Ferry Route
Duration
2h 20m
From
€104.70
Frequency
3-5 times per week
passengers
From
€209
2 × €104.7
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Fastest crossing
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Daily departures
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Ferry operators
The Rethymno (Crete) to Santorini ferry is one of the Cyclades' most popular connections, operating 3-5 times per week with journey times from 2h 20m to 4h 12m and tickets from €104.70. The route is served by Seajets. Ferries operate May - 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
€104.70
Duration
2h 20m
Schedule
Availability
| Month | Frequency | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 days per week | 4h 12m | €105 |
| February | 3 days per week | 4h 12m | €105 |
| March | 3 days per week | 4h 12m | €105 |
| April | 4 days per week | 2h 20m | €120 |
| May | 4 days per week | 2h 20m | €120 |
| June | 5 days per week | 2h 20m | €136 |
| July | 5 days per week | 2h 20m | €136 |
| August | 5 days per week | 2h 20m | €136 |
| September | 5 days per week | 2h 20m | €136 |
| October | 4 days per week | 2h 20m | €120 |
| November | 3 days per week | 4h 12m | €105 |
| December | 3 days per week | 4h 12m | €105 |
Pricing
| Passengers | Rethymno → Santorini | Santorini → Rethymno |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €104.70 | €104.70 |
| 2 Adults | €209.40 | €209.40 |
| 2 Adults + Car | N/A | N/A |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €314 | €314 |
Operators
The Rethymno to Santorini route is served by Seajets. Here's a detailed breakdown of each operator's offering:
Seajets is Greece's leading high-speed ferry operator, known for the fastest crossings across the Cyclades. Their fleet of modern catamarans and high-speed monohulls dramatically reduces travel times compared to conventional ferries, making them the top choice for travelers prioritizing speed.
Fleet: High-speed catamarans and monohulls (Worldchampion Jet, Champion Jet 3, Supercat Jet, Olympic Champion Jet) — carrying 250–900 passengers, some with limited vehicle capacity
| Operator | Ferry Type | Duration | Price From | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seajets | High-Speed | 2h 20m – 4h 12m | €104.70 | ⚡ Limited |
Our recommendation: Seajets is a reliable choice for this route. Compare live prices and schedules on Ferryhopper.
More routes
On Board
Ferries on the Rethymno to Santorini route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:
Seajets is Greece's leading high-speed ferry operator, known for the fastest crossings across the Cyclades. Their fleet of modern catamarans and high-speed monohulls dramatically reduces travel times compared to conventional ferries, making them the top choice for travelers prioritizing speed.
Fleet on this route: High-speed catamarans and monohulls (Worldchampion Jet, Champion Jet 3, Supercat Jet, Olympic Champion Jet) — carrying 250–900 passengers, some with limited vehicle capacity
Seat & Cabin Classes: Economy Seats: Numbered airline-style seats (standard). Business Class: Premium seats in quieter forward cabin with extra legroom. First Class / VIP: Available on select vessels — premium lounge with dedicated service. No sleeping cabins on high-speed vessels.
Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg per passenger, free of charge. On high-speed catamarans, luggage is stored in overhead bins or designated racks — no large oversize items. All luggage must fit in designated storage areas.
Pets: Pets accepted free when included in booking. Animals under 10 kg stay with owner in a carrier in the passenger cabin. Larger pets use kennels in the vehicle area. Health certificate required. Note: on rough sea days, pets in the vehicle area may experience more motion.
Vehicles: Selected Seajets vessels carry vehicles — check the specific sailing when booking. Car rates from €35–70. Motorcycles from €10–20. Many Seajets catamaran services are passenger-only — if vehicle transport is essential, verify before booking.
All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
Travel Tips
Port of Rethymno is Crete's third largest city, on the north coast between Heraklion and Chania. The port is centrally located below the historic Venetian fortress (Fortezza). Seajets high-speed ferries to Santorini operate seasonally (May–October). Arrive 45 minutes before departure. Rethymno's KTEL bus station is 1 km from the port. Taxis readily available. The port area has waterfront cafés and restaurants in a beautiful Venetian harbour setting.
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.
Seajets prices are lowest when booked 3+ months ahead. In summer, the fastest sailings (Worldchampion Jet routes) sell out weeks in advance. For the cheapest fares, choose earlier morning departures. Seajets is the best choice for the Athens–Mykonos, Mykonos–Santorini, and Santorini–Ios routes.
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.
Route Map
FAQ
The ferry from Rethymno to Santorini takes between 2h 20m and 4h 12m, depending on the vessel type and operator. High-speed catamarans offer the fastest crossing at approximately 2h 20m, while conventional ferries take up to 4h 12m 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 Rethymno to Santorini start from €104.70 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 (May - 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 Seajets. 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 Seajets. Seajets is a reliable operator for this route. Seajets prices are lowest when booked 3+ months ahead. In summer, the fastest sailings (Worldchampion Jet routes) sell out weeks in advance. For the cheapest fares, choose earlier morning departures. Seajets is the best choice for the Athens–Mykonos, Mykonos–Santorini, and Santorini–Ios routes.
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 4h 12m, 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 can 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.
