Santorini (Thira) - Paros
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Santorini (Thira) - Paros
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Paros are operated by 3 ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries. The crossing typically takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. There are currently 45 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $15. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Paros today.
The Santorini (Thira) to Paros ferry is a year-round ferry service spanning approximately 41.5 nautical miles across the Aegean Sea, connecting Santorini and the popular island of Paros in the Cyclades.
This route is served by 3 operators providing 45 weekly sailings, with up to 7 daily sailings in peak periods. The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Paros is one of the most popular island-hopping connections in Greece, linking Santorini with the whitewashed beauty of Paros and making a seamless stop on any Cyclades itinerary.
There are currently 3 ferry operators that provide ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Paros.
SeaJets operate high-speed catamaran services on the Santorini (Thira) to Paros route with up to 26 weekly sailings and a crossing time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making them the fastest operator on this route and the best choice for travelers who want to maximize their time on the island.
Blue Star Ferries provide up to 10 weekly sailings on large conventional vessels with a crossing time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, offering the widest range of onboard facilities and cabin accommodation, as well as reliable vehicle transport.
Golden Star Ferries offer around 7 weekly sailings with a crossing time of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, providing a middle-ground option between speed and comfort.
Please note that SeaJets typically offer the fastest ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Paros, while Blue Star Ferries offer the most comprehensive onboard facilities and the most reliable option for travelers with vehicles.
Most ferries on this route allow vehicles and pets. Cabin accommodation is available on Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries on the Santorini (Thira) to Paros ferry, and is an option on longer or late-evening sailings where rest is desirable.
The Santorini to Paros crossing is one of the most frequently served inter-island ferry routes in the Cyclades, with departure windows spanning from early morning to the early evening. The first ferry departs at 06:15 and the last ferry departs at 19:40, giving travelers a range of options when planning their Santorini to Paros ferry schedule.
Departure windows typically run from around 06:15 for the earliest morning sailings to late afternoon and early evening departures at approximately 19:40. There are currently no overnight ferries on this crossing. All sailings depart and arrive within the same day, with even the slowest conventional crossing completing well before midnight. The fastest catamaran reaches Paros in as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes, while conventional ferries take around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Please keep in mind that timetables vary significantly by season. In low season between October and May, around 14 weekly sailings are typically available, whereas in high season between June and September, frequency increases to approximately 41 weekly crossings to meet peak tourist demand. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to secure the best prices and availability on the Thira to Paros ferry, particularly during July and August.
Ferry crossings from Santorini (Thira) to Paros typically range from 1 hour 45 minutes with SeaJets to 4 hours 5 minutes with Blue Star Ferries, depending on the operator and vessel type. At approximately 41.5 nautical miles, this is one of the shorter Cycladic island-hopping connections, and the choice of operator makes a significant difference to how long the Santorini to Paros ferry takes.
The fastest services, operated by high-speed catamarans, complete the crossing in around 1 hour 45 minutes, making a day trip from Santorini to Paros entirely feasible. The earliest ferry departs at approximately 06:15 and arrives in Paros with ample time to explore before catching a return evening sailing. Golden Star Ferries offer a mid-range option at around 2 hours and 10 minutes, while Blue Star Ferries take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes but offer a more spacious and relaxed experience with open decks and onboard catering.
For travelers who are not pressed for time, the conventional crossing offers a more leisurely Aegean journey with the chance to sit on open deck and take in views of passing Cycladic islands. High-speed catamarans are the better choice if you are island-hopping with a tight schedule or simply want to arrive in Paros as quickly as possible.
The Santorini (Thira) to Paros ferry price varies by operator, season, and passenger type. The cheapest foot-passenger tickets start from around $18, with average fares typically costing $155.58 depending on the time of year. If you are looking for a cheap ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Paros, traveling outside the peak summer months and booking in advance offers the best value. In fact, April is usually among the cheapest months to travel on this route.
For a foot passenger, the average one-way fare is between $17.73 and $149.43. The Thira to Paros car ferry cost is higher so expect to pay around $383.93 for one adult with a vehicle in standard season, reflecting the vehicle supplement charged by operators running ro-ro car ferries. Motorcycles attract a lower supplement and are somewhat cheaper, costing around $187.62.
