Hey guys! I was in Athens for some days, enjoying the old ruins and good souvlaki 😋 but always dreaming about that island with white houses and blue domes – yes, Santorini! So I decide to go. But planning how to go from Athens to Santorini was little confusing at first. Ferry? Flight? Where to book?
So I write this for you, maybe it helps you plan better. 🙌
🚢 Option 1: Ferry from Athens to Santorini
One of the most authentic ways to travel in Greece is by ferry. From Piraeus Port, near Athens, you can sail across the beautiful Aegean Sea to reach Santorini.
How to Get to Piraeus Port:
The easiest way is by metro. Take the Green Line (Line 1) directly to Piraeus Station, which is the last stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to the port entrance.
📍See Where Piraeus Train station is on Google Maps
Types of Ferries
There are two types of ferries:
Regular ferry: 7 to 8 hours, bigger ships, more space and smooth
Fast ferry: 4.5 to 5 hours, smaller boats, more bumpy sometimes
Where to Book Tickets to Get from Piraeus to Santorini
You’ll find ticket offices at the port, but it’s best to book online in advance and have your ticket either printed or available in an app.
- Ferryhopper.com – best site, very clear and good filters
- Blue Star Ferries
- SeaJets
- Direct Ferries – compares many routes
⚠️ Important tip:
Check your ferry gate number in advance! Piraeus is a large port, and some gates can be a 15–20 minute walk from the metro station. Double-check your gate on your ticket or the ferry website before you go.
🕒 Travel time:
4.5 to 8 hours (depends on ferry type)
💰 Ticket price:
From €38 (slow) to €90+ (fast, business class)
✈️ Option 2: Flight from Athens to Santorini
If you don’t like boats or have short time, flights are best. There are many flights every day from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Santorini Thira Airport (JTR).
Flights are only 45–50 minutes and some are cheap if you book early. But don’t forget: airports take time too – check-in, security, transport.
- 📲 Book flights on:
- Aegean Airlines – Greek airline, good service
- Sky Express
- Skyscanner – good for comparing prices
- Ryanair – low cost, but read baggage rules!
🕒 Flight time: about 45 minutes
💰 Price: from €30–€100 (depends if last minute)
📍 Distance: around 220 km (direct)
🏝️ So, Ferry or Flight?
It depends on what kind of traveler you are.
| If You Like… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Saving time | ✈️ Flight |
| Enjoying the sea view | 🚢 Ferry |
| Big luggage and freedom | 🚢 Ferry |
| Cheap last minute deals | ✈️ Flight (maybe) |
| Watching sunsets on deck | 🚢 Ferry |
I personally like ferry, it feels more like real Greek island travel. You see more, relax, and no airport stress.
📅 When to Book?
If you are going in summer (June to September), book early! Especially ferries – many locals and tourists take them.
Flights also get full fast in July and August. I recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks before.
📦 Bonus Tips for Athens to Santorini Travel
- If you are sensitive to boat movement or easily seasick, maybe ask for advice at a local pharmacy in Athens before your trip – they are helpful and used to travelers
- Always check the weather forecast, ferries cancel during strong wind
- Flights may also delay if high wind at Santorini Airport (it’s small)
- Bring snacks or food, especially for long ferry trips
- Check luggage rules – flights are more strict than ferry
Final Thoughts on How to Get from Athens to Santorini
💭
Going from Athens to Santorini is easy once you know your options. You can do it fast with flight, or slow and beautiful with ferry. Both ways give nice memories.
I hope this guide help you with planning! If you want more info about Santorini itself – where to stay, what to do – just let me know. 😊
