How to get from Naxos to Santorini

Why visit Santorini?

Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks — whitewashed buildings overlooking cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Not-so-fun fact: Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.

Volcanic-sand beaches dot the coasts of Santorini. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. They all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Do yourself a favour and spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!

There are 2 ways to travel the 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Naxos to Santorini. You can choose between the ferry and day trip. The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 13 hours and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at €34 ($37).

Taking a ferry is the only way to get from Naxos to Santorini. You can choose between high-speed and regular ferries. Prices start from €34 ($37), already including the bus fare from Santorini Port to the city centre. Total travel time can take 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the ferry.

The ferries from Naxos to Santorini are available all year. During summer, the commute can get really busy, and it is highly recommended that you book your ferry ticket online in advance.

If you’re travelling in winter, there are fewer ferry trips, and the schedules are irregular. You won’t have to worry about ticket availability though, as very few people choose to travel this route during this time.

Below, we explained the journey in two steps:

There are now only 2 ferry companies operating the Naxos to Santorini route: Seajets and Blue Star. Golden Star Ferries also used to ply this route, but they stopped their ferry trips from Naxos to Santorini.

With Seajets, travel time is just a little over an hour but prepare for a slightly bumpy ride with this ferry. Meanwhile, Blue Star Ferries take about 2.5 hours. This option is advisable if you’re prone to motion sickness and prefer a steady ferry ride to Santorini.

Both ferries are trusted companies, so you can just choose based on your desired speed and budget.

Ferry fares from Naxos to Santorini start from €31 ($34).

From Santorini Harbour, you can either take a bus (30 minutes) or a taxi (20 minutes) to Fira, the island’s capital. This town is where tourists usually stay.

It’s definitely cheaper to take the bus. A ticket to Fira Bus Stop costs only €2.50 ($2.70). Buses are usually at the port in time for ferry arrivals, but they are not enough to accommodate all passengers.

If you miss the bus, you can either wait a few hours for the next bus trip or just take a taxi. Rates for a taxi to Fira start from €29 ($31).

Are you bound for Oia, Imerovigli or other towns? If you want a direct transfer, you have no other choice but to take a taxi. Buses from the port can only go as far as Fira. From Fira Bus Stop though, you can find a bus heading to almost every town in Santorini.

Do you plan on spending just a day in Santorini? In summer, you can also join day trips from Naxos to Santorini. The tour normally takes 12 to 13 hours, including roundtrip transfers and a bus tour around the volcanic island.

Roundtrip transfers between the two islands are included in the package, but the guided tour starts only when you board the tour bus in Santorini. This means you’ll have to find your own way to the ferry from Naxos Port, unless you avail the optional pick-up service from your hotel.

Also, keep in mind that while the tour takes 12 to 13 hours, the ferry transfers from Naxos to Santorini and back already take a total of 6 hours. That gives you just 6-7 hours to explore Santorini’s volcanic landscape. Not enough time if you ask us!

If you still want to book this day trip, you can do so via GetYourGuide or Greeka. Rates per person start from €75 ($81).