Passengers holding tickets for routes from Italy or Greece with Anek Superfast receive a 30% discount on onward tickets to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, and the Northeast Aegean islands with Blue Star Ferries. This makes the Thira to Paros leg particularly good value when combined as part of a longer journey through the islands.
Group bookings may qualify for reduced rates on select operators. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are eligible for a 50% discount on most sailings, and children from 0 to 5 years of age travel free, though they will not be allocated an individual seat or accommodation.
Operators periodically offer promotional offers and discounts, particularly ahead of peak summer season. Booking early is the most reliable way to find cheap Santorini to Paros ferry tickets. You can also find great offers on accommodation in Paros by visiting our accommodation page.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $39 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $15 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $39 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $18 |
| Car | $142 |
| Cabin | $18 |
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| Santorini (Thira) - Paros Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $149 | |
| 1 Adult with Car | $384 | |
| 1 Adult with Motorcycle | $188 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $174 | |
| Santorini (Thira) - Paros Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cyclades Islands |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands |
| No. of Operators | 3 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries |
| Average Price | $156 |
| Average Pet Price | $203 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 7 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 45 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 2 h 15 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 45 m |
| First Ferry | 06:15 |
| Last Ferry | 19:40 |
| Distance | 42 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 May 2026.
The Santorini (Thira) to Paros ferry offers a range of onboard facilities depending on the operator and vessel. The crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes means that while no overnight accommodation is necessary, comfort and facilities still vary meaningfully between a high-speed catamaran and a large conventional ferry.
The most budget-friendly option, well suited to the fast SeaJets or Golden Star Ferries crossing where the journey takes under 2 hours. Comfortable enough for daytime travel without the need for a cabin.
Standard assigned seating available on most high-speed services. SeaJets high-speed ferries feature numbered airplane-style seats with access to indoor lounges and snack bars. Please keep in mind that high-speed ferries do not typically have open deck access during the crossing.
Available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels, with access to spacious open-air deck areas.
Private windowless cabins available on Blue Star Ferries, offering a quieter space for travelers who prefer privacy, especially on longer conventional sailings or if departing on an early morning service.
Private cabins with a porthole or window, the premium cabin option on this route. Available on Blue Star Ferries and recommended for travelers who value sea views during the crossing.
Available on SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries, offering enhanced seating comfort and an elevated onboard experience for passengers who prefer a more premium crossing.
Full restaurant and café facilities are available on Blue Star Ferries' vessels, providing hot meals, snacks, and refreshments throughout the crossing.
Available on SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries high-speed vessels, offering light refreshments for the shorter crossing. Bringing your own snacks is advisable if you have specific requirements.
Available on Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels, with panoramic views across the Aegean Sea.
Car ferry operators load vehicles below deck. Passengers leave their vehicles during the crossing and move to passenger cabin or lounge areas for the duration of the sailing.
Available for purchase on most ferries operating on this route, allowing passengers to stay connected during the crossing.
Ferries from Santorini to Paros depart from Athinios Port, located approximately 8 km south of Fira, the island's capital, at the base of dramatic volcanic cliffs. This is Santorini's main ferry terminal for all conventional and high-speed inter-island services. Please be aware that SeaJets may sometimes dock at the Old Port at Skala Fira so it's best to confirm your exact departure terminal before traveling.
KTEL Santorini buses operate from Fira Bus Station to Athinios Port with services timed around ferry departures. The bus takes approximately 20 minutes from Fira.
Taxis are limited in Santorini and can be very difficult to secure in the height of summer. Pre-booking a private transfer to Athinios Port is strongly recommended during July and August to avoid missing your sailing, particularly for early morning departures.
If you have rented a vehicle on the island, Athinios Port has a car park area for leaving or returning hire cars before boarding.
Boarding: As a general rule of thumb, it's best to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. During peak summer months, allow additional time as Athinios Port can become very congested with queues of vehicles and coaches on the narrow access road leading down to the terminal.
