Travel advice for Greece
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Greece
- Europe
- Greece
Wondering how to get from Athens to Santorini for an unforgettable break in Greece? Covering travelling by plane, ferry and private boat transfer, the Rough Guide to how to get from Athens to Santorini tells you everything you need to know.
Seeking a multifaceted holiday in beautiful Greece? Consider exploring Athens and then heading to the stunning island of Santorini. Athens, brimming with history, offers vibrant café culture and fascinating galleries.
Getting from Athens to Santorini is a common part of many travelers' itineraries, and thankfully, there are several convenient ways to make the journey.
For the quickest option, many choose to fly. Athens is home to a well-connected airport, and several airlines operate multiple daily flights from Athens to Santorini. The flight typically takes less than an hour and can often be quite affordable if booked in advance.
Alternatively, for those who prefer a scenic route, ferries from Athens to Santorini provide a leisurely way to travel. These vessels depart from Piraeus port in Athens, and the trip can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the ferry type and route. Private boat transfers are another option for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Planning a layover in Athens? Explore the best places to stay in Athens.
For those looking to reach their destination quickly, flying is often the preferred choice. It's easy, cheap and fast. The downside is that you don't get to see a lot of both islands while travelling.
The quickest and most convenient way to get from Athens to Santorini from Athens is to fly from Athens International Airport (ATH). With a direct flight time of around 50 minutes, you’ll be sipping sundowners away from the bustling city before you know it!
Olympic, Aegean, and Sky Express offer multiple daily flights between Athens and Santorini, no matter what time of year it is. Given that some ferry companies don’t run their full Athens-Santorini schedules around the year, flying might be your best option during low season.
Unsurprisingly, flight prices increase during the peak summer season. This runs from around mid-June through mid-September. In addition, flights often sell out through these months, with demand exceeding supply.
So, our top tip for securing your preferred flights from Athens to Santorini during high season is to book as far in advance as possible.
Not a fan of all the hassles that come with planning and booking? Browse our customisable Greece itineraries.
Often the most affordable — and most scenic — way get from Athens to Santorini is by ferry. The journey takes you from Athens’ Piraeus Port to Santorini’s Athinios Port.
Piraeus port is about a 30-minute drive from the centre of the city, or you could simply take a 45-minute metro ride.
Alternatively, some ferries run to Santorini from Athen’s smaller port — Rafina. This is reachable in a 30-minute drive from the airport, or around an hour from the city centre.
Top tip: if you’re going for the economy option, try to book a numbered seat to secure a decent spot. Otherwise, you could find yourself perched on a plastic deck chair for the duration!
Ready to explore Greece? Get started with our expert travel planning tips.
With various operators running between Athens and Santorini, including Blue Star Ferries, Zante Ferries, Seajets, Minoan Lines, Fast Ferries, and Aegeon Pelagos, it’s essential to compare schedules and prices.
During the high season (June to September), there are up to five daily direct crossings, reducing to three in winter. Ferries depart Piraeus from 7am to midnight, with fast ferry crossings averaging 4.5–5 hours.
Slow ferries take up to 9.5 hours, at a lower cost. Standard tickets for ferries between Athens to Santorini range from €40 to €89.70, with an average cost of €58. Free travel applies to infants and children up to four, while discounts are available for 5-10-year-olds, persons with disabilities, Greek island residents, and students of Greek public universities.
Pros
Cons
Planning a Greek island holiday? Read our run down of everything you need to know to do exactly that, including ferry tips.
Alternatively, browse our customisable Greece itineraries — or talk to our local Greece experts — to arrange a hassle-free trip to remember.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Greece