Santorini to Ios Ferry

Santorini to Ios Ferry

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. Our guide to Santorini's ferry port covers what to expect at Athinios before you board.

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	Not yet published	–
February	Yes	1.4 (1–3)
March	Yes	1.1 (1–2)
April	Yes	1.2 (1–2)
May	Yes	3.2 (2–7)
June	Yes	6.3 (4–8)
July	Yes	6.9 (5–8)
August	Yes	6.5 (6–7)
September	Yes	5.8 (4–8)
October	Yes	4.0
November	Not yet published	–
December	Not yet published	–

Santorini to Ios — next 14 days

Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-08-06):

Date	Sailings	Departure times
Thu 6 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 09:30, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Fri 7 Aug	6	08:10, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:30, 19:40
Sat 8 Aug	6	06:15, 08:10, 12:55, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Sun 9 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 11:30, 12:55, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Mon 10 Aug	6	08:10, 09:00, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Tue 11 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 09:00, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Wed 12 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:30, 19:40
Thu 13 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 09:30, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Fri 14 Aug	6	08:10, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:30, 19:40
Sat 15 Aug	6	06:15, 08:10, 12:55, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Sun 16 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 11:30, 12:55, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Mon 17 Aug	6	08:10, 09:00, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Tue 18 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 09:00, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:40
Wed 19 Aug	7	06:15, 08:10, 13:15, 14:10, 14:15, 19:30, 19:40

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Ferry Companies

The Santorini–Ios route is served by 6 companies:

• SeaJets – approximately 35 minutes
• Golden Star Ferries – approximately 50 minutes
• Blue Star Ferries – approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
• Fast Ferries – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Maistros Santorini – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
• Small Cyclades Lines – approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

Tips for the Santorini–Ios Ferry

• Arrive at Athinios port at least 45 minutes before departure – the switchback access road down the caldera cliff often backs up in summer, and boarding can start earlier than the printed departure time.
• If you're staying in Oia, note that no bus runs directly to or from Athinios port – you'll need to change at Fira, adding a ticket and a wait, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually more practical.
• Collect paper tickets from the Nomikos or Dakoutros travel agency booths at the port as soon as you arrive, rather than waiting until boarding – queues build quickly as departure time approaches.
• If you're travelling by public bus, stow large luggage in the storage compartment underneath rather than carrying it aboard, as space inside is limited, especially on the busy Fira–Oia route.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do ferries run from Santorini to Ios?

1 to 8 ferries per day depending on the season. Timetables are currently published through 4 October 2026.

Are there ferries from Santorini to Ios today?

Yes – 7 sailings today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.

How many ferries run from Santorini to Ios this week?

Around 46 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 7 per day).

What time is the first ferry from Santorini to Ios?

The first departure is usually 08:10.

How long is the ferry from Santorini to Ios?

The fastest crossing takes approximately 35 minutes, while the slowest takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.

How much does the Santorini to Ios ferry cost?

Ticket prices start from €9 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €65 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.

Which ferry companies operate the Santorini–Ios route?

The route is served by SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Maistros Santorini, Small Cyclades Lines.

Can you rent a car in Ios?

Yes. The port sits about 2km from Chora, with rental desks at both. A car isn't essential for the Chora to Mylopotas stretch, which is walkable and bus-served, but it's worth having to reach quieter spots like Manganari beach, roughly 19km to the south. Check current rates at Discover Cars.

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.