Ferry from Athens to Santorini: times, prices and what to know (2026)
Santorini is further than most Cyclades: the crossing from Piraeus takes from about 4.5 hours to over 10 hours, depending on the boat. When a ferry makes sense and when to fly.
- Piraeus to Santorini: from about 4h25 on Seajets, and about 10 to 11.5 hours on Fast Ferries with many stops.
- Adult tickets from about €45.50; cars roughly €108–130 (Ferryhopper, October 2026).
- Up to 8 sailings a day in summer. In winter Blue Star sails daily; few fast boats.
On a long crossing, choose carefully: the fast boat saves half a day, the big ferry is cheaper and steadier. Short on time? Check a domestic flight from Athens, under an hour.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini?
Piraeus to Santorini is about 127 nautical miles (about 236 km).
| Company | Type | Crossing time |
|---|---|---|
| Seajets | High-speed | from about 4h25 |
| Blue Star Ferries | Conventional | longer, depending on the number of stops |
| Fast Ferries | Conventional | about 10 to 11.5 hours |
Figures according to Ferryhopper, October 2026. Longer sailings call at several islands such as Paros, Naxos and Ios. Check the arrival time, not just the departure.
How many sailings a day?
- Summer: up to 8 a day.
- Winter: per Ferryhopper's January schedules, Blue Star sails daily, Fast Ferries 4 days a week and Seajets once a week.
How much is the ferry to Santorini?
- Passenger: from about €45.50 per adult, one way.
- Car: roughly €108–130 on top of passenger tickets. Two adults with a car: about €184.50.
Which Piraeus gate?
According to Ferryhopper, Santorini ferries leave from gates E6, E7, E9 and E10. Check your ticket and the port boards.
Getting to Piraeus: from the airport take metro line 3 straight to Piraeus station (up to 59 minutes) or the 24-hour X96 bus. From central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki) take metro line 1 or 3. The port is huge: walking from the entrance to your gate can take up to 30 minutes, so check your gate on the ticket. Airport to Piraeus and the city.
Arriving: Athinios port
Ferries dock at the new port, Athinios, below the cliffs. The winding road up to Fira gets congested in summer. There are buses and taxis; arrange a hotel transfer in advance.
Ferry or flight?
There are short domestic flights from Athens to Santorini. With only a few days, flying can save a whole day. With time to spare, the crossing is part of the experience.
Kosher food
There is no Chabad house on Santorini. KosherMykonos also delivers kosher meals to Santorini. Details: Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
Tips before you book
- July and August: book ahead, especially with a car or if you want a cabin on a night sailing.
- Meltemi wind: from mid-May to mid-September a strong north wind blows. High-speed boats are cancelled first, and sometimes the port authority stops all sailings. When strong wind is forecast, a large conventional ferry is the safer choice.
- Strikes: when the seamen's union strikes, all ferries stay in port. Check today's strikes and the strike calendar.
- Spare day: never come back from the island on the day of your flight home.
- Ticket and passport: most companies send an e-ticket with a QR code. Bring your passport and arrive at least an hour before departure.
More on ports, winds and tickets: Ferries in Greece: the complete guide.
More on the island: Santorini destination guide.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini? From about 4 hours 25 minutes on Seajets high-speed boats, up to 10–11.5 hours on ferries with many stops.
How much is the ferry to Santorini? According to Ferryhopper in October 2026, from about €45.50 per adult one way; cars roughly €108–130.
Are there ferries to Santorini in winter? Yes, Blue Star Ferries sails daily in winter, but there are fewer high-speed sailings.
Crossing times, companies and fares are based on Ferryhopper and the operators' sites, October 2026. Fares are "from" prices for one adult, one way, and change by season and vessel. Check the current price when you book.
