Greece › Fly or Ferry to Santorini
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: November 27, 2025
See Also
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferries
- Santorini to Mykonos Ferries
- Where to Stay in Mykonos
- Where To Stay in Santorini
Most travelers assume flying between Mykonos and Santorini is the quickest option, but it rarely is. The ferry is almost always faster, cheaper, and more convenient. Here is why you should take the ferry, along with the few specific scenarios where flying makes sense.
The Mykonos airport is small and very busy in summer. If you do fly, arrive early to deal with lines.
The “Flight Trap” (Connecting via Athens)
There are very few direct commercial flights between Mykonos and Santorini. If you search on Expedia or Google Flights, almost every result will route you through Athens.
The Math of Flying (via Athens):
• Flight 1: Mykonos to Athens (45 mins)
• Layover: Athens Airport (2 to 4 hours)
• Flight 2: Athens to Santorini (45 mins)
• Total Time: 4 to 6 hours (plus security lines).
• Total Cost: Often €150 to €300+ per person.
The Reality of the Ferry:
• Direct Trip: Yes.
• Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Total Cost: €70 to €90 per person.
• Bottom Line: For 99% of travelers, the ferry is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than flying via Athens.
Direct Flights between Mykonos & Santorini
Direct flights do exist, but they are rare, seasonal, and often expensive. You should look for them, but do not build your entire trip around the hope of finding one.
• Cycladic Air: This is a boutique inter-island airline that flies small Cessna aircraft (10-12 seats). They sometimes operate a direct Mykonos-Santorini route in high season. It is expensive (often €200+ one way) but takes only 40 minutes.
• The “Tag” Flights (e.g., Flydubai): Occasionally, international carriers like Flydubai operate a “loop” route (Dubai -> Mykonos -> Santorini -> Dubai). Sometimes, you can snag a seat on the Mykonos-to-Santorini leg, but availability is limited and often restricted.
• Aegean/Olympic & Sky Express: In peak summer (July/August), these Greek carriers sometimes add a direct dash between the islands, though it is not guaranteed every year. Most of the time, their flights will route you through Athens.
My Advice: Check Sky Express or the Cycladic Air website first. If you don’t see a direct flight for your date immediately, stop looking and book the ferry.
A SeaJets Champion League Jet ferry departing from Mykonos. This is the type of larger ferry that you want to take to avoid seasickness.
The Ferry: How to Do It Right
Since you are likely taking the ferry, here is how to make it comfortable.
1. Choose the Right Boat (Seasickness Warning) The Mykonos-Santorini route can be very windy (the Meltemi winds). The sea can get choppy.
• Avoid: Small high-speed catamarans like SeaJet 2 or Super Jet. These feel every wave and are often nicknamed “vomit comets.”
• Book: Large high-speed catamarans like the WorldChampion Jet or Terra Jet (Seajets) or Thunder (Fast Ferries). These are massive, stable ships that handle the waves much better while still getting you there in 2.5 hours.
2. Book in Advance This is the most popular ferry route in Greece. In June, July, August, and September, tickets will sell out. Book your tickets at least 2 to 3 months in advance.
3. Departure Port: All ferries depart from the New Port (Tourlos) in Mykonos. You will need to take a taxi/Uber, bus, or water taxi (Sea Bus) to get there.
My Advice
• Take the Ferry: It is the standard way to travel. It takes 2.5 hours and costs about €85. Book a large vessel like the WorldChampion Jet to minimize motion sickness.
• Fly Only If: You have a severe phobia of boats, money is no object, and you can find a seat on a direct Cycladic Air flight. Do not fly via Athens.
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