See Also
- Accommodation Options in Athens
- Premier Accommodations in Athens
- Athens (Piraeus) ferry terminal guide
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini
Santorini is a trip of 4.5 to 6 hours from Athens on the fastest highspeed ferries and catamarans, and 7 to 9 hours (or more) on the slower car ferries and overnight ferries. Most ferries from Athens to Santorini also call at Naxos and Paros along the way. Some ferries will stop in Ios, Mykonos, Foledandros, Milos, Sifnos, and Serifos also. During peak season (May to October) there will be 4 to 7 ferries each day from Athens. In the off season there will constantly be at least one ferry per day. Ferries from Santorini to Athens run on a similar schedule but later in the day. There are multiple flights daily from Athens to Santorini year-round.
Ports in Athens
Ferries to Santorini depart from two main ports near Athens: Piraeus and Rafina.
• Piraeus: The largest and busiest harbor in Greece, Piraeus is situated approximately ten kilometers southwest of central Athens. Public transportation makes the port easily accessible, like the Athens Metro Line 1 (Green Line) and various bus routes. Most ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus.
• Rafina: Located 30 kilometers east of Athens, Rafina is a smaller port with fewer sailings but provides a closer option for those staying near Athens International Airport. Buses run regularly between the airport and Rafina port.
Ferry Operators
Several ferry companies run the route between Athens and Santorini, providing a range of services, vessel types, and ticket options:
• Blue Star Ferries, known for their comfort and reliability, operates conventional ferries sailing regularly from Piraeus to Santorini. The typical journey takes around 8 hours.
• SeaJets: Specializing in high-speed catamarans, SeaJets provides faster connections between Athens and Santorini. The journey takes approximately 4.5-5.5 hours.
• Hellenic Seaways: Operating high-speed catamarans in addition to standard ferries, Hellenic Seaways offers transportation between Athens and Santorini. Travel periods vary depending on vessel type.
• Golden Star Ferries: Offering conventional and high-speed ferries, Golden Star Ferries connects Athens and Santorini with travel times depending on the vessel.
Ticket Classes and Amenities
Ferry tickets for travel between Athens and Santorini are available under different classes determined by vessel and company:
• Most economical option, offering basic indoor or outdoor seating.
• Air Seat Lounge: Comfortable airplane-style seating arranged in a designated indoor seating area.
• VIP & Business Class: An enhanced experience with spacious, comfortable seating and additional on-board amenities.
• Cabins: Available on overnight and some day trips, cabins offer private quarters with beds and compact but workable bathrooms and showers.
• Ferries provide various amenities, such as restaurants, bars, snack kiosks, and Wi-Fi. The availability of these services depends on the ferry company and vessel type.
Booking Tickets
This unconventional miniature home is one of the coolest Airbnbs found in Seattle. Located in the trendy Ballard neighborhood, which necessitates a 15-20 minute bus ride to downtown Seattle, you’re situated extremely close to breweries, shops, restaurants, and the Ballard Farmers Market.
Example Piraeus to Santorini Ferry Schedule
• How to acquire ferry tickets: Ferryhopper.com
• Best seats: I suggest Business or VIP if available (nicer seats in a more relaxed setting)
• Plan to purchase tickets ranging from 2 to 3 months ahead (earlier options may not be accessible yet, and later dates could have no availability)
Common Ferries from Athens to Santorini
