Athens to Santorini Ferry Tickets: Schedules, Prices, Ports, and Tips

Greece › Ferries › Athens to Santorini
Updated: May 18, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Ferries from Athens to Santorini depart from Piraeus Port and arrive at Athinios Port in Santorini. The trip takes 5 to 8 hours, depending on the ferry, route, and how many stops. For most travelers, the choice is simple: Blue Star is slower but more comfortable and stable; SeaJets is faster but more expensive, more enclosed, and rougher in windy conditions.

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Athens Piraeus Ferry Port Guide
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Santorini Athinios Ferry Port Guide

Helpful Links

• How I buy ferry tickets: Ferryhopper.com
• Pre-booked taxi service in Athens: Welcome Pickups
• Pre-booked taxi service in Santorini: Welcome Pickups

Athens-Santorini Ferries: My Tips

Waiting for the bus – after a late evening ferry arrival – at the Santorini ferry port.

• Best place to buy tickets: I use Ferryhopper because it compares Blue Star, SeaJets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star, and other operators in one search.
• Best ferry for most travelers: Blue Star with a reserved Numbered Airseat. It is slower but more stable, more comfortable, and better if you are prone to seasickness.
• Fastest ferry: SeaJets high-speed ferries, about 5 hours on the fastest sailings, depending on the vessel and stops.
• Cheapest tickets: Blue Star deck or numbered-seat tickets. High-speed ferries cost much more.
• When to book: Book as soon as your dates are firm for June, July, August, and September. Cabins, business class, vehicle spaces, and popular morning ferries sell out first.
• Do you need to print tickets? No. All major companies support e-tickets and mobile boarding passes, but you must complete online check-in before travel.
• Best arrival plan in Santorini: Pre-book a transfer from Athinios Port. The port is small, crowded, and not walkable to anywhere useful.

How to Buy Athens to Santorini Ferry Tickets

The easiest way to buy Athens to Santorini ferry tickets is to compare all available ferries in one search, then choose by departure time, travel duration, vessel type, and seat class. I use Ferryhopper because it shows multiple ferry companies, prices, schedules, seat types, and e-ticket options together.

• Step 1: Search Piraeus to Santorini. Most Athens to Santorini ferries depart from Piraeus, about 10 km from central Athens. Use “Piraeus” as your departure port unless you specifically want Rafina.
• Step 2: Compare ferry type, not just departure time. A 5-hour SeaJets ferry is very different from an 8-hour Blue Star ferry. SeaJets is faster; Blue Star is more comfortable and stable. Compare vessel length and size.
• Step 3: Choose your seat carefully. On Blue Star, I recommend a reserved Numbered Airseat rather than the cheapest deck ticket. On SeaJets, consider Business or VIP if you want more space and a calmer experience.
• Step 4: Complete online check-in. For most major ferry companies, online check-in opens about 48 hours before departure and is required to generate your mobile boarding pass.
• Step 5: Save the QR code offline. Screenshot it, save it to your phone wallet, or download the PDF. Mobile signal at Piraeus and Athinios can be unreliable, so download and save in advance.
• Step 6: Bring ID. The name on your ticket should match your passport or ID. Though rare, ferry staff can ask to see ID when boarding.

Which Athens to Santorini Ferry Ticket Should You Buy?

• Best value: Blue Star Numbered Airseat. This is the ticket I recommend for most travelers because you get an assigned indoor seat, access to the outdoor decks, and a smoother ride.
• Cheapest option: Blue Star deck ticket. Fine for budget travelers, but not ideal for a summer vacation with kids, or a romantic couples trip.
• Best upgrade: Business Class on Blue Star or SeaJets. Worth it if you want more space, quieter seating, and a calmer travel day.
• Best for families: Blue Star reserved seats or a cabin if available. Cabins sell out early and are more useful on longer or late departures.
• Best for short trips: SeaJets, ideally one of the larger high-speed vessels. You save time, but the ride is mostly enclosed and can be bumpy.
• Best if you get seasick: Blue Star. Avoid the smallest high-speed catamarans in windy weather.

Should You Book Athens to Santorini Ferry Tickets in Advance?

Yes, especially from June through September. You do not need to panic-buy tickets the minute schedules appear, but you should not wait until the week before travel in summer. The best departure times, high-speed ferries, business-class seats, cabins, and vehicle spaces can sell out.

• July and August: Book as soon as your dates are firm, especially for SeaJets, cabins, business/VIP seats, and cars.
• June and September: Book ahead if you want a specific ferry or morning departure.
• April, May, and October: You have more flexibility, but booking ahead is still easier and avoids port-office lines.
• Winter: Schedules are limited. Book once you know your plans, and confirm the ferry is operating on your exact date.

The biggest mistake is not simply “booking late.” It is booking the wrong ferry because the better options have already sold out.

