How to Get to Santorini – Ferry, Flight & All Options

Santorini is one of the most iconic islands in the world, drawing millions of visitors every year with its white-washed cliffs, volcanic beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. But before you can sip wine in Oia and watch the sun dip into the Aegean, you need to figure out how to actually get there. The good news? There are several ways to reach Santorini — each with its own advantages depending on your budget, starting point, and travel style.

Here is a complete breakdown of every option available.

Flying to Santorini

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Santorini is by flying directly to Santorini International Airport, also known as Thira Airport (IATA code: JTR). The airport sits just a few kilometers from the town of Fira and handles both domestic and international flights.

Direct International Flights

During peak season (May to October), numerous European airlines operate direct flights to Santorini from major cities including London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Vienna. Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and various charter carriers offer seasonal routes that make it easy to fly in without a stopover.

Flight duration varies by origin:

• London to Santorini: approximately 3.5 hours
• Amsterdam to Santorini: approximately 3 hours
• Rome to Santorini: approximately 1.5 hours

Outside of peak season, direct international connections become limited or disappear entirely, which brings us to the domestic option.

Via Athens (Domestic Connection)

If you are traveling outside summer or cannot find a direct international flight, the most common route is flying into Athens International Airport (ATH) and then catching a domestic flight to Santorini. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express operate this route multiple times daily throughout the year.

The Athens to Santorini flight takes approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick and easy connection. Aegean Airlines in particular offers competitive fares when booked in advance, and the frequency of flights means you have plenty of flexibility with timing.

Tip: If you have a layover in Athens, the domestic terminal is in the same building as the international terminal, so connections are relatively straightforward.

Taking the Ferry to Santorini

For travelers who want a more scenic and budget-friendly journey, the ferry is an excellent option. Greece has one of the most developed ferry networks in Europe, and Santorini is well-connected to Piraeus (the port of Athens) as well as several other islands.

Ferry from Piraeus (Athens)

The most popular ferry route is from the port of Piraeus to Santorini. There are two main types of ferries:

High-speed ferries cover the distance in approximately 5 to 6 hours. Companies like Seajets and Hellenic Seaways operate fast catamarans and high-speed vessels that are comfortable and efficient. These are more expensive than conventional ferries but significantly faster.

Conventional ferries take 8 to 10 hours but are much cheaper. They depart mostly in the evening and arrive in the morning, which means you effectively travel overnight and save on a night’s accommodation. Companies like Blue Star Ferries operate large, well-equipped vessels with cabins, restaurants, and deck seating.

Ferry prices from Piraeus to Santorini range from around €35 for a deck seat on a conventional ferry to €80–€120 for a high-speed cabin, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.

Ferry from Other Islands

Santorini is also reachable from several other Cycladic islands, making it ideal for island-hopping itineraries. Common routes include:

• Mykonos to Santorini: 2.5 to 3.5 hours by high-speed ferry
• Naxos to Santorini: approximately 2 hours
• Paros to Santorini: approximately 2.5 hours
• Ios to Santorini: approximately 1.5 hours
• Crete (Heraklion) to Santorini: approximately 2 hours by high-speed ferry

These inter-island connections are served by multiple companies and run frequently during summer. Booking in advance is strongly recommended in July and August, as ferries fill up quickly.

Santorini’s Port: Athinios

Most ferries arrive at Athinios Port, which is located about 10 kilometers from Fira. From the port, you can take a local bus (KTEL) to Fira for a very low fare, or arrange a taxi or hotel transfer. Note that taxis at Athinios can be limited during peak arrival times, so pre-arranging transfers with your accommodation is a smart move.

A smaller number of boats and excursion vessels dock at the old port of Fira (Skala), which is accessible by cable car, donkey ride, or the famous 588-step path up the cliff.

Cruise Ship Arrival

Thousands of cruise ships stop at Santorini every year, particularly between April and October. Cruise passengers typically anchor offshore and tender into the old port below Fira, as Santorini has no dedicated large cruise terminal.

If you are arriving by cruise, you will take a tender boat to the old port and then ascend to Fira by cable car or on foot. Be aware that on busy days, multiple ships arrive simultaneously, making the cable car lines very long. Starting early in the morning or heading toward the southern villages like Akrotiri and Perissa can help you avoid the crowds.

Practical Tips for Getting to Santorini

Book early. Whether you are flying or taking the ferry, prices increase significantly as the date approaches, especially in summer. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance can save you considerable money.

Check the weather. The Aegean Sea can be rough, particularly in late October through early April. High-speed ferries may be cancelled during strong winds. Always have a backup plan if you are traveling in the shoulder or off-season.

Consider your arrival time. If you arrive by ferry late at night or very early in the morning, make sure your accommodation offers late check-in or can arrange transport from the port.

Combine ferry and flight. A popular strategy among experienced travelers is to fly one way and take the ferry the other, giving you both convenience and the scenic experience of sailing into the caldera.

FAQ: Getting to Santorini

What is the cheapest way to get to Santorini? The overnight conventional ferry from Piraeus is typically the cheapest option, with deck seats starting from around €35. Budget airlines also offer competitive fares if booked well in advance.

How long does the ferry from Athens take? High-speed ferries take approximately 5 to 6 hours. Conventional ferries take 8 to 10 hours, usually departing in the evening and arriving the following morning.

Can you drive to Santorini? No, Santorini is an island — you cannot drive there directly. However, you can bring your car on certain conventional ferries from Piraeus if you want a vehicle on the island.

Is there a direct flight to Santorini from the UK? Yes, during summer (approximately May to October) there are direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, and other UK airports. Outside of this period, a connection via Athens is usually necessary.

What airport does Santorini have? Santorini is served by Santorini (Thira) International Airport, IATA code JTR, located near the village of Monolithos, about 6 kilometers from Fira.

Which ferry company is best for Santorini? Blue Star Ferries is widely regarded as the most reliable for conventional overnight ferries. For high-speed options, Seajets and Hellenic Seaways are popular choices. Always compare schedules on Ferryhopper or the official company websites.

Do I need to book ferries in advance? In July and August, absolutely yes — especially for high-speed ferries and if you are travelling with a vehicle. In shoulder season (May, June, September, October) you have more flexibility, but booking ahead is still recommended.

How do I get from Santorini airport to Fira? The local KTEL bus runs from the airport to Fira’s main bus station for a very low fare. Taxis are also available but can be in short supply during peak hours. Many hotels offer private transfers if arranged in advance.