Greece › Ferries › Santorini to Athens
Updated: January 7, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
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Ferries at the Athinios Ferry Port in Santorini. All ferries to and from Santorini use this port. The ferry port is 20-minutes by bus or taxi from Fira (Santorini’s largest town). Tickets can purchased at the port but it’s much better to buy ferry tickets in advance.
Ferries from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus)
The Piraeus Ferry Port (about 30 minutes by metro or taxi from central Athens) is the primary destination. The journey takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours by high-speed catamaran (e.g., SeaJets) and 7.5 to 8 hours by conventional car ferry (e.g., Blue Star). Most routes include brief stops in Naxos, Paros, and Ios. In high season (May to October), expect 5 to 8 departures per day, mostly leaving Santorini between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. In low season, there is always at least one daily departure (usually the afternoon Blue Star). While ferries are the most popular choice, there are also multiple daily flights (45 minutes) to Athens International Airport year-round.
How To Buy Tickets and E-Tickets?
The process is now fully digital and simple.
- Where to buy: I always use Ferryhopper.com. It connects to all the ferry databases, allows you to compare fast vs. slow boats easily, and handles the E-Ticket process seamlessly for you.
- The E-Ticket Process: After you book, you will receive a confirmation email. For most companies (like Blue Star and SeaJets), you complete a quick Online Check-in (usually available 48 hours before departure) to generate your actual Boarding Pass.
- Boarding: Download the Boarding Pass (which is a QR Code) to your phone. When you walk up to the ferry ramp, a crew member scans your phone screen. That is it. You do not need to print anything.
- Best seats: Business or VIP are worth the extra cost (nicer seats in a more relaxed setting).
Example Santorini to Piraeus (Athens) Ferry Schedule
Santorini-Piraeus ferry schedules on ferryhopper.com.
Most ferries from Santorini to Athens will arrive in Piraeus at Gates E6, E7, or E8, directly across the street from the Piraeus train station. Piraeus is 30 minutes by train or taxi from central Athens.
Common Ferries from Santorini to Athens
The SeaJets Worldchampion Jet ferry. The fastest ferry from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus).
Regardless of ferry you take, I recommend Business Class or VIP seating for its increased space and more-relaxed, quieter vibe.
The SeaJets Champion Jet 2 ferry. Also very fast.
The Blue Star Patmos ferry. A good choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
The Blue Star Delos ferry. A good choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
The Blue Star Naxos ferry. A good choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
The Hellenic Seaways Ariadne ferry. Since Hellenic is owned by Blue Star this will often be listed as the Blue Star Ariadne.
The Anek F/B Prevelis ferry.
This is the Hellenic Highspeed 7 which is almost identical to the Minoan Lines Santorini Palace (which I don’t have a photo of).
The Zanteferries Dionisios Solomosis ferry. The slowest.
The SeaJets Superjet ferry. The worst for seasickness. This is a small ferry and can give a very rough ride in choppy seas. If you’re prone to seasickness choose a different ferry.
The SeaJets Sea Jet 2 ferry. This is also a small ferry and should be avoided if you’re sensitive to rough seas.
There is now a direct train from the Piraeus ferry port to Athens International Airport. The station is directly across the street from the E6 port entrance.
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