Santorini to Ios Ferry
Book Santorini to Ios ferries in 2026 with up to 6 daily departures year-round. Journey from 1h 20m. Operators include Seajets, Zante Ferries, Small…
Santorini to Ios — 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 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Zante Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines, Boatmen Union of Santorini.
- Tickets from: €7 – €32 per person.
The Santorini to Ios ferry is one of the most rewarding short hops in the Cyclades, linking two islands that couldn’t feel more different in character. Santorini’s volcanic drama gives way, just over an hour later, to Ios – an island with a reputation for lively nights but blessed with some of the finest beaches in the Aegean.
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 1 per day. With crossings running daily, you have real flexibility about when you travel, though booking ahead in high season is wise.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Santorini to Ios:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.4 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 1.1 (1–2) |
| April | Yes | 1.2 (1–2) |
| May | Yes | 4.0 (3–7) |
| June | Yes | 6.5 (5–8) |
| July | Yes | 6.3 (5–7) |
| August | Yes | 6.3 (5–7) |
| September | Yes | 5.9 (4–7) |
| October | Yes | 3.0 (2–5) |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Four operators run the Santorini–Ios route, giving you a range of crossing times and price points to choose from:
- Seajets
- Zante Ferries – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Small Cyclades Lines – approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
- Boatmen Union of Santorini – approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Tips for the Santorini–Ios Ferry
- Travelling in May or June gives you considerably more choice and flexibility when island-hopping – spontaneous decisions about your next destination are genuinely possible in ways that simply aren’t realistic in August.
- If the sea is choppy, fix your gaze on the horizon, breathe steadily, and avoid looking at your phone or a book. Fresh air on deck helps considerably.
- The quietest months are November through February. On some crossings you may find you have the ferry almost entirely to yourself – a striking contrast to the packed summer sailings.
- In Ios, the whitewashed Chora draws visitors with its narrow footpaths, windmills, and the climb to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa for sweeping views across the Aegean. The island’s beaches are among the finest in the Cyclades – Mylopotas, Manganari, and Magganari are the most celebrated – while Homer’s reputed tomb lies on the northern hillside.
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
More to do in Santorini
Before you board, make the most of your time on the island. 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 Santorini to Ios?
Service runs year-round, with around 1 departure per day through winter rising to as many as 6 per day during the peak summer months. The shoulder seasons offer a reasonable middle ground, with several sailings daily from May and again in September and October.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Ios?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. The slowest option runs to around 1 hour 50 minutes. The difference comes down to which company and vessel you choose, so it’s worth comparing before you book.
How much does the Santorini to Ios ferry cost?
Standard tickets start from €7 per person. Prices rise to €32 depending on the operator, the class of seat, and the time of year. As a rule, booking earlier and travelling outside peak summer will get you a better fare.
Which ferry companies operate the Santorini–Ios route?
The route is served by Seajets, Zante Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines, Boatmen Union of Santorini.