When Are Athens to Santorini Ferry Schedules Released?

Athens to Santorini ferry schedules appear gradually. Some ferries are loaded 8 months in advance, while others are added closer to the season, say 4 months in advance. Do not assume the first schedule you see is the final summer schedule, but once a good ferry is available for your travel date, it makes sense to book.

For July and August, I book once the main morning ferries are available and my hotel plans are firm. For shoulder season, there is less pressure, but I still prefer booking ahead rather than dealing with port-office lines or sold-out seat classes.

How Long Does the Ferry from Athens to Santorini Take?

The Athens to Santorini ferry takes 5 to 8 hours, depending on the ferry, route, and number of stops.

• High-Speed Ferries: The fastest option, around 5 hours on the quickest Piraeus to Santorini sailings. They are fast but can be bumpy and are only indoor seating.
• Conventional Ferries: Slower, around 7.5 to 8+ hours on Blue Star sailings. They are more stable, more spacious, and better for travelers who like outdoor decks.
• Longer routes: Some ferries make more island stops and can take much longer. Always check the exact travel time before booking.

Blue Star vs SeaJets: Which Ferry Is Better?

• Blue Star Ferries: Best for comfort, stability, price, outdoor decks, families, and seasick travelers. These are large conventional ferries with more space to move around. The trip is slower, but the day is more relaxed.
• SeaJets: Best for speed. The larger high-speed vessels are a good choice if you want to save several hours, but the ride is mostly indoors and can feel more cramped. Smaller SeaJets vessels can be rough in windy conditions.

My default recommendation: Blue Star with a reserved Numbered Airseat for most first-time visitors. Choose SeaJets if your schedule is tight and saving time matters more than comfort.

What Are the Main Athens Ferry Ports for Santorini?

Piraeus Port is the main port for Athens to Santorini ferries. It handles the vast majority of the route’s traffic and is the port most travelers should use.

• Piraeus: The main Athens ferry port for Santorini. It is connected to central Athens by Metro Lines 1 and 3, and to Athens Airport by Metro Line 3, suburban railway, bus, taxi/Uber, and private transfer. Ferries to Santorini depart from the Cyclades gates around E6, E7, E8, or E9, but always check your ticket and the port screens.
• Rafina: A smaller port closer to Athens Airport. It’s useful if you are landing at the airport and heading straight to the islands, but Santorini schedules are much more limited than from Piraeus (sometimes there’s only one Rafina-Santorini ferry per day). Rafina is more commonly useful for routes to Mykonos, Tinos, and Andros.

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How to Get to Piraeus Port

From Athens City Center

• Metro: From Monastiraki, take Line 1 or Line 3 to Piraeus. From Syntagma, take Line 3 to Piraeus. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your starting point.
• Cost and payment: The standard Athens public transport fare is €1.20 for 90 minutes. Simply tap your contactless bank card or phone (Apple Pay or Google Pay) directly on the turnstile readers as you enter the metro station.
• Taxi or Uber: 25 to 40 minutes from central Athens, depending on traffic. This is easiest with luggage (drivers can usually drop within steps of the ferry ramp), but traffic near the port can be slow in the morning when there are multiple ferry departures.
• Private transfer: Best if you have an early ferry, heavy luggage, kids, or a hotel far from the metro.

From Athens Airport

• Metro Line 3: Runs directly from Athens Airport to Piraeus. The trip is about 60 minutes and the airport metro fare is €9.
• Suburban Railway: Also connects Athens Airport with Piraeus, in about 65 minutes, depending on timing and schedule.
• X96 Bus: Runs between Athens Airport and Piraeus and is useful for late-night or early-morning arrivals. It takes 60 to 90 minutes, longer still in heavy traffic. The airport bus fare is €5.50.
• Taxi or private transfer: 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no official fixed airport-to-Piraeus fare like there is for the airport-to-central-Athens route, so confirm the price or use a pre-booked transfer.

How Early Should You Arrive at Piraeus?

Do not plan to arrive at Piraeus 20 minutes before departure. Piraeus is a huge working port, not a small island pier. Gates can be far apart, taxis can get stuck in port traffic, and ferries sometimes change gates.

• With kids, heavy luggage, or a vehicle: Arrive about 60+ minutes early.
• Most foot passengers: Arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes early.
• First-time visitors: Give yourself extra time. Finding the correct gate is easier when you are not rushing.
• Early morning ferries: Arrange transport the night before. Do not assume you can find a taxi instantly at 6 AM.

What the Athens to Santorini Ferry Day Feels Like

The ferry day is straightforward if you know the rhythm. Arrive at Piraeus early, confirm your gate, board through the rear vehicle ramp, leave large luggage in the racks on the car deck, and keep your valuables and passport with you. Most ferries stop at other Cycladic islands before Santorini, commonly Paros or Naxos, so do not get off until Santorini is announced.

