Athens (Piraeus) – Santorini (Thira)
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
Athens (Piraeus) – Santorini (Thira)
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
First ferry: departs Athens (Piraeus) at 07:00.
Last ferry: departs Athens (Piraeus) at around 19:46.
Bear in mind that Athens to Santorini ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Athens Santorini ferry timetable before you book.
The duration of the ferry from Athens to Santorini depends on whether you’re travelling on a fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The ferry to Santorini from Athens takes around 6 hours 20 minutes on average.
Average ferry time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Fastest ferry time: 4 hours 55 minutes
Longest ferry time: 11 hours 30 minutes
Ferries from Athens (Pireaus) to Santorini (Thira) are provided by 3 ferry companies; Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets. There are a combined total of 5 daily and 36 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Athens to Santorini ferry schedule can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: all year round
Blue Star Ferries: 2 daily sailings and 16 weekly sailings
Cyclades Fast Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings
SeaJets: 3 daily sailings and 18 weekly sailings
The distance between Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) is approximately 157.8 miles (254.0km) or 137 nautical miles.
Yes, you can travel by car on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira).
Car operators: Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets
Car prices: usually between £263 and £773
Cheapest car price: £137
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry.
Foot passenger ferries: Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets
Foot passenger prices: usually between £78 and £321
Cheapest foot passenger price: £39
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Santorini from Athens. See below for approximate prices.
Camper prices: usually between £295.60 and £628
Cheapest camper price: £274.60
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the Athens (Piraeus) Santorini (Thira) ferry.
Pets are allowed on some Athens to Santorini ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Blue Star Ferries
SeaJets
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board both Blue Star and Seajets ferries:
Blue Star Ferries:
Seajets:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs for free on the Athens to Santorini boat. You must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Pets travel for free on both Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. You are allowed to travel with up to 5 pets of your own.
We’d recommend booking your ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) in advance to get it at the cheapest price. Prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Athens to Santorini by boat in summer it’s always best to book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets all year round.
It depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
The amount of luggage you can take on the Athens to Santorini (Thira) ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
Seajets: up to 50kg
Blue Star Ferries: up to 50kg
Cyclades Fast Ferries: no specific limit
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on board differ depending on the ferry company. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Seajets: The high-speed ferries do not have cabins on board. Instead there is airline-style seating available. You can choose from standard Economy seats or Business/VIP seats for extra comfort and additional amenities.
Blue Star Ferries: As well as Economy and airline-style seating, there are also both private and shared cabins available on board including 2, 3 and 4 berth cabins.
Cyclades Fast Ferries: There are a range of seats on board including Economy, Business and VIP seats. Inside and outside cabins are available too.
Yes, the ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on.
Seajets: People with reduced mobility can travel on all ferry routes. Just let them know when boarding the ship or at the time of booking.
Blue Star Ferries: Special cabins, priority boarding and wheelchairs are available on board.
Cyclades Fast Ferries: Larger vessels may have wheelchair ramps and boarding assistance. However, the smaller vessels may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.
We recommend arriving at Athens (Piraeus) port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your ferry ticket will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your booking should be in your confirmation email.
Blue star ferries: from 48 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
Seajets: from 48 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
Cyclades Fast Ferries: up to 30 minutes before scheduled departure time
Unfortunately, you cannot park inside the port of Pireaus. However, there are parking spaces nearby.
You can get a metro, bus or taxi to Athens (Piraeus) port from Athens town centre.
Metro: Take the M1 green line to Athens (Piraeus) port
Duration: 25-30 minutes
Bus: Bus 040 from Syntagma or 049 from Omonoia
Duration: approximately 50 minutes
Taxi duration: 25-40 minutes
Santorini can get very busy in peak season. If you’re travelling during the summer, it’s best to arrange transportation to your accommodation beforehand as finding a taxi at the port can be tricky.
If you’re travelling by car, Santorini’s speed limits are as follows:
Urban areas: 50km/h or 31mph
Open roads: 80km/h or 49mph
Highways: 100km/h or 62mph
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Athens | |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 3 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | £164 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 5 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 36 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 6 h 20 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 4 h 55 m | |
| First Ferry | 07:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 19:46 | |
| Distance | 137 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2025.
"Latvija"
"Efficient transportation"
"SupersonicTonic"
"Good experience"
No, the ferry ride is too long for a day trip; a longer stay is recommended.
From Santorini, visitors can easily access the nearby islands of Ios, Anafi, and Folegandros by ferry. These islands offer a quieter and more traditional Greek island experience compared to the bustling Santorini. Each island has its own charm, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek cuisine to enjoy.
The high-speed ferry from Piraeus to Santorini operated by SeaJets, takes 5h 0m.
Taking a ferry to Santorini offers scenic views, relaxation, and ease of travel. Although ferry travel usually takes longer than flying, ferries can be a comparable option when factoring in travel time to and from airports, security checks, and potential flight delays, making them a convenient and enjoyable choice for reaching Thira.
Yes, you generally need a valid passport to travel from Athens {Piraeus) to Santorini as it involves traveling between different regions within Greece. EU/EEA citizens may be able to use a national ID card instead of a passport for this domestic journey, but it's recommended to carry a passport for identification purposes. Non-EU/EEA citizens will typically require a passport for this trip.
From Athens airport, take a taxi or bus to the Piraeus Port, which is about a 30-minute drive. Once at the port, head to Gate E6 for the high-speed ferry to Santorini, approximately a 8-9 hour journey depending on the ferry schedule and type you choose.
The ferry ride from Piraeus to Santorini can be rough at times due to strong winds and waves in the Aegean Sea, especially during the peak summer months. While some crossings may be smooth, travelers prone to seasickness should be prepared for potential rough seas and consider taking anti-nausea medication if necessary. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before your journey and opt for larger, more stable ferries if you're concerned about seasickness.
The easiest way to travel from Piraeus to Santorini is by ferry. Ferries offer a balance of speed and convenience, typically taking around 5-8 hours. For the fastest option, consider a high-speed ferry, which cuts travel time to around 4-5 hours for a higher price. For a more scenic journey, opt for a slower traditional ferry, where you can enjoy the views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands. To save money, choose a conventional ferry, which offers the most budget-friendly option despite longer travel times.
The port city of Piraeus in Greece lies on the Saronic Gulf in the Attica region of the country and forms part of the Athens urban sprawl. Piraeus is Greece's main port and the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world. Unsurprisingly, it is the hub of Greece's maritime industries and the base for its merchant navy.
Passengers arriving at Piraeus ferry port can expect to find a huge range of facilities including cafes, restaurants, duty free shops, ATMs, currency exchange offices and lounges. There is also the X96 bus which transports passengers between gates E1 to E9 throughout the day as well as taxi ranks.
As the Piraeus port is situated only 12km southwest of Athens city centre, you can easily get there via car or public transport. Simply follow Line 1 (Green Line) for approximately 30 minutes until you arrive at Monastiraki station. There is also the 040-bus available from Syntagma Square, which will take you within walking distance of the passenger terminals. Please head in the direction of gates E1 to E10 upon arrival in order to locate your ferry.
Getting to the Thira port is easiest by car and public transport. There are local bus services departing hourly from Fira and Oia, which operate in accordance with the ferry timetables. If you prefer a faster alternative, we suggest booking with a private transfer service like Welcome Pickups. However, this service can get very busy during the summer so definitely book in advance. For more information regarding places to stay in Santorini, please visit our accommodation page.
