Santorini → Athens (Piraeus)
The return leg has the same five daily high-season sailings and year-round service as heading out, but the practical worry flips: most travellers are timing this against a flight from Athens, not an island connection. The fast ferry takes 4h30m, the conventional boat 8h. Moderate wind risk applies mainly to the morning departure from Athinios; if the meltemi is up, the first sailing is the one to protect, since a cancelled later slot leaves no cushion before an evening flight.
Wind & disruption risk: Moderate · 237 km (128 nautical miles)
Ferry options
At the port
Ferries leave Athinios, Santorini's port, 10km from Fira over a hill road that turns slow in traffic, and dock at Piraeus, 10km from Athens with direct metro access. Check in an hour ahead; the conventional Blue Star Ferries service takes cars, useful for those who rented one in the Cyclades and are dropping it near Athens. The fast SeaJets catamaran does not, so returning a car means booking the slower option.
Who sails it
- SeaJets Official timetable
- Blue Star Ferries Official timetable
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus)?
The quickest crossing takes 4h 30m. Conventional 8h 00m.
How far is Athens (Piraeus) from Santorini?
The crossing covers 237 km, or 128 nautical miles.
How many ferries a day run from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus)?
Around 5 departures a day in high season. Runs year-round.
How much does the ferry from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus) cost?
Fares start near €42 on the cheapest boat and €79 on the quickest. Prices move with season and demand.
How do I get from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus)?
Ferries leave Athinios, Santorini's port, 10km from Fira over a hill road that turns slow in traffic, and dock at Piraeus, 10km from Athens with direct metro access. Check in an hour ahead; the conventional Blue Star Ferries service takes cars, useful for those who rented one in the Cyclades and are dropping it near Athens. The fast SeaJets catamaran does not, so returning a car means booking the slower option.
Same-day connection?
The return leg has the same five daily high-season sailings and year-round service as heading out, but the practical worry flips: most travellers are timing this against a flight from Athens, not an island connection. The fast ferry takes 4h30m, the conventional boat 8h. Moderate wind risk applies mainly to the morning departure from Athinios; if the meltemi is up, the first sailing is the one to protect, since a cancelled later slot leaves no cushion before an evening flight.
Times, prices and frequencies are indicative and change by season and operator. Always confirm the live timetable before you book.