Greece › Ferries in Greece
By Santorini Dave
Updated: December 7, 2025
Popular Routes:
- Athens to Santorini Ferry
- Athens to Mykonos Ferry
- Athens to Naxos Ferry
- Athens to Paros Ferry
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
Ferry Ports:
All tickets booked through FerryHopper will be electronic tickets that you will download to your phone and scan as you’re boarding the ferry.
Greek Ferries – My Tips
- How I book ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com. This is the single best site for Greek ferries. It is easy to use, handles complex island-hopping itineraries, and supports E-Tickets for almost every company. This is how I book every ticket I buy.
- Do tickets sell out? Economy tickets on large conventional ferries (like Blue Star) rarely sell out. However, tickets for High-Speed Ferries (SeaJets), VIP/Business Class seats, and Car spots absolutely do sell out in July and August. For peace of mind, I book 2 to 3 months in advance.
- E-Tickets are the Standard: You no longer need to wait in line at a port kiosk to print paper tickets. Online check-in is usually available 48 hours before departure; you simply download the boarding pass to your phone and scan it as you walk onto the boat.
My electronic ticket for our ferry from Piraeus.
- Expect Delays (Later in the Day): Ferries almost always leave their first port of the day (e.g., Piraeus at 7:00 AM) exactly on time. However, delays accumulate throughout the day. If you are catching a ferry mid-route (e.g., Santorini to Naxos) in the afternoon, do not be surprised if it is 30 to 45 minutes late.
- The Strike Warning: Transportation strikes happen occasionally. During a strike, ferries do not run. There is almost always a general strike on May 1st (Labor Day). Do not book any ferries for travel on this date.
Ferries in Greece – My Guide
A ferry departing to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini from the Piraeus ferry port near Athens.
There is now a direct train from Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port. The station is directly across the street from the E6 port entrance.
Greek island hopping by ferry is the best way to travel between the Greek islands. It’s more scenic, more relaxing, and a more authentic experience than flying. While the ferry network can look complicated at first glance, it is actually very easy to navigate.
Main Ferry Companies
• Blue Star Ferries: The gold standard for Greek ferries. Known for their reliability, stability, and comfort, Blue Star operates large conventional ferries that connect the mainland (Piraeus) with the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and North Aegean islands.
• SeaJets: The largest operator of high-speed vessels. SeaJets provides the fastest (and most expensive) connections between popular Cycladic islands, Crete, and Athens. They are essential for island-to-island hopping.
• Hellenic Seaways: A major operator with a mix of high-speed catamarans (Highspeed 4, Aero) and conventional ferries. They dominate the routes to the Saronic islands and have a strong presence in the Cyclades and North Aegean.
• Fast Ferries & Golden Star Ferries: These two companies primarily operate out of the port of Rafina (near the Athens airport). They offer excellent, modern ships connecting Athens to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos.
• Minoan Lines & ANEK: These lines focus on the overnight routes between the mainland and Crete (Heraklion and Chania), as well as international routes between Greece and Italy.
My wife and I boarding a ferry in Naxos.
Main Ferry Routes
• Cyclades: The most popular island group, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Milos. Ferries depart frequently (dozens per day in summer) from both Piraeus and Rafina ports near Athens.
• Crete: Greece’s largest island has a robust ferry network. Large overnight ferries connect Piraeus to Heraklion and Chania daily. High-speed ferries connect Heraklion to Santorini and the Cyclades daily from April to October.
• Saronic Gulf: Islands like Hydra, Aegina, and Spetses are a short ferry ride from Piraeus. These routes are served by frequent hydrofoils and catamarans, making them perfect for day trips.
• Dodecanese: Includes Rhodes and Kos. Located near Turkey, these are long ferry trips from Athens (often overnight) but are well-connected to each other.
• Ionian Islands: Located on the west coast (Corfu, Zakynthos), these islands are served by ports on the mainland’s west coast (Igoumenitsa, Patras, Kyllini). Note: There are no ferries connecting the Ionian islands to the Aegean islands (Cyclades/Crete).Types of Ferries
• Conventional Ferries (e.g., Blue Star): These are massive, multi-story ships. They are slower but stable (great for preventing seasickness) and allow you to walk out on the open decks to enjoy the views. They are generally the cheapest option and carry cars.
• High-Speed Catamarans (e.g., SeaJets): These are much smaller and significantly faster, often cutting travel time in half. However, they are more expensive, do not have accessible outdoor decks, and can be bumpy in windy weather.
• Flying Dolphins / Aero: Small, high-speed hydrofoils or catamarans used primarily for the short hops to the Saronic islands.Booking Tickets
Ferry tickets can be purchased online (highly recommended) or at travel agencies in Greece.
