Best option from Santorini to Athens: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 45min, from €38. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Thira Santorini Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Santorini to Athens
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 | Thira Santorini Port | €61 | 2 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
In peak season, Santorini ferries sell out, especially on weekends and around mid-August. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, and prefer online booking with instant confirmation so your seat is secured.
Athens has several ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Before paying, read the arrival port on your booking. They lie far apart, so arriving at the wrong one can ruin your onward plans.
Strong Aegean winds can delay or cancel sailings. If you have an international flight out of Athens, do not book the ferry on the same day; arrive the day before for peace of mind.
If you have a tight schedule, an early flight home or a missed connection to avoid, the plane is the smarter choice. The ferry is better if you want to save money and enjoy the sea.
The Santorini ferry port sits below the cliffs, away from the main villages. Plan your transfer ahead, arrive in good time before boarding, and keep your ticket and ID handy at check-in.
The journey experience
Santorini to Athens comes down to two choices: the ferry or the plane. The ferry is the scenic, budget-friendly option and lets you travel with your luggage at a relaxed pace. The flight is the fast option and frees up most of your day. The comparison table on this page shows duration, price and frequency side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
By sea, the crossing runs on a conventional ferry with seating areas, indoor lounges, outdoor decks and a snack bar, comfortable enough to read, work or watch the Aegean go by. Several companies can serve Greek sea routes, each with its own schedule and fares that change with the season. By air, a short domestic flight links Santorini airport with Athens airport. It suits you best if you have an early international flight, a tight itinerary or an onward connection.
Since timetables shift from season to season, always check the departure and arrival port on your ticket. Athens has several ports (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio), and they are not interchangeable. In summer, book ahead because ferries fill up. If you have an international flight afterwards, keep a safety margin, as strong winds can delay or cancel sailings. Booking online gives you instant confirmation, so you can secure your seat and travel with confidence.
Frequently asked questions — Santorini → Athens
The ferry from Santorini to Athens starts from €61, with typical fares up to €62. The flight starts from €38, with typical fares up to €45. Prices vary with the season, the company and how early you book, so booking ahead in summer is usually wiser. The table on this page shows current fares.
The ferry crossing takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on the vessel and the sailing. The flight takes about 45 to 50 minutes. Remember to add transfer time to the port or airport and check-in time. In rough weather, sailings can be delayed, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
It depends on your priorities. The flight, which takes about 45 to 50 minutes and starts from €38, is best if time is short or you have a connection. The ferry, which takes about 7 to 8 hours and starts from €61, suits you if you enjoy the sea voyage and travel without rushing.
It depends on the sailing you book. Athens has several ports, including Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, and they are far apart. Always read the arrival port on your ticket or confirmation before paying, and plan your onward transport to the city centre or airport from that exact port.
Yes, especially in high season, when summer ferries often sell out and fares can rise. Booking online gives instant confirmation and lets you compare options. Outside peak periods you have more flexibility, but a booked seat is still reassuring if you have a flight or hotel waiting in Athens.
Why visit Athens?
- ✓ Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon at opening time to beat the crowds and the midday heat
- ✓ Wander the Acropolis Museum, with its glass floors over active excavations and the Parthenon Gallery
- ✓ Get lost in the Plaka and Anafiotika alleys, a whitewashed island-style village below the Acropolis
- ✓ Taste souvlaki, loukoumades and fresh produce at the Varvakios Central Market and in Psyrri tavernas
- ✓ Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
When to visit Athens?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny days, fewer crowds and no extreme summer heat
What to do in Athens?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Athens?
Allow 3 days to cover Athens properly: day one for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka; day two for the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Thissio and the National Archaeological Museum; day three for a day trip to Cape Sounion or the Saronic islands. With only 2 days, skip the day trip and start at the Acropolis at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. With 4 or 5 days, add Delphi or Nafplio.
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