinios Port$1071One-way0 transfers
- BLUE STAR DELOS7:25 AM8h05Port of Piraeus3:30 PMAthinios Port$701One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island)
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Athens to Santorini (Island) run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 38m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $56 (€47) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by flight.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:01, the last at 23:30. The fastest ferry covers the 126 nautical miles (234 km) distance in 4h 45m. There are 31 sailings per week. Ferries from Athens to Santorini (Island) are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $20 (€17)
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 126 nautical miles (234 km) |
Average sailing duration 6h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€47) |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 31 |
Fastest ferry 4h 45m |
First ferry 12:01 AM |
Last ferry 11:30 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $20 (€17)
Athens to Santorini (Island) Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Fast Ferries | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 5h35 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 5h40 | Sailing Days Mon |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 8h05 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Fast Ferries | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 10h35 | Sailing Days Fri |
Live departures
Athens to Santorini (Island) ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Santorini (Island) ferries for today, Monday, October 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE STAR CHIOS | 8:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 5h40 | 1:40 AM Athinios Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, October 6 | |||||
| EUROCHAMPION JET 2 | 7:00 AM Port of Piraeus | 5h00 | 12:00 PM Athinios Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| BLUE STAR DELOS | 7:25 AM Port of Piraeus | 8h05 | 3:30 PM Athinios Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SUPER JET 2 | 7:40 AM Port of Piraeus | 5h35 | 1:15 PM Athinios Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 1 | 9:30 AM Port of Piraeus | 5h40 | 3:10 PM Athinios Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Athens to Santorini (Island) ferries with Omio?
Blue Star Ferries as well as Fast Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and more offer ferries services from Athens to Santorini (Island).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Santorini (Island).
Why book with Omio vs Blue Star Ferries?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Blue Star Ferries, but also compare tickets for the likes of Fast Ferries, Seajets or Golden Star Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Santorini (Island).
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Blue Star Ferries with all available travel options, which are ferry and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Athens to Santorini (Island).
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper, Directferries or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Fast Ferries, Seajets or Golden Star Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Santorini (Island).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Santorini (Island).
Athens to Santorini (Island) by ferryAthens to Santorini by Ferry: A Blue Star Ferries Journey Across the Aegean
By Estefanía Ojea
Estefanía OjeaContent Editor and Travel Writer
Estefanía Ojea is a content editor and travel writer who has been working in digital writing since 2011 and focusing on travel content since 2020. Based in Galicia, Spain, she enjoys exploring cities slowly and seeking out unusual places such as historic cemeteries, curious churches, and the occasional slightly macabre landmark. She is particularly fond of train travel as a way to discover new destinations across Europe.
The trip from Athens to Santorini via ferry is the kind of trip that becomes part of the trip, rather than just the means of transportation. Though there were other, speedier ferries available for the trip, I opted for the Blue Star Ferries. Though these ferries were slower than some of the other options, they were also generally cheaper, and I wasn’t in any great hurry.
Santorini was not my actual destination. I was in transit to Crete, where I was eager to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. I had become rather obsessed at that time with the Minoans, and the idea of continuing the trip south through the islands of the Aegean seemed the perfect way to begin the trip.
Cliffside houses in Santorini
Route overview
The distance covered by the Athens-Piraeus to Santorini route is approximately 230 kilometers. The route traverses the Aegean Sea.There are various ferry services on the route, which include high-speed ferries. The high-speed ferries take around 5 hours to cover the distance to the island of Santorini. Conventional ferries like the ones operated by Blue Star Ferries take around 7 to 8 hours to cover the distance to the island of Santorini. The conventional ferries are, however, cheaper. The ferries operate on the route to various islands in the Cyclades group. The island of Santorini is one of the main islands on the route.
Transportation experience
I took the ferry at Piraeus Port, which is the main port in Greece and serves the capital city of Athens. Most of the ferries to the Greek Islands depart from this port.
Piraeus can be a bit disorganized at first. It is a huge port with many gates and many people going to different islands. However, once you find the correct gate for your ferry, everything is quite simple.
As the ship finally left the port, the skyline of Athens gradually disappeared behind us as we entered the open waters of the Aegean Sea.
Departure station
The majority of ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus. Piraeus is accessible from Athens city center using the metro, a taxi, or a bus. The metro is particularly convenient since it goes directly to Piraeus. However, since it is a big port and has various gates, it is a good idea to arrive a little before one hour.