• E-Tickets: Most major ferry companies now use E-Tickets. After booking online, you check in via your phone and receive a mobile boarding pass. You no longer need to pick up physical paper tickets for most routes.
• When to Book: For travel in July and August, book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially for popular routes. For shoulder season (May, June, September), booking a few weeks in advance is usually sufficient.
• Boarding: Arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before departure. Ferries are punctual and port areas can be chaotic and confusing to navigate.
The Best Website for Booking Greek Ferry Tickets
FerryHopper.com is the best site for booking Greek ferry tickets. It is user-friendly, handles island-hopping itineraries perfectly, and supports E-Tickets for all major companies. Ticket prices in Greece are regulated, so prices are generally the same regardless of where you buy, though small service fees may apply online.
Greek Island Route Map
Direct connections between every island are not the norm. Ferries typically connect Athens with every major island, then hop to other nearby islands.
Common Ferry Routes for the Greek Islands
- Athens to the Greek Islands – For almost all Aegean islands there is at least one ferry per day to and from Athens, 365 days a year. Athens has two main ports: Piraeus (closest to the city center, serves the most islands) and Rafina (closest to the airport, serves the Northern Cyclades like Mykonos/Tinos/Andros).
- Mykonos to Santorini – Daily high-speed ferries run from late March to October. In winter (Nov-March), there is no direct ferry; you must travel via Athens.
- Naxos/Paros to Santorini – Daily ferries run year-round. In summer there are multiple high-speed and conventional options daily.
- Crete to Santorini – Daily high-speed ferries run from roughly April to October. Large conventional ferries run year-round from Athens to Crete, but they do not connect Crete to Santorini.
- Rhodes to Crete – There is limited service (usually 2-3 times a week), often overnight or requiring a long stopover. This is a difficult route to coordinate.
- Rhodes to Cyclades – There are ferries from Rhodes to Athens that stop in select Cycladic islands (usually Syros, Amorgos, or Santorini), but the trip is very long.
- Corfu to the Aegean (Santorini/Mykonos/Crete) – There are no ferries connecting the west coast Ionian islands (Corfu) with the Aegean islands. To do this, you must fly or drive across the mainland.
- Italy to Greece – Ferries run from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi) to the west coast of Greece (Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Patras). There are no direct ferries from Italy to Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete.
Eurail Greek Islands Pass
The “Greek Islands Pass” (offered by Eurail/Interrail) is a specific travel pass valid only on ferries operated by the Attica Group (Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Superfast Ferries, and Anek Lines).
- Is it worth it? For most travelers, no. It can be a good value if you are planning several long-distance trips (e.g., Italy to Greece + Athens to Rhodes), but for short hops in the Cyclades, standard economy tickets are cheaper and easier to book.
- Limitations: It restricts you to specific ferry companies. If the best ferry for your schedule is a SeaJets high-speed (which is often the case in the Cyclades), the pass is not valid, and you will have to pay full price for a separate ticket.
FAQ – Greek Ferries
How much do ferry tickets cost?
Prices vary wildly by vessel type. A high-speed catamaran (like SeaJets) can cost double the price of a conventional car ferry (like Blue Star) for the same route. For example, the cheapest seats for Athens to Santorini for the summer of 2026 cost €70 on the Blue Star and €107 on the high speed SeaJets.Are seats assigned on Greek ferries?
The answer depends entirely on what type of ferry and what type of ticket you buy.
- High-Speed Ferries (e.g., SeaJets, Hellenic Highspeed): YES. These ferries operate exactly like airplanes. Every ticket, even the cheapest Economy seats, comes with a specific, numbered seat. You will not have to stand. Your row and seat number are printed on your ticket.
- Conventional Ferries (e.g., Blue Star Ferries): IT DEPENDS.
- Economy / Deck Ticket: NO. These tickets grant you access to the ship, but not a specific seat. You can sit on the outdoor plastic chairs, the indoor cafe tables, or the sofas in the hallways. It is “first come, first served.” In August, this can mean hunting for a spot or sitting on the floor.
- Air Seat (Airplane Type) Ticket: YES. This is a reserved, numbered seat in a specific lounge. It is yours for the whole trip.
- Business / Cabin: YES. These are always reserved with a specific seat number.
Reserved seating (airplane-style seating) on a SeaJets ferry.
What class should I choose? (Economy vs. Air Seat vs. VIP)
The terminology can be confusing. Here is what you get for your money.1. Economy / Deck (Conventional Ferries Only)
- What it is: The cheapest option. You have the freedom to roam the ship, sit outside on the deck (great for views), or hang out in the cafes.
- Pros: Cheap and flexible. Best for “island vibes” and photography.
- Cons: No guaranteed seat. If you get up to buy coffee, someone might take your spot. In high season, it can feel chaotic and crowded.
