Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) Ferry

Ferry Times from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)

First ferry: departs Athens (Piraeus) at 07:00 and arrives in Santorini (Thira) at about 3pm. 
Last ferry: departs Athens (Piraeus) at around 23:59 and arrives in Santorini (Thira) at approximately 02:00.

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. 

How long is the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?  

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 38 minutes on average.

Average ferry time: 6 hours 38 minutes 
Fastest ferry time: 5 hours  
Longest ferry time: 11 hours 55 minutes 

Ferry operator schedules from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)

Ferries from Athens (Pireaus) to Santorini (Thira) are provided by 3 ferry companies; Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Cyclades Fast Ferries. There are a combined total of 4 daily and 27 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 10 weekly sailings 

SeaJets: 3 daily sailings and 20 weekly sailings 

Cyclades Fast Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings 

How far is it from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?

The distance between Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) is approximately 157.8 miles (254.0km) or 137 nautical miles.

Can I travel by car on the Athens ferry to Santorini?

Yes, you can travel by car on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira).

Car operators: Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Cyclades Fast Ferries 
Car prices: usually between £263 and £773
Cheapest car price: £137

Can I travel as a foot passenger on ferries from Athens to Santorini?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry.

Foot passenger ferries: Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Cyclades Fast Ferries 
Foot passenger prices: usually between £78 and £321 
Cheapest foot passenger price: £39

Can I take my camper on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?

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

Taking your pet with you on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) 

Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the Athens (Piraeus) Santorini (Thira) ferry.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?  

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

What will I need when travelling with my pet?  

You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board both Blue Star and Seajets ferries:

• Health documents showing your pet’s vaccinations
• Everything your pet needs for a safe and comfortable journey such as water, food and a lead

Where will my pet stay during the ferry crossing?  

Blue Star Ferries:

• Pets either travel in pet cabins or in the kennels on the ship’s deck
• They are not allowed in normal cabins, bars, restaurants and indoor public areas
• Dogs must wear a muzzle, be on a leash and accompanied by a guardian when on the open deck
• Special areas for your pet's daily hygiene are available on board

Seajets:

• All vessels have pet-designated areas on board
• On conventional ships, you’ll find special PET cabins where you can stay with your pet
• Pets weighing up to 10kg can stay with you if they are in a carrier

Travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs

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.

Pet price

Pets travel for free on both Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. You are allowed to travel with up to 5 pets of your own. 

Everything you need to know about Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira) ferry tickets

When is the best time to book ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?  

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.  

Do you offer student discount on ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?  

Yes, students can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets all year round.  

Onboard the Athens to Santorini ferry 

How long does it take to disembark the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?

It depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.

How much luggage can I take on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?  

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 

What facilities are available on board ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?

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.

What accommodation and seating options are available?  

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. 

Is there reduced mobility access on the Athens to Santorini ferry?

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.

Taking the ferry from Athens to Santorini (Thira) 

How early do I need to arrive at Athens (Piraeus) port?  

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.

How and when will I get my ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira)?  

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.

When do I need to check in?  

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

Is there parking at Athens (Piraeus) port?  

Unfortunately, you cannot park inside the port of Pireaus. However, there are parking spaces nearby.

How to get to Athens (Piraeus) port 

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

Useful information on your arrival to Santorini (Thira)

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