Arrival station
Boats that come into the island of Santorini dock at the port of Athinios, located at the foot of the island’s spectacular volcanic cliffs.
The port itself is small and busy, and from there, buses and cars can take you to the main towns of the island such as Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli.
Schedule & frequency
Daily ferries run between Athens and Santorini, particularly during the summer season.
In the summer, there can be several daily ferries between Athens and Santorini, while in the winter the ferries run fewer times daily.
Onboard experience & services
Blue Star ferries are large ships that have many seats both inside and outside the ship.
Inside the ferry, there are lounging areas and seats where you can find cafes where you can buy food and drinks while you’re on board the ferry. Of course, you can always stay outside the ferry, particularly if the weather permits, and just watch the islands come up one by one as you cross the Aegean Sea in the Blue Star ferry. The ferry trip is more relaxed because the ferry travels at a slower pace than the other fast ferries.
Ticketing advice & budget breakdown
The price of a ticket on a ferry varies according to the company and the type of boat. In this case, by taking the Blue Star ferry, I was able to save some money compared to other faster high-speed boats, which are normally more expensive. Here’s a rough breakdown of what I spent on this trip:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €46.50 |
| Food & drinks | €10 |
| Travel to departure station | €2 |
| Travel from arrival station | €4 |
| Total | € 62.5 |
Top tips & recommendations
- It is recommended to reach Piraeus Port early to find the gate.
- The Blue Star ferries take a longer time to reach their destinations. This is a drawback. However, they are cheaper compared to high-speed ferries.
- It is recommended to take food items or buy them on board to enjoy your long journey.
- It is recommended to spend your time on the outdoor decks to enjoy your journey while looking at the sea.
- If you are not planning to reach Santorini, then you can also take a ferry to other islands like Crete.
Conclusion
It will take longer if you travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry than if you fly, but at the same time, you make the trip part of the experience.
Santorini was just another stop for me before I had to go further and explore the island of Crete, where I had been wanting to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos for the past few months after reading about the Minoan civilization and its culture. The Aegean Sea had to be crossed in order for me to start my adventure.
How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini (Island)?
The best time to book your ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island) is 28 days before departure. See how prices for ferries change on the Athens to Santorini (Island) route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Athens to Santorini (Island) per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island).
Ferries
from $56Flights
from $38Offers and deals from Athens to Santorini (Island)
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Athens to Santorini (Island) and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by Seajets, Golden Star Ferries
Up to 30% off
30% off with Seajets
SeaJets helps you explore Greek islands including:
Sporades archipelago: 20% off your 2024 return tickets on superfast ferries from mainland Greece to Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos - as well as on many inter-island crossings. Book by 15th of June 2024.
Discover Crete: Foot passengers can get 30% off on their 2024 return tickets between Athens (Piraeus) and Chania. Valid until further notice.
Up to 30% off
30% off return with Golden Star Ferries
Golden Star Ferries runs regular crossings between Rafina on the mainland and the Cyclades along with inter-island crossings. Get 30% off the return trip when booking a same-day return trip to any of Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Andros, Tinos or Ios. Let the island hopping commence!
Ferry operators: Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries from Athens to Santorini (Island)You can travel by ferry between Athens to Santorini (Island) with Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries for as low as $20 (€17). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Seajets
About
Seajets is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of high-speed catamaran ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Seajets operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands. They offer frequent daily departures and a wide range of routes, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between the islands.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Seajets Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest Seajets Price
$68 (€57)
Seajets frequency
4 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations allowed up to 24 hours before departure with fees
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria and bar available with snacks and beverages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Basic cabins available on longer routes
Car on board
Blue Star Ferries
About
Blue Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. The company was founded in 1965 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Blue Star Ferries operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands, as well as between the Greek mainland and Italy.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Blue Star Ferries Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Blue Star Ferries Price
$56 (€47)
Blue Star Ferries frequency
2 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure with varying refund rates
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafes, and bars available serving meals and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas and facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in designated areas. Must be in carriers or leashed. Not allowed in restaurants.