- My Advice: Great for short trips (under 3 hours) or for young travelers. Avoid it for longer trips and definitely avoid for overnight journeys unless you plan to sleep on the floor (which I used to do all the time in my younger days).
2. Air Seat / Airplane Type (The Smart Choice)
- What it is: A reserved, numbered seat in a dedicated indoor lounge. It looks like a large, comfortable economy class plane seat (or a train seat).
- Pros: It is yours. You can leave your bag on it, go walk around the deck, and come back knowing your spot is waiting. It is much quieter than the loud Economy halls.
- Cost: Usually only €5 to €10 more than Economy.
- My Advice: Always pay the extra few Euros for this on Blue Star Ferries. It is the best value upgrade in Greek travel.
3. Business / VIP / Club Class
- What it is: A separate, restricted lounge area with wider leather seats, less crowding, and (usually) table service for drinks/coffee.
- On High-Speed Ferries (SeaJets): Highly recommended. The standard economy area on a SeaJet is packed tight like a bus. The VIP area upstairs is spacious, has better windows, and is much more relaxing.
- On Conventional Ferries: Nice, but often unnecessary since the “Air Seat” lounges are already quite comfortable.
4. Cabins
- What it is: A private hotel room on the ship with beds (bunks) and a private bathroom/shower.
- My Advice: Essential for overnight ferries (Athens to Crete or Rhodes). Also a fantastic luxury for daytime trips if you are a family with young kids – you get a private space for naps and a clean bathroom all to yourself.
Are there return ticket discounts?
Yes. Unlike in the past, most major ferry companies (Blue Star, SeaJets, Minoan) now offer a discount (usually 20% to 30%) on the return leg if you book both tickets at the same time.In summer ports can be packed with tourists and multiple ferries. Be prepared for a bit of chaos.
How many ferries run per day?
In summer (June to Sept), popular routes like Athens to Mykonos/Santorini or Paros to Naxos have dozens of daily connections. In winter, these drop to one or two per day. Some routes (like Santorini to Crete or Mykonos to Santorini) are seasonal and stop completely from November to March.Where is the best place to buy ferry tickets?
Online. The days of visiting a travel agent in Athens are largely over. I recommend booking via FerryHopper. They support E-Tickets for almost every company, meaning you check in on your phone and never need to print a physical ticket.Do Greek ferries sell out?
Yes.
- High-Speed Ferries: Frequently sell out in July and August.
- Cabins: Sell out months in advance.
- Cars: Vehicle spots sell out very fast.
- Economy Deck (Blue Star): Rarely sells out, but it can happen on peak dates (August 15th, Easter).
Is it cheaper to buy tickets in advance?
Generally, no. Ferry prices are fixed and regulated, so they don’t fluctuate like airline seats. However, booking early guarantees your spot.The cafe on a SeaJets ferry. (The sugar donuts are delicious.)
Can you buy food on board?
Yes. Even the smallest ferries have a bar selling cheese pies, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks. Large ferries (Blue Star) have full restaurants (Goody’s Burger House) and multiple cafes. Prices are reasonable.Are the bathrooms clean?
Yes, generally. Large ferries have cleaners working constantly. High-speed ferries are like airplanes—clean but small.Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness, avoid high-speed ferries (SeaJets, Flying Cats) when it is windy (Meltemi season). They can be very bumpy. Blue Star Ferries are massive and stable; you will barely feel the sea.How early should I arrive at the port?
• Without a Car: 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
• With a Car: 60 to 90 minutes before departure. Port traffic is chaotic.What is the best type of luggage for Greek ferries?
The short answer: A travel backpack is far superior to a suitcase.
The Reality of Boarding
Boarding a Greek ferry is often a chaotic “mad dash.” Hundreds of passengers and cars exit and enter simultaneously. You must walk up a large metal ramp, often over ridges that catch small wheels.
- Why Backpacks Win: You keep your hands free to manage your ticket and steady yourself on the ramp rails. You can move quickly through the crowd without dragging a heavy bag, and they are a lifesaver on the steep stairs and narrow cobblestone alleys of Santorini and Mykonos.
I love using a backpack as I ferry hop around Greece. In this case, hands-free as I disembark the ferry in Paros.
If You Must Bring a Suitcase
If you have back issues or simply prefer rolling luggage, follow these rules:
- Two Wheels > Four Wheels: On the rough ramp surfaces and the cobblestone streets of the islands, sturdy two-wheeled rolling luggage performs much better than 4-wheel “spinners,” whose small wheels break easily.
- Keep it Light: You will have to lift it at some point. Ensure you can carry it up a flight of stairs by yourself.
Where does the luggage go? (The “Rack” System)
You do not keep your large suitcase with you.
