Greece › Ferries › Santorini to Athens
Updated: July 24, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Santorini Ferry Port Guide
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Athens Ferry Port Guide
Helpful Links
- Compare ferry schedules and buy tickets: Ferryhopper
- Pre-booked transfers in Athens: Welcome Pickups
- Pre-booked transfers in Santorini: Welcome Pickups
My wife and I at the Santorini ferry port.
Ferries from Santorini to Athens depart from Athinios Port and arrive at Piraeus Port. The fastest ferries take about 5 hours, while large conventional ferries take roughly 7.5 to 9 hours. Slower ferries making several island stops can take more than 10 hours. The cheapest tickets start at about €60 on Blue Star ferries, and €110 on SeaJets ferries.
I prefer the large Blue Star ferries. They are slower than the fastest SeaJets ferries but more stable in rough seas, have outdoor decks, and offer a great view of the Santorini cliffs as the ship leaves the caldera.
- Best for a fast trip: A large high-speed ferry.
- Best ride and views: A large conventional ferry such as Blue Star.
- Best for seasickness: Choose the largest ferry available and avoid small high-speed catamarans.
- Departure port: Athinios Ferry Port, about 20 minutes by bus or taxi from Fira without traffic.
- Arrival port: Piraeus, about 10km from central Athens.
- When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before departure.
Which Santorini to Athens Ferry Should I Take?
Take a large high-speed ferry when reaching Athens several hours earlier matters most. These ferries have reserved indoor seating but limited or no outdoor access while sailing. The ride is more sensitive to strong winds and rough seas.
Take a large conventional ferry for a smoother ride, outdoor decks, more space, and better views. I prefer Blue Star for this route, especially when traveling with children or anyone prone to seasickness.
Avoid the smallest high-speed catamarans when strong winds are forecast. They are fast in calm conditions but provide the roughest ride.
Ferry assignments and departure times change by date. Check the actual vessel and travel time before booking rather than choosing by ferry company alone.
Santorini Ferry Port
All Athens ferries leave from Athinios Ferry Port, at the bottom of the caldera cliffs.
Arrive at least 60 minutes early. The port becomes extremely congested when several ferries arrive together, and traffic backs up on the narrow switchback road.
The KTEL bus from Fira is scheduled around ferry departures and is the cheapest option. A pre-booked transfer is easier with luggage or when staying outside Fira. Do not count on finding a taxi at the last minute.
Ferries at Athinios Ferry Port. All Santorini ferries use this port.
Santorini to Athens Ferry Tickets
Example Santorini-to-Piraeus schedules. Check current departures on Ferryhopper.com.
I use Ferryhopper to compare schedules and book tickets. Summer ferries and the best departure times can sell out, so book in advance when your itinerary is fixed. Complete online check-in when instructed by the ferry company and save the QR boarding pass to your phone. Bring the passport or identification used for the booking.
On large conventional ferries, the cheapest economy ticket does not include a numbered seat. I recommend paying a little more for a reserved aircraft-style seat. Business class is quieter and less crowded but not essential. All seats are reserved on most high-speed ferries. Business or VIP is worthwhile on a long crossing when the price difference is reasonable.
Should I Fly or Take the Ferry?
Take the ferry for the scenery, easier luggage rules, and a direct journey from Santorini to central Athens. The Blue Star departure from the caldera is one of the most beautiful ferry trips in Greece.
Flying is better when your final destination is Athens Airport, the flight schedule is much faster, or you have limited time. Remember to include the transfer to Santorini Airport, airport check-in, baggage collection, and the journey from Athens Airport into the city when comparing total travel times.
Do not book a tight flight connection after arriving in Piraeus. Ferry delays, port traffic, and the journey to Athens Airport make same-day connections risky. Leave at least several hours, and stay overnight in Athens before an important international flight.
Arriving at Piraeus Port
Piraeus is a large working port. Your arrival gate depends on the ferry, and walking from the ship to the metro station or taxi pickup can take longer than expected.
Santorini ferries arrive in different parts of the port. Do not assume that every ferry docks directly opposite the metro station.
Many Cyclades ferries arrive near the central gates at Piraeus, but the exact arrival gate changes by ferry and route.
Getting from Piraeus to Central Athens
- Metro: Line 1 and Line 3 go to Monastiraki. Line 3 goes to Syntagma. The train ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but allow extra time to walk from the ferry to the station and from the Athens station to your hotel.
- Taxi: Best for door-to-door travel with luggage. Piraeus traffic can turn a short journey into a slow one. Make sure the driver uses the meter.
- Ride apps: Uber and FREENOW are useful for requesting a licensed Athens taxi and paying through the app.
- Private transfer: A good choice for families, large amounts of luggage, or late arrivals. A driver from Welcome Pickups will meet you at the arranged location.
The 040 bus reaches Syntagma but is slow and inconvenient with luggage. Take the metro, taxi, or private transfer instead.
Getting from Piraeus to Athens Airport
- Metro: Line 3 runs directly from Piraeus to Athens Airport. The ride takes about one hour and costs €9. Not every Line 3 train continues to the airport, so check the destination display before boarding.
- X96 airport bus: Runs 24 hours a day and costs €5.50. The trip takes about 90 minutes but can take longer in heavy traffic.
- Taxi or private transfer: Best with heavy luggage, children, or a late-night arrival. Allow at least one hour and more during weekday traffic.
Do not plan a tight ferry-to-flight connection. Even an on-time ferry can take time to unload, and Piraeus is a long journey from the airport.
Line 3 provides direct metro service from Piraeus to Athens International Airport.
Common Types of Santorini to Athens Ferry
A large SeaJets high-speed ferry. This is the best type of ferry when speed matters most.
A large Blue Star conventional ferry. Slower than a high-speed ferry, but more stable and better for outdoor views.
Business-class seating has more space and a quieter atmosphere. It is a worthwhile upgrade for a long crossing when the price difference is reasonable.
Small high-speed ferries provide the roughest ride in choppy seas. Avoid them if you are prone to seasickness.
Santorini to Athens Ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Athens?
The fastest ferries take about 5 hours. Large conventional ferries take roughly 7.5 to 9 hours, while slower multi-stop sailings can take more than 10 hours.
What is the best ferry from Santorini to Athens?
I prefer a large Blue Star ferry for its smoother ride, outdoor decks, extra space, and caldera views. Choose a large high-speed ferry when reaching Athens several hours earlier matters more.
Is the Santorini to Athens ferry rough?
It can be rough during strong winds, especially in July and August. Large conventional ferries provide the smoothest ride. Small high-speed catamarans are the worst choice for passengers prone to seasickness.
How early should I arrive at Santorini Ferry Port?
Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Athinios Port becomes congested when several ferries arrive together, and traffic on the road down the caldera can cause delays.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
Book ahead for summer travel, weekends, holidays, cars, cabins, and popular departure times. Advance booking matters less in winter, but checking the schedule before traveling is essential.
Can I travel directly from the ferry to Athens Airport?
Yes. Line 3 runs directly from Piraeus to Athens Airport, and the X96 airport bus operates 24 hours a day. Allow plenty of time between the ferry and your flight.
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