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Santorini Ferry Port

Greece › Santorini › Ferry Port Guide
Updated: August 26, 2026 • By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com

Santorini Ferry Port at Athinios, Greece.

Santorini’s ferry port is Athinios Port, also called the New Port or Thira Port. All regular passenger and car ferries to Santorini arrive and depart here. Athinios is about 8 km by road from Fira, 10 km from Santorini Airport, and 20 km from Oia. Public buses connect the port with Fira; for Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari, and most other towns, a pre-booked transfer is easier if you’re traveling with luggage.

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Santorini Ferry Port vs Santorini Cruise Port

Santorini has two ports that confuse first-time visitors. Athinios Port, also called the New Port or Thira Port, is the ferry port. The Old Port below Fira, also called Skala or Gialos, is used by cruise ship tender boats and some excursion boats. If you’re traveling between Santorini and Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Naxos, Paros, Milos, or another Greek island by regular passenger ferry, you want Athinios.

Athinios is on the southwest side of Santorini, about 8 km by road from Fira, 10 km from Santorini Airport, and 20 km from Oia. The port is small, busy, and particularly chaotic when several ferries arrive close together. Everything is squeezed between the water and the caldera cliffs, with only one switchback road leading in and out.

Map showing Santorini Ferry Port at Athinios and the Old Port below Fira.

Santorini Ferry Port Transportation

Passengers boarding a ferry at Santorini Athinios Port.

Passengers boarding a ferry at the Santorini ferry port.

Athinios is not within walking distance of any Santorini town. Your choices are public bus, taxi, Uber Taxi, private transfer, hotel transfer, or rental car. The bus is cheapest. A pre-booked transfer is easiest, especially for Oia, Imerovigli, families, groups, and anyone with a lot of luggage.

Buses at Santorini Ferry Port

  • From the Port: Santorini public buses run from Athinios to Fira, with departures scheduled around the main ferry arrivals. Look for the local KTEL buses to your left after disembarking. Luggage goes underneath the bus. The fare from Athinios to Fira is €2.70 and the ride takes about 20 minutes.
  • To the Port: Direct Athinios buses leave from Fira. The schedule is based on that day’s ferry departures and changes frequently, so check at the Fira bus station rather than relying on an old timetable. Buses are timed to get passengers to the port before their ferry.
  • If you’re staying outside Fira, you’ll normally take a bus to Fira and change there. This works well with light luggage. With large suitcases, particularly on the packed Fira-Oia route, I prefer a private transfer.
  • Current fares and regular island timetables are posted on the official KTEL Santorini website. I carry cash for Santorini buses.
Buses, taxis, and transfers at Santorini Ferry Port.

Public buses, taxis, and transfer vehicles at the Santorini ferry port.

Taxis & Private Transfers

  • Santorini has a limited taxi supply and demand spikes when a ferry arrives. There might be taxis waiting at Athinios, but I would not count on getting one quickly in July or August. If timing matters, book your ride before arriving.
  • My preferred option is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups. The price is set in advance, the driver monitors your ferry for delays, and you’ll be met at the port with a sign. Larger vehicles and child car seats can be requested when booking.
  • Uber works on Santorini through Uber Taxi, which connects you with licensed local taxi drivers. It’s useful around the island, but I would not rely on finding an available car immediately after a busy ferry arrives at Athinios.
  • Many Santorini hotels will arrange a private port transfer. Ask when booking. This is often the simplest option because the hotel knows exactly where its closest vehicle-access point is, which matters for cliffside hotels in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.

Car Rental & Parking at the Ferry Port

  • In my experience, it’s easiest to pre-book a Santorini rental car through Booking.com. I prefer picking up in Fira or at the Santorini airport rather than at Athinios.
  • You can reserve a rental car for pick-up at Santorini Port, but I don’t recommend it. The road climbing from Athinios is steep, narrow, full of sharp switchbacks, and can be jammed with buses, vans, trucks, and rental cars immediately after a ferry arrival. I have never chosen to start a Santorini rental here and don’t plan to.
  • There is a small, loosely organized parking area at the port. Athinios is not a place I would leave a car unless necessary.

Santorini Port to the Airport

Bus and taxi waiting area at Santorini Athinios ferry port.

The shaded waiting area for buses and taxis at the Santorini ferry port.

  • There is no dependable direct public bus from Athinios Port to Santorini Airport. Take the €2.70 bus from the port to Fira, then change to the airport bus for €2.20. Fira to the airport takes about 10 minutes once you’re on the bus, but allow plenty of extra time for the transfer.
  • If you’re connecting from a ferry to a flight on the same day, I strongly prefer a pre-booked private transfer. Ferry delays and traffic on the Athinios road make a tight ferry-to-flight connection a bad gamble.
  • A taxi or Uber Taxi can work if one is available, but I would not make an important flight dependent on finding a car after you disembark.

