A first timer’s guide to taking the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini

If you’re planning a trip to Mykonos, you can’t miss its neighbor Santorini, a picturesque destination known for its distinctive whitewashed buildings, dazzling panoramas, and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Not sure what’s the best way to get to Santorini from Mykonos? You can travel by plane or even by helicopter, but the most popular and convenient way is by ferry. Not only are there frequent ferry departures from Mykonos, tickets are also incredibly affordable.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, including ferry schedules, prices and handy tips.

The ferries to Santorini are operated by three main companies: SeaJets, Minoan Lines and Golden Star Ferries—all of which operate high-speed ferries from Mykonos to Santorini.

SeaJets operates the largest fleet of ferries and dominates the route between Mykonos and Santorini, even during off-peak season. They have three ferries daily, with each ride costing around $84 per person. The first ferry typically departs from Mykonos at 9.50 a.m. and arrives in Santorini at 11.45 a.m. SeaJets operates several ships, including WorldChampion Jet—the fastest boat ride that’ll get you to Santorini in 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Minoan Lines has three ferries departing from Mykonos to Santorini every week, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It’s the cheapest ferry line, with prices starting at $62—perfect for island-hoppers on a budget.

Golden Star Ferries runs one ferry, the SuperExpress, that provides daily crossings between the islands. The ferry departs Mykonos at 9.50 a.m. and arrives in Santorini at 12.40 p.m., taking 2 hours and 50 minutes. Ticket prices start from $73 per passenger.

Subject to weather conditions and the type of vessel, you can expect to reach Santorini within two to three hours.

Across all the main ferry companies, there are two to five ferry crossings between the islands every day. During the peak season, however, you can expect four or more daily ferries from Mykonos to Santorini. The ferries typically depart in the mornings and afternoons, from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., but at times, can depart as late as 5 p.m.

For up-to-date ferry timetables, you can check out sites like FerryHopper.

A ferry ride between the islands is relatively affordable compared to taking a plane or a helicopter. It averages around $70 for a one-way ticket, but expect slight fluctuations depending on your choice of seat, vessel, and available discounts. There are also concessions for children and seniors, so make sure to check with the ferry companies before you book.

While you can buy ferry tickets through many local travel agencies in Greece, it’s easier to book them online through the ferry companies directly or aggregators like FerryHopper, where you can compare travel times and prices. Once you’ve purchased your tickets online, most sites will send you a confirmation email and a booking reference number. But note, this is not your ticket. You'll have to provide the ticket office in Mykonos with this booking confirmation to get your tickets. Don’t leave this to the last minute—the ticket office is often crowded before every departure. However, there are ferry companies that support e-tickets—all you need to do is present the QR code when boarding.

Ticket schedules are typically released 30 to 60 days in advance. The summer months from June to September can get busy, so you should book your tickets online at least a few weeks in advance to snag a seat on the ferry of your choice. The local travel agencies will be packed with travelers trying to buy last-minute tickets—and trust us, you don’t want to be caught in that situation.

Most ferries depart from the New Port of Mykonos, which serves all ferries and cruise ships. It’s located about a mile north of Mykonos Town in the Tourlos area. The best way to get to the New Port is by sea bus, local bus, or private transfers arranged through your hotel.

Ferries from Mykonos will stop at Athinios Port in Santorini. The port of Athinios is nestled on the southwest side of the island, and it can get quite crowded, especially during the peak season.

The port is 6 miles south of Firá, the capital of Santorini known for its whitewashed cubic houses and blue-domed churches perched on the cliffs 900 feet above the caldera.

From Athinios Port, you can get around the island comfortably by bus, taxi, or renting a car. Just outside the port, the local bus service KTEL has buses that can take you to almost anywhere on the island. Buses run every 30 minutes in summer and every hour in winter. Bus timings are coordinated with the ferry arrivals—check the bus itineraries on the island itself or through the KTEL website.

Taxis are available from Athinios Port, but flagging one down during the summer months can be a challenge. Otherwise, you can always rent a car at the port as well.

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