Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini (Thira)
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini (Thira)
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) are operated by 3 ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets. The crossing typically takes around 5 hours 40 minutes. There are currently 30 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $56. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Santorini (Thira) today.
There's something special about arriving in the Cyclades by sea. The ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) carries you out across the deep blue Aegean to the whitewashed Cyclades, reaching Santorini (Thira) in around 5 hours 40 minutes — or as little as 5 hours on the quicker sailings.
The journey is part of the experience — step out on deck for the sea breeze and watch the islands catch the sun as Santorini (Thira) comes into view. Bring your car and extra luggage for the freedom to explore Santorini (Thira) at your own pace, or travel light as a foot passenger.
Tip: The Cyclades are at their liveliest in summer, so booking your Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry ahead of time helps you lock in your preferred sailing.
Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry prices typically range from $56 to $573. The average ferry price from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) is around $222. The cheapest fares usually start from $56. The average foot passenger ticket costs $219. The average price when traveling with a car is $629.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route, and sailing time. Please be aware that pricing data excludes service fees and is based on searches from the last 30 days. This was last updated September 26.
The cheapest tickets on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry cost approximately $56. Traveling outside the busy July and August peak is one of the easiest ways to find a lower fare.
Direct Ferries makes it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, so you can find the best deal for your journey. Please visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is typically the most reliable way to secure lower fares and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process: simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, register with our partner Student Beans to confirm your student or graduate status. You'll then receive a discount code to enter during payment.
Resident discounts are available on some routes. If they apply to the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry, a residents checkbox will appear above the search button when you enter your travel details. You'll need to show valid proof of residency at check-in — if you can't, the ferry company may ask you to pay the difference for a non-discounted ticket. Everyone on the booking must qualify for the discount; if not, it's best to book separately.
There are around 30 weekly sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira). Frequencies are usually at their highest across the summer season and ease off in winter.
Blue Star Ferries provide 2 sailings daily, 10 sailings weekly. Cyclades Fast Ferries provide 1 sailing daily, 3 sailings weekly. SeaJets provide 3 sailings daily, 17 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) usually departs at around 07:00, with the last sailing leaving Athens (Piraeus) Port at approximately 19:00. The crossing covers roughly 137.1 nautical miles and takes around 5 hours 40 minutes on average.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Santorini (Thira) are generally better suited to a longer stay than a day trip. For ideas on things to do in Santorini (Thira), visit our blog.
Fast passenger services such as hydrofoils and catamarans run alongside the conventional ferries on many Greek routes. The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) is with SeaJets in 5 hours.
The fastest ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) usually cost around $222.
Yes, cars are carried on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) with Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets. On many Greek island routes, cars travel on the conventional ferries rather than the fast catamarans, so choose a standard sailing if you're bringing a vehicle. Use our Deal Finder to compare live car-ferry prices.
Yes, you can take a campervan or caravan on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry, for an average of around $589. As with cars, campervans travel on the conventional ferries, so book a standard sailing and check your vehicle's height and length against the operator's limits.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on ferries sailing between Athens (Piraeus) and Santorini (Thira).
Yes, foot passengers are welcome from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) with Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets. Traveling on foot is the most common way to island-hop around the Greek islands, particularly on the fast catamarans.
Yes, cabins can be booked from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets, ranging from $55 to $1266, with an average of $286. Cabins are most common on the longer overnight crossings; the shorter daytime hops are usually seat-only.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Athens (Piraeus) and Santorini (Thira) depends on the operator and the length of the crossing. Enter your travel details in our Deal Finder to see whether an overnight option is available, alongside daytime alternatives. Overnight crossings can take a little longer than the daytime services.
Yes, pets are welcome on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. The average price for traveling with a pet is around $491. Greek ferries are generally pet-friendly, though the rules vary by vessel.
When traveling with your pet, you'll usually need:
Where your pet stays depends on the operator and vessel — some ferries have dedicated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins, while on others, pets stay with you in designated spots. Our Deal Finder shows the options for your crossing.
