Discover Cyclades
Discover Cyclades
Book your Rafina to Santorini ferry for 2026. Fastest trip: 5h 20m, tickets from €81.00. Compare operators, daily schedules & insider tips.
Ferry Route
Updated May 2026Duration
5h 20m
From
€81.00
Frequency
3-5 times per week
passengers
From
€162
2 × €81
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Fastest crossing
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Daily departures
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Ferry operators
The ferry from Rafina to Santorini (Athinios) takes about 5h 20m and fares start from €81.00. There are up to 3-5 times per week crossings a day in high season, run by Golden Star Ferries. Book online to compare departure times and secure the lowest fare.
Updated May 2026
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The Athens (Rafina) to Santorini ferry is one of the Cyclades' most popular connections, operating 3-5 times per week with journey times from 5h 20m to 9h 36m and tickets from €81.00. The route is served by Golden Star Ferries. Ferries operate Apr - Oct.
Santorini is celebrated for its iconic caldera views, world-famous sunsets in Oia, volcanic beaches, and romantic ambiance that makes it one of the most photographed destinations on Earth. Whether you're drawn by the beaches, the local cuisine, or the authentic Cycladic atmosphere, Santorini rewards visitors who make the crossing.
Insider Tip: For the best experience sailing to Santorini, book a morning departure, you'll arrive with the whole day ahead of you. Shoulder season (May or late September) offers the sweet spot: fewer crowds, lower prices, and gorgeous warm weather. If you're traveling July–August, book tickets at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
Ferry Companies
High-speed ferry
From
€81.00
Duration
5h 20m
Schedule
Sailing Timetable
A real high-season sailing day (Rafina to Santorini (Athinios)). Departure times, durations and fares vary by date, operator and vessel.
| Operator | Vessel | Depart | Arrive | Duration | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Star Ferries | Superexpress | 07:20 | 12:40 | 5h 20m | €82 | Book |
Indicative timetable and fares sampled on 2026-08-12 · updated May 2026. Prices and departure times change by date, operator and vessel — check live availability for your exact travel date.
Availability
| Month | Frequency | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 days per week | 9h 36m | €81 |
| February | 3 days per week | 9h 36m | €81 |
| March | 3 days per week | 9h 36m | €81 |
| April | 4 days per week | 5h 20m | €93 |
| May | 4 days per week | 5h 20m | €93 |
| June | 5 days per week | 5h 20m | €105 |
| July | 5 days per week | 5h 20m | €105 |
| August | 5 days per week | 5h 20m | €105 |
| September | 5 days per week | 5h 20m | €105 |
| October | 4 days per week | 5h 20m | €93 |
| November | 3 days per week | 9h 36m | €81 |
| December | 3 days per week | 9h 36m | €81 |
Pricing
| Passengers | Rafina → Santorini (Athinios) | Santorini (Athinios) → Rafina |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €81.00 | €81.00 |
| 2 Adults | €162 | €162 |
| 2 Adults + Car | N/A | N/A |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €243 | €243 |
Operators
The Rafina to Santorini route is served by Golden Star Ferries. Here's a detailed breakdown of each operator's offering:
Golden Star Ferries operates modern high-speed vessels, particularly strong on the Rafina–Mykonos–Tinos–Andros corridor and seasonal Santorini routes. Known for good value and reliable service.
Fleet: High-speed ferries (Superrunner, Tera Jet), carrying 400–700 passengers with vehicle capacity on select vessels
| Operator | Ferry Type | Duration | Price From | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Star Ferries | High-Speed | 5h 20m – 9h 36m | €81.00 | ⚡ Limited |
Our recommendation: Golden Star Ferries is a reliable choice for this route. Compare live prices and schedules on Ferryhopper.
On Board
Ferries on the Rafina to Santorini route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:
Golden Star Ferries operates modern high-speed vessels, particularly strong on the Rafina–Mykonos–Tinos–Andros corridor and seasonal Santorini routes. Known for good value and reliable service.
Fleet on this route: High-speed ferries (Superrunner, Tera Jet), carrying 400–700 passengers with vehicle capacity on select vessels
Seat & Cabin Classes: Economy Seats: Numbered airplane-style seats. Business/VIP Lounge: Premium seating area on select vessels. Cabins on Superrunner for longer routes.
Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg per passenger, free. No formal check-in required.
Pets: Pets accepted free with valid health documentation. Small pets with owner in cabin; larger pets in designated pet zones.
Vehicles: Vehicle transport available on select Golden Star vessels. Cars from €30–70. Motorcycles from €10–25.
All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we'd recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
Travel Tips
Port of Rafina, located 33 km east of Athens city center and just 26 km from Athens International Airport, is the faster alternative to Piraeus for northern Cyclades routes. KTEL buses depart every 30–60 minutes from Pedion Areos park in central Athens (€3.50, ~1 hour). Taxis from the airport cost around €35. The port has one terminal with 13 standard docks and 2 high-speed docks, all within easy walking distance. Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure. Limited free parking; paid lots nearby.
