How to Get from Santorini to Milos
Milos is a truly unique destination in Greece. This volcanic island boasts stunning scenery that varies from place to place and is known for its diverse beaches and flavorful cuisine. So, is Milos your next stop after your stay in scenic Santorini? Are you wondering how to get from Santorini to Milos to continue your holiday?
Most travelers choose a ferry journey to reach Adamas, the port of Milos. The Santorini Ferry Port can be found on the island’s southwest side, approximately 8km/4.9 miles from Fira, where the cruise port is located, and around 10km/6.2 miles from JTR Airport. No matter where you’re staying in Santorini, you can easily reach Thira Port via a port taxi or a private transfer. That being said, you should keep in mind that Santorini taxis are few and often can’t meet the visitors’ needs. On the other hand, car rentals are perhaps the most popular transit option in Santorini. If you want to reach Athinios Port with your rental car, you’ll need to arrange to drop it off there. Alternatively, bus journeys to the ferry port are also available. However, there are direct routes only from Fira to Santorini Port, while travelers from other parts of the island need to change lines in Fira to reach Athinios Port.
Types of Ferries from Athinios to Milos
The route from Santorini to Milos is served by high-speed and conventional ferries. Indeed, a high-speed ferry (Olympic Champion Jet) and a conventional vessel (Dionisios Solomos) run from Athinios Port to Adamas Port in Milos. Although each option has pros and cons, both ferries are modern and streamlined, compliant with all safety standards, and subject to frequent inspections. They offer all the necessary services and amenities for a smooth journey, from restrooms to snack bars and designated areas for pets. Moreover, the Olympic Champion Jet also features a store. They are both accessible, providing comfortable sailings for passengers with disabilities. Additionally, they are air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey during high temperatures. However, the indoor areas can be chilly, so passengers are advised to dress in layers.
Each ferry has its advantages and disadvantages. Check their main points to make your choice easier:
High-Speed Ferries
- Shorter journeys
- Numbered seating
- Business-class and VIP zones
Conventional Ferries
- More affordable
- Less impacted by weather conditions*
- Spacious outdoor areas/decks
* Therefore, there are fewer weather-related delays and cancellations on conventional ferry journeys. Moreover, they rock less, making them ideal for passengers who get seasick easily.
The Ferry Schedule from Santorini to Milos
| Ferry Route | First/Last Sailing | Frequency | Approximate Duration | Average Price |
| Santorini to Milos | 02:30 pm / 07:30 pm | Daily | 2 – 5 hours | €16-€93,70/$18-$105 |
There is only one crossing from Santorini to Milos daily. Still, on Wednesdays, both ferries sail from the Port of Santorini. Overall, crossings are more frequent in the summer, meaning that during the winter, the two islands are less frequently connected. Travelers wishing to get from Athinios to Adamas Port should book their tickets as early as possible. In that way, they’ll find available tickets and most likely benefit from lower rates.
The Santorini-to-Milos ferry time depends on the chosen ferry and the weather conditions. Sailings are longer in bad weather, while high-speed ferries are faster than conventional routes. In general, the ferry journey from Athinios Port to Adamas lasts between 2 and 5 hours.
The Santorini Ferry Port is a busy hub. However, it is small, featuring just the basic amenities. As a result, it often becomes packed during the high tourist season, when countless passengers disembark and board ferries daily. Additionally, the road to Athinios goes across Caldera. Thus, it is steep and winding, and it easily gets congested during the port’s busy times. Therefore, passengers should plan their ride to Thira Port, considering these factors to avoid being delayed and even missing the ferry. While travelers are advised to arrive at Athinios Port at least one hour before the crossing to board their ferry, those without an e-ticket or who haven’t checked in online should allow extra time. If you need to collect your ticket from the port’s travel agencies, be prepared to wait in line.
The Santorini-to-Milos Ferry Prices and Fares
Are you wondering how much your Santorini port ferry ticket to Milos will cost? That depends on the chosen ferry line, the time of the year, and any additional amenities. Verily, although none of the ferries traveling to Adamas have cabins, they offer several seating categories. Plus, if you want to bring your vehicle onboard, you’ll also have to pay an extra fare. A deck ticket for Dionisios Solomos and an economy-class numbered ticket for Olympic Champion Jet, the most affordable options, cost €16/$18 and €93,70/$105, respectively. Discounted fares apply for children between 5 and 10 years of age, while younger kids travel for free.
Tip to Know: Have you booked your ticket online? Opt for web check-in and download or print the boarding pass to save time at Athinios Port.
Ferry Companies with Routes from Santorini to Milos
Seajets
Fast Ferries
Routes and Fares of Ferry Companies from Santorini to Milos
The ferry schedule for the journey from Santorini to Milos changes from year to year. Moreover, routes differ depending on the season, being frequent during the tourist period and less frequent at other times. Thus, you should always consult the current timetable before choosing your sailing from Santorini to Milos. However, you can check the timetable for the ferries from Santorini to Milos as of now to get an idea of the available options:
Fast Ferries from Santorini to Milos
At 07:30 pm
Dionisios Solomos is the cheap ferry from Santorini to Milos, covering the route in approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. It operates only on Wednesdays.
Fares and Prices
The cheapest ticket for the ferry from Santorini to Milos costs €16/$18, while a car ferry ticket is priced at €48,50/$54,40.
Seajets Ferries from Santorini to Milos
At 02:30 pm
The Olympic Champion Jet sails every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Athinios Port heading to Milos. The duration of the journey is 1 hour and 55 minutes.
At 02:45 pm
The Olympic Champion Jet also offers sailings on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing slightly later at 2:45 p.m. The travel time remains the same (1 hour and 45 minutes).
Fares and Prices
Tickets for the Olympic Champion Jet are costlier than the Dionisios Solomos fares. Thus, a cheap ferry ticket from Santorini to Milos costs €93,70/$105, while the fare for a medium-sized car is €54,40/$61.
A Flight or a Ferry from Santorini to Milos?
Both islands have airports. Therefore, passengers can either fly from Santorini to Milos or opt for a ferry crossing between the two islands. So, which is the most suitable option for you? Should you fly or sail from Santorini to Milos?
Air travel is the fastest way to reach your destination. However, there aren’t direct flights from Santorini to Milos. Thus, travelers must fly to Athens to catch a flight to Milos. As a result, journeys are long and tedious. That being said, flights are considered a more relaxed way to travel than the often congested ferries. Moreover, many visitors choose to fly to Milos to avoid the tiring boarding process at the usually overcrowded Athinios Port.
Ferry journeys are a widely favored way to reach Milos from Santorini. Offering scenic rides, ferries are regarded as a pleasant transit option. Verily, many passengers love ferry travel, enjoying sea views and relaxing under the sun, feeling the sea breeze on their faces. Additionally, they can travel with their heavy luggage without being charged extra, as there aren’t typically strict baggage restrictions on ferry journeys. Do you enjoy independent travel and prefer getting around with your own vehicle? Both ferries departing from Santorini to Milos can accommodate cars. Therefore, you can bring your vehicle onboard as well. Finally, ferry tickets are typically more affordable than airfares.
FAQs
Is there a ferry from Santorini to Milos?
There is one ferry route connecting Santorini to Milos, with two ferries departing from Thira Port on Wednesdays, at least during the summer months. Thus, travelers wishing to hop from one island to the other can opt for a ferry journey from Athinios Port to Adamas Port, the port in Milos.