Santorini To Rafina Ferry Crossing In 2026
🚢 Santorini → Rafina — this week
7 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 1 ferries — first at 14:15
Santorini to Rafina Ferry
Santorini to Rafina -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day during the season.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 6 hours 5 minutes.
- Operators: Golden Star Ferries.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
Santorini's ferries leave from Athinios, the working port cut into the caldera cliffs a good twenty-minute drive south of Fira, not the postcard harbour most visitors photograph. Rafina, at the other end, sits on Attica's east coast, a much shorter and easier run from central Athens and the airport than the crowds and queues of Piraeus. In between lies open Aegean water, so this is a proper long-haul crossing rather than a short island hop, and it suits travellers who would rather sail direct into the mainland side of Athens than backtrack through Piraeus after a stay on Santorini.
This is a low-frequency link rather than a route with sailings scattered through the day, so it's worth building your travel plans around the single departure rather than assuming you can chase a later boat if you miss the first. Check the schedule box above for the confirmed sailing time on your travel date, since it can shift slightly between months.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Santorini to Rafina:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not yet published | – |
| February | Not yet published | – |
| March | Not yet published | – |
| April | Not yet published | – |
| May | Not yet published | – |
| June | Not yet published | – |
| July | Yes | 1.0 |
| August | Yes | 1.0 |
| September | Yes | 1.0 |
| October | Yes | 1.0 |
| November | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Santorini to Rafina — 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 | 1 | 14:15 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 1 | 14:15 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Ferry Companies
The Santorini–Rafina route is served by 1 company:
- Golden Star Ferries – approximately 6 hours 5 minutes
Tips for the Santorini–Rafina 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.
- Ferries from Rafina, Athens's eastern port, connect to the Cyclades via a route that is closer to Athens International Airport than Piraeus. The city of Athens itself is easily reached, with the Acropolis, the Plaka district, and the National Archaeological Museum among the essential sights before or after your journey.
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 Athens?
If you have time before or after your ferry, there is plenty to see near the capital. Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Athens – from ancient ruins and mountain villages to coastal escapes and island hops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Santorini to Rafina?
Typically 1 ferry per day during the season. Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Santorini to Rafina today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Santorini to Rafina this week?
Around 7 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Santorini to Rafina?
The first departure is usually 14:15.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Rafina?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 6 hours 5 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
Which ferry companies operate the Santorini–Rafina route?
The route is served by Golden Star Ferries.
Can you rent a car at Rafina port?
Yes, several international agencies including Sixt, Avis and Budget have desks at the port, roughly 25km from Athens airport by road. It's a useful pickup point if you're collecting a car before driving onward, rather than sailing, or heading into Athens after a ferry from the islands. Compare prices 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.