Flying vs. Taking the Ferry: Which Option Makes Sense for You
Athens and Santorini are about 250 kilometres apart, and you have two realistic ways to cover that distance: by plane or by ferry. Each has its place depending on your schedule, budget, and travel style.
The flight from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Santorini’s Thira Airport takes roughly 45 minutes. In 2026, carriers like Aegean Airlines and Sky Express operate this route frequently, especially from April through October. Tickets can be very affordable if you book a few weeks in advance, though last-minute fares spike considerably during peak summer. The airport sits close to the island’s centre, and taxis or buses connect you to most villages within 20 to 40 minutes. If time is your priority, flying is the clear winner.
The ferry is a different experience altogether. Boats depart from Piraeus Port, which is about 40 minutes from central Athens by metro (Line 1, green line, to the Piraeus terminal). High-speed ferries run by companies like SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways cover the route in roughly five hours. Conventional ferries take anywhere from eight to ten hours but are cheaper and are a practical option if you are travelling overnight and want to save on a hotel night. Book ferry tickets at least a few days ahead in July and August, as popular departures sell out.
One practical note: Santorini’s main port is Athinios. From there, a bus or taxi will take you up the caldera cliffs to Fira, Oia, and other towns. The road is steep and winding, so factor in an extra 20 to 30 minutes of transfer time after you dock.
What to Plan Once You Arrive in Santorini
Getting to Santorini is only the first step. The island is compact but layered with things to see, and the way you move around matters. Most visitors rent an ATV or car, or rely on the public bus network (KTEL), which connects the main villages on a regular schedule. Taxis are available but limited in number, so pre-booking during high season is wise.
If you want to make the most of limited time, consider a structured tour of the island’s key spots. A Santorini In A Day Private Tour takes the guesswork out of navigating between villages, viewpoints, and hidden corners that most visitors miss. For those who want a more relaxed pace focused on the best panoramas and famous sites without the busiest crowds, a Santorini Highlights Private Tour covers the iconic spots efficiently.
Santorini is also one of the best places in Greece to experience from the water. The caldera looks entirely different from a boat, and an afternoon or evening on a catamaran gives you perspectives that no road-based tour can replicate. The famous Oia sunset, for example, is breathtaking from the cliffs, but watching it from a Santorini Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise on the open water is something else entirely.
Whether you arrive after a 45-minute flight or a scenic overnight ferry crossing, Santorini rewards a little planning. Sort your Athens-to-Santorini transport early, and you will have more time and energy to actually enjoy the island once you get there.
