Athens and Santorini are the two pillars of most Greece itineraries — and getting between them is one of the most common questions visitors have. You have two options: ferry or flight. Both work well. The right choice depends on your budget, time and appetite for the journey itself.
✔ High-speed ferry: 5 hours, €45–80, scenic, recommended
✔ Conventional overnight ferry: 8–9 hours, €35–55, budget option
✔ Flight: 45 minutes, €50–150, fastest and most reliable
✔ Best overall: Ferry there, fly back (or vice versa)
Option 1 — High-Speed Ferry (Recommended)
High-Speed Ferry — Piraeus to Santorini (Athinios Port)
Journey time: 4.5–5 hours | Cost: €45–80 one-way | Frequency: 2–4 sailings daily in summer
The high-speed catamaran ferries (Seajet, Hellenic Seaways) cut through the Aegean and deliver you to Santorini in around 5 hours. The approach into the caldera — rounding the headland and suddenly seeing the 300m volcanic cliffs rising from the sea — is one of the great travel moments in Europe. Book through ferryscanner.com or directferries.com. Book ahead in July–August — popular sailings sell out.
Practical note: Piraeus port is 12km from central Athens. Take Metro Line 1 (Green) from Monastiraki to Piraeus station (25 minutes, €1.20). Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Option 2 — Conventional Overnight Ferry
Overnight Ferry — Piraeus to Santorini
Journey time: 8–9 hours | Cost: €35–55 deck class, €70–120 cabin | Frequency: 1–2 sailings nightly
The overnight ferry (Blue Star Ferries) departs around 8–9pm and arrives Santorini at 5–6am. Taking deck class in summer — sleeping under the stars as the Aegean passes by — is one of Greece's great budget travel experiences. Arriving at dawn into the caldera with the sun rising over the cliffs is genuinely magical. Book a cabin if you value sleep. Seats/deck class is cheaper but noisy.
Best for: Budget travellers, those who want the full Greek ferry experience, or anyone who doesn't want to sacrifice a daytime sightseeing day to travel.
Option 3 — Fly Athens to Santorini
Flight — Athens (ATH) to Santorini (JTR)
Journey time: 45 minutes | Cost: €50–150 one-way | Airlines: Olympic Air, Sky Express, Aegean
Multiple daily flights make Athens–Santorini one of Greece's busiest domestic routes. At 45 minutes it's the fastest option — add airport time (arrive 90 minutes before) and you're looking at a 3-hour door-to-door journey vs 5+ hours by ferry. Prices vary wildly — book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best fares. The aerial view of the caldera on approach is spectacular.
Best for: Those with limited time, travellers who get seasick, or anyone who's booked tight connections. Also the most reliable option in bad weather.
Ferry vs Flight — Head to Head
⛴️ Ferry — Pros
✔ The caldera arrival by sea is unmissable
✔ Cheaper than flying (especially deck class)
✔ Overnight option saves a hotel night
✔ More luggage flexibility
✔ Part of the Greek island experience
✈️ Flight — Pros
✔ 45 minutes vs 5+ hours
✔ More reliable in bad weather
✔ No seasickness risk
✔ Fares competitive if booked early
✔ Aerial caldera view also spectacular
Our Recommendation
If you have time, take the high-speed ferry one way — ideally Athens to Santorini so you get the dramatic caldera arrival. Fly back. This gives you both experiences without the time cost of two ferry journeys. The morning high-speed departures from Piraeus (typically 7:30am) arrive Santorini early afternoon — a full day gained.
Getting to Piraeus Port from Athens
Metro (recommended): Line 1 (Green) from Monastiraki or Omonia to Piraeus station — 20–25 minutes, €1.20. Walk 10 minutes to the ferry gates (Gate E9 for most Cyclades ferries).
Taxi/rideshare: Around €15–20 from central Athens, 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Beat app is reliable.
Airport to Piraeus direct: Bus X96 runs from Athens Airport directly to Piraeus Port — useful if arriving from a flight and connecting to a ferry without going into the city.
Santorini Port — Getting to Your Hotel
Ferries arrive at Athinios Port — the island's main port, at the bottom of the caldera cliffs. From here: bus to Fira (30 minutes, €2.50), taxi (€15–25 depending on destination), or pre-booked hotel transfer. The cable car from Fira up to the caldera rim is a fun option if staying near Old Port. Pre-book an airport transfer for the ferry arrival if you have a lot of luggage — the port gets chaotic in summer.
→ Book Santorini Port TransferNow Plan Your Time in Santorini
Caldera sailing, Oia sunset tours and wine tasting — book before they sell out
Browse Santorini Tours →Skip the Luggage Hassle
Luggage Forward ships your bags directly between hotels — no dragging suitcases on trains, buses or through cobblestone streets. Book collection from your current hotel and it arrives at the next one before you do.
FAQs
How far is Athens from Santorini?
About 240km by sea. High-speed ferry: 4.5–5 hours. Conventional ferry: 8–9 hours. Flight: 45 minutes.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
Yes — especially July and August. High-speed ferries on popular times sell out. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season. Off-season you can usually book a few days ahead.
Can I take a car on the ferry to Santorini?
Yes — conventional ferries carry vehicles. High-speed catamarans do not. If you need a car on Santorini, use the conventional ferry or rent on arrival (recommended).