How to get from Athens to Santorini
Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks – whitewashed buildings that overlook its rugged cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago.
Volcanic-sand beaches dot its coasts. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. However, they all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Make sure that you spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!
All that being said, it’s so easy to forget that even now, there is a possibility of another eruption here. Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.
2 ways to get from Athens to Santorini
You have 2 options when travelling the 235 km distance from Athens to Santorini: a 55-minute flight (plus transfers) with fares from €49.00 ($53) and a 6 to 11-hour ferry (plus transfers) with costs from €45.80 ($49.50).
Athens to Santorini by Flight
Taking a flight is a fast way to get from Athens to Santorini. You can find tickets for as low as €14.00 ($15). Note that you’ll need to take transfers to and from the airports, so total fares can cost about €49.00 ($53).
Note that both of the airports are located a bit outside the city centre. Although the flight itself only takes 55 minutes, the entire trip may take around 2 hours, excluding the waiting time for your flight.
Below, we explained the journey in three steps:
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Athens Airport by Train
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Athens Airport by Train
If you’re flying from Athens, you’ll need to travel 35 km southeast from Athens city centre to Athens Airport.
Depending on where you’re staying, you can take a train for €10.00 ($10.50), a bus for €6.50 ($7), or a taxi from €66.00 ($71). Travel time from the centre to Athens Airport is between 40 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.
The train is our recommended option to get to Athens Airport, especially if you’re staying near a Metro Line 3 Station. Trains are available every 30 minutes from 05:40-23:30.
Travel time by train is 40 minutes, and a ticket costs €10.00 ($10.50).
Step 2: Athens to Santorini by Flight
Step 2: Athens to Santorini by Flight
A flight from Athens to Santorini takes around 55 minutes. You’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to carrier and schedule, even more so during the high season (April to October).
Flights to Santorini from Athens can get as low as €14.00 ($15) up to €58.00 ($63), depending on the airline and the date of your trip.
Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest airline company, operates many flights a day, but these are quite expensive at around €53.00 ($57). On the other hand, low-cost carrier RyanAir offers the cheapest fares from Athens airport, but they are available only during peak season.
As this is a very popular route, it’s best to book your flight months in advance to get the cheapest tickets available.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 3: Santorini Airport to Fira by Taxi or Bus
Step 3: Santorini Airport to Fira by Taxi or Bus
Flights from Athens arrive at Santorini Airport. From Santorini Airport, you’ll then need to travel around 5 km northwest if you’re heading to Santorini city centre in Fira.
Metered taxis are available at the airport 24/7. A ride to Fira takes around 15 minutes, and rates start from €25.00 ($27). If you’re travelling in a group, it’s really much more convenient to split the cost and take a taxi.
A shuttle bus is a cheap and direct way to get from Santorini Airport to Fira. Buses are available from 06:00-23:00 with a 90-minute interval. You can get a ticket for €1.80 ($1.90) for the 25-minute bus ride.
If you’re taking the bus, be advised that the buses can get packed to the brim, making for an unpleasant and unsafe (from pickpockets) journey.
Athens to Santorini by Ferry
Although slower, the ferry from Athens to Santorini will be a very scenic journey. Travel time is 5 hours for high-speed ferries and 6-10 hours for regular ferries (plus a 1-hour transfer to and from the ports). Combined ferry and transfer rates from Athens to Santorini start from €45.80 ($49.50).
A ferry ride from Athens to Santorini is a slow but sweet journey. The ferry is something we recommend if you have extra time and would like to see the charming Greek islands in the Cyclades along the way.
Below, we explained the journey in three steps:
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Piraeus Port by Train
Step 1: Athens City Centre to Piraeus Port by Train
In order to travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry, you’ll need to head to Piraeus Port, located 15 km southwest of Athens city centre. The easiest way to get there is by train.
You need to take the Metro green line (Line 1) from either Monastiraki or Omonia station in the city centre. The train ride would take only 30 minutes, and a ticket costs €1.50 ($1.60).
From the train station, you only need to cross the street to get to the ferry port.
Step 2: Piraeus to Santorini by Ferry
Step 2: Piraeus to Santorini by Ferry
There are two kinds of ferries available from Piraeus to Santorini during the tourist season. High-speed ferries (Seajets) take almost 5 hours. Meanwhile, regular ferries (Minoan Lines, Blue Star, and Anek) take around 6-10 hours.
High-speed ferries are faster, but the ride can also be bumpier. If you want to enjoy the calm seas and the amazing views, you can opt to travel with regular ferries that cost much cheaper.
Ferry tickets from Piraeus to Santorini start from €42.00 ($45.50). Consider booking online in advance to be assured of a seat on the ferry.
Ferry schedules from Piraeus to Santorini
Ferries dock at Athinios Ferry port on the west coast of Santorini. This port is around 9 km away from Fira town centre.
Step 3: Santorini Ferry Port to Fira by Bus or Taxi
Step 3: Santorini Ferry Port to Fira by Bus or Taxi
The last leg of this journey is to travel from the port to Fira town centre. You can take a bus or a taxi for this route.
When arriving in Santorini, there will be buses waiting for the ferry’s arrival near Santorini ferry port. However, keep in mind that buses can’t accommodate all passengers. If you miss the bus, then you’ll most probably have to wait a few hours for the next one.
A bus ticket costs around €2.30 ($2.40) for the 30-minute journey from the ferry port to the city centre.
Alternatively, you can take a 20-minute taxi with rates from €30.00 ($32.50).
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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