Mykonos-Santorini: Flight vs. Ferry

Greece › Getting between Mykonos-Santorini
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: May 11, 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

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 “Flight Trap” (Connecting via Athens)

There are very few direct commercial flights from Mykonos to Santorini or Santorini to Mykonos. 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: €150 to €300+ per person.

The Reality of the Ferry:
• Direct Trip: Yes.
• Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Total Cost: €100 to €110 for Economy seats.
• 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. 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 (€200+ one way) but takes only 40 minutes. They mostly offer charter/private flights.
• 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 Aegean, Sky Express, and Cycladic Air’s websites first. If you don’t see a direct flight for your date, stop looking and book the ferry.

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): Both the Mykonos to Santorini ferry and the Santorini to Mykonos ferry 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 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 to 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. Arrival/Departure Ports: All ferries use the New Port (Tourlos) in Mykonos and Athinios Port in Santorini. You will need to take a taxi/Uber, bus, or Sea Bus (Mykonos) to get to and from the ports.

My Advice

• Take the Ferry: It is the standard way to travel. It takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs about €100 for the cheapest seats. Book a large vessel like the WorldChampion Jet to minimize motion sickness.
• Fly Only If: You have a severe seasickness or phobia of boats, or you can find a seat on a direct flight. Do not fly via Athens unless you the ferry is really unappealing.
• Get The Donuts: The sugar donuts on Greek ferries are delicious. You should probably get one or two.