On arrival at Athinios, public buses depart to Fira (€1.80), Kamari, Perissa, and Oia, departures timed with ferry arrivals in summer. Taxis are available but queue quickly; pre-booking a transfer is recommended in July–August. Note: Athinios has no cable car, that's only at the Old Port below Fira (used by cruise ships). The 20-minute bus ride to Fira offers stunning first views of the caldera as you ascend the switchback road.
Golden Star is particularly competitive on Rafina–Mykonos, Tinos–Andros, and seasonal Mykonos–Santorini routes. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for peak summer sailings.
Santorini is celebrated for its iconic caldera views, world-famous sunsets in Oia, volcanic beaches, and romantic ambiance that makes it one of the most photographed destinations on Earth. Don't miss exploring the main town (Chora), the local beaches, and the traditional tavernas. For a full guide to Santorini's top attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems, visit our Santorini island guide.
Island Hopping
After arriving in Santorini, extend your Cycladic adventure with these popular onward ferry connections:
3-Island Express (4–5 days): Spend 1–2 days in Santorini, then ferry to Ios for 1 day, and continue to Folegandros for 1–2 days before returning to Athens. Total: a perfect Cyclades sampler that packs in three distinct island personalities.
Use our ferry search engine to find the best schedules and prices for your multi-island itinerary, or browse our island hopping guides for curated route inspiration.
Things to Do
Discover the top tours, excursions, and experiences waiting for you in Santorini.
Explore Santorini's most beautiful coastlines by boat or guided tour.
Discover the history, architecture, and local traditions of Santorini.
Taste the authentic flavours of Santorini with local food and wine experiences.
Where to Stay
From boutique hotels to traditional villas, find the perfect accommodation for your Santorini stay.
Island Guides
Discover the best beaches, hotels, restaurants, and activities on the islands of this route.
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
💡 Pro tip: Read our Santorini guide before your trip to discover hidden gems. Don't forget to organize your stay early by checking our curated Hotels in Santorini and securing your mobility through Santorini Car Rentals directly at the port or airport fees-free.
Arrange a rental car · Santorini
Compare local rental cars for Santorini and arrange delivery before you arrive.
Route Map
FAQ
The ferry from Rafina to Santorini takes between 5h 20m and 9h 36m, depending on the vessel type and operator. High-speed catamarans offer the fastest crossing at approximately 5h 20m, while conventional ferries take up to 9h 36m but offer more spacious travel with outdoor decks, cafeterias, and cabin options. Journey times may be slightly longer in winter due to sea conditions.
Ferry tickets from Rafina to Santorini start from €81.00 for a standard economy seat in low season. Prices vary by operator, seat class, and time of year, peak season (July–August) fares are typically 25–35% higher. Business class seats and private cabins cost more. Families can save by booking a 4-berth cabin. Use Ferryhopper to compare all available fares in real time.
Ferries operate 3-5 times per week during the main season (Apr - Oct). In peak summer (July–August), there may be multiple daily sailings. Service can be reduced or suspended during winter months on some routes. The route is served by Golden Star Ferries. Check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper for exact departure times.
Vehicle transport on this route is limited or unavailable. The route is primarily served by high-speed passenger vessels. If transporting a car is essential, check with operators directly for any conventional ferry options that may operate seasonally. For most travelers, renting a vehicle on arrival is the most practical solution.
The best time to visit Santorini is late May through early October. June and September offer the ideal balance: warm swimming weather, lower prices than peak season, fewer crowds, and the best ferry connections. July–August is peak season, the most lively but also the most crowded and expensive. May is an excellent shoulder month with pleasant weather and very few tourists. Santorini is known for its iconic caldera views, world-famous sunsets in Oia, volcanic beaches, and romantic ambiance that makes it one of the most photographed destinations on Earth.
The route is served by Golden Star Ferries. Golden Star Ferries is a reliable operator for this route. Golden Star is particularly competitive on Rafina–Mykonos, Tinos–Andros, and seasonal Mykonos–Santorini routes. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for peak summer sailings.
The easiest way to book is through Ferryhopper, the leading Greek ferry booking platform. Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel date to see all available sailings, compare prices across operators, and book securely online. Tickets are delivered by email and can be used on your phone. You can also book directly on each operator's website, but Ferryhopper shows all options in one place for easy comparison.
Yes, with journey times up to 9h 36m, overnight or late-evening departures are available on conventional ferry services. Overnight ferries offer cabin options (2-bed, 4-bed, or deluxe cabins with private bathroom) so you'll sleep during the crossing and wake up at your destination. This is a great way to save a night's accommodation. Book your cabin class specifically when purchasing, cabin berths sell out quickly, especially in summer.
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Ferryhopper · live
Real-time sailings from Ferryhopper. Prices are per adult passenger.
| Operator | Departs | Duration | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOLDEN STAR FERRIESGOLDEN PRINCESS | 07:20 | 5h 45min | €82 | Book |