How to Get From Heraklion to Santorini

SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries are the main companies operating direct ferry trips in summer (May to October).

SeaJets operates daily and completes the journey in just 1h 40m with its high-speed ferries. Ticket prices start from $115 (€105).

Blue Star Ferries only operates on Fridays and Sundays. They are the cheaper option, with ticket fares starting from just $18 (€16). There's a catch, though. Travel time with their conventional ferries takes 4h 35m. Note that the Friday ferry departs in the afternoon, while the Sunday ferry leaves late in the evening and arrives in Santorini at around 3:00 AM.

You can board your ferry at Heraklion Port in the city centre.

All ferries dock at Athinios Port (Thira Santorini Port) on Santorini's southwestern coast. The port is around 8 km from Fira town centre.

From Santorini Port, you need to travel by bus or taxi to Fira, the island’s capital. Tourists usually stay in this town.

Buses bound for Fira are usually available at the port, just awaiting ferry arrivals. A ticket costs $3 (€2.70). Payment is made by cash on the bus, so it's best to have coins or small bills. You can expect to arrive at Fira Bus Stop in about 30 minutes.

If the bus is already full, you have the option to take a taxi with rates from $45 (€40). Travel time would take around 20 minutes.

Is your hotel located elsewhere in Santorini? A taxi is your only option for a direct transfer. All buses from the port make their final stop in Fira. From Fira, you can take a bus to almost any town on the island.

Heraklion Airport is located 4 km east of the city centre. The bus is the cheapest way to get there. A ticket costs$1.50 (€1.30) at a ticket machine, but it's $2.60 (€2.30) if you pay on the bus. The journey takes around 20 minutes.

Buses to the airport depart throughout the day from ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΤΑΘΜΟΣ ΥΠΕΡΑΣΤΙΚΩΝ ΛΕΩΦΟΡΕΙΩΝ (Heraklion Bus Stop), just across from Heraklion Central Bus Station.

Alternatively, you can take a 10-minute taxi with rates from $17 (€15).

Aegean Airlines is the only airline offering direct flights from Heraklion to Santorini. Flights depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 16:20.

Airfares cost around $74 (€66), and travel time takes about 40m.

If the direct flight doesn't fit your schedule, indirect flights with a stopover in Athens are available daily.

Fira, the island’s capital, is located 5 km northwest of Santorini Airport. A taxi is our recommended option for getting to your hotel because it’s safer and more convenient. You can take a metered taxi with fares from $45 (€40). Travel time is around 15 minutes.

If you're on a budget and don't mind a crowded ride, you can also take the bus from Santorini Airport to Fira. A ticket only costs $2.50 (€2.20).

Buses depart every hour from 06:10 to 23:10.

Make sure to keep a close eye on your wallet, phone, and other valuables throughout the journey. The bus ride only takes around 20 minutes, but that's still enough time for pickpockets to target distracted passengers. If you decide to take the bus, it's best to stay alert throughout the journey.