Athens to Santorini by ferry in 2017

Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands. Santorini, also known as Thera or Thira is in the southern Aegean Sea, about 120 mi southeast of Athens. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands. Below you will find all information on how to travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry in 2017.

Athens to Santorini by ferry in 2017. The complete guide.

During the summer months, there are at least four ferries every day from Athens to Santorini. There are ferry departures to Santorini both from the main port of Athens, Piraeus and the secondary one of Rafina. Ferry travelers to Santorini can choose between morning, afternoon or night ferries to Santorini.

Four Greek ferry operators connect Athens to Santorini: Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets and Aegeon Pelagos.

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2017 ferry Schedules from Athens to Santorini

All ferry operators have published their main 2017 ferry schedules from Athens to Santorini until at least the end of September. There might be some minor changes or new additions before the summer.

Ferry schedules from Athens, Piraeus port to Santorini in 2017:

Blue Star Ferries to Santorini

• Daily, all year at 07:25 with the Blue Star Delos.
• From 22/4 until 10/06 every Friday at 17:30 with the Blue Star Naxos.
• From 11/06 until 03/09 every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 17:30 with the Blue Star Patmos.
• From 04/09 until 30/10 every Saturday at 17:30 with the Blue Star Naxos

Hellenic Seaways to Santorini

• From 07/04 until 01/10 daily at 07:15 with the Highspeed 4.
• From 16/6 until 10/9 daily at 23:55 with the Nissos Samos.
• From 31/03 until 15/06 & from 11/09 until the end of September every Monday – Wednesday – Thursday – Friday at 16:30 with the Nissos Samos.

Seajets to Santorini

• From 24/03 until 28/04 & from 16/10 until 31/10 daily at at 07:00 with the Seajet 2.
• From 29/04 until 15/10 daily at 07:00 with the Superjet or the Champion jet 1.
• From 29/04 until 15/10 daily at 07:00 with the Seajet 2.
• From 01/06 until 18/09 daily at 15:30 with the Paros Jet.

Aegeon Pelagos to Santorini

• All year on Tuesdays at 20:30 with the Prevelis
• All year on Fridays at 18:00 with the Prevelis

Ferry schedules from Athens, Rafina port to Santorini in 2017:

Hellenic Seaways to Santorini (update 27/01/2017)

• From  24/04 until 11/06 every Monday – Thursday – Friday – Saturday & Sunday at 07:20 with the Hellenic Highspeed (cancelled)
• From 12/06/2017 until 24/09/2017 daily at 07:20 with the Hellenic Highspeed (cancelled)

Seajets to Santorini

• From 19/05 until 31/05 daily except Sundays at 15:45 with the Superjet (this schedule is not officially published yet but we expect it soon).

All ferries from Athens to Santorini are available for online booking via danae.travel

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Athens ports with ferry departures to Santorini

Athens has two ports: Piraeus, the main port and Rafina, a secondary port on the Northeastern coast of Attica.

Athens, Piraeus port Information

How to reach the port of Piraeus:

Piraeus port is quite close to the Athens city center and can be reached by metro, train, bus and taxis both from the Athens city center and the Athens international airport:

• From the Athens airport: Take the express bus X96. It takes you directly to the port, its frequent, cheap and quite fast. It usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. The cost is 5 euros / adult. Check the timetables screens inside the airport. The x96 bus stop is just outside the arrivals level at the airport (check the signs). At the port, the stop is near gate E6 (also close to the metro station).
  If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you 50-60 euros and it will take you around 60 minutes.
• From the center of Athens: The best way to reach Piraeus pot from the center of Athens is the metro / train. You can catch it from the Monastiraki or Omonia stations. It only costs 1.40 euros and takes under 30 minutes. If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you just under 30 euros and it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes. With heavy traffic it might take you up to an hour. If you prefer a bus, there are two options:
  • From Syntagma Square to Piraeus : Bus 040, Piraeus bus stop: Korai Square (close to Dimotiko Theatro) and then 10 minutes walk until gate E9.
  • From Omonia Square to Piraeus:  Bus 049, Piraeus bus stop: Korai square (close to Dimotiko Theatro)  and then 10 minutes walk until gate E9

We can arrange a private transfer for you from your hotel in Athens to Piraeus port or from the Athens airport to the port. You can also book it online via danae.travel together with your ferry tickets.

From which Piraeus port gates do the ferries to Santorini depart from:

• The Blue Star Ferries to Santorini depart from gate E7
• The Hellenic Seaways ferries to Santorini depart from gate E7
• The Seajets ferries to Santorini depart from gate E9

Note There is a port bus connecting departure gates.

Map of Piraeus port:

Athens, Rafina port Information

Rafina, the secondary port of Athens, is on the Northeastern coast of Attica. It is further out from the center of Athens but closer to the airport. Rafina is convenient for travelers traveling to the Northern Cyclades islands of Andros, Tinos and Mykonos as the travel time is shorter. It is also convenient for those catching a ferry a couple of hours after their arrival at the Athens airport and who wish to avoid the center of Athens. If your ferry departs Rafina early in the morning, spending a night in Rafina could be smart. The Avra hotel is right next to the port. Reaching Rafina from the center of Athens with public transport is not very convenient.