Greek ferries are relaxed about luggage compared with airlines, and most fares let you bring what you can comfortably carry on board, with racks near the entrances. It's still worth checking your operator's policy for larger or extra items, particularly on the fast passenger services where space is tighter. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder to see the options on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry. Our ferry facilities guide explains what's typically on board.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry is a domestic crossing within Greece, so there's no immigration check for the sailing itself — one of the things that makes island-hopping around the Greek islands so easy. If you're traveling in Greece from abroad, you'll need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and Greece's entry rules. As Greece is part of the EU and the Schengen Area, the exact requirements depend on where you're traveling from.
It's a good idea to keep photo ID handy for check-in, as you may be asked to show it when collecting tickets or boarding. To keep things quick, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide before you sail.
Booking your Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry is very simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Look out for early-booking deals and special ticket types such as upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To keep booking smooth, always enter accurate passenger numbers and vehicle details.
The earlier you book ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira), the better — especially for July and August, when the Greek islands are at their busiest and popular sailings fill up well in advance. Booking ahead secures lower prices and a wider choice of departure times, seating and cabins. Outside the summer peak, there's more availability, though schedules thin out over winter.
If no sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) appear on your chosen date, it may come down to the season — many Greek routes run more often in summer and scale back in winter — or to a temporary timetable change. Occasionally, rough weather can disrupt the faster passenger services, which are more weather-sensitive than the larger conventional ferries. We recommend checking alternative dates, nearby routes, or a conventional sailing if a fast ferry isn't running.
After completing your booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you have booked with.
Some operators provide boarding passes at the time of booking, while others require check-in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located near the terminal entrance, and our port facilities guide covers what to expect at the port. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow enough time for ticket collection and check-in, particularly during the busy summer season.
At check-in, you'll need to present your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're traveling with a pet, relevant documentation such as vaccination records may also be required.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $54 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $55 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $55 |
| Car | $317 |
| Cabin | $55 |
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $219 | |
| Average Price with Car | $629 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $426 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $286 | |
| Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Athens |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands |
| No. of Operators | 3 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $222 |
| Average Pet Price | $491 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 30 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 5 h 40 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 5 h |
| First Ferry | 07:00 |
| Last Ferry | 19:00 |
| Distance | 137 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
The Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry offers a wide range of onboard accommodation and facilities depending on which operator and vessel you travel with. Unlike shorter island hops, the crossing time of 5 hours to 11 hours 50 minutes means that comfort onboard is a genuine consideration, particularly for overnight sailings or travelers who experience seasickness on the Aegean.
The most budget-friendly option, available across most operators. A great option for daytime crossings on the faster high-speed services where the journey takes under 6 hours.
Standard seating with access to open-air decks. Available on conventional ferries such as Blue Star Ferries, these are a comfortable mid-tier option for daytime travelers who want space to move around.
Windowless private cabins suitable for sleeping on overnight crossings. More affordable than outside cabins and a practical alternative to booking a hotel in Athens. Available on Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets.
Private cabins with a porthole or window, offering natural light and sea views. The premium cabin option on this route is strongly recommended for overnight Piraeus to Santorini ferry sailings for both comfort and seasickness mitigation.
Available on SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries, offering premium seating with enhanced comfort and service. Ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed high-speed crossing.
Full restaurant and café facilities are available on Blue Star Ferries' conventional vessels, serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the crossing.
Available on most high-speed ferries, offering lighter refreshments for the faster crossing.
Conventional ferries feature open upper decks with expansive views across the Aegean Sea and passing Cycladic islands.
Car ferry operators load vehicles below deck. Passengers leave vehicles during the crossing and move to the passenger cabin or open deck areas.
Larger Blue Star Ferries vessels have onboard shops and entertainment areas, making them a good choice for families traveling with young children.
Located approximately 10 km southwest of central Athens, Piraeus is the largest port in Europe, and the main departure point for ferries to the Greek islands. Ferries to Santorini depart from Gate E1 at the far end of the port. Please allow yourself enough time to locate your gate, as the port is extensive, with 12 numbered gates spread across a large area.
The Green Line (Line 1) connects Piraeus station directly to central Athens (Monastiraki, Omonia) in approximately 30 minutes. The station is a 10–15-minute walk from Gate E1.
Taxis from Athens city center cost approximately $23–$35. From Athens Airport, expect to pay $58–$70. Pre-booking a private transfer is recommended during peak season.
Multiple bus routes connect central Athens with the port, though the metro is often the faster and more reliable transport option.
