Ferry From Athens to Santorini in 2024

Are you looking to take a ferry from Athens to Santorini? A ferry is a popular way to complete this journey. This ferry ride provides incredible views of the Aegean Sea and the gorgeous Greek islands along the way. Several ferry companies operate between Athens and Santorini, providing a variety of options for travellers. On this page, we are going to guide you through the process of booking a ferry ticket from Athens to Santorini.

How to Get from Athens to Santorini by Ferry?

There are several options for taking a ferry from Athens to Santorini. Depending on the ferry you choose, the journey could last five to eight hours.

Taking a high-speed ferry, such as Hellenic Seaways or SeaJets, is one way to get to Santorini quickly in as few as five hours. These ferries are more expensive than slower ones, but they provide a faster and more pleasant ride.

Alternatively, you can travel to Santorini in approximately 7-8 hours by traditional ferry, such as Blue Star Ferries or Anek Lines. These ferries are less expensive than high-speed alternatives, but they may be less comfortable and slower.

Ferry schedules can vary depending on the time of year, so it’s best to check the schedules and buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid last-minute surprises. Our user-friendly booking platform allows you to easily and quickly reserve ferry tickets online.

Once you arrive in Santorini, you have a few transportation options to reach your final destination. Taxis and buses are readily available at the port, and many hotels offer shuttle service to their guests.

Departing the port of Rafina

Before your Departure

1. Purchase your ferry tickets: Especially during the busiest seasons of the year, make sure to buy your ferry tickets well in advance. Reservations can be made online through the websites of ferry operators or authorized agents.
2. Get to the port: Rafina port is situated roughly 33 kilometres east of the city of Athens. The port is accessible by automobile, bus, taxi, or metro changing at Agia Marina station. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, particularly if you’re travelling from Athens during rush hour.
3. Check-in: When you arrive at the port, bring your tickets and passport to the ferry operator’s check-in counter. Check-in typically opens 1-2 hours before departure.
4. luggage: Make sure your name and destination are clearly labelled on your luggage. You may be required to either carry your luggage onboard or drop it off at a specified location, depending on the ferry operator and route.

Departure Process

1. Boarding: Present your boarding pass at the designated gate as soon as boarding is announced. Typically, boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.
2. Find your seat. On the ferry, locate the seat that is assigned to you. Check for seat numbers if you have any reserved seats. If not, find a comfortable spot in the main seating area.
3. The majority of ferries offer a variety of onboard facilities, such as Wi-Fi, shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Relax and take advantage of the facilities as the ferry departs.

Advantages

1. Reduced travel duration
2. Near the airport in Athens 20 kilometres.
3. If you want to go straight from the airport to a ferry port without passing through Athens’ city centre, a small port with one departure gate is an excellent choice.

Disadvantages

1. There are a few departure options.
2. High-speed Ferries Only
3. There are a few accommodation options.
4. Few transportation options. From Athens to the Port
5. Far from Athens’ city centre thirty kilometres away

Departing the port of Piraeus

Before Your Departure

1. Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season May-September. Book online using the ferry operator’s websites or authorized agents.
2. Select a ferry type based on speed, comfort, and budget. There are three types of ferries available conventional ferries slower, cheaper, high-speed ferries or more expensive, and catamarans.
3. Check-In: Bring your passport and tickets to the check-in desk of your ferry operator. Usually, check-in begins one to two hours before departure.
4. luggage: Make sure your name and destination are written on your luggage. You may be required to carry your luggage onboard or drop it off at a specific location, depending on the operator.

Departure Process

1. Take your boarding pass and proceed to the appropriate gate as soon as boarding is announced. Typically, boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Locate the seat number assigned to you or find a comfortable seat in the general seating area.
2. Onboard Facilities: The majority of ferries have Wi-Fi, shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Relax and take advantage of the amenities as the ferry cruises away.
3. Departure: Observe announcements and instructions from the crew members when boarding. Gather your belongings before departing the dock area.

Ferry Operators and Plans From Athens to Santorini

The time of year impacts the ferry schedule from Athens to Santorini. Ferries operate more frequently from June to September, which is peak season.