Santorini Port to Fira

  • The bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Athinios to Fira. Buses run from the port in connection with the main ferry arrivals. The fare is €2.70 and the trip takes about 20 minutes. The Fira bus station is centrally located near the beginning of the pedestrian center. (Map)
  • A private transfer is better if you have lots of luggage, young children, mobility issues, or a hotel far from the bus station. Remember that many caldera hotels cannot be reached directly by car, so your driver may drop you at the closest road access.
  • Many of the best Fira hotels will arrange port transfers for guests.
Switchback road between Santorini Ferry Port and Fira.

The road from the ferry port climbs the caldera cliff through a long series of switchbacks. Skaros Rock and Imerovigli are visible in the middle of the photo.

Santorini Port to Oia

  • There is no direct public bus from Athinios Port to Oia. Take the €2.70 bus to Fira, then change to the €2.20 Oia bus. Fira to Oia takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
  • The transfer is straightforward if you’re traveling light, but the Fira-Oia route is one of Santorini’s busiest. With large suitcases in summer, I recommend a pre-booked private transfer instead.
  • The drive from Athinios to Oia takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes when traffic is moving well, and longer when the port road or Oia is congested.
  • Some of my favorite Oia hotels will arrange a port transfer for guests. Ask the hotel before booking a separate ride.

Santorini Port to Imerovigli

  • There is no direct Athinios-Imerovigli bus. Take the €2.70 bus to Fira and change to the €2.20 Fira-Imerovigli bus. The Imerovigli stop is near the entrance to the village, about a 5 to 10-minute walk from many cliffside hotels. (Map)
  • The bus is cheap and works well with light luggage. For most travelers arriving with suitcases, I prefer a private transfer directly from the port.
  • Many of the best Imerovigli hotels will arrange a port transfer. This is especially useful because many hotels are reached by pedestrian paths and stairs rather than directly by road.

Santorini Port to Kamari

  • The standard public-transport route is Athinios to Fira for €2.70, then Fira to Kamari for €2.20. The Fira-Kamari bus takes about 20 to 30 minutes. (Map)
  • KTEL also lists a Kamari-Athinios fare, but port service changes with ferry schedules, so I would not plan a connection around a direct bus unless you’ve confirmed it locally that day.
  • A private transfer is the easiest option with luggage. Kamari has good road access, so unlike Oia or Imerovigli, most hotels are straightforward drop-offs.
  • Several of the best Kamari hotels can arrange a port transfer for guests.

Santorini Ferry Tickets

Passengers boarding a ferry at Athinios Port in Santorini.

Athinios gets crowded when ferries arrive and depart, but boarding itself is straightforward. In this photo departing passengers have their tickets checked before walking onto the ferry. Oia is visible to the left and Fira is above the cliff to the right.

FerryHopper.com is my favorite site for checking Greek ferry schedules and buying tickets.

How Early Should I Arrive at Santorini Ferry Port?

  • For most departures, I arrive at Athinios about 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled ferry. The port is small and boarding is simple, but traffic on the cliff road can be unpredictable.
  • If you’re taking the Fira bus, departures are scheduled around the ferries and are designed to get passengers to Athinios in time. If you’re driving a rental car onto the ferry, arrive earlier and follow the ferry company’s instructions.
  • Don’t cut it close. Several ferries can arrive within a short window, traffic backs up on the switchbacks, and a late taxi or transfer is difficult to fix once you’re stuck above the port.
  • If you’re early, Athinios has cafés, minimarts, ticket offices, an ATM, and waiting areas. It’s functional, not somewhere I’d arrive two hours early just for fun.

Should I Buy Santorini Ferry Tickets in Advance?

  • Yes. I book all ferry tickets in advance, especially from June through September. Book earlier if you need a specific departure, a high-speed ferry, a cabin, or vehicle space.
  • Outside the busiest months, last-minute tickets are easier to find, but buying ahead removes one more job from your travel day.
  • FerryHopper.com is my preferred site for comparing routes, ferry companies, travel times, and prices.

Where Are the Ticket Offices at Santorini Ferry Port?

ATM and ferry ticket office at Athinios Port in Santorini.

An ATM and ferry ticket pick-up office at Athinios Port.

  • The ticket offices are in the row of buildings directly opposite the ferry docks. The main agencies are Nomikos and Dakoutros.
  • If you already have an e-ticket or boarding pass on your phone, you do not need to stop at a ticket office. Go to the boarding area when your ferry is called.
  • If your booking requires a paper ticket or collection from an agency, do it as soon as you arrive. Lines get long immediately before a major departure.

