Athens to Santorini: Options by Ferry or Plane

Explore Your Options: A Comprehensive Guide to Ferry and Flight Journeys from Athens to Santorini.

A visit to Santorini from Athens is a must-do for anyone touring Greece's treasures.

The journey provides breathtaking vistas and a chance to take in the vibrant culture and scenery of the mainland and the islands. There are two ways to get to Santorini from Athens either by ferry or plane. Below is a detailed guide to help you decide which suits your travel needs best.

By Ferry: A Scenic Adventure

Approaching Santorini by ferry from Athens, is better seen and enjoyed in the cruise through the beauty of the Aegean Sea. It is a leisurely and picturesque journey through islands that one will always remember and calls for a traditional Greek island-hopping experience.

From Pireaus port

Ferries to Santorini leave from Piraeus Port, situated about 12 km southwest of Athens city center. Piraeus is easily accessible by different means of transport. The Metro Line 1, commonly known as the Green Line, takes you directly to Piraeus Station, located near the port gates. For those traveling by bus, options include the 040 bus from Syntagma Square and the X96 bus from Athens International Airport, both of which stop near the port. For travelers with vehicles, several paid parking lots are available around the port, and it is advisable to reserve a spot during the busy travel seasons.

Piraeus Port: Greece's historic maritime hub, connecting Athens to the Aegean and beyond.

Types of ferries

Operating between Athens and Santorini are two kinds of ferries: the high-speed ones and the conventional ones.

• The high-speed ones take approximately 5.5-6 hours and are operated typically SeaJets. These come in handy for those in a rush, the ticket prices range depending on the season and class you book for. With the greater speed, however, comes higher cost and vulnerability to choppy waters on days when the winds are strong.

Seajet Ferry. (credit: commons.wikimedia.org)

• Conventional ferries, operated by Blue Star Ferries company, make their way to Santorini in 8 hours. Conventional ferries are pretty much cheaper; their tickets again, fluctuate according to the season you're looking to book. They have bigger decks on which one can walk around with ease & also provide greater stability during the trip.

Coventional ferry at Pireus Port.

The ferry route usually involves stops in the stunning Cycladic islands of Paros, Naxos, and Ios, giving passengers glimpses of picture-postcard harbors and traditional island architecture. Ferries arriving in Santorini anchor up at Athinios , which is positioned on the western side of the island.

Athinios port provides basic facilities including cafes, restaurants, and ticket houses, but it is worth mentioning that it gets crowded during peak hours. A local bus goes from the port to the capital, Fira . The other options include taking a taxi, shuttle, or renting a car to get to their destination.

Panoramic view of Athinios Port in Santorini.

From Rafina port

The port of Rafina provides a practical alternative to the much larger Piraeus Port, and it's about 30 kilometers from the city center of Athens. It can be easily reached by taxi and private transfers, as well as by public buses that operate from central Athens.

Rafina port. (credit: commons.wikimedia.org)

Routes to various islands, among them Santorini, leave from this port, with Golden Star Ferries offering one that lasts approximately 5.5 hours. The prices for the trip's tickets may be different depending on the season, class of sitting, and availability; economy seats are cheaper, while premiums provide a more comfortable ride.

Golden Star Ferries.

By Plane: Fast and Convenient

The fastest way to reach Santorini from Athens, for those focused on speed and efficiency, is to fly. Athens International Airport, otherwise known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center.

How to get to Eleftherios Venizelos airport

To get to the airport, one can take the Metro, Line 3, also referred to as the Blue Line, to the Airport Station, or use bus X95 from Syntagma Square or bus X96 from Piraeus. Those who drive to the airport have a wide range of options, from short-term to long-term parking.

Eleftherios Venizelos, Athnes international airport.

The flights between Athens to Santorini take approximately 45 minutes by airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, and Sky Express. The price of the tickets depends on the season and the time of reservation. Flights are remarkably useful for those who are constrained by time and prefer to have extra time to spend in Santorini.

One of the airlines, which provides direct flight from Athens to Santorini.

On arrival, flights reach Santorini (Thira) National Airport, situated approximately 6 kilometers away from Fira. Means of transport from the airport are local buses, taxis, and shuttles booked in advance. Car rentals are also available for those who travel independently around the island. The airport, although rather small, has all the basic facilities to accommodate every passengers.

Santorini airport.

Which Option is Right for You?

It all comes down to your preference of travel. The ferry is traditional, offering a route with breathtaking views that enable the traveler to relax and enjoy the journey, viewing other Cycladic islands as well. This option, however, takes more time. Flying is usually preferred by people who want their journey to be quick and comfortable in order to have more time to spend on Santorini.

For a seamless journey to Santorini from anywhere in the world, check the complete travel guide How to get to Santorini. If it’s your first visit, don’t miss the First time in Santorini guide to make the most of your experience.

Embrace Your Greek Adventure

Whether you travel by ferry or plane, the journey from Athens to Santorini is one of those unforgettable parts of your Greek adventure. On arrival, the picture-postcard whitewashed buildings of Santorini, dramatic views of the caldera, and surreal sunsets greet you, promising memories to last a lifetime.

Stunning views of Santorini shadowing the Aegean sea.

Safe travels, and enjoy the wonders of Santorini!