Ferry from Ios to Santorini (Athinios)

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.

Ios to Santorini Ferry Fares

Weekly Ios to Santorini Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Things to do when you arrive: Best Santorini tours on Viator

Hiring a car

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.

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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Ios to Santorini between 4 November 2026 and 17 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Ios to Santorini ferry

• The port at Ormos sits about 2km below Chora – roughly a five-minute drive, a 20-minute walk, or a short bus ride from the stop just along the road from the ferry dock.
• Arrive at Ormos port at least an hour before departure in summer – traffic builds up around the port and you'll want time to secure a good deck or lounge seat before boarding.
• Ormos port has its own supermarkets, cafes, ATMs and car or motorbike hire outlets, so you can wait comfortably, withdraw cash or pick up rental transport without leaving the harbour area.
• A 40-litre backpack is the ideal size for island-hopping: large enough for two weeks' clothing, small enough to carry without difficulty.
• 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.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.