Get additional information on schedules, timetables, prices of the conventional or high-speed ferry from Athens to Santorini and learn how to reach the ports!
Get on board your Athens to Santorini ferry starting from Greece’s largest port, Piraeus and reach one of the most favorite destinations in the world in an average of 6 hours, depending on the ferry company and vessel you are traveling with. You are also able to go to Santorini through the port of Rafina in the eastern suburbs of Athens but have in mind that the specific route is run only by two ferries meaning that there is no big variety in departure times and they occur only in high-season months (May till late September). Moreover, crossings from Piraeus to Santorini are happening all year long (fewer in winter) while from Rafina they start in April or May.
Athens to Santorini ferry duration
The ferry duration from Athens to Santorini fluctuates between 6 to 8 hours and this relies on the type of vessel you will choose to embark and of course, from your starting point. The distance between the ports of Piraeus and Athinios in Santorini is 235 km (127 nautical miles) while the port of Rafina abstains around 225 km (136 nautical miles) from Santorini's port.
Getting from Athens to Santorini with a conventional or a high speed ferry?
Getting from Athens to Santorini is feasible either with a conventional or a high-speed ferry.
Car passenger ferries (conventional) are less speedy and the journey takes 7 to 8 hours but come with many more facilities and amenities on board and provide a smoother voyage. In their inner spaces, you can find bars, restaurants, spacious lounges, WCs, many types of seats, cabins and even an open deck where you can take photos and enjoy the sea and the islands you are passing by.
On the other hand, if you select to travel from Athens to Santorini with a high-speed or a catamaran, the journey may take less than 6 hours which is attractive and many people choose this option in exchange for paying a slightly higher price, always having in mind that there are only aircraft type seats, WCs and a bar for a quick snack.
Piraeus port or Rafina port?
If you choose to begin from the port of Piraeus, you surely have more options regarding departure times compared to the ones from Rafina. Based on the ferry company, there are stopovers to Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros before the ship docks in Santorini. Departure times vary too, starting early in the morning, in the evening and the last one, early at night.
The big advantage of the port of Rafina is that it is located very close to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (16 km), counter to Piraeus which is way further but very close to the center of Athens (10 km).
*In our Piraeus and Rafina pages, we provide all the necessary instructions on how to reach the ports either from Athens city center or from Athens International Airport.
Where do the ferries dock in Santorini?
Despite the fact that Santorini possesses two ports, only one is active for touristic activities and this is Athinios port in the southwest of the island. The old port in the capital of Santorini, Fira, is mostly hosting fishing boats and the ships which make the short trips to the opposing volcano.
Helpful information for your journey to Santorini from Athens
- In our Piraeus and Rafina pages, you get the opportunity to check all available transportation options
- Santorini has a well developed public transportation network. For details, please visit our dedicated Santorini page
- Due to the island's high demand, consider booking your ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini in advance
- For the embarkation, have in mind that you need to be present at the port 1 or 2 hours prior to your departure
- You need at least 3 days in Santorini so as to enjoy it at its fullest
- Through our online booking system, you get the chance to choose which departure suits you best and compare prices