How to reach the Athens port of Rafina:

• From the Athens airport: Take the regional bus (Ktel) to Rafina port from the arrivals level. It runs every hour from 04:35 until 22:20. It will take you a little under 1 hour. Your only other choice is a taxi.
• From the center of Athens: Take the regional bus (Ktel) to Rafina port from Mavromateon Street (Pedion Areos) It runs every 30 minutes from 05:45 until 22:30. It will take you about 90 minutes. Again, your only other choice is a taxi.

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How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Santorini?

In brief: Ferries to Santorini take between 5 and 8 hours. With a conventional ferry its around 8 hours and with a high speed ferry between 5 and 6 hours.

The Blue Star Ferries morning schedule takes about 7h30min and departs Athens, Piraeus port at 07:25 and arrives in Santorini at 14:50. On the way it stops in the islands of Paros and Naxos. It’s afternoon schedule takes a little over 8 hours and departs Athens, Piraeus port at 17:30 and arrives in Santorini at 02:10 next morning. On the way it stops in the islands of Syros, Paros, Naxos and Ios.

The Hellenic Seaways morning schedule from Athens, Piraeus port takes about 4h45min and departs at 07:15 and arrives in Santorini at 12:00. On the way it stops in the islands of Sifnos and Ios. Its morning schedule from Athens, Rafina port takes about 6 hours and departs at 07:20 and arrives in Santorini at 13:25. On the way it stops in the islands of  Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Ios. It’s night schedule from Athens, Piraeus port, takes almost 9 hours and departs Athens, Piraeus port at 23:55 and arrives in Santorini at 08:55 next morning. On the way it stops in the islands of Paros and Naxos.

Seajets operates two morning schedules from Athens, Piraeus port to Santorini. The Champion Jet 1 takes 5 hours and departs at 07:00 and arrives at 11:55 with stops in the islands of Mykonos and Naxos. The SeaJet 2 takes 5h30min and also departs at 07:00 and arrives at 12:30 with stops in the islands of Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros and Ios.
The Seajets afternoon schedule from Athens, Piraeus port to Santorini takes a little over 6 hours and departs at 15:30 and arrives in Santorini at 21:40 with stops in the islands of Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros and Ios.
Its schedule from Athens, Rafina port in May is not yet officially published. Its expected to take about 5 hours and depart at 15:45 and arrive at 21:25 with stops in the islands of Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Ios.

The Aegeon Pelagos evening schedules to Santorini take approximately 9 hours with stop in the island of Milos.

Which is the fastest ferry from Athens to Santorini?

According to published information by the ferry operators, the fastest ferries from Athens to Santorini are the Highspeed 6 and the Champion Jet 1.

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How much is the ferry from Athens to Santorini?

In brief: The cost for a large conventional ferry from Athens to Santorini starts at 40 euros and for a high speed one at 56 euros.

Fares with Blue Star Ferries from Athens to Santorini

The Blue Star Delos morning ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers both seats and cabins at the following cost:

• Economy deck / lounge: 40,00 euros
• Economy numbered seats: 45,00 euros
• Business class lounge: 56,00 euros
• Internal 4 bed cabin: 62,00 euros
• External 4 bed cabin: 64,00 euros per bed.
• External single cabin: 94,00 euros
• External 2 bed cabin: 71,00 euros per bed.
• LUX external double bed cabin: 167,00 euros
• LUX external single cabin: 109,00 euros

The Blue Star Patmos afternoon ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers both seats and cabins at the following cost:

• Economy deck / lounge: 40,00 euros
• Economy numbered seats: 45,00 euros
• Business class lounge: 56,00 euros
• Internal 2 bed cabin: 70,50 euros per bed
• Internal 4 bed cabin: 62,00 euros per bed
• External 4 bed cabin: 64,00 euros per bed.
• External single cabin: 94,00 euros
• External 2 bed cabin: 71,00 euros per bed.
• LUX external single cabin: 109,00 euros

Fares with Hellenic Seaways from Athens to Santorini

The Highspeed 6 morning ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers 3 types of seats at the following cost:

• Economy numbered seat: 56,00 euros
• Economy table seat: 56,00 euros
• Business numbered seat: 66,00 euros
• Business table seat: 66,00 euros
• VIP numbered seat: 76,00 euros
• VIP Table Seat: 76,00 euros

The Nissos Samos night ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers both seats and cabins at the following cost:

• Economy deck / lounge: 39,00 euros
• Economy numbered seats: 44,00 euros
• Internal cabin bed: 61,00 euros
• External 3 or 4 bed cabin: 63,00 euros per bed.
• External 2 bed cabin: 71,00 euros per bed.
• LUX external 2 person cabin: 82,50 – 92,50 euros / person

The Hellenic Highspeed morning ferry from Rafina to Santorini offers 2 types of seats at the following cost (cancelled):

• Economy numbered seat: 53,00 – 56,00 euros
• Economy table seat: 53,00 – 56,00 euros
• VIP Table Seats: 73,00 – 76,00 euros

