Ferry from Athens to Santorini

How to Get to Santorini from Athens

It’s no exaggeration to say that Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece (perhaps even the most-visited and renowned one). The volcanic island with the white-colored houses adorned with blue shutters is well-known for its otherworldly landscapes as well as its shopping scene and fancy gastronomic options. Even more so, its iconic sunsets are considered some of the world’s most spectacular. 

So, are you planning to visit the breathtaking Santorini? The island is located in the south part of the Cyclades complex, in the Aegean Sea. You’ll find numerous ferries departing from Piraeus Port with Santorini as their destination. Piraeus Port is situated just 12km/7,5 miles from Athens city center and is adequately connected to the heart of the city. Verily, apart from the comfortable Piraeus port taxis and the luxurious private transfers, public buses and express lines, along with the Blue Metro Line 3, link Piraeus Port to Athens downtown and vice versa. Hence, you won’t face difficulties in reaching the harbor. Please note that high-speed ferries to Santorini also depart from Rafina Port. Still, Rafina Port offers fewer connections and lies 33km/20,5 miles away from Athens city center.

Types of Ferries from Athens to Santorini

There are two types of ferries from Piraeus to Santorini. The conventional and the high-speed ones. All come with several advantages. Please note that they can all accommodate passengers with disabilities, being obligated to offer all the necessary services and amenities. Moreover, all boats feature facilities, providing coffee, drinks, beverages, and snacks. You should bear in mind that air conditioning inside all types of ferries is often quite strong. Therefore, bringing a sweater or a light jacket is always a good idea. 

So, are you up for a conventional or a high-speed ferry ride? You should make up your mind, carefully weighing your exact needs and preferences.

The Ferry Schedule from Athens to Santorini

Ferries from Athens to Santorini (Piraeus Port) are available from late in the morning until the evening. Although you’ll find routes from Piraeus to Santorini all year long, the available sailings are much more frequent during the tourist season, especially from May to September. Overall, routes and timetables slightly change every year. Verily, all ferry companies announce their new routes sometime between December and March. Hence, you should check the current timetables before finalizing the departure date and time. In any case, you should always keep in mind that booking well in advance is recommended, not only to find lower fares but also to secure availability. Indeed, during the summer months, the demand for ferry rides from Athens to Santorini is extremely high, and the chances of finding last-minute ferry tickets are low.

Your ferry travel from Athens to Santorini will last about 5 to 10 hours, depending on the chosen ferry company, the vessel’s type, the in-between stops, and the weather conditions. It’s important to remember that delays are, unfortunately, an often occurrence. Ferries are dependent on the weather. Hence, they frequently arrive or depart from Piraeus Port later than scheduled.

Overall, ferries to Santorini from Athens Port depart from Gates E1, E2, E6, and E7. That being said, the departure gates are subject to change. Hence, you should always check the information on your ferry ticket. Moreover, you’ll find several destination boards scattered around the port. Once checking the departure time and gate, you should plan your ride to Athens Piraeus Port wisely. The roads around the port and even those inside the port are often congested. Piraeus Port is one of the busiest harbors in the world, after all! Therefore, it is highly advisable to be at the port 60-90 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your ferry to Santorini.

Fares and Tickets from Athens to Santorini

The ferry fares vary depending on the time of the year, the chosen vessel and ferry company, the selected seat, the reservation of a cabin, etc. Overall, the cost of the ferry from Piraeus to Santorini for an adult passenger (economy class) is about €50/$54 to €80/$86,60. Children aged 5 to 10 and passengers with disabilities benefit from discounted rates, while younger kids usually travel for free. Please remember to print your ticket or save your e-ticket on your mobile phone or device, as you’ll be asked to present it when boarding the ferry.

Ferry Companies with Routes from Piraeus to Santorini

Routes and Fares of Ferry Companies from Piraeus to Santorini

As already mentioned, the fares and timetables of all ferry companies differ from year to year. That being said, you can check out the available routes from Athens to Santorini (Piraeus Port) and their fares at the moment to get an idea of the available options:

Blue Star Ferries Routes from Piraeus to Santorini

Seajets Routes from Piraeus to Santorini

Zante Ferries Routes from Piraeus to Santorini

Fast Ferries Routes from Piraeus to Santorini

A Flight or a Ferry from Athens to Santorini?

Apart from ferry rides from Athens to Santorini, many travelers choose to fly to the beautiful Greek island. Indeed, Santorini features an airport (Santorini Airport JTR), enabling direct and fast journeys from the Greek capital. Athens International Airport is a 40-minute ride from the city center, while several flights fly from the airport to Santorini, especially during the summer months. So, should you opt for an air journey to Santorini or enjoy a ferry ride to the enchanting island?

Air travels come with many advantages. To begin with, they are considerably faster than ferries. Indeed, an air journey from Athens to Santorini lasts about 55 minutes, while ferries need 5 to 10 hours (depending on the vessel type) to reach the Cycladic island. Moreover, a flight to Santorini might be more comfortable during the peak tourist season, when ferries tend to get overcrowded.

On the other hand, ferries from Athens to Santorini are a sought-after option, as they are far more affordable than flights, and, in their majority, allow travelers to bring their vehicles onboard. Additionally, there are almost no luggage restrictions on ferry journeys. Verily, passengers can travel with luggage weighing up to 40-50kg/88-100 pounds with no problem. In fact, ferries have designated luggage storage space for passengers who don’t travel with their own vehicles. Finally, travelers can enjoy the scenic sea views from the ferries’ outdoor spaces, basking under the Greek sun and feeling the sea breeze.

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