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Updated: August 24, 2025
If you’re traveling to Greece, chances are Santorini is on your itinerary. And it’s no surprise—this Cycladic island is famous for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed houses with blue domes on the cliffs, and unique beaches you won’t find anywhere else.
In this guide, I’ll share how to get from Athens to Santorini by ferry or plane, with tips on getting to and from the airport and port—based on my own experience living in the Greek islands (including Santorini).
If you’re short on time, you can book your plane ticket on this website and your ferry ticket on this one.
How to get from Athens to Santorini
1. Flight
If you want to get there fast, flying is your best option. Between June and September, there are over 20 daily flights, so you’ll easily find one that fits your schedule.
The distance from Athens to Santorini is about 218 km (135 miles), and the flight takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Thanks to its popularity, several low-cost airlines fly this route, keeping prices competitive—though in peak season they can skyrocket.
✈ Airlines flying from Athens to Santorini
- Ryanair
- Volotea
- Sky Express
- Aegean Airlines (not low cost)
💲 Ticket prices
In low season, you can find one-way tickets starting at around €40. In summer, if you don’t book ahead, prices can jump to over €250.
Keep in mind that low-cost airlines (and Aegean’s basic fare) don’t include checked luggage, so if you’re bringing a lot, you’ll need to add that extra cost.
If you only have a short time to enjoy this beautiful island, flying is the way to go—quick, easy, and, with some luck, affordable.
✔️ Where to buy plane tickets
For traveling around the Greek islands and the rest of Greece, this is the best site to book your flights. You can compare schedules, prices, and book directly.
💡 Tip: Santorini has direct international flights from several European countries like Italy, France, England, Spain and more.
🔹 How to get from Athens to the airport
- Metro: Line 3, every 30 minutes between 6:30 am and 11:30 pm. Takes about 45 minutes and costs €9 one-way.
- Taxi: Comfortable but more expensive—between €40 and €55, depending on time of day and traffic.
- Private transfer: The most convenient. They’ll be waiting with a sign, and it’s great value if you’re traveling with others. Book your Athens airport transfer here.
⭐ Related article: How to get from Athens Airport to the City Center + Map
🔹 How to get from Santorini Airport to other parts of the island
- Bus: Cheapest option. To Fira, it’s €2 (summer 2025 price), runs every hour, and takes about 10 minutes. If you’re staying in another village, you’ll need to change buses in Fira.
- Taxi: Around €20 to Fira and €30–35 to Oia.
- Transfer: Cheaper than a taxi and much more convenient. Book your Santorini airport transfer here.
✅ Friendly Tip: Don't forget to take out travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo which is the most complete, and with that link you have a 15% discount Until December 1st!
2. Ferry
Another way to get from Athens to Santorini is by ferry or catamaran. The trip takes longer than flying, but it has its charm—it’s more relaxed and has a romantic feel.
Travel time depends on the type of boat: catamarans take about 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes, while regular ferries (the big ships) take 7 to 9 hours, and there’s even one that takes over 11 hours.
In summer, there are several departures every day, most in the morning (especially the fast boats). In the off-season, service is less frequent, and some days there might be no ferries at all. While many Greek islands lose ferry service in winter, Santorini is so popular that it runs year-round.
👍 Friendly Tip: If you get seasick, fast boats can be bumpy—especially outside peak season when the sea is rougher. A regular ferry will be more stable, or bring motion sickness meds and sit in the middle of the boat for the smoothest ride.
💲 Ferry from Athens to Santorini cost
Tickets range from €58 to €90 per person, one way, in basic class if you book ahead. Some ferry companies have business and VIP seats, and many ships have cabins.
For example, on the slowest ferry, a cabin can start at around €90, which in high season might even be cheaper than flying.
Another plus is that you can take your car, motorcycle, or bike. This usually costs about €60 extra, but it depends on the company. Keep in mind most rental companies don’t allow their vehicles on ferries.
✔️ How to book the ferry
You can book Athens–Santorini ferry tickets here, where you can compare schedules, travel times, and prices.
Book at least two weeks in advance for better rates—and even earlier if you’re traveling in summer. You’ll get an electronic ticket you can show on your phone—no printing needed.
⏱ How early should I arrive to the port?
Plan to arrive at least one hour before departure. If you’re driving or taking public transport from Athens, allow extra time, especially during rush hour.