There are fewer ferries from October to May, which is considered the off-season. This is a broad summary of the ferry schedule.

SeaJets

There are daily ferries between Santorini and Athens. During peak season, up to four ferries depart per day. In low season, there is usually one ferry per day. The first ferry from Athens to Santorini usually departs around 7 a.m. and arrives at 11:45. The final ferry typically departs around 7:00 p.m. and arrives in Santorini around 11:45 p.m.

Hellenic Seaways

The first ferry from Athens to Santorini typically departs around 7:00 a.m. and arrives at 2:45 p.m. The last ferry departs around 7:00 p.m. and arrives in Santorini at 2:45 a.m.

Blue Star Ferries

operates daily ferries between Santorini and Athens. During the peak season, three ferries run every day. In low season, there is usually one ferry per day. The first ferry from Athens to Santorini typically departs around 7:25 a.m. and arrives at 3:30 p.m. Typically, the final ferry leaves at 7:25 p.m. and arrives in Santorini around 3:30 a.m.

Ground Facilities

Ferry from Athens to Santorini; helpful advice for ground transportation and public services.

Which port in Santorini

Santorini’s four seaports serve not only ferry vessels, but also cruise ships, yachts, and fishing boats.

1. All traditional and fast ferries from Athens and other destinations arrive at the port of Athinios, which is located in the southwest of the island.
2. Most Mediterranean cruise ships dock at the ancient port of Skala, which is close to the island’s capital, Fira.
3. The historic port of Amoudi serves as a departure point for tourist boats to Thirasia.
4. Yachts and small fishing boats anchor in Vlychada, Santorini’s southernmost port. This is also where some boat tours for tourists start and end.

Bus transportation from the port of Athinios

The majority of ships that arrive on the island transfer directly to public buses that depart from Athinios, the main port for the arrival ferry route from Athens to Santorini, and travel to Fira. While the majority travel to Fira’s main station, some intermediate stops include Pyrgos, Karterados, and Messaria.

Passengers from Athinios Port to Oia must change buses at Fira Central Station.
Schedules are available at most major stations and outside Fira’s central bus station.
A ticket to Fira from the Athinios port costs around 2.50 euros. A ticket for night departures (from 00:30 to 05:00) costs between €3.00 and €3.50.

Transportation Services in Santorini

The public transportation in Santorini is quite good. Buses depart frequently to all of the island’s villages. The cycle route’s departure and arrival point is the island’s capital, Fira. The bus driver purchases tickets. The price ranges between 2.00 and 3.50 euros per person and route.

Taxi in Santorini

1. Grey taxis with taxi signs on top are common in Santorini.
2. Taxis can carry up to four passengers, but some passengers’ large, bulky suitcases may not fit.
3. Taxis in Santorini charge extra for luggage, port pickup, and overnight transportation.
4. Taxis are available for rent on the island for all routes.
5. The main taxi launching point is located in Fira’s central square.
6. You can call a taxi to pick you up from your location and transport you to your destination.

Book Your Ticket Early Enough

If you travel during off-peak hours or to less-travelled areas, you usually do not need to make reservations in advance. If you plan to travel in June, July, August, or September, or on Holy Spirit days, traditional Easter, or Greek national holidays, make your reservations well in advance.

It can be difficult to find an available ferry from Athens to Santorini, especially if it is a round-trip Ticket, because ferries can become extremely full at times. The inability to find an available ferry ticket has resulted in many travellers having unpleasant experiences on adventures

Ferry Accommodation Options

Everything you need to know about ferry types and accommodations; book the best option for your journey from Athens to Santorini and arrive refreshed and relaxed. Comfortable armchairs, business class comfort seats, and economy deck chairs. There are several accommodation options available for a day or night crossing to your destination.

10 tips for taking the Ferry From Athens to Santorini

10 tips for taking the Ferry From Athens to Santorini
Book your tickets in advance
Choose the right ferry for you
Pack for the weather
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Pack some snacks and drinks
Bring entertainment
Get to the port early
Find a good spot to sit
Relax and enjoy the view
Be prepared to depart

FAQs About Ferry From Athens to Santorini