- The Drop-Off: As you enter the ship on the car deck, crew members will shout at you to leave your large bags in the metal luggage racks located along the walls of the garage. It looks chaotic, but it’s standard procedure.
- The “Valuables” Rule: Do not leave computers, cameras, medication, or passports in your big bag on the car deck. You are not allowed to return to the car deck during the voyage. Have a separate small backpack or tote with your valuables and take that with you to your seat.
Passengers at the Santorini ferry port boarding the Santorini to Mykonos ferry. The Seajets Worldchampion Jet is one of the most popular ferries in Greece. Island hopping by ferry is a fun and easy-going way to get between the Greek Islands.
What if my ferry is rescheduled or canceled?
Schedule changes happen. With E-Tickets, you will receive an SMS or email notification.
- Minor Delays: Common. Just wait at the port.
- Cancellations (Wind): This happens, especially to high-speed ferries in August. You are entitled to a full refund or a rebooking on the next available vessel (usually the larger, slower Blue Star).
How do I get from Central Athens to Piraeus Port?
The Metro is the best way.
- From Monastiraki/Omonia: Take the Green Line (Line 1) directly to Piraeus.
- From Syntagma: Take the Blue Line (Line 3) directly to Piraeus.
- Cost: €1.20. You can now tap your credit card or phone (Apple/Google Pay) directly at the turnstile—no ticket machine needed!
How do I get from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port?
You no longer need to switch trains.
- The Metro: Take the Blue Line (Line 3) directly from the Airport to Piraeus. It takes 59 minutes and costs €9. Trains run every 36 minutes.
- The Bus: The X96 Express Bus runs 24/7 from the airport arrivals curb to Piraeus. It takes about 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent) and costs €5.50. Use this if arriving late at night when the Metro is closed.
Email I received when our ferry was cancelled.
A Blue Star ferry docked in Chania, Crete.
A Seajets (Worldchampion Jet) ferry docked at a port in the Cycladic Islands.
Hellenic Seaways ferry in the Piraeus port.
Minoan Lines ferry in the Piraeus port.
A Fast Ferries ship in Piraeus port.
A Golden Star ferry sailing through the Santorini caldera.
In summary, taking the ferry in Greece is a delight and should be your main form of transportation between the islands.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi! We have a car rental for Athens and Meteora, should we return the car before island hopping?
Yes, definitely return before getting on a ferry. You likely won’t need a rental car on the islands at all. If you do, just rent for a day or two as needed. There’s no need to pay for ferry transport for a vehicle you’ll barely need on the islands.
Your site is by far the best website for travel to Greece and Europe! Amazing content. Thanks.
We arrive by flight to Athens from London. Do you recommend going directly to the ferry port or spending a few days in Athens?
Tracy
Most ferries to the islands depart in the A.M. hours, so unless you have a very early flight, you’ll likely need to spend the night in Athens regardless. Athens has plenty to see and can easily fill 2 or 3 days with good sightseeing, great nightlife, and fantastic restaurants. I recommend at least one full day and two or three if the main attractions look appealing to you. Then get an early morning ferry and head to the islands.
We fly in and out of Athens in September (the 1st to the 20th). We want to visit Naxos, Paros, Milos, Folegandros, Mykonos, and Santorini. How best should we order these islands to minimize travel time and maximize ferry options?
This is a fantastic and ambitious itinerary. Fitting six islands into 20 days is fast-paced but absolutely doable if you plan your route efficiently. The key is to order the islands along the main ferry lines to prevent backtracking.
The most logical and efficient route for your island list is to travel in a general north-to-south direction through the central Cyclades, then hop to the western islands before returning to Athens.
The Best Island Hopping Route
• Athens ➝ Mykonos ➝ Paros ➝ Naxos ➝ Santorini ➝ Folegandros ➝ Milos ➝ Athens
Route Breakdown & Logic
• Athens to Mykonos: Start your trip by taking a ferry from Rafina port, not Piraeus. Rafina is much closer to the Athens airport (a 20-minute taxi ride vs. 60-90 minutes to Piraeus) and is the main hub for fast ferries to Mykonos. This will save you significant time on your arrival day.
• Mykonos to Paros: A quick and easy hop (30-50 minutes) on a frequent high-speed ferry.
• Paros to Naxos: These islands are neighbors. The ferry takes only 30-45 minutes and runs many times a day. You could visit one on a day trip from the other, but it’s better to switch hotels to properly experience both.
• Naxos to Santorini: A very common route on the main ferry line. The high-speed ferry takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are multiple sailings per day.
• Santorini to Folegandros: This is your pivot from the central to the western Cyclades. Ferries (usually SeaJets) run this route regularly. The trip takes about one hour. Santorini is the best-connected island for making this jump.
