How to Get from Athens to Santorini
Complete 2026 guide — compare flights, buses, driving, and guided tours with prices, durations, and insider tips.
The fastest way from Athens to Santorini is a 45-minute direct flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Santorini Airport (JTR), with fares starting from around €40 when booked in advance. High-speed ferries from Piraeus port take 5-5.5 hours and cost €60-75. Conventional ferries take about 8 hours from €35. The distance is 233 km (145 miles) across the Aegean Sea.
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Flight | 45 minutes | €40–€180 | Time-conscious travelers and peak-season visitors |
| 🚢 By High-Speed Ferry | 5–5.5 hours | €60–€75 | Travelers who want the scenic island-hopping experience |
| ⛴️ By Conventional Ferry | 7.5–8.5 hours | €35–€45 | Budget travelers and those prone to seasickness |
By Flight
Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air (operated by Aegean), Volotea, Ryanair, and Sky Express operate direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Santorini (Thira) Airport (JTR). During peak summer season (June-September), there are 8-12 daily flights. In winter, service is reduced to 2-4 flights per day. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes.
- Fastest option at just 45 minutes
- Multiple daily flights year-round
- Affordable with advance booking (from €40)
- Avoids potential seasickness on ferries
- Airport is 6 km from Fira — transfer needed
- Luggage limits on budget carriers like Ryanair and Volotea
- Prices spike in July-August (€120-180+)
- No scenic experience of the Aegean islands
By High-Speed Ferry
SeaJets, Minoan Lines, and Golden Star Ferries operate high-speed catamarans and ferries from Piraeus port (Athens) to Santorini (Athinios port). High-speed vessels typically stop at Paros and Naxos en route. During summer, there are 4-6 daily high-speed departures. Early morning departures (7:00-7:30 AM) are most popular.
- Scenic journey through the Cycladic islands
- Comfortable seating with air conditioning, bars, and cafes
- More generous luggage allowance than flights
- Can book a VIP seat for extra comfort
- Much longer than flying (5-5.5 hours)
- Can be rough in windy conditions (Meltemi winds July-August)
- Need to get to Piraeus port from Athens center (30-40 minutes)
- Ferries can be cancelled in severe weather
By Conventional Ferry
Blue Star Ferries operates large conventional ferries from Piraeus to Santorini, typically with one main daily departure (usually around 7:00-7:30 AM). These large ships are very stable and have multiple decks with restaurants, lounges, and outdoor areas. Economy deck seats, business-class airline-style seats, and private cabins are available.
- Most affordable ferry option
- Very stable ride — ideal for those prone to seasickness
- Spacious decks with restaurants and outdoor areas
- Cabins available for sleeping on the journey
- Slowest option at 7.5-8.5 hours
- Typically only one departure per day
- Arrives late afternoon, losing part of the day
- Takes up a large part of your travel day
By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free)
One Nation Travel includes Athens-to-Santorini domestic flights or high-speed ferry transfers in all multi-day Greece tour packages. Your port or airport transfers, hotel check-in, and guided activities in Santorini are all arranged. Simply enjoy — caldera views, Oia sunsets, wine tasting, and volcanic island excursions are all handled by your expert licensed guide.
- Everything arranged — flights/ferries, hotels, transfers, guides
- No navigation, ticketing, or language barriers
- Expert licensed guide for Santorini sightseeing
- Caldera hotels and sunset spots pre-selected
- Fixed itinerary (though customizable on request)
📊 Athens to Santorini — At a Glance
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Flight | 45 minutes | €40–€180 | Time-conscious travelers and peak-season visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚢 By High-Speed Ferry | 5–5.5 hours | €60–€75 | Travelers who want the scenic island-hopping experience | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ⛴️ By Conventional Ferry | 7.5–8.5 hours | €35–€45 | Budget travelers and those prone to seasickness | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🎫 By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free) | Included in multi-day package | All-inclusive from tour price | Travelers who want zero planning stress | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🧳 Travel Tips for This Route
Santorini ferries sell out fast in July and August. Book via ferryhopper.com or directferries.com at least 2-3 weeks ahead to guarantee your preferred departure time.
Strong Meltemi winds blow across the Aegean from mid-July to mid-August. High-speed ferries are more affected than large conventional ferries. Check weather forecasts and have a backup plan.
Take the Athens Metro Line 1 (Green Line) directly to Piraeus station — it takes about 45 minutes from Syntagma Square and costs just €1.20. Allow extra time for early morning departures.
Ferries dock at Athinios port, which is 9 km from Fira. Public buses (€2.50) and taxis (€20-25) connect the port to Fira. In summer, buses run to meet every ferry arrival.
May-June and September-October offer the best combination of great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Peak season (July-August) is very crowded and expensive.
Compare flight and ferry prices for your dates. Sometimes a €40 flight is cheaper than a €65 high-speed ferry, especially when you factor in the time saved and the cost of getting to Piraeus port.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
High-speed ferries (SeaJets, Minoan Lines) take 5-5.5 hours from Piraeus port. Conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries) take 7.5-8.5 hours. All ferries depart from Piraeus port in Athens and arrive at Athinios port in Santorini.
Flying is faster (45 minutes vs 5-8 hours) and often comparable in price when booked early. However, the ferry offers a scenic Aegean experience with views of Cycladic islands. If you are prone to seasickness or short on time, fly. If you enjoy the journey and want a more relaxed start, take the ferry.
One-way flights typically range from €40-€80 when booked 4-6 weeks in advance. Prices can rise to €120-180+ in peak July-August season. Budget carriers like Ryanair and Volotea sometimes offer fares as low as €25-30 in the off-season.
For speed, SeaJets operates the fastest catamarans (under 5 hours). For comfort and stability, Blue Star Ferries offers the smoothest ride on large conventional vessels. Minoan Lines and Golden Star Ferries are also reliable options with modern ships.
Yes, both Blue Star Ferries and some high-speed ferries accept vehicles. However, driving in Santorini is not recommended for most visitors due to narrow roads, limited parking, and heavy traffic. Renting a car or ATV on the island is more practical.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries operates year-round with at least one daily departure. However, high-speed ferry services are reduced or suspended from November to March. Flights also continue year-round with reduced frequency.
Skip the Hassle — Book a Guided Tour
Let One Nation Travel handle your Athens to Santorini journey. All transfers, flights, hotels, and guides included in one package.
