How to Get to Santorini, Greece from Athens

Planning a trip to Greece and wondering how to get to Santorini, Greece from Athens? This stunning island is one of the most iconic destinations in the country, known for its whitewashed villages, breathtaking sunsets, and crystal-clear waters.

Whether you’re flying, taking a ferry, or joining a tour, there are several easy ways to reach Santorini from the Greek capital.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get to Santorini, Greece from Athens, including transportation options, travel times, and helpful tips to plan your journey.

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How to Get to Yerevan, Armenia: Basic Info About Visiting

There are a few different ways to travel to Santorini from Athens! But first, let's look at where Santorini is located and why it's worth visiting.

 Why Visit Santorini from Athens?

Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous islands, and for good reason. With its volcanic cliffs, blue-domed churches, and charming towns like Oia and Fira, it’s a place that feels almost unreal.

Beyond the postcard views, Santorini offers beaches with red and black sand, world-class wineries, and unforgettable sunsets that make it one of the top destinations in Europe.

Being so easily reachable from Athens, it just makes sense adding Santorini to your Greece itinerary - yo certainly won't regret it!

 Where is Santorini Located?

Santorini is part of the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of Athens. It’s easily accessible by air or sea, making it a convenient getaway from the mainland.

 How Do I Get to Santorini, Greece from Athens?

There are two main ways to travel from Athens to Santorini — by plane or by ferry. Both have their advantages, depending on how much time you have and your travel preferences.

Here are all the options for getting to Santorini from Athens:

• Flying to Santorini
• Taking a ferry from Athens to Santorini
• Joining an organized tour or cruise

How to Get to Santorini, Greece from Athens: Transportation Options

Ready to learn how to get to Santorini from Athens? We're here to discuss flying and sailing options, as well as comparing rates, schedules, and airlines.

Flying from Athens to Santorini

The fastest and easiest way to get to Santorini from Athens is by plane. Direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Santorini Airport (JTR) take about 45 to 50 minutes, and are typically from $30-80 each way, but can be as cheap as $20!

Several airlines operate this route year-round, including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Ryanair. During the summer months, there are multiple flights per day, often starting as early as 6 a.m.

If you’re short on time or want to make the most of your days on the island, flying is the best option.

Search for a flight to Santorini, Greece:

🛩 Flights to Santorini from Athens with Ryan Air

Ryan Air is typically the most affordable option for flying to Santorini from Athens, and has flights as low as $20 each way! Just a personal item is included, so if you think you'll be needing more than that you'll have some extra expenses.

10 Kg checked bags cost $20.90, 20 Kg checked bags cost $35.59, and 23 Kg checked bags cost $49.72. 10 Kg Carry-ons can be added by upgrading from basic to "regular" for $33.50, which also includes seat reservation, and priority boarding.

If you'll need both a carryon and checked baggage you can choose the "plus" package for $44.80, or "flexi plus" for $118.21 which includes security speed through, changes with no fees, and the option to move yourself onto an earlier flight.

Here is the current schedule for Ryan Air flights from Athens to Santorini:

*Do keep in mind that prices and schedules are subject to change. We've included this manually after a lot of research, but rates and itineraries do vary throughout the year.

Flights to Santorini from Athens with Aegean Air

On weekdays, Aegean Air offers flights at 6:50 AM, 10:10 AM, 11:05 AM, 1:20 PM, 5:05 PM, and 9:30 PM. On weekends, the flight schedules remain consistent with the exception of the first flight out.

Aegean Air offers tickets on a tiered system with Economy Light, Economy Flex, Economy Comfort Flex, Business, and Business Class options.

• Economy Light: Personal item or carryon up to 8kg and snack included.
• Economy Flex: Same as Economy Light but able to make flight changes.
• Economy Comfort Flex: Also has a 23 Kg checked bag included and flight changes within the same day.
• Business: Includes cabin baggage up to 13 kg, meal and beverages, 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each, free Wifi, seat selection, and a vacant middle seat.
• Business Class: Same as Business but with lounge access and priority boarding.

Flights to Santorini from Athens with Sky Express

Sky Express offers the highest number of flights from Athens to Santorini, Greece. The flight times each day are 7:05 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:50 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 4:50 PM, and 8:20 PM. Flights are usually the same price all day, except for the first flight out, which is typically less than half the rate of the rest of the day.

Sky Joy is the most accessible option, but only includes 1 x 8 kg personal item. Sky Joy + also includes 1 x 15 kg checked bag, while Sky Enjoy includes 1 x 23 Kg checked bag, lounge access, and free flight changes.

Sky Express is overall a bit pricier, but is a convenient option with lots of options.

Taking the Ferry from Athens to Santorini

If you’d rather take the scenic route, the ferry is a classic Greek experience. Ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus Port, about 30–45 minutes from central Athens.