In Santorini, don’t underestimate the short distance between Fira and the port—the curvy road is often jammed with cars and buses when multiple ferries arrive.
🧳 How much luggage can I bring?
Ferries in Greece are very relaxed about luggage. No one will weigh or measure your bags.
There’s usually a storage area on the lower deck. Just keep valuables in your carry-on.
📌 Where does the ferry leave from in Athens?
Ferries to Santorini leave from either Piraeus—Athens’ main port with the best connections—or Rafina, east of the city. Piraeus has more departures and better transport links.
🔹 How to get to Athens ports
- Piraeus: Cheapest option is the metro (€1.50). A taxi is about €25, and this private transfer is the most convenient, especially if you're carrying big luggage.
- Rafina: TBuses run every 50 minutes (€2.40). A taxi is about €40, and this private transfer saves you the hassle.
📌 Where does the ferry arrive in Santorini?
All ferries dock at Athinios Port, south of Fira. The Old Port, right below Fira, is only for caldera tours and cruise ships.
🔹 How to get from Santorini’s port to other parts of the island
- Bus: Timed with ferry arrivals (especially in summer). Costs €2 and takes about 25 minutes to Fira. If your hotel is in another village, you’ll need to transfer.
- Taxi: Around €25 to Fira and €40 to Oia.
- Private transfer: The most comfortable option is this Santorini transfer, which will be waiting for you and costs just €14.
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Other alternatives
1. Greek Islands Cruise
If you want a comfortable, relaxed, and hassle-free option, nothing beats this Greek Islands cruise</a.
They usually depart from Athens and stop at several islands, and some even go as far as Italy or Turkey. The best part? You don’t have to worry about accommodations, food, or entertainment—it’s all included.
And here’s the real bonus: if you book early and avoid peak season, it can actually be cheaper than traveling on your own. On this page, you can check out the best Greek Islands cruise deals, with prices, dates, and you can book there.
2. Cyclades Sailing
If you’d prefer a less crowded experience, this sailing trip through the Cycladesis a great pick. It includes stops in Santorini, Mykonos, and other islands.
The sailboat hosts a maximum of 10 people in double cabins, making it a much more intimate trip. Sleeping on a boat like this is an experience I absolutely loved.
It might sound pricey, but it’s often cheaper than a suite on a cruise. On this website, you can see the exact sailing trip I took.
3. Island Hopping trip
Another great option is joining an all-inclusive trip. This way, you can visit several islands with a group without worrying about a thing.
I recommend this Cyclades Island Hopping trip, which includes Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Ios, and of course, Santorini. Plus, it’s very affordable.
Map of Airports and Ports
Summary: best way to get there
The best way to get from Athens to Santorini depends on several factors: the time of year, whether you’re bringing a car, the size of your luggage, how far in advance you book, and of course, your personal preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Fastest: plane. Even with airport transfers and waiting time, it’s still faster than the ferry.
- With a car: ferry—it’s the only way to bring it.
- Large suitcases: ferry—no extra luggage fees.
- High season: ferry, since plane prices skyrocket in summer. Either way, book early so you can compare and choose the option that works best for you.
👉 Book your plane tickets to Santorini here or your ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini on this website.
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Final Thoughts
These are all the ways to get from Athens to Santorini so you can enjoy this Greek gem to the fullest—whether you’re sailing across the sea or flying above it.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about the Greek Islands
More about Greece
Hi, I’m Andrea, creator and author of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I write about Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. I’m a full-time traveler, passionate about good food, and always looking for new adventures.
Hi, I liked your recommendation, strategically presented, thanks for the tips.
I'm glad it helps you, Gabriela!
Have a good trip 🙂
Hello Andrea, your article has been very useful to me. My husband and I are planning to travel to Athens for the first time. In September 2026, we want to visit Santorini and Rhodes. As the latter belongs to another group of islands, could you advise me on how to get from Santorini to Rhodes or if it is better to visit the latter after Athens?
Thank you
Hello Eileen
I'm glad it's useful to you!
Santorini and Rhodes are very far from each other and as you say they are from different island groups.
To travel from one to the other, the best option is a flight, although there are no direct flights; they all make a stopover in Athens.
If not, you could consider taking the ferry. The fastest take 12 hours; they're night boats. However, they don't run every day, and some days take up to 17 hours.
Have a good trip!