Ios to Santorini Ferry
Ios to Santorini — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round, with reduced service in winter.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (6 per day) in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Zante Ferries, Boatmen Union of Santorini.
- Tickets from: €7 – €32 per person.
Book Ios to Santorini ferries in 2026 with up to 6 daily departures year-round. Journey from 1h 15m. Operators include Seajets, Zante Ferries, Boatmen…
The crossing from Ios to Santorini is one of those short island hops that feels effortless — a quick stretch of Aegean sea between two of Greece’s most visited islands. Whether you’re moving on from Ios after a few days enjoying its famous beach scene, or fitting in a day trip before the sun goes down over Santorini’s caldera, this route keeps things simple.
Throughout the year there are 4 ferries per day on average. In summer (June–August), this increases to 6 per day, while winter sees around 2 per day.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Ios to Santorini:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 1.5 (1–2) |
| April | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 4.0 (2–7) |
| June | Yes | 6.3 (5–8) |
| July | Yes | 6.2 (6–7) |
| August | Yes | 6.1 (6–7) |
| September | Yes | 5.7 (4–7) |
| October | Yes | 3.2 (2–6) |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Three operators cover the Ios–Santorini route, giving you a reasonable choice of departure times and crossing durations throughout the season:
- Seajets
- Zante Ferries – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Boatmen Union of Santorini – approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Tips for the Ios–Santorini Ferry
- If you’re travelling with luggage worth protecting, a proper padlock is a more reliable choice than the combination or cable locks sold at airports, which offer little more than a deterrent to opportunistic interference.
- The short crossing makes this route ideal for a day trip: head over on an early sailing, spend the day exploring, and catch a late afternoon or evening ferry back to Ios.
- In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia’s castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Exploring Santorini?
Once you arrive, there is plenty to see and do. Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini – from volcano boat tours and wine tasting to hidden beaches and nearby islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Ios to Santorini?
Frequency varies by season. In winter you can expect around one sailing per day, while summer brings up to six daily departures. The route operates year-round, so you’ll always have options regardless of when you’re travelling.
How long is the ferry from Ios to Santorini?
Crossing times range from 1 hour 15 minutes on the fastest services to around 2 hours 30 minutes on the slower ones. Which you get depends on the operator and vessel type you book.
How much does the Ios to Santorini ferry cost?
Tickets start at €7 per person for a standard seat and can reach €32 depending on the operator, the class of travel you choose, and how far in advance you book. Prices tend to rise in peak summer, so booking ahead pays off.
Which ferry companies operate the Ios–Santorini route?
The route is served by Seajets, Zante Ferries, Boatmen Union of Santorini.