• Folegandros to Milos: A short, beautiful trip between two stunning islands in the western Cyclades. This leg takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Milos to Athens: From Milos, you have frequent and direct ferries back to Piraeus port in Athens. Both fast catamarans (about 3-4 hours) and larger, more stable conventional ferries (5-7 hours) serve this route.
Suggested Time Allocation (19 nights)
With 20 days, you have 19 nights on the islands. This is a packed schedule, so be prepared for moving around. I recommend booking everything well in advance.
• Mykonos: 3 nights
• Paros: 3 nights
• Naxos: 4 nights (the best beaches in the Cyclades)
• Santorini: 4 nights (enough time for the caldera, wineries, and Akrotiri)
• Folegandros: 2 nights (it’s small, this is enough to experience the magical Chora)
• Milos: 3 nights (essential for exploring the unique beaches and taking a boat tour of Kleftiko)
Booking Ferries
• Use a site like Ferryhopper to check schedules and book all your tickets in one place. It’s reliable and shows all available companies for your route.
• Book your September ferries by June or July. While September is less crowded than August, popular routes can still sell out, especially on the faster catamarans.
Hi Santorini Dave! Thank you for the thorough breakdown. I’m planning my trip now to Greece in September, visiting Athens, Santorini and Milos. Looking on Ferryhopper, there is an option from Milos to Athens on Minoan Lines and is cheaper than the Seajets option while being on a similar timetable. Minoan seems to get some bad reviews on Tripadvisor though, so I’m wondering if you have any experience with them and if I should have any reservations on booking this. Thank you!
My advice is to book the Minoan Lines (probably the Festos Palace) without hesitation. The most critical difference is the vessel itself: the Festos Palace is a massive, stable cruise ferry, while Seajets uses much smaller, high-speed catamarans. For a long journey, the Minoan ship provides a more comfortable experience, with spacious lounges and open decks you can walk around, unlike the somewhat restrictive, airplane-style seating on many Seajets. The larger ferry is far more reliable and less likely to be canceled by the high winds that can occur in September. Given that it’s also the cheaper option, the Minoan Lines ferry is the better choice – though it does often depart Milos in the middle of the night, so do double-check sailing times.
Hi Dave,
I am planning my 5th visit to Greece with an entire month on the islands in June. No need to revisit the two Cycladic hotspots but do want to visit a couple quieter ones. Then, I want to move on to the Dodecanese, Rhodes, Symi and Patmos.
How do you ferry between the Cyclades and Dodecanese? The Ferry Hopper site doesn’t help if you don’t know which Cycladic island is your origin.
Thank you!
Chris
San Francisco, California
Syros will have the most ferries heading east. It’s the Cycladic island you’ll most likely find routes to Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, etc. I love Syros in its own right, and it is definitely worth a visit.
What are the baggage weight (and pieces per person limit) on Greek ferries? We’ll probably be booking SeaJets World Champion from Athens to Santorini in September. Thanks!
It varies by company and ferry so read the baggage allowance for your specific ferry. Small catamarans might allow substantially less than larger ferries like the World Champion Jet. I’ve never had my baggage limited as I board, but I always travel pretty light.
Trying to determine ferry schedules between Santorini and Mykonos, and between Mykonos and Piraeus and/or Rafina in November. It’s Blue Star and Super Express between Mykonos and Athens, and Sea Jet between Santorini and Mykonos. Do you know when they will post these November sailings?
Thanks. You have a nice site with great information.
There will definitely be ferries between Piraeus and Santorini (both ways) and between Piraeus and Mykonos (both ways) in November. It’s always uncertain when the last ferry runs between Mykonos and Santorini. Some years it’s November 1st, some years November 20th or even a little later. I would check in September when schedules should be out for those months.
I have a flight out of Santorini next summer at 10:55am and I’m taking the ferry from Ios to Santorini (08:15am-9:00am) on a Seajets vessel. I heard ferries are notoriously late. Am I in jeopardy of missing my flight?
That is cutting it very close. I personally would not book those plans. It could easily be 9:30 when you’re walking off the ferry (without the SeaJet really being “late”). Then find a taxi and get up to the airport would probably get you to the terminal at 10:00. Lines can be long if you need to check in or check bags, so to have any chance of making it you should be fully checked in (with boarding pass) and have only carry on bags.
Hi Dave! We are scheduled June 20 on a Seajet from Santorini to Heraklion slated to arrive at 6 pm. It makes me a little nervous that you mention the ferries get more delayed as the day goes on because when we arrive we will have to pick up our rental car and drive two hours to Chania. How long of a delay are we typically talking about? If it’s hours delayed typically at this time of day I am really reluctant, and thinking of switching to a flight. Greatly appreciate your advice!!
That ferry is typically on time or close to it.
