How to get to Santorini: Stress-free routes and the very best travel times


With well-preserved ancient ruins, picturesque villages, white-washed houses, black sand beaches, exquisite wineries and restaurants, and spectacular sunsets, Santorini is one of the best islands to visit in Greece.
Part of the Cyclades, there are several ways to travel to Santorini, depending on your budget and preference. The most common and convenient way is from Athens by air or sea, though it is also easily accessible from other Greek islands like Mykonos and Crete by ferry.
Here’s our guide to getting to Santorini, from stress-free routes to the very best travel times.
Getting to Santorini by plane
Best for: Shorter travel times
One of the most efficient and reliable (barring any inclement weather) ways to get to Santorini is by plane. There are direct flights from Athens year-round, with tickets starting from as low as $50 depending on the season. During high-demand seasons like summer from June through September, there can be over 20 flights a day, with the journey taking about 45 minutes. Need more tips? Check out our guide for more information on getting from Athens to Santorini.
Santorini also has an international airport so you can fly directly from many major European cities like London, Paris, and Rome. Flight times range from two to four and a half hours and round-trip prices start from $320, depending on where you’re coming from, time of booking, and the carrier. There's a range of airlines available like Greek carrier Aegean or international airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, Volotea, Transavia, and Wizz Air.
Once you land, getting from the airport to the rest of Santorini is easy. As you exit the airport, you can hop on a taxi from the taxi stand which will take you into Fira’s center for about $15. Otherwise, you can also take a bus operated by KTEL, which will cost just over $2 per person. The buses terminate at Fira main bus station. For the most hassle-free experience, pre-book a private transfer that’ll take you directly from the Santorini airport to your accommodation.
Getting to Santorini by ferry

Best for: Convenience and scenic views
The ferry is the most standard, stress-free, and picturesque way to travel to Santorini—you can take in the fresh air and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea en route to your destination.
Santorini has two main ports: Athinios (New Port) and the Old Port. The latter serves excursion boats and cruise ships only, while the former—just a 20-minute bus ride from Fira—serves passenger ferries arriving from Athens, Crete, Mykonos, Milos, Paros, and Naxos.
The time taken depends on the type of ferry. High-speed ferries offered by operators like SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, and Minoan Lines can take between two and five hours, while traditional ferries, offered by operators like Blue Star, are cheaper but can take up to nine hours. Ticket prices vary depending on the carrier, starting point, sailing dates, type of ferry, and choice of seat. During summer, ferry tickets sell out fast so reserve in advance to snag a seat. Prices start from $45, compared to the low or shoulder seasons where tickets are as low as $20.
The port can get really busy, especially during high season, so arrive at the dock at least one hour before the ferry departs. You can compare routes, check up-to-date ferry timetables and book tickets online through Ferryhopper, Greek Ferries and OpenSeas website or app. Otherwise, you purchase your tickets in person at the port up to a day in advance. For real-time updates and delays, download the Marine Traffic app. Check out our guide to Santorini's ferry port for more handy tips.
From Athinios Port, you can rent a car to explore Santorini for just $25 a day. Just outside the port, there are also local KTEL buses that can take you anywhere on the island. Otherwise, you can also flag down a taxi or pre-book one online.
Getting to Santorini by private helicopter

Best for: Luxury and comfort
If you have the cash to splash, you can charter a private helicopter to Santorini from Crete, Mykonos, or Athens, which will take between 40 to 50 minutes. Along with being quick, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Aegean Sea in ultimate luxury. Prices start from $3,500 for groups of up to four.
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