Fares with Seajets from Athens to Santorini

The Champion Jet 1 morning ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers 3 types of seats at the following cost:

• Economy (silver) numbered seat: 55,80 euros
• Business (Club) numbered seat: 65,80 euros
• Platinum numbered Seat: 89,00 euros

The Seajet 2 morning ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers 2 types of seats at the following cost:

• Economy (silver) numbered seat: 55,80 euros
• Business (Club) numbered seat: 65,80 euros

The Paros Jet afternoon ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers 3 types of seats at the following cost:

• Economy (silver) numbered seat: 69,70 euros
• Business (Club) numbered seat: 80,00 euros
• Platinum numbered Seat: 80,00 euros

Fares with Aegeon Pelagos from Athens to Santorini

The Prevelis evening ferry from Piraeus to Santorini offers both seats and cabins at the following cost:

• Economy deck / lounge: 38,00 euros
• Economy numbered seats: 42,00 euros
• Internal 2 bed cabin: 69.00 euros per bed
• Internal 4 bed cabin: 65,00 euros per bed
• External 2 bed cabin: 91,00 euros per bed.
• LUX 2 bed cabin: 96,00 euros

Which is the cheapest ferry from Athens to Santorini?

The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry is to take a conventional slow ferry. Blue Star ferries, Hellenic Seaways night ferry and Aegeon Pelagos offer the cheapest accommodation between 38 and 40 euros per person in economy.

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Slow vs. High speed ferries from Athens to Santorini

On slow conventional ferries there are more facilities like lounges, cabins, a dinning area, a shop, etc. You are able to go outside, walk around the different internal and external areas and in general have a more relaxed journey. Also, slow conventional ferries are more seaworthy than smaller fast ones. Both Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways operate modern vessels offering very comfortable accommodation. If you are traveling with small children, there is more space for them to move around and explore. Conventional slow ferries are cheaper that high speed ferries.

High Speed ferries are separated in 3 main categories:

1. Large catamarans like the Highspeed 6 and the Champion Jet which also take vehicles.
2. Large mono-hauls like the Hellenic Highspeed and the Paros Jet.
3. Smaller passenger only hydrofoils like the Seajet 2.

On these high speed ferries, passengers cannot go outside. All seats are numbered airplane type seats. The large ones are quite sea worthy, but still worst that large conventional ones. Both Hellenic Seaways and Seajets have a bar offering snacks and beverages.  If you choose a small hydrofoil and the sea is rough, get ready for a bumpy ride.

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Santorini port information

When you arrive in Santorini, the ferry will dock in Athinios, the ferry port of the island. Its a small port and it gets very busy when ferries arrive. There are buses meeting the ferries to the island’s capital, Fira. There are also taxis, but not enough for everyone. The bus network in Santorini is quite good and you can fairly easily reach your hotel. Fira, the capital is the starting point for all buses. In Athinios port, there are some restaurants and travel agents.

Keep in mind that ferries, especially the fast small ones, only dock for a few minutes. You should rush your way out of the ferry when you arrive. It will also help you get a sit on the bus.

There is no direct bus from the port of Santorini to Santorini airport.

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Media on ferries connecting Athens to Santorini in 2017

If you want to see what the ferries connecting Athens to Santorini look like see below:

Blue Star Delos (morning schedule from Piraeus)

 

Blue Star Patmos (afternoon schedule from Piraeus)

 

Blue Star Naxos (morning schedule from Piraeus until early June and in September)

 

Highspeed 6 (morning schedule from Piraeus)

Click here to see a 360 tour of the Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 6 presented by Hellenic Seaways

Hellenic Highspeed (morning schedule from Rafina)

 

Nissos Samos (night schedule from Piraeus to Santorini)

Champion Jet 1 (morning schedule from Piraeus)

To see a 360 tour of the Champion Jet 1 click here.

Seajet 2 (morning schedule from Piraeus)

Paros Jet (afternoon Schedule from Rafina – Not official jet)

Prevelis (Tuesday & Friday evening schedules from Piraeus to Santorini)

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Which other Greek islands is Santorini connected to?

From Santorini, you can catch a ferry to the following islands (next to each island, you will find a price indication):

• Paros: 22.00 euros
• Thirassia: 2.30 euros
• Naxos: 21.00 euros
• Ios: 9.50 euros
• Folegandros: 25.00 euros
• Mykonos: 62.00 euros
• Amorgos: 12.30 euros
• Syros: 19.50 euros
• Anafi: 7.00 euros
• Sifnos: 50.00 euros
• Serifos: 35.00 euros
• Sifnos: 33.50 euros
• Milos : 18.00 euros
• Kimolos: 25.00 euros
• Sikinos: 15.00 euros
• Kythnos: 21.50 euros
• Tinos: 44.00 euros
• Heraklio (Crete): 28.00 euros
• Sitia (Crete): 28.00 euros
• Rhodos: 29.00 euros
• Karpathos: 27.00 euros
• Diafani: 27.00 euros
• Chalki: 28.00 euros
• Kasos: 27.00 euros