Hi Dave,
What is a reasonable layover time to get off 1 ferry at a port (e.g. Milos) and get on another ferry?
FerryHopper is suggesting 40 min is too little time, but 50 minutes is reasonable?
Thank you!
At all island ports ferries are literally steps from each other and there isn’t really a check-in process, you just show your ticket as you board. So in theory you only need a minute or two to walk off one ferry and walk on another. What you’re really concerned about is how late on-average will the first ferry be such that you might miss the second ferry and that’s hard to generalize. I would be comfortable with a one-hour difference between two ferries. 30-minutes seems cutting it close. But there’s no right answer. Hope that helps.
Dave,
Thanks for the valuable information. Do you know when next year’s ferry schedule will be released? When has it been released in the past?
Trying to book a trip in April.
I’ve never found any set pattern and it can change year to year. But my best guess for April ferry schedules is December or January.
Hi Dave – Would you recommend SeaJets Champion Jet 2 or Blue Star Delos from Naxos to Santorini on 30 October. We want the most reliable ferry as well as the least likely to cause seasickness. Thanks in advance!
The Blue Star ferry will be the most reliable and stable. I love the outdoor deck that you can walk about on for fresh air and great views as you sail through the caldera.
Hi Dave…Do you know if Santorini has any ferries going anywhere besides Athens in November? I can’t find any schedules online but I’m surprised there is absolutely nothing except Athens, don’t locals need to get around too?
Cheers!
Mario
Locals typically need to go to Athens and from there towns and villages on the mainland. But they generally don’t need to go to other islands hence the limited inter-island ferry schedule. That said the Blue Star from Santorini to Athens will usually stop in Naxos and Paros on the way – and less often Ios.
Hi Dave,
We are trying to go directly from mainland Greece (any port) directly to Ithaka on Sunday, June 6. I cannot seem to find any information on car ferry schedules for this, though I have read they run. Ideally, we would like to leave in the morning.
Have they just not published the ferry routes yet or are they not running this year? Any information you have would be very helpful. Thank you!
Amanda
Yes, ferries should run but they haven’t been published/updated for the summer quite yet. The itineraries announced for Kyllini to Ithaca are up to April 23rd. Since Levante Ferries is serving the line in winter, they should serve it also during summer. A new line was also added last year from Astakos to Ithaca, serving daily itineraries. The summer itineraries are not yet announced, but again they should post in the following weeks. I use Ferryhopper to find the most recent routes and timetables.
Hi Dave.
We would like to take a ferry from Crete to Santorini on the 3rd of September. There are only 2 ferries available (from Heraklion): The Naxos Jet & Champion Jet 2 (on Ferryhopper). We prefer the Blue Star (on your recommendation), but it is not available. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
The Blue Star does not run between Santorini and Crete. Those two ferries are your only options but I like and recommend both of them.
Hi Dave!! I have a 16 year old person traveling from Athens to Folegandros. She’s not traveling alone but couldn’t get her on her cousins’ reservation. Do you think this could be a problem as she is underage?
And also even if I purchased her ticket from another company with the same schedule as her cousins’ my guess is that it’s the same ferry, isn’t it? I imagined there is only one route a day from Athens to Folegandros?
They don’t check ID or age bording the ferry so there should not be a problem. (I’ve never had my ID checked as I boarded a ferry.) If it’s the departing at the same time it will almost certainly be the same ferry. But the ticket should give the name and company of the ship – which will tell you for sure.
Are the ferries nonsmoking? We have an asthmatic so very curious about this or at least the nonsmoking area? Also, is there a place to find a map of sorts to show the location of each section of the reserved air seating (AK 1-5)? I am having no luck on the BlueStar website. Thank you!
There’s no smoking inside on Greek ferries. Just outside on the deck. I don’t know of a Blue Star seating map.
We are trying to book a ferry midweek from Rhodes to Symi for first week in June and staying for two nights. All the ferry companies we have tried are not offering any availability. Are the timetables not out yet or is it too late?
I just looked on Ferryhopper and there was a daily ferry leaving Rhodes for Symi at 9am.
I recently tried to purchase ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini on FerryHopper for 1 May. The site would not sell the tickets and states there will be a planned strike on that day (May Day), and no ferries will be operating. That happens to be the day my friends and I were planning to travel between the two islands.
I can’t find any information to confirm this on the web. Can you confirm? Also, are there any other reasonably-priced ways to travel between these two islands on 1 May other than a flight back to Athens and then another flight to Santorini (definitely not reasonably-priced)?
Cheers,
Les
I think a strike has been held every year on the 1st of May for the past 15 years. In order to save users from extra re-arrangements, Ferryhopper has blocked ticket sales on that day, even before the strike is announced officially (usually the official announcement happens in late April). It is 99% sure that the routes on that day will get canceled.