All ferries from Santorini arrive at Parikia Port, the main ferry terminal located directly in the capital of Paros on the west coast of the island. The port sits right in the heart of Parikia town, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and the island's famous Cycladic promenade. During the busiest summer months of July and August, Parikia Port can serve more than 20 passenger ferries per day, making it one of the most active ports in Greece.
The KTEL Paros bus station is located just a few meters from the ferry terminal, immediately to the right as you leave the port. Buses serve all major villages and beaches including Naoussa, Lefkes, Golden Beach, Piso Livadi, and Pounda. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station kiosk or from the driver on board.
A taxi rank is located directly across from the passenger terminal inside the port area. Taxis are available but limited in number and waiting times can be significant during peak summer arrivals. Pre-booking a private transfer is recommended if you are arriving on a busy summer sailing.
Parikia town center is adjacent to the port, where you will find hotels, restaurants, the Church of Panagia Ekatondapiliani, and the famous Paros windmill all within a short distance.
Please be aware that ferry operators may use different docking berths within Parikia Port. It is important to confirm your exact boarding location on your ticket or booking confirmation, as the port can be busy and the terminal facilities are compact, particularly during peak season.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on ferries from Santorini to Paros with Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Golden Star Ferries. Both islands are within Greece, which simplifies documentation requirements, though preparation is still essential as onboard pet policies vary by operator and vessel.
As both Santorini and Paros are within Greece and 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 this domestic Greek route.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Ensure all vaccinations are current and documented 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.
Passengers traveling with pets must include their animal in the booking. For dogs, cats, and ferrets, a rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory. Each passenger may travel with a maximum of 5 pets, all vaccinated and with a valid health book. Always carry your pet's health documents throughout the journey.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that verifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states and on most Greek ferry operators. It is issued by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility on domestic and international routes.
On most Santorini (Thira) to Paros ferries, small pets weighing under 10 kg may remain with their owner in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs over 10 kg are typically required to use the kennels onboard. On high-speed catamarans, open deck access may not be available, meaning larger pets will need to remain in the kennel area for the duration of the crossing. 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 Santorini (Thira) to Paros ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. The larger Blue Star Ferries vessels are generally the best-equipped option for passengers with mobility requirements on this route, while high-speed catamarans from SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries may present more limited accessibility due to their compact layout.
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 to guarantee availability.
Larger conventional ferries offer more accessible passenger areas with step-free or ramped access to main lounges. High-speed catamarans may have more restricted access between deck levels and narrower cabin areas.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding ahead of other passengers. Please contact your operator in advance to make this arrangement.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request. This is particularly relevant at Athinios Port where the port layout can be challenging, and at Parikia Port which can be very busy during the summer months.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may in some cases be permitted to 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 DirectFerries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Santorini (Thira) to Paros route.
Reserve tickets at least 4–6 weeks in advance for any sailings between June and September. The ferry from Santorini to Paros is a popular island-hopping connection and SeaJets high-speed services in particular sell out quickly during peak season.
Plan to arrive at Athinios Port at least 45 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. The access road to Athinios Port is narrow and steep and can become very congested with coaches and cars in peak summer so allow more time when traveling from your hotel.
With the earliest ferry departing at approximately 06:15 and the fastest crossing taking 1 hour and 45 minutes, you can arrive in Paros by mid-morning and return on a late-afternoon or early-evening sailing. Plan carefully to ensure your chosen return ferry is available.
Keep your passport or EU ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof readily accessible at check-in. Although this is a domestic Greek route, ID is required for boarding all ferry services.
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 Santorini to Paros ferry.
The Aegean Sea can be affected by strong winds, particularly in July and August. High-speed catamarans can be delayed or cancelled in rough weather conditions. If you're prone to motion sickness or have a strict onward connection, choosing the larger Blue Star Ferries vessels reduces this risk.
Ferries from Santorini depart from Athinios Port, approximately 8 km from Fira. Some smaller SeaJets vessels may use the Old Port at Skala Fira so always confirm your departure point to avoid arriving at the wrong terminal.
The KTEL bus station is immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal exit. Buses serve all major villages and beaches across the island. If you are heading to Naoussa, the beach resorts of the east coast, or the neighboring island of Antiparos, check bus times in advance as schedules become less frequent in the evenings.
