Checked offer from Santorini to Ios: Ferry, about 1h 5min, from €20. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Thira Santorini Port.
One option to get from Santorini to Ios
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 | €20 | 1 |
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Practical tips
In July and August, ferries between the Cyclades fill up, especially on days with few sailings. Book online as soon as your dates are fixed, so you keep your seat and avoid being stuck on Santorini.
If your trip includes Athens, Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio serve different islands. Read the departure port on your ticket before you travel, so you never end up at the wrong port with a boat about to leave.
Strong winds can delay or cancel crossings in the Cyclades. Avoid tying the ferry to a same-day flight or a prepaid tour, and leave a spare day if you have an important connection afterwards.
Some island links run only on certain days, particularly outside peak season. Look at the sailings from Ios onward before locking in your date, so you are not left waiting for the next boat.
The ferry port on Santorini sits below the cliffs, reached by a steep winding road. Leave generous time from your hotel, arrange transport the day before in summer, and be at the quay ahead of boarding.
The journey experience
Santorini to Ios is one of the simplest hops in the Cyclades, and the ferry is the option to plan around. It connects the two islands by sea, so you can skip the guesswork about coaches, trains or flights. The comparison table on this page shows duration, price range and frequency side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
On board, expect indoor seating, open decks for a last look at the caldera as you leave, a snack bar and space for backpacks and wheeled luggage. Crossings are run by Greek ferry companies, and the vessel type and exact timetable depend on the day and the season. Check the operator shown at booking rather than assuming. Arrive at the port with time to spare, because boarding is easy but can get busy in summer.
Timetables change with the season and some island links only run on certain days. Before you commit to a date, make sure your onward leg from Ios fits too. If you are coming from Athens, confirm whether your boat leaves from Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio before you set off. Booking online gives instant confirmation, and keeping a spare day around the crossing protects you against wind delays.
Frequently asked questions — Santorini → Ios
Ferry tickets from Santorini to Ios start from €20, and the typical fare goes up to €21. The final price depends on the operator, the date and the seat type you choose, so compare the options in the table on this page and book early for the best choice in summer.
The crossing takes about 1 h 05 to 1 h 20, depending on the sailing. It is a short hop by Cyclades standards. Add time to reach the port and board, and keep a little margin in case wind affects the schedule.
The ferry is the transport option listed for this route and the one to book. It links the two islands by sea, with a crossing of about 1 h 05 to 1 h 20 and fares from €20. Check the table on this page for current sailings, then book online for instant confirmation.
Ferries on Santorini normally leave from Athinios, the island's main ferry port, which lies below the cliffs south of Fira. Always confirm the departure port on your ticket at booking, and allow plenty of time to get there by bus, taxi or hotel transfer.
The ferry listed for this route is a single crossing of about 1 h 05 to 1 h 20, so you are not planning a change on another island. Check the details of your chosen sailing at booking, as timetables vary with the season and the operator.
Why visit Ios?
- ✓ Relax on Mylopotas Beach, a long golden sandy stretch with beach bars and water sports
- ✓ Climb to Panagia Gremiotissa and Chora's hilltop windmills for sunset views over the Cyclades
- ✓ Party in Chora's lively square, where bars and clubs stay open until dawn
- ✓ Take a boat trip to the secluded beaches of Manganari on the island's south coast
- ✓ Visit the legendary Homer's Tomb at Plakotos and hike the Psathi and Agia Theodoti trails
When to visit Ios?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
June to mid-September — hot, dry and sunny weather, calm seas, with the liveliest nightlife in July and August
What to do in Ios?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Ios?
Plan 3 to 5 days on Ios. With 3 days, you can cover Chora, Mylopotas beach, and a boat trip or a hike to Homer's Tomb. With 5 days, add Manganari and Agia Theodoti beaches and a few quieter coves. Rent a quad or a car for the south, and book accommodation early in July and August, when the island is packed and nightlife dominates.
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