Hi Dave. We want to take the ferry from Athens to Symi on June 11. Up until April the timetable shows 3 ferries a week, one of which is the day we want (a Tuesday I think, overnight) but after that the timetable only shows a Sunday ferry. Is this because the full timetable has not been listed as yet? We want to book a cabin. Thanks and hope to hear from you.
Yes, I think there should be many more ferries added within a month or two.
Hi Dave,
I’ve been waiting for the ferry schedule from Crete to Milos in April as I have booked accommodation on Milos. I was hoping to book on Sunday 14th. It looks like the schedule is finally out now, but there are no ferries at all that week. Do you know why?
As of now the first ferry of the summer from Crete to Cyclades runs on April 15 from Heraklion to Santorini (from there you could get to Milos on a different ferry). Before the 15th you’d need to travel via Piraeus (which is a long trek). The F/B Prevelis ferry starts one-per-week runs on April 21 but some of these are overnight ferries that take 10+ hours until a different schedule starts in late May/early June. New ferries can be added at any time so I recommend keeping a close eye on the schedule.
The online reviews for all of the ferry companies are terrible. Is there one particular provider that is better than the others?
I love Greek ferries. Generally, you hear about the things that went wrong but not the trips that were on time and uneventful. If someone travels from Athens to Mykonos without any problems they don’t go on Tripadvisor to rave about it. So, Greek ferries do have their shortcomings but for the most part they get you to where you’re going safely and (almost) on time. That said, of all the Greek ferry companies Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways are probably the best run and most reliable.
Now in mid-February do you think it is a good date to book June ferry travel or is it likely that some lines are yet to be announced?
Yes, it’s possible that some new routes could be announced. If you wanted a cabin I would book asap but for other tickets waiting a month or two would be fine (and booking now will very likely be fine too).
Hi Dave, if I book a ferry from Santorini to Sifnos and it has stops at Folegandros and Milos on the way, can I disembark and stay in Folegandros for a couple of nights and/or Milos for a few nights before carrying on to Sifnos and using the same ferry ticket or do you have to buy tickets for each individual leg of the journey i.e. a ticket from Santorini to Folegandros, then from Folegandros to Milos, then Milos to Sifnos? Obviously, that would be a lot more expensive however the ferry is going on the same journey, just a few days apart. How can I get a ticket that allows the multiple stops along the way?
There are no multiple stop or return ferry tickets in Greece. All tickets are one-way single stop tickets. If you get off the boat you need a separate ticket to get back on again whether it be a few hours or a few days later.
Hi Dave, do you know if I need to buy a ticket for a 6 month old baby?
Each ferry company has its own rules. On the Blue Star they should be free. On the Sea Jet they’d need a ticket. (I would double check the details as even those rules could have changed.)
Hi Dave. What category of ferry does the SuperCat fall into? There is this option Athens to Milos and Milos to Naxos.
It’s on the smaller side but not the very smallest. For a short trip (less than 2 hours) it should be fine. But if you’re prone to seasickness a ferry ride of more than 3 hours could seem interminable (if you encountered some rough seas).
Hi we are travelling in June. We are two persons and one motorcycle. We are hoping to travel from Athens to Santorini and then want to end up in Turkey. Is this possible?
Yes, it’s possible. The most likely route is to take a ferry to either Kos or Rhodes (they run 2 or 3 times per week) and then a ferry across to Turkey (they run daily from both islands).
Hi Dave, I am looking at planning a trip to the islands In August this year. I want to go to Santorini, Ios, Mykonos, and possibly Naxos. What is the best order to see them in?
Thanks
Because of the ferry routes I recommend going from Santorini to Ios to Naxos to Mykonos – or Mykonos to Naxos to Ios to Santorini.
Hello
Can you please let me know if there are ferries from Santorini to Rhodes? I am planning trip for June. Thank you.
Ferry schedules are not out yet for June. If there are ferries from Santorini to Rhodes they will probably be overnight ferries and run 2 or 3 times per week. I’ve taken this route a few times and usually have gone via Crete.
Hi Santorini Dave! I’m planning a trip to Greece in June for our Honeymoon and I’ve been researching a lot on the ferry services in the Cyclades. So far your article is the most concise and informative that I’ve read. I would just like to ask if it is advisable that we take Seajets as I’ve been reading a lot of bad reviews on them but so far, they are the only ones who a schedule available for June and have the fastest boats.
Thank you very much in advance!
