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Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades, shaped by an ancient eruption. Whitewashed villages cling to the caldera cliffs, and Oia's sunset draws a crowd every evening. Flying is the quickest way to get from Athens to Santorini, taking 1h 45m. The ferry costs $59 (€52) and takes 6-11h.
Distance from Athens to Santorini
Athens and Santorini are about 230 km (143 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. The quickest way to get from Athens to Santorini is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 45m.
2 ways to travel from Athens to Santorini
There are two ways to travel from Athens to Santorini. The journey takes 1h 45m–6h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $46 (€40).
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Athens to Santorini by Ferry
Athens to Santorini by ferry: Scenic views along the coast
The ferry from Athens to Santorini is slower than flying, but it's a scenic way to travel across the Aegean Sea. If you have extra time, you'll enjoy views of several Cyclades islands along the way.
High-speed ferries take 5–5.5 hours, while conventional ferries take 7–10 hours. Allow another 1 hour for transfers to and from the ferry ports.
Combined ferry and transfer rates from Athens to Santorini start from $59 (€52).
Below, we explain the journey in three steps:
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Piraeus Port by Train
Piraeus Port is located about 15 km southwest of Athens city centre. You can get there by metro train in around 30m for only $1.40 (€1.20).
From Athens city centre, take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) or Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) to Piraeus Station. Popular departure stations include Monastiraki (Lines 1 and 3), Omonia (Line 1), and Syntagma (Line 3).
You need to get off at Piraeus Station.
Line 1 (Green Line): Arrives at the historic station building.
Line 3 (Blue Line): Arrives at the newer underground station.
From either station, follow the signs to your ferry gate. Depending on your departure gate, the walk through Piraeus Port takes around 5–20 minutes.
If you'd rather be dropped off closer to your ferry terminal, you can take a taxi from central Athens. The journey takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares start at around $18 (€16).
Step 2: Piraeus to Santorini by Ferry
There are two types of ferries between Athens and Santorini during the high season. High-speed ferries, mainly operated by Seajets, take 5–5.5 hours. Conventional ferries, operated by Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries, take 7–10 hours.
High-speed ferries save you around 2–4 hours of travel time, but tickets are often almost twice as expensive.
If you don't mind the longer journey, conventional ferries are a cheaper option and offer a smoother ride with scenic views.
Ferry tickets are available on Omio.
Booking Tip
Ferries dock at Athinios Port (Thira Santorini Port) on Santorini's southwestern coast. The port is around 8 km from Fira town centre.
Step 3: Santorini Ferry Port to Fira by Bus
From Santorini Port, you need to travel by bus or taxi to Fira, the island’s capital. Tourists usually stay in this town.
Buses bound for Fira are usually available at the port, just awaiting ferry arrivals. A ticket costs $3.10 (€2.70). Payment is made on the bus, so it's best to have coins or small bills. You can expect to arrive at Fira Bus Stop in about 30m.
If the bus is already full, you have the option to take a taxi with rates from $46 (€40). Travel time would take around 20 minutes.
Is your hotel located elsewhere in Santorini? A taxi is your only option for a direct transfer. All buses from the port make their final stop in Fira. From Fira, you can take a bus to almost any town on the island.
Athens to Santorini by Flight
Taking a flight is the fastest way to visit Santorini from Athens.
The flight itself takes less than an hour, but the total journey takes around 1h 45m once you include the airport transfers. You'll also need to allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding. Even so, flying is still much faster than taking the ferry.
You can find flight tickets for as low as $23 (€20), excluding the cost of travelling to and from the airports.
From Athens, you can reach Santorini in three steps. We explain these below:
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Athens Airport by Train
When you fly from Athens to Santorini, you first need to travel 35 km southeast from Athens city centre to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).
Depending on where you're staying, you have three primary transport options:
Metro (Line 3): $10 (€9.00), 40 minutes
Express Bus (X95): $6.30 (€5.50), 1 to 1.5hrs
Official Taxi: Flat fare of $46 (€40) during the day (05:00–24:00) or $63 (€55) overnight (00:00–05:00), 35 minutes. You can also compare prices with Uber.
The train is our recommended option for getting to Athens Airport, especially if you’re staying near a Metro Line 3 station. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and trains to the airport depart throughout the day from around 05:50 until 23:20.
Always check the latest timetable before you travel, as schedules may change.
Look for trains marked "Airport" (Αεροδρόμιο), as most Line 3 services terminate at Doukissis Plakentias Station
Step 2: Athens to Santorini by Flight
You’ll have plenty of choices when taking a direct flight from Athens to Santorini, even more so during the high season (April to October).
Prices for flights to Santorini from Athens can get as low as $23 (€20), depending on the airline and the date of your trip.
Aegean Airlines (Greece's flag carrier) and SKY express operate multiple daily flights year-round. But they are generally more expensive, with fares starting from around $48 (€42).
Ryanair, on the other hand, often offers the cheapest fares, but its Athens to Santorini route is seasonal and typically operates only during the high season.
The flight time from Athens to Santorini takes around 50m.
As this is a very popular route, it’s best to book flights months in advance to get the cheapest tickets available.
Step 3: Santorini Airport to Fira by Taxi or Bus
Fira, the island’s capital, is located 5 km northwest of Santorini Airport. A taxi is our recommended option for getting to your hotel because it’s safer and more convenient. You can take a metered taxi with fares from $46 (€40). Travel time is around 15 minutes.
If you're on a budget and don't mind a crowded ride, you can also take the bus from Santorini Airport to Fira. A ticket only costs $2.50 (€2.20).
Buses depart every hour from 06:10 to 23:10.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your wallet, phone, and other valuables throughout the journey. The bus ride only takes around 20 minutes, but that's still enough time for pickpockets to target distracted passengers. If you decide to take the bus, it's best to stay alert throughout the journey.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santorini?
Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks — whitewashed buildings overlooking cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Not-so-fun fact: Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.
Volcanic-sand beaches dot the coasts of Santorini. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. They all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Do yourself a favour and spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Athens to Santorini. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Athens to Santorini?
The distance from Athens to Santorini is 230 kilometres (143 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Athens to Santorini?
The fastest way to get from Athens to Santorini is by flight and takes 1h 45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Athens to Santorini?
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Santorini is by ferry with ticket costs starting from €52.
How can I travel from Athens to Santorini?
When going on a trip from Athens to Santorini, you have two main options: by ferry or by flight. There are several ferry companies that operate on the Athens to Santorini route, offering convenient and scenic journeys. If you want a faster trip to Santorini, there are many flights available daily.
Ferry rides from Athens to Santorini take 6-11 hour, depending on whether you take a conventional or high-speed ferry. Flight time, including transfers, is around 2 hours.
Are there any cheap flight options from Athens to Santorini?
How can I find cheap tickets for the Athens to Santorini ferry or flight?
How can I get from Santorini to Athens?
Route Update History
- New ferry operators: Fast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Seajets.
- Ferry operators no longer listed: Anek Lines, Minoan Lines.
- Updated ferry prices.
- Updated ferry departure times.
- Updated flight prices.
Updated flight prices.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.