Ferry Route
Duration
5h 20m
From
€81.00
Frequency
3-5 times per week
passengers
From
€162
2 × €81
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Fastest crossing
0x
Daily departures
0+
Ferry operators
The Santorini (Thira) to Rafina 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.
Rafina is celebrated for stunning landscapes and authentic Cycladic charm. Arriving by ferry gives you a spectacular approach from the sea.
Insider Tip: The Santorini to Rafina crossing is one of the Aegean's most scenic routes. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck for unbeatable sea views. Traveling mid-week usually means emptier ferries and a more relaxed arrival. In peak season, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
Ferry Companies
High-speed ferry
From
€81.00
Duration
5h 20m
Schedule
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 | Santorini → Rafina | Rafina → Santorini |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Santorini to Rafina 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.
More routes
On Board
Ferries on the Santorini to Rafina 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 recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
Travel Tips
Athinios Port is Santorini's main ferry terminal, on the island's southwest coast, 8 km from Fira and 20 km from Oia. Buses from Fira central station to the port run regularly (€1.80, ~20 minutes) — confirm timetable locally as it changes seasonally. Taxis cost €12–18 from Fira, €25–35 from Oia. In peak season (July–August), arrive at least 60 minutes early — the port road gets severely congested. The port has a café, ATM, and luggage storage. Vehicles must book ferry space in advance.
Rafina is well-connected to Athens by frequent KTEL buses to Pedion Areos and direct buses to Athens International Airport (30 minutes, €3). The port area has cafés and a small market. If connecting to other Greek islands, note that Rafina primarily serves northern Cyclades (Mykonos, Tinos, Andros) and some central Cyclades routes seasonally.
Golden Star is particularly competitive on Rafina–Mykonos, Tinos–Andros, and seasonal Mykonos–Santorini routes. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for peak summer sailings.
Island Hopping
Rafina makes a wonderful base for exploring the wider Cyclades. From Rafina, you can reach several neighbouring islands by ferry and build your perfect Greek island-hopping itinerary.
Check our ferry booking engine for all connecting routes from Rafina, or explore our island hopping guides for curated multi-island itinerary ideas.
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 Rafina guide before your trip to discover hidden gems. Don't forget to organize your stay early by checking our curated Hotels in Rafina and securing your mobility through Rafina Car Rentals directly at the port or airport fees-free.
Route Map
FAQ
The ferry from Santorini to Rafina 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 Santorini to Rafina 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 Rafina 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. Rafina is known for stunning landscapes and authentic Cycladic charm.
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 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.