Do Greek Ferries Use E-Tickets?

  • Most major Greek ferry companies support electronic tickets. Follow the check-in instructions in your booking confirmation, as the exact process and check-in window differ by ferry company.
  • Once checked in, save your boarding pass or QR code to your phone. I take a screenshot too. Mobile service gets overloaded when the port is packed, and this is not where you want to be digging through email.
  • Keep your passport or ID handy. It’s rare but ferry staff can ask to see identification when boarding.
  • If you’re taking a vehicle on the ferry, arrive earlier than foot passengers and follow the crew’s instructions for the vehicle queue.

Santorini Ferry Port Facilities

Athinios is small but has the basics: ticket and travel offices, cafés, minimarts, an ATM, car-rental desks, toilets, shaded waiting areas, and a passenger waiting room. Don’t expect an airport-style terminal or lots of comfortable seating.

There is no useful reason to plan a long layover at the port. If you have several hours between your hotel checkout and ferry departure, spend the extra time in Fira and go down to Athinios closer to departure. Fira also has better options for storing luggage.

View of Fira and Imerovigli from Santorini Ferry Port.

A tugboat in Athinios Port. In the distance, Imerovigli sits high on the caldera with Skaros Rock jutting out in front.

Santorini Ferry Schedules

Santorini ferry schedules change by season, and some island routes operate only part of the year. FerryHopper.com is the easiest place to check current schedules, compare ferry companies and fares, and book tickets.

For detailed route advice, see my Greek Ferry Guide and the Santorini ferry-route guides linked near the top of this page.

Hotels Near Santorini Ferry Port

  • Don’t choose a Santorini hotel just to be near Athinios. The ferry port is not a good base and you’ll need transportation to reach the places you’ll actually want to visit.
  • Fira is the most convenient town if ferry access matters. It’s about 20 minutes from Athinios by bus, is the island’s main transportation hub, and has direct buses to and from the ferry port.
  • Three convenient Fira hotels near the bus station are Angel Luxury Suites (luxury), Atlantis Hotel (mid-range), and Petini’s Place (budget).
  • If you’re using a private transfer, stay in the Santorini town you actually want to visit. I would never give up a better hotel or location in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or elsewhere simply to save a little time getting to the ferry.
Santorini Ferry Port at Athinios and the caldera.

Looking north over Santorini Ferry Port and the caldera.

Southern view of Santorini Ferry Port at Athinios.

Looking south over Santorini Ferry Port.

Santorini Ferry Port Photos

Santorini Athinios Ferry Port seen from an arriving ferry.

Athinios Port as seen from an arriving ferry. The port is surprisingly small for the number of ferries and passengers it handles.

Passengers disembarking with luggage at Santorini Ferry Port.

After disembarking at Athinios, head left toward the buses, taxis, and transfer vehicles.

Passengers walking through Santorini Athinios Ferry Port.

Buses, taxis, and private transfers are ahead and to the left. Ticket offices, rental-car desks, minimarts, and cafés are to the right.

Sign for local buses and taxis at Santorini Ferry Port.

A sign points toward the local buses and taxi area.

Local Santorini buses at Athinios Ferry Port.

Local KTEL buses at Athinios. Large luggage is stored underneath the bus.

Taxis waiting at Santorini Athinios Ferry Port.

Taxis sometimes wait beside the buses, but demand can overwhelm supply when a busy ferry arrives. I prefer booking a transfer in advance.

Private transfer drivers meeting passengers at Santorini Ferry Port.

Private-transfer drivers meet arriving passengers near the buses and taxis. Look for your name on a sign.

Steep switchback road climbing from Santorini Athinios Port.

Buses climbing the steep switchback road above Athinios. This is why I don’t pick up a rental car at the ferry port.

Ticket offices, cafés, and businesses at Santorini Ferry Port.

Across from the docks is a row of ticket and travel offices, rental-car desks, minimarts, and cafés.

Nomikos ferry ticket office at Santorini Athinios Port.

Nomikos travel agency at Athinios. If your booking requires a paper ticket, check the instructions to see which agency you need.

Passenger waiting area at Santorini Athinios Ferry Port.

Athinios has a passenger waiting area and an ATM.

Snack shop at Santorini Ferry Port.

Small shops at the port sell snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

Restroom at Santorini Athinios Ferry Port.

Restrooms are available at Athinios Port.

Santorini Dave at the Fira bus station.

That’s me taking photos at the Fira Bus Station. Change here for buses to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and other villages around Santorini.

Bus schedules at Fira bus station.

Bus schedules posted at the Fira bus station.

Fira-Athinios bus schedule.

Buses from Fira to Athinios are scheduled around ferry departures and posted at the Fira bus station a day or two in advance.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece 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 Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.