Arrival at Santorini’s Athinios Port is the most stressful part of the trip. Everyone exits at once, buses and transfer vans crowd the small port road, and taxis are limited. A pre-booked transfer is the easiest arrival plan, especially if you are staying in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or a caldera hotel with heavy luggage.

Athens to Santorini Ferry: What to Know Before You Book

• The ferry arrival is special, but only on the right ferry: Sailing into Santorini’s caldera can be one of the best arrivals in Greece, but you only get the full experience on a large conventional ferry like Blue Star, where you can go outside on deck. On enclosed high-speed ferries, the views are limited, seating is indoors, and the arrival is unremarkable.
• Blue Star is slower but more comfortable: Large conventional ferries handle wind and chop better than smaller high-speed catamarans. They also give you more space to walk around, easier access to food and drinks, and a more relaxed travel day.
• SeaJets is faster but less relaxing: High-speed ferries save several hours, but seating is always indoors, outdoor deck access is limited or unavailable while underway, and smaller vessels can be rough in windy weather. If you get seasick, do not book the smallest fast ferry just to save time.
• Luggage is easier than flying: Normal passenger luggage is not weighed like airline baggage. You carry your bags onboard and leave large suitcases in the racks on the car deck. Keep your passport, wallet, medications, and valuables with you.
• Piraeus takes time: Athens’ main ferry port is large, busy, and spread out. Gates can change, taxis can get stuck in port traffic, and first-time visitors often underestimate the walk to the correct boarding area. Arrive early.
• The cheapest ticket is not always the best ticket: On a long ferry ride, a deck ticket and a reserved numbered seat are very different experiences. For most travelers, a Blue Star Numbered Airseat is worth the small extra cost.
• Book early for summer: In July and August, you may still find a ticket late, but not necessarily the ferry, seat type, or departure time you want. High-speed ferries, business class, cabins, car spaces, and morning departures sell out first.
• Do online check-in: Your booking confirmation is not always your boarding pass. Complete online check-in when it opens, then save the QR code offline as a screenshot, PDF, or phone-wallet pass.
• Avoid tight flight connections: Do not book a ferry close to an international flight. Athens traffic, port confusion, flight delays, ferry delays, and weather can all cause problems. Spend your final night in Athens if you are flying home from Athens Airport.
• Have a Santorini arrival plan: Athinios Port is small, crowded, and not walkable to Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, or the beach towns. Buses, vans, taxis, and rental-car shuttles all crowd the same area when a ferry arrives. A pre-booked transfer is the easiest option, especially with luggage.

Example Piraeus to Santorini Schedule

What Is the Luggage Allowance?

Greek ferry luggage is much easier than airline luggage. In practice, normal passenger luggage is not weighed, and most travelers bring their suitcases onboard themselves. Large bags go in luggage racks on the car deck. Keep your passport, wallet, medications, laptop, camera, phone, and valuables with you at your seat. Do not leave anything important in your large suitcase!

Are There Food and Drink Options?

Yes, but bring water and snacks anyway, especially if you are traveling with kids or have dietary restrictions.

• High-speed ferries: Have a small cafe or bar with coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Blue Star and other large conventional ferries: Have multiple cafes, snack bars, and sometimes self-service restaurants, depending on the vessel.
• Best strategy: Buy breakfast, water, and snacks before boarding, then use the onboard cafes as a backup.

What Happens If My Ferry Is Delayed or Canceled?

• Delays: Delays are common, especially later in the day after ferries have already made several stops. Use the ferry company website, Ferryhopper updates, port screens, and vessel-tracking apps such as MarineTraffic for context.
• Wind cancellations: The summer Meltemi winds can disrupt ferry schedules, especially smaller high-speed ferries. Large conventional ferries are less likely to be canceled by wind, but severe weather can disrupt any sailing.
• What to do: If your ferry is canceled, contact the booking platform or ferry company. You will rebooked or refunded according to the operator’s policy and the reason for disruption. Ferryhopper is really good in this regard, automatically handling most of the rebooking/refunding process. If you booked directly with a ferry company, then most of the burden falls on you.
• Important buffer: Do not book your international flight home for the same day your ferry arrives back in Athens. Spend the final night in Athens or near the airport.

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How Do I Get from Athinios Port to My Hotel?

Santorini’s ferry port is called Athinios. It is below the cliffs, down a steep switchback road, and it is not walkable to Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Kamari, Perissa, or any useful hotel area. Have a plan before you arrive.

