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Santorini you'll reach by a 45-minute flight from Athens International Airport, or by a 5-hour high-speed ferry from Piraeus port. SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways operate fast catamarans from April to October; conventional ferries run year-round. Budget €15–€50 for ferry tickets or €40–€120 for flights.
Flights to Santorini
Santorini's Thira Airport (JTR) receives direct flights from Athens (45 min), Thessaloniki, and major European cities. During summer, easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea operate direct routes from London, Rome, and Amsterdam. You'll want to book 2–3 months ahead for best prices.
Ferries from Piraeus to Santorini
The most popular sea route is Piraeus → Santorini. High-speed ferries (SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries) take 4h45m–5h30m and cost €50–€80. Conventional overnight ferries take 8–9 hours and cost €35–€50 but include a cabin option. The port in Santorini is Athinios, taxis and buses connect to Fira.
Island-Hopping Routes to Santorini
Santorini connects daily with: Mykonos (2h45m), Naxos (2h), Paros (1h45m), Ios (40 min), Milos (1h30m). A classic island-hop from Athens: Piraeus → Mykonos → Paros → Naxos → Ios → Santorini.
Getting Around Santorini
Rent a car or ATV to reach Akrotiri, Perissa, Perivolos, and Vlychada independently. Buses run from Fira to Oia, Perissa, Kamari and Akrotiri.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Santorini? High-speed ferries take 4h45m–5h30m from Piraeus. Conventional ferries take 8–9 hours overnight.
Can you fly directly to Santorini from London? Yes, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI operate direct flights from London Gatwick and Stansted, roughly 3h30m, from April to October.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the ferry to Santorini? The ferry is generally cheaper (€35–€80 vs €60–€180 for flights) but the flight saves 4–8 hours. High-speed ferry is the best value for time/money balance.
What port does the ferry arrive at in Santorini? All ferries arrive at Athinios port, about 12km south of Fira. Local buses and taxis connect to the main towns.
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Part of the Discover Cyclades editorial team, locals who ferry, hike, eat and write about these islands every season.