SeaJets are generally fine though they do have a higher rate of cancellations. I prefer Blue Star as they have an open air deck with good views. The small SeaJets will also have the roughest ride (the SeaJet2 and the Superjet) but there are many SeaJet ferries that are not small and are similar to other ferries. And finally, there are some routes where SeaJet is the only ferry so you don’t have any choice unless you want to take two ferries via another island. All that said, it is very early and ferry schedules might not be fully released until January or February – there could still be several other choices available by the time you need to book. Wait a few months before making any decisions. Ferries will not sell out before April or May (and likely won’t sell out at all).
Hi Santorini Dave. Just wanted to know if Greek ferries run in February from Athens to Mykonos and Mykonos to Santorini? Or do they just start operating in March?
There will be ferries in February running from Athens to Santorini and from Athens to Mykonos. But no ferries between Santorini and Mykonos until mid or late March (maybe even early April). If traveling in winter I recommend sticking to Santorini, Naxos, and Paros which are always connected by a Blue Star ferry.
Hi Santorini Dave! This site has been an amazing resource for my fiance and me to plan our 2 week honeymoon for mid-late June. We’re thinking about flying from Athens into Heraklion (staying in Elounda) for several days and then would like to visit Milos and Naxos before flying back to the US from Athens. What would be the best travel order between Heraklion and Athens? Heraklion-Milos-Naxos-Athens vs Heraklion-Naxos-Milos-Athens? Many thanks! Michael
I can’t say until the ferry schedules come out. And even then it would likely be dependent on what day of the week you’re traveling.
Thank you for all the helpful information. We are planning a trip to Greece next May and would like to take an overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion, which would arrive at 6:00 a.m. Do you know if it’s possible to stay on the ferry later than the scheduled arrival time, or are we expected to be up, dressed, and ready to disembark at 6:00? We are planning to book an outside cabin–is there any way to specify the cabin location we’d prefer?
No, you won’t be able to stay in your cabin after arrival. The ferry will be buzzing with activity as they prepare it for the next departure (probably at 8:30 or 9:00). You can specify an inward-facing cabin or outward-facing – but nothing else.
Hello Dave,
I can’t tell you how helpful your site it. We are planning on going to Greece October 6-15 we are trying to figure out the ferry schedule from Ios to Mykonos but not sure if the ferry schedule is limited due that time of the year. Is there a travel agency that you know of that could help us navigate the ferry schedules and help us purchase the tickets.
Thank you soooo much.
Lisa
There is a Champion Jet2 by SeaJets that leaves Ios at 11:30am and gets to Mykonos at 1:05pm. It runs every day except for Saturday. Easy to book through Ferryhopper.com.
We are travelling from Folegandros to Santorini on September 25th and have a choice of SeaJet2 at 11:10 am or SuperJet at 9:10 pm – any recommendation for timing or seasickness reasons?
Then Santorini to Heraklion on Friday September 28th and have 3 choices all around 5PM: Champion Jet 2, Caldera Vista, and Santorini Palace. One later choice is also possible, Superferry at 7:15pm but slower. I assume it’s the largest boat from seasickness point of view despite being slower? Again any recommendation?
Thank you in advance!
Both the ferries to Santorini are small and could be bumpy. I’d prefer the earlier ferry (which stops in Ios on the way) for the timing but the later ferry is direct and a little faster. All of the ferries to Crete are bigger and there’s little difference between them.
Hi Santorini Dave, we have just booked our ferry tickets on through Direct Ferries for early September from Santorini to Mykonos. Their email suggests we pick the tickets up from the port [Thira] on the day of departure. Is it possible to pick the tickets up earlier from anywhere in Fira as this is where we are staying? Also, does this ferry depart from Thira or Athinios Port or is this the same place? It is with SeaJet Champion 2.
Thanks and looking forward to your reply
All ferries depart from the Athinios ferry port about a 20-minute bus ride from Fira. You should be able to collect tickets from Nomikos Travel on the main street in Fira. But since your email says the port maybe it’s different in your case. Try Nomikos the day before and if that doesn’t work just get them when you go down to catch your ferry.
Could you recommend which ferry to take from Mykonos to Naxos for someone who easily gets seasick? You have recommended Bluestar for a stable ride, but it does not run this route. I see Superrunner ( 1 hr 40 min) and Ekaterini (1 h 20 min) – would these be similar in stability to the large Bluestar ferries? Thank you for all your time and energy in creating these informative guides – we love them!
Both of those ferries will be fine. The best (if available on your dates) are the Tera Jet and JET1/JET2 ferries. The absolute worst is the Flying Cat 4.
How long is the ferry ride from Piraeus ferry port to Santorini?
It depends what ferry and what route but from Athens to Santorini takes about 5 hours on the SeaJet, 5 hours on the Golden Star Superrunner, 5.5 hours on a Hellenic high speed ferry, and 7.5 hours on the Blue Star. Though the slowest the Blue Star is the only ferry line that I prefer as it allows you to walk and sit on the outdoor decks.