Piraeus to Santorini Ferry
Piraeus 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 (7 per day) in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 4 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours 35 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Zante Ferries, Aegeon Pelagos, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries.
- Tickets from: €38 – €44 per person.
- Vehicles: Both conventional and high-speed ferries accept cars and motorbikes.
The Piraeus to Santorini ferry is the main sea connection between Athens and Greece’s most iconic island. It’s one of the busiest crossings in the Aegean, running year-round – though services thin out considerably over winter.
On average, five ferries a day make the crossing throughout the year. In peak summer – June through August – that rises to seven daily departures. In winter, expect around two per day on the days when sailings operate at all.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Piraeus to Santorini:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.8 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 2.1 (1–4) |
| April | Yes | 4.0 (2–6) |
| May | Yes | 5.1 (4–7) |
| June | Yes | 6.5 (5–8) |
| July | Yes | 6.7 (6–8) |
| August | Yes | 6.7 (6–8) |
| September | Yes | 6.3 (5–8) |
| October | Yes | 4.1 (3–6) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Five operators serve the Piraeus–Santorini route, with journey times that vary considerably depending on which you choose:
- Seajets – approximately 4 hours 45 minutes
- Zante Ferries – approximately 12 hours 35 minutes
- Aegeon Pelagos – approximately 9 hours 10 minutes
- Blue Star Ferries – approximately 7 hours 45 minutes
- Fast Ferries – approximately 9 hours 10 minutes
Tips for the Piraeus–Santorini Ferry
- If you’re taking a vehicle, bear in mind that island roads can be tight – a small or medium car will serve you far better than a large vehicle when navigating Santorini’s steep and narrow streets.
- The calmest conditions on the open Aegean tend to fall in early June and late September, when glassy water and minimal swell make for the most comfortable crossing.
- Midsummer quaysides can be punishing in the heat, particularly during midday departures – bring a hat and plenty of water to keep yourself comfortable while waiting to board.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Piraeus to Santorini?
In summer you’ll find up to 7 departures a day; in winter that drops to around 1 per day on the days services operate. The route runs year-round, though January and December see no sailings at all.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Santorini?
Journey time depends on the operator you choose. The fastest crossing takes approximately 4 hours 45 minutes, while the slowest runs to around 12 hours 35 minutes. Ferry type and company make all the difference.
How much does the Piraeus to Santorini ferry cost?
Standard seat tickets start from €38 per person, rising to around €44 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Piraeus–Santorini route?
The route is served by Seajets, Zante Ferries, Aegeon Pelagos, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries.