How to Get from Santorini to Mykonos
Mykonos, the renowned party island where the fun never ends, is also famous for its crystal-clear beaches and scenic villages. Whether you’re drawn to its traditional charm or wish to dive into its vibrant energy, a trip to Mykonos is sure to be unforgettable. So, are you looking for a transit option from Santorini to Mykonos?
Ferry crossings are the cheapest and most commonly chosen option for the journey from Santorini to Mykonos. The Santorini Ferry Port can be found on the southwest side of the island, directly across from the islets of Palea and Nea Kameni. It is linked to the rest of Santorini via several modes of transit. Hence, Santorini port taxis are a convenient way to reach Athinios Port, while private transfers are favored by travelers who value luxurious rides. Alternatively, car rentals are also available around Santorini. Last but not least, bus journeys are the most cost-effective alternative. That being said, there is only one direct bus route heading to Thira Port. Indeed, buses depart from Fira with the ferry port as their destination. Therefore, if your departure point is elsewhere, you’ll need to take a bus ride to Fira to catch the Fira-to-Santorini-Port bus.
Types of Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
Both conventional and high-speed ferries serve the Santorini to Mykonos route. All ferries are well-maintained and comply with modern safety standards. Moreover, they provide comfortable onboard amenities, such as restrooms, seating areas, lounges, and food kiosks, serving refreshing drinks, coffee, and light snacks. In fact, some vessels even house restaurants, cabins, and VIP zones, ensuring an overall pleasant and relaxed journey for their passengers. No matter which ferry you take from Santorini Port to Mykonos, keep in mind that all vessels are not only air-conditioned but also usually quite cool inside. Therefore, it’s advisable to bring a jacket or dress in layers. The vessels departing from Athinios to Mykonos are also accessible. Thus, they are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Are you wondering which type of ferry to catch? Each ferry category has its advantages and drawbacks. You can check the major ones below:
High-Speed Ferries
- Higher speed than conventional
- Seats are numbered. Seating is guaranteed.
- No cabins
- VIP areas and lounges are available.
Conventional Ferries
- More affordable
- More resistant to bad weather conditions*
- They feature cabins.
- They offer spacious outdoor decks.
* Conventional ferries are less affected by the weather. Thus, their routes aren’t often delayed or cancelled. Moreover, they are recommended for passengers sensitive to seasickness, as they rock less.
The Ferry Schedule from Athinios to Mykonos
| Ferry Route | First/Last Sailing | Frequency | Approximate Duration | Average Price |
| Santorini to Mykonos | 09:20 am / 02:15 pm | Daily | 2-4.5 hours | €82-€89/$92-$95,40 |
Many visitors to Santorini plan island-hopping trips after their stay. Mykonos is one of the most popular stops from Santorini. As a result, 5-6 ferry routes link the two islands daily. However, even though the crossings are frequent, travelers are always advised to book their tickets early in advance. The Santorini to Mykonos sailing is a popular route. Thus, tickets often sell out quickly. In that way, not only will you find a ticket on the most convenient route for you, but you’ll also benefit from lower fares.
The Santorini to Mykonos ferry travel time depends on the chosen ferry route and the weather conditions. Moreover, ferries often make multiple stops, extending the crossing time, especially during the summer, when numerous passengers board and disembark ferries at each port. In general, ferries take around 2 to 4.5 hours to travel from Athinios Port to Mykonos.
All ferries depart from Athinios Port, the only ferry port in Santorini. Although Athinios Port handles all passenger traffic to and from the island, it is a small facility featuring just the basic services and amenities. Consequently, it can easily become overcrowded, making the boarding process tiring and lengthy. Moreover, the road to Athinios passes through the Caldera, making it steep and difficult to navigate. That’s the reason why it often gets congested. Therefore, you should plan your arrival at the port wisely to avoid missing the ferry. Overall, passengers should be at Thira Port one hour before their sailing. Fortunately, the port is small, so you won’t have to walk much to the ferry docks regardless of the way you’ve reached Athinios (by car, bus, or taxi). However, if you don’t have an e-ticket or haven’t checked in online and need to reach the port’s travel agencies to get your boarding pass, you should allow more time for the relevant procedure.
Fares and Tickets for Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
The Santorini-to-Mykonos ferry cost is approximately €82-€89/$92-$95,40. Overall, each ferry company has its own fares, while factors such as special discounts, traveling with a vehicle, or the reservation of a VIP seat affect the final price. In any case, early reservations typically come with lower prices. If you are traveling with children, you should keep in mind that kids between 5 and 10 pay discounted fares, while younger kids travel free of charge.
Tip to Know: If you’ve booked your ticket online, it’s best to check in online to save time at Thira Port. Print your ticket or save it on your phone, show it to the ferry staff, and board without waiting in line at the port’s travel agencies.
Ferry Companies with Routes from Athinios to Mykonos
Hellenic Seaways
Seajets
Golden Star Ferries
Routes and Fares of Ferry Companies from Santorini to Mykonos
The ferry schedule changes every year. Additionally, it varies depending on the time of the year. Thus, the ferry routes from Santorini to Mykonos are more frequent during the summer, while in the winter months, there are only a few sailings available. Please be sure to check the current timetable of your chosen ferry company to confirm travel times. In any case, you should consult the following timetable to get an idea of the available routes during peak tourist season:
Hellenic Seaways Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
At 10:15 am
The Hellenic Highspeed ferry departs from Athinios Port to Mykonos every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The duration of the crossing is around 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Fares and Prices
The economy ticket for the journey from Santorini to Mykonos costs €82/$92, while a vehicle ferry ticket (for a small car) is priced at €54/$60,60.
Seajets Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
At 09:20 am
The Supercat Jet runs from Monday to Sunday, linking Santorini to Mykonos in about 1 hour and 55 minutes. Please note that the ferry can’t accommodate vehicles.
At 09:50 am
The Worldchampion Jet and the Champions League Jet 1 operate the Santorini–Mykonos route on different days, departing daily from Thira Port at 9:50 a.m. Both ferries take around 2.5 hours to get to Mykonos.
At 12:45 pm
Superjet connects daily Santorini to Mykonos. Its route is more time-consuming, as it reaches Mykonos Port after a 4-hour and 20-minute journey.
At 01:15 pm
The Eurochampion Jet ferry operates on weekdays from Athinios Port, heading to Mykonos. The duration of its journey is about 2 hours and 20 minutes. The ferry also runs on weekends. However, on Saturdays and Sundays, it departs slightly earlier, at 12:45 pm.
Fares and Prices
If you are looking for the cheapest ticket option for the crossing from Athinios Port to Mykonos Port, you should expect to pay around €82-€89,20/$92-$100. Additionally, the fare of a car ticket is €51/$57,20.
Golden Star Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
At 02:15 pm
The Superexpress ferry sails daily from Santorini at 02:15 pm, traveling to Mykonos. The duration of the journey is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Fares and Prices
The deck ticket for the Superexpress journey is priced at €82.50/$92.50, while bringing a small car onboard costs an additional €50/$56.
A Flight or a Ferry from Santorini to Mykonos?
Although sailing is the most common way to island-hop in the Greek islands, both Santorini and Mykonos also have airports. Therefore, many travelers choose to fly from Santorini to Mykonos. So, what should be your choice? Should you book a ticket for a ferry route or catch a flight from Santorini to Mykonos?
Overall, flights from Santorini to Mykonos aren’t direct, requiring a change of planes typically at Athens Airport. Still, air journeys are far more convenient than ferry crossings, especially for passengers who don’t plan to reserve a seat or a cabin on their ferry. Moreover, the Santorini Ferry Port is small and can easily become overcrowded, making the boarding process both time-consuming and tiring. Finally, the road to Athinios is winding and difficult for inexperienced drivers. Consequently, many travelers prefer flying to Mykonos, finding it more convenient despite the need to change planes.
On the other hand, ferries from Santorini to Mykonos are the most popular transit alternative, combining affordability with efficient services. Ferries depart daily from Santorini Port, with multiple routes available, especially during the summer. Tickets are overall affordable, and there are no restrictions regarding luggage. Thus, you can travel with heavy luggage without paying any extra fees. Additionally, ferries offer picturesque travel, even more so the conventional ones that feature spacious outdoor areas. You can relax under the Greek sun, enjoy the calming sea views, and watch the various ports where the ferry stops along the way.
FAQs
How long is the ferry ride from Santorini to Mykonos?
The Santorini-to-Mykonos ferry travel time depends on the chosen ferry and its route. Does it make intermediate stops or head directly to Mykonos? Moreover, the weather conditions also affect the duration of the crossing. In general, the ferry journey from Athinios to Santorini lasts 2 to 4.5 hours.