There are two types of ferries:

• High-speed ferries, which take around 5 hours
• Regular ferries, which take between 7 and 9 hours, depending on stops along the way.

Popular companies like Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Minoan Lines operate daily routes. Most ferries arrive at Athinios Port in Santorini, from where you can easily reach Fira, Oia, or your hotel by taxi or shuttle.

 Comparing Main Ferry Companies for Athens-Santorini

• Blue Star Ferries — reliable conventional ferries
  Blue Star runs the slower, conventional ferries from Piraeus to Santorini. These daytime departures usually take around 7 to 8 hours depending on the exact route and stops, and they often leave once per day during the main season. Blue Star ferries carry vehicles and have roomy indoor and outdoor seating, cabins on some ships, and basic onboard services. For travelers who want a steadier ride, more space, and the option to take a car, Blue Star is the go-to choice.
• Seajets — high speed and multiple daily options
  Seajets operates high speed ferries on the Piraeus to Santorini route. These fast ferries typically take about 5 to 6 hours and often run multiple times per week, and in peak season there can be several daily departures. Seajets is the best option if you want to spend less time in transit. Expect higher ticket prices compared with conventional ferries, and note that high speed routes can be more subject to cancellation in rough seas. 
• Fast Ferries / Minoan Lines and other operators — extra options and seasonal sailings
  In addition to Blue Star and Seajets, companies such as Fast Ferries, Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries and others sometimes operate Piraeus to Santorini sailings. These services vary by year and season and include a mix of conventional and high speed vessels. Some of these lines run on specific days or only during the summer, so they are useful if Blue Star or Seajets schedules do not match your plans.

Typical Ferry Timetables and Frequency

During May to October the route is busiest. High speed ferries can operate multiple times per week and often daily at peak times. Conventional ferries commonly run one daily daytime crossing. 

For example, SeaJets departures in the early morning and midmorning with durations around 5 to 6 hours, while Blue Star departures are usually early morning and take 7 to 8 hours.

Picking the Right Ferry for You

• Choose Blue Star if you want a more relaxed crossing, the option to bring a vehicle, or a lower price.
• Choose Seajets or another high speed operator if you value time and want to maximize your hours on the island.
• Consider other companies if you need a specific departure day or a route that calls at intermediate islands.
• In windy or rough conditions high speed services are more likely to be delayed or cancelled, so give yourself a cushion for important onward travel

 Practical Tips for Taking a Ferry from Athens to Santorini

 How to Get to Santorini, Greece from Athens with Cruises and Organized Tours

Another great option is to visit Santorini as part of a multi-day cruise or island-hopping tour. Many cruises departing from Athens include Santorini on their itinerary, along with other Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Paros. Trips can also include transportation, accommodations, and guided experiences, making them perfect for those who prefer a stress-free trip.

My first time in Santorini was actually while working on a cruise ship, and a lot of the passengers enjoyed seeing the island this way, while also incorporating other Greek islands or nearby destinations to their itinerary.

Sailings from Athens to Santorini typically start in April and go through October. Cruise lines that offer cruises from Athens to the Greek Islands include Celebrity, Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Windstar, and Virgin Voyages.

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How to Get to Santorini, Greece: Final Tips & What's Next

Now that you know how to get to Santorini, Greece from Athens, here are a few quick tips for visiting:

 Getting Around Santorini: Rent a scooter, ATV, or car to explore the island. Public buses are also available and connect most major towns.

 Where to Stay: Stay in Oia or Fira for postcard views, or choose Perissa or Kamari for a quieter beach stay.

 Language:  Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

 Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€).

 Safety: Santorini is very safe for travelers

 Weather: Yerevan experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers, and cold, snowy winters.

 Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Santorini is between April and October, when the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August are the busiest months, so visit in May, June, or September for fewer crowds.

 What's Next?

Now that you know how to get to Santorini from Athens, along with some other basic information, we're sure you're ready to explore all that the island has to offer.

Here are some other articles we've written that you can check out:

• The best things to do in Santorini
• Visiting the blue domes of Santorini
• The best photo spots in Santorini
• The best time to visit Santorini
• How to get around Santorini
• Santorini travel guide for first-time visitors

Here are also some guides we have about Athens we have:

• The top 10 rooftops in Athens
• 31 cool bars & restaurants in Athens
• What to eat in Athens (complete food guide)

...and more coming each week!

So are you ready to explore one of the most stunning islands in the world? We hope our guide has helped you decide which option you'll choose for how to get to Santorini, Greece from Athens.

Want to learn more about visiting Athens, Santorini, or other parts of Greece? We have plenty of other Greece travel guides (with more coming up), so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter- you'll receive all of the weekly guide updates, as well as exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

Excited about visiting Santorini but don't want the hassle of planning everything yourself? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, designed to give you specially-curated itineraries and personalized planning. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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