Cabin reservation
Economy cabins to luxury suites available. Must be booked in advance
Car on board
Golden Star Ferries
About
Golden Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company that operates routes in the Aegean Sea. They offer services between the Greek mainland and several of the Greek islands, including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Northeastern Aegean islands. Their ships are equipped with amenities such as seating areas, restaurants, and shops. Golden Star Ferries is considered one of the main ferry companies in Greece, with a good reputation for their reliable and efficient services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Golden Star Ferries Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Golden Star Ferries Price
$98 (€82)
Golden Star Ferries frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations allowed up to 24 hours before departure with partial refund
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant and bar serving meals and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible vessels with dedicated spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Available in various categories from standard to luxury
Car on board
Fast Ferries
About
Fast Ferries is a Greek company that operates high-speed ferry services in the Aegean Sea. They offer regular services between the Greek mainland and the islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Santorini, as well as services between the islands of the northeastern Aegean, like Lesvos and Chios. The company's fleet is composed of modern and fast vessels, which can reduce travel time between islands and make the trip more comfortable for passengers. They offer amenities like seating areas, cafes, and shops on board.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Fast Ferries Duration
8h 40m
Cheapest Fast Ferries Price
$57 (€48)
Fast Ferries frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
There is no restriction on the number, size, or weight of luggage allowed onboard. The luggage storage area is alongside the car deck; passengers can also keep bags with them if manageable.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled, but cancellation may sometimes occur with refund yet poor communication to passengers.
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
There are four café-snack bars on board offering snacks and refreshments.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
All Fast Ferries vessels have specially designed areas and infrastructure for people with disabilities, including accessible facilities and seating.
Pets
Pets are allowed on board but not in internal areas; special on-board pet accommodation is available. Pets must be accompanied, on leash and muzzle (for dogs), or in appropriate carriers.
Car on board
Complete guide to Santorini (Island)
Things to do in Santorini (Island)
Discover the best of Santorini (Island) — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santorini (Island) trip today.
- Recommended
Archaeological Museum of Thera
Collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and ceramics from Archaic to Roman times in central Fira.
- Recommended
Maritime Museum of Oia
Museum in Oia presenting nautical instruments, ship models, and maritime history tied to the island’s seafaring past.
- Must visit
Oia
Famous whitewashed village of narrow lanes, cave houses, and caldera views; one of Santorini’s signature walking areas.
- Must visit
Fira
Bustling island capital with caldera promenades, shops, museums, and dramatic cliffside scenery day and night.
- Must visit
Fira to Oia Hike
Long scenic trail linking the main caldera villages, offering some of the island’s best walking and volcanic views.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Santorini Fava
Creamy yellow split pea purée made from Santorini fava. A signature island dish prized for its rich flavor from the volcanic soil.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
White Eggplant
White eggplant grown on Santorini, often fried or baked. It is sweeter and less bitter than common eggplant and is a local specialty.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Tomatokeftedes
Tomato fritters made with Santorini cherry tomatoes, herbs, and often onion. A classic meze that highlights the island's intensely flavored tomatoes.
Lauda Restaurant
Renowned fine dining in Imerovigli with creative Greek tasting menus, polished service, and dramatic caldera sunset views.
Raki
Popular traditional tavern in Megalochori known for local meze, grilled dishes, and a relaxed courtyard atmosphere.
Pitogyros
Well-known casual spot in Oia for fresh gyros, souvlaki, and other Greek staples, ideal for a quick inexpensive meal.
Euro (€)
Very touristy and pricier than many Greek islands, especially for hotels, cliffside dining, and summer transport. Budget options exist but peak season costs rise fast.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for gyros, bakery items, or simple meals.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-5 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common for good service. Round up taxi fares; small change for cafes is appreciated.
FAQs: Ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Santorini (Island) by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santorini (Island), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini (Island) can start from as little as $56 (€47) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Athens to Santorini (Island) is $88 (€74) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island) is 4h 45m to travel the 145 miles (234 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island) leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island) leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Athens to Santorini (Island) with Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Athens to Santorini (Island) with Blue Star Ferries
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Athens to Santorini (Island) is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Athens to Santorini (Island) is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot, but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Athens to Santorini (Island), you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries for the best way to get you to Santorini (Island). You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Athens and Santorini (Island) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Santorini (Island) including taking a ferry and flight.
Greece uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops, local markets, and remote areas, while cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments.
In Santorini, travelers should be cautious of overpriced taxi fares, especially during peak season, and verify rates beforehand. Beware of unofficial tour operators offering cheap or last-minute deals that may not be legitimate. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keeping valuables secure is important. Additionally, some beach vendors may pressure travelers into purchases, so staying firm and aware helps avoid scams. Overall, staying vigilant and using reputable services ensures a safer experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Athens to Santorini (Island)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Santorini (Island) and Athens
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