Best option from Athens to Santorini: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 45min, from €39. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries; main departure point: Piraeus Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Athens to Santorini
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Piraeus Port | €61 | 2 |
| Cyclades Fast Ferries | Ferry | Piraeus Port | €109 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Athens has several ferry ports, including Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Read the departure port on your booking confirmation the day before, and plan your transfer from there, so you never end up at the wrong harbour.
Santorini is one of the most popular islands, and summer ferries can sell out, especially at weekends and on morning departures. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, and choose a flexible fare if one is offered.
Several companies can cover the same crossing with different departure times, vessel types and comfort levels. Compare the full details in the table, including the arrival time, before choosing the cheapest option on screen.
Strong winds can delay or cancel sea crossings, particularly for fast vessels. If you have a tight schedule, keep a flight as a fallback and choose a flexible ticket, so a change of plan will not ruin your trip.
If you have an international flight or another ferry after Santorini, leave a full day of margin. Delays happen, and being stuck on a small island with no immediate way out is stressful and costly.
The journey experience
Athens to Santorini is an easy choice once you understand the trade-off: the ferry is the scenic, budget-friendly way to arrive by sea, while the plane is the fast option that frees up most of your day. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
By ferry, you sail from the Athens port area on a conventional boat or a faster high-speed vessel, with deck space, indoor seating and a café on board. Arriving at Santorini's port beneath the caldera cliffs is memorable, though you will then need a bus or taxi up to Fira, Oia or Perissa. By air, you fly from Athens International Airport to the small Santorini airport. This suits tight schedules, late arrivals and days when the sea is rough.
Timetables change with the season, and different companies sell the same crossing at different times and prices. Always check the departure port printed on your ticket before leaving your hotel. In summer, book ahead so you are not left with sold-out sailings, and keep a safety buffer if you have an onward flight home. If strong winds disrupt the sea route, flying is your reliable backup.
Frequently asked questions — Athens → Santorini
Ferry tickets start from €61, with typical fares up to €62. Flights start from €39, with typical fares up to €45. Prices vary by date, company and how early you book, so summer and weekend travel is usually more expensive. Check the comparison table for current fares on your chosen day.
The ferry takes between 6 h and 9 h depending on the vessel and any stops, so a faster boat saves a lot of time. The flight takes between 45 min and 55 min in the air. Remember to add transfer time to the port or airport on both ends.
Choose the ferry if you enjoy the sea voyage, want to carry more luggage easily and are not in a hurry. Choose the plane if time matters, if you arrive late or if winds make the sea route uncertain. Both are listed in the table, so you can compare them directly.
Ferries to the Cyclades generally leave from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, although Rafina and Lavrio also serve some island routes. The exact port depends on your chosen sailing, so always read the departure port on your booking confirmation before travelling.
It depends on the sailing you pick. Each ferry option shows its itinerary at booking, including any stop on another island, so you can see whether it is a single crossing or not. The flight is a single hop from Athens to Santorini.
Why visit Santorini?
- ✓ Watch the sunset from the Oia castle ruins, then wander the whitewashed lanes of the village
- ✓ Hike the 10 km clifftop trail from Fira to Oia along the caldera rim
- ✓ Take a boat trip to the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni and soak in the hot springs
- ✓ Taste Assyrtiko wines at a cliffside winery such as Santo Wines or Venetsanos
- ✓ Walk through the Minoan ruins of Akrotiri, the 'Pompeii of the Aegean'
When to visit Santorini?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
Late April to June, and September to October — warm, sunny weather with fewer crowds and calmer seas
What to do in Santorini?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Santorini?
Plan 3 to 4 days to enjoy Santorini without rushing. With 2 days, you can see Fira, Oia for sunset and one beach (Perissa or Red Beach). With 4 days, add a caldera hike from Fira to Oia, a boat trip to the volcano and hot springs, a visit to Akrotiri and a winery tasting. Rent a quad or car for a day and book Oia sunset spots and caldera-view restaurants in advance in summer.
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