Getting from Athens to Santorini: stress-free routes, key pit stops, and the very best travel times

Greece is synonymous with ancient sites and idyllic islands surrounded by deep blue seas. For your first trip to Greece, start in Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, for a cultural and historical orientation of the country.

But a visit to Greece isn’t complete without spending time on the fabled Greek islands with their iconic white-washed houses and windmills. If you have time for just one island trip, head to Santorini, the jewel of the Greek archipelago, for an unforgettable getaway.

It’s easy to plan a combined city and island vacation as Athens and Santorini are just about 145 miles apart. You can get to Santorini from Athens easily by air or sea.

We’ve put together this guide to show you the best ways to travel from Athens to Santorini for a stress-free Greek vacation.

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Santorini from Athens is to hop on a plane. The flight connecting Athens and Santorini is only 45 minutes and there are multiple flights a day.

All flights depart from Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos. The airport is about 16 miles from downtown Athens and you can get there by metro, bus, taxi, or private transfer.

As the plane approaches Santorini International Airport, you get to take in the aerial views of the crescent-shaped island. Santorini’s small but efficient airport is just 4 miles from Fira, the largest town on the island.

You can choose from a range of airlines. The two major Greek carriers Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines and budget airlines Ryanair, Sky Express, and Volotea operate daily flights. If you visit during the peak season, especially in July and August, book your air tickets in advance to secure seats at affordable prices. During the shoulder and low seasons, return air tickets can cost less than $100.

While you pay more to travel by plane, you save time. Moreover, flights, unlike ferry rides, are less likely to get delayed or canceled due to weather conditions like choppy seas and strong winds.

To experience the seafaring rite of passage to the Greek islands, take a ferry to Santorini. Marvel at the dramatic landscape and picturesque villages perched on the cliffs unfolding in front of you as the ferry enters the caldera.

Most ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus port, a busy transportation hub in Athens. A variety of vessels like ferries, hydrofoils, catamarans, and cruise ships pass through Piraeus’ Great Harbor (Megas Limin). You can take the metro, bus or taxi from central Athens to Piraeus Port. Some ferries leave from the smaller Rafina port, which is closer to the airport. Check the ferry details carefully before booking your tickets.

There are two types of ferries you can take to Santorini: the traditional ferry and the high-speed ferry. The traditional ferries are usually huge vessels that carry up to 2,500 passengers and vehicles. These types of ferries are also called slow ferries because the journey can take up to 7-10 hours. The long ferry ride is relaxing as you can sit on the deck to soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean’s changing scenery. You can choose seats from economy to VIP class, depending on your budget. There are also facilities onboard such as a restaurant and bar.

The high-speed ferry costs more but takes you to the island in about 4-5 hours. But with speed comes some drawbacks: the smaller ships have no outdoor areas and the ride could be choppy, so be prepared if you’re prone to seasickness.

There are many ferry companies running the Athens-Santorini route. Book your seats on any of these: Blue Star (popular option), SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, and Golden Star. Websites like Ferryhopper and Greek Ferries are comprehensive booking platforms where you can check the ferry schedules and book tickets. Download the apps that accompany these platforms as they provide useful updates like live route tracking and expected arrival times.

The cost of the ferry tickets ranges from $35 to $140 depending on the types of ferries, seats, and sailing dates. Traveling by ferry is cheaper than air travel and you don’t have to pay additional baggage fees. During the peak season in July and August, ticket prices go up and they sell out fast, so book your tickets in advance. The best time to visit Santorini is in late spring and fall in September and October when you can get discounted tickets.

Some ferries make brief stops at islands like Naxos, Paros, and Milos en route to Santorini so you add island-hopping excursions to your itinerary.

Ferries arrive at Santorini’s New Port (Athinios), just a 20-minute bus ride from Fira. The buses and port can be crowded in summer so make sure you set off early for the port to catch your ferry. Check out our guide to Santorini’s ferry port for more tips and tricks.

If possible, select a ferry that arrives in Santorini just before the sun sets so you’ll have the chance to watch the legendary Santorini sunset painting the landscape with spectacular hues as you approach the island.

For a hassle-free journey, join a cruise with a fixed itinerary that connects Athens to the Greek islands like Santorini. Cruising is popular with travelers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation.

There are many different types of cruises that cater to every traveler’s needs and preferences. The mainstream cruises carry over 1,500 passengers while the midsized cruises fit about 500 to 1,500 passengers. The cruise routes connect Athens to Santorini and usually cover a number of Greek islands and even ports of call in other countries along the Mediterranean coast. Big cruises drop you at the busiest ports while smaller cruises provide premium services and customized itineraries.

Cruise ships anchor in the Aegean sea near the cliffs of Fira. Passengers are then ferried on smaller boats to Santorini’s old port, Skala. The convenience of cruising comes with crowds so you’ll descend on Santorini with the other passengers from your cruise and other incoming cruises. To avoid the crowds, disembark from the ship quickly and venture to other villages farther away from the tourist circuits like Oia and Imerovigli.

For travelers who want speed and convenience: Travel by air from Athens to Santorini as you’ll save a lot of time. If you don’t wish to miss the experience of viewing Santorini from the Aegean Sea, join boat tours that sail around the caldera where you’ll even get to swim near the volcano.

For budget travelers who enjoy slow but scenic travel: Hop on the conventional ferry with your books, snacks, and seasickness pills and embrace the time-honored way of traveling by sea.

For travelers who want a hassle-free guided tour: Pay more to join a luxury cruise that has everything covered—from food to lodging to shore excursions. Sit back and relax as the ship takes you to Santorini and other Greek attractions from Athens.

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