• Pre-booked transfer: Easiest and most reliable. Expect a driver to meet you near the arrival area. This is the best option for families, honeymooners, late arrivals, and anyone not staying in Fira. I use Welcome Pickups.
• Public bus: KTEL buses meet arriving ferries and go to Fira’s central bus station. From Fira, you transfer to another bus for Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Kamari, Perissa, or most other destinations. Buses are cheap but crowded in peak season.
• Taxi: Taxis are limited, and the queue can be long when several ferries arrive close together. Do not rely on finding one quickly. Use Uber if you really can’t find a taxi in the port area.
• Ride-hailing: Availability is limited and inconsistent compared with Athens. It should not be your main arrival plan.

Ferry vs Flight: Which Is Better?

Flying is faster, but the ferry can be a better travel day if you value scenery, luggage flexibility, and avoiding airport stress. The right answer depends on your itinerary.

• Choose the ferry if: You want the caldera arrival, have heavy luggage, prefer not to fly, are island hopping, or want a classic Greek travel experience.
• Choose a flight if: You have a very short stay, are connecting from a long-haul flight, or need the fastest possible Athens-to-Santorini transfer.
• Do not cut it close: Whether flying or taking the ferry, avoid tight same-day international flight connections.

Best Departure Time

A morning ferry is my preference because it gets you to Santorini with enough time to check in, settle, and enjoy the evening. Early departures also reduce the risk of your ferry being delayed by problems earlier in the day.

Midday ferries are fine if you hate early starts, but you won’t reach your hotel until evening. Late ferries can work, but they make the Santorini arrival more stressful, especially if you still need to reach Oia, Imerovigli, or a hotel with difficult access.

Cars and Rental Cars

Most travelers should not take a rental car from Athens to Santorini. Rental companies do not allow cars to be taken on ferries without written permission, and ferry vehicle tickets are expensive and commonly sold out. It is easier and cheaper to rent a separate car after you arrive in Santorini.

If you are bringing your own car or a rental car with explicit permission, book the vehicle space well in advance, arrive early at Piraeus, and expect a slower boarding process.

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Common Ferries from Athens to Santorini

Ferry size matters. A large Blue Star ship, a large SeaJets vessel, and a small SeaJets catamaran can feel like completely different travel experiences even if they all appear in search results for Athens to Santorini tickets.

Athens to Santorini Ferry Tickets FAQ

Where do I buy Athens to Santorini ferry tickets?

I use Ferryhopper because it compares multiple ferry companies, departure times, prices, and seat types in one place. You can also book directly with ferry companies such as Blue Star or SeaJets.

How much are ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini?

Prices vary by season, company, and seat type. Blue Star is cheaper; SeaJets is faster and more expensive. Business, VIP, cabin, and vehicle tickets cost more.

How early should I book Athens to Santorini ferry tickets?

For June through September, book as soon as your dates are firm. High-speed ferries, business-class seats, cabins, car spaces, and popular morning departures sell out first.

Do Athens to Santorini ferries sell out?

Yes, especially in July and August. Even when a ferry is not fully sold out, the best seat types or most convenient departure times can disappear.

Do I need to print my ferry ticket?

No. All major ferry companies support mobile boarding passes after online check-in. Save the QR code offline and carry your passport or ID.

Which Athens port do Santorini ferries leave from?

Almost all Athens to Santorini ferries leave from Piraeus. A small number (sometimes just one per day) will leave from Rafina, which is closer to the airport but has fewer Santorini departures.

How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini?

High-speed ferries take about 5 hours on the fastest sailings. Conventional ferries such as Blue Star take about 7.5 to 8+ hours. Some routes with more stops can take longer.

Is Blue Star or SeaJets better for Athens to Santorini?

Blue Star is better for comfort, stability, outdoor decks, families, and seasick travelers. SeaJets is better if you want the fastest crossing and do not mind indoor seating.

Can I take a rental car on the ferry to Santorini?

It is not worth it. Many rental companies do not allow cars to be taken on ferries without written permission. It is easier to rent a separate car after arriving in Santorini.

Can I take the ferry from Athens Airport to Santorini?

No. Athens Airport is not a ferry port. From the airport, you must travel to Piraeus or Rafina, then board the ferry. Piraeus has the most Santorini departures; Rafina is closer to the airport but has fewer Santorini sailings.

Is the ferry from Athens to Santorini rough?

It can be rough, especially on smaller high-speed ferries during windy weather. Blue Star and other large conventional ferries are more stable. If you get seasick, choose a large conventional ferry and avoid the smallest catamarans. Sit in the middle of the ship, at the lowest point possible.

What is the best seat on the Athens to Santorini ferry?

For most travelers on Blue Star, the best value is a Numbered Airseat. For more space and quiet, choose Business Class. On SeaJets, Business or VIP is worth it because the trip is fully seated and mostly indoors.

Read More

• Greek Ferry Guide

• Athens – Travel Guide
• Athens – Piraeus Ferry Port Guide
• Athens – Where to Stay
• Athens – Best Hotels
• Athens Riviera – Best Hotels