Boarding: As a general rule of thumb, it's best to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle to allow sufficient time for check-in, gate location, and boarding procedures. During July and August, allow additional time for queues.
All conventional ferries and most high-speed services arrive at Athinios Port, located approximately 8 km south of Fira, the island's capital. The port sits at the base of dramatic volcanic cliffs and is the primary entry point to Santorini for ferry travelers. Please note that some smaller SeaJets services may use the Old Port at Skala Fira. It's always best to confirm your arrival terminal on your booking confirmation.
KTEL Santorini buses operate frequently from Athinios Port to Fira in approximately 20 minutes, also calling at Oia, Perissa, Kamari, and other main villages.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal but are limited in number. Pre-booking a private transfer is strongly recommended during peak summer months, as queues for taxis at Athinios can be very long after large ferry arrivals.
Several hire companies operate near the port and in Fira if you plan to explore the island independently.
Please be aware that ferry operators may use different terminals or docking points within Santorini. It is very important to confirm your exact arrival location at the time of booking to avoid confusion upon arrival.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on ferries from Piraeus to Santorini with Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets. However, requirements and onboard pet policies differ by operator, and failure to have the correct paperwork can result in being refused boarding.
Since both ports are within the EU, an EU pet passport is the standard required document. This document confirms your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, and is required by ferry operators on domestic Greek routes.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Ensure vaccinations are current before travel.
Your pet must be microchipped in compliance with ISO standards. The microchip must have been implanted before, or on the same day as, the first rabies vaccination.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that certifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states and on most Greek ferry operators. It is granted by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility.
On most Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferries, small pets are permitted in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs are typically required to remain in vehicles on car deck sailings or may be accommodated in designated pet areas on Blue Star Ferries vessels. As the crossing can take up to 11 hours on conventional services, ensuring your pet is comfortable for the duration is important. Please confirm the operator's specific pet policy at the time of booking as conditions vary by vessel and operator.
Passengers with reduced mobility traveling on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. The large conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries on this route are generally well-equipped for passengers with mobility requirements, while high-speed catamarans may present more limited accessibility due to their design.
Blue Star Ferries vessels feature adapted cabins with wider doorways and grab rails, suitable for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. These should be requested and confirmed at the time of booking.
Lifts and ramp access to public deck areas are available on larger conventional ferries. High-speed catamarans may have more limited access between decks.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding ahead of other passengers. Contact your operator in advance to arrange this.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request, which is especially important since Athinios Port involves a stepped gangway on some berths.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may, in some cases, remain closer to their vehicle during the crossing, though this option must be confirmed with your operator beforehand.
It's best to notify your operator of any accessibility or special assistance requirements at the time of booking rather than at the port. Provisions vary by vessel and advance notice ensures the right arrangements are in place. You can also contact Direct Ferries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) route.
Reserve tickets at least 2–3 months in advance for any sailings between June and September. The Piraeus to Santorini ferry is one of the busiest routes in Greece and morning high-speed departures in particular sell out fast during peak season.
Plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. We also suggest allowing yourself extra time to locate your gate at Piraeus.
Overnight sailings departing in the afternoon arrive in Santorini in the early hours of the morning, saving a night's accommodation in Athens. Book a cabin for comfort and to mitigate seasickness on the longer conventional overnight crossing.
Cabins are strongly recommended for overnight Piraeus to Santorini ferry sailings. Inside cabins are the more affordable option, while outside cabins with a porthole are worth the premium for the comfort and light on longer crossings.
Keep your passport or ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof readily accessible at check-in. EU residents should carry their EU ID card or passport for boarding.
High-speed and conventional ferries offer very different experiences and prices on this route. Use Direct Ferries to view all operators, crossing times, and live prices side by side before booking your Athens to Santorini ferry.
The Aegean Sea can be choppy, particularly outside the summer months. High-speed catamarans feel the motion more acutely than larger conventional ferries. If you're prone to motion sickness, consider choosing a conventional ferry or sitting centrally and toward the lower decks.
Ferries to Santorini arrive at Athinios Port, which is located approximately 8 km from Fira. Some smaller services may use the Old Port — always confirm your arrival terminal on your booking confirmation or ticket.
Arrange a taxi or confirm KTEL bus times in advance for your arrival at Athinios Port. Taxis are limited in Santorini and can be very difficult to find after large ferry arrivals in peak season.
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