Mykonos-Santorini: Flight vs. Ferry

Greece › Mykonos–Santorini: Flight or Ferry
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: July 30, 2026

See Also

• Mykonos to Santorini Ferries
• Santorini to Mykonos Ferries
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Santorini

Helpful Links

• How I buy ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com
• Pre-booked taxi service: Welcome Pickups

For almost every traveler, the ferry is the best way to travel between Mykonos and Santorini. It is direct, takes about 2 to 2½ hours, and is faster and easier than flying through Athens. Choose a flight only if you find one of the rare nonstop services or strongly prefer not to travel by boat.

• Ferry: Direct, about 2 to 2½ hours onboard, and roughly €100 to €110 for the cheapest seats.
• Flight via Athens: Two flights, a layover, about 4 to 7 hours total, and roughly €150 to €300 or more.
• Best choice: Take the ferry unless you find a convenient nonstop flight.

Why the Ferry Is Better

The ferry travels directly between the islands. Flying normally requires one flight to Athens, a layover, and a second flight back into the Cyclades.

The flight segments are short, but the full trip includes airport transfers, check-in, security, boarding, the Athens connection, baggage collection, and another transfer to your hotel. Door-to-door, flying through Athens rarely saves time.

The ferry is also easier with luggage. There are no airline baggage fees, liquid restrictions, or tight weight limits for normal suitcases. You board with your bags, store them in the luggage area, and collect them when you arrive.

The crossing also has good views of the Cyclades and feels like part of the trip rather than a complicated travel day.

Direct Flights between Mykonos and Santorini

Direct flights are rare. If you find one at a convenient time and acceptable price, it can be a good option.

• Cycladic Air: Operates small aircraft and sometimes offers direct inter-island flights or private charters. Seats are limited and fares are expensive.
• Aegean, Olympic Air, and Sky Express: Occasionally schedule nonstop summer flights, but most results connect through Athens.

Check for a nonstop flight first. If none appears for your date, book the ferry rather than flying through Athens.

Choosing the Best Ferry

The Mykonos–Santorini route can be rough when the Meltemi winds are strong. The size of the ferry matters more than the seating category.

• Best choice: Book one of the larger high-speed vessels, such as WorldChampion Jet, Champion Jet, Terra Jet, or Fast Ferries Thunder, when available. These handle choppy seas better than the smallest catamarans.
• Avoid when possible: Small high-speed ferries such as SeaJet 2 or Super Jet. They feel more movement and are uncomfortable for travelers prone to seasickness.
• For seasickness: Take medication before departure if needed, sit near the center of the vessel, and avoid a large meal immediately before boarding.

Booking and Port Information

Summer sailings can sell out, especially convenient morning and midday departures in July and August. Book early once your hotel dates are fixed. June and September are also busy, though tickets do not need to be purchased months ahead for every sailing.

• Mykonos: Ferries use the New Port at Tourlos. From Mykonos Town, reach it by taxi, bus, or SeaBus.
• Santorini: Ferries use Athinios Port, which can become congested when several ships arrive together. Arrange a hotel transfer or pre-booked taxi when possible.
• Arrival time: Be at the port about 45 minutes before departure.
• Connections: Ferry schedules can change because of wind, operational delays, or port congestion. Avoid making a tight connection with an international flight.

Which Should You Choose?

• Take the ferry if you want the fastest, simplest, and least expensive option. This is the right choice for almost everyone.
• Take a nonstop flight if one operates on your date, the schedule is convenient, and the higher price is worthwhile.
• Fly through Athens only if you cannot comfortably travel by ferry or strongly want to avoid a boat trip. Otherwise, the extra connection makes little sense.