Ferry from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios)
2h 20m · 1 operator
Rethymnon to Santorini at a glance
Ferries from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) are scheduled 4 times over the next 14 days, roughly 2 a week. Departures in that window are at 08:00. The crossing takes 2h 20m. The route is served by 1 operator: Seajets. There are sailings on Tuesday and Saturday during the next fortnight. Operators have published this timetable as far as 17 October 2026.
Tickets from
| Economy | €104.70 | Book now |
|---|---|---|
| Moto | €39.70 | Book now |
Lowest published figure for each kind of ticket, one way. The price you pay depends on the sailing and the date you choose.
Operators have published this route's timetable to 17 October 2026. Sailings beyond that date have not been announced yet.
Rethymnon to Santorini Route Map
The Rethymno to Santorini ferry sails on Tuesdays and Thursdays between late May and the end of October.
Rethymno Santorini Ferries
The historic town of Rethymno located in Crete can be a good place from which to make a visit to Santorini by ferry.
During the summer months, ferries leave from Rethymno Ferry Port in Crete twice per week, and sail directly to Santorini island.
Typically, the ferry from Rethymno to Santorini is operated by the Seajets ferry company.
The journey times for the Rethymno to Santorini ferry crossing is about 2 hours and 20 minutes as it is on a fast ferry.
Check the latest timetables and book ferry tickets with: Ferryscanner
Rethymnon to Santorini Day Trip
While some people may be traveling on to Santorini as part of a Greek island hopping trip in order to stay there, others may be interested in taking a day trip only.
Fortunately, (at least currently!), the Rethymno Santorini ferry timetable is designed to allow a return trip on the same day.
The current ferry schedule allows for about 7 hours of sightseeing time in Santorini between the Rethymno to Santorini ferry arrival and the return trip.
Keep in mind though, that ferry ticket prices for passengers wanting to travel between Rethymno and Santorini in Greece are not cheap. In 2023, the best price was just over a hundred Euros one way!
Still, if it’s your only opportunity to see the pretty Cyclades island of Santorini it could be worth doing.
Also read: What currency do they use in Crete?
If traveling during the high season you should book the tickets for Rethymno to Santorini ferry trips as far in advance as possible.
For the latest fares and schedules for the Rethymno Santorini ferry route, use: Ferryscanner
10 Useful Tips for Taking the Rethymno Santorini Ferry in Greece
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel season, rethymno to Santorini ferries can get booked quickly. To ensure a spot, reserve your tickets ahead of time.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at least a half hour before departure at Rethymno ferry port to account for any unexpected delays and to ensure a smooth boarding process.
- Pack Light: If possible, try to travel with a small suitcase or backpack. You’ll find it easier to leave the suitcase below decks, and just go up to your seat with a smaller carry-on.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Ferries have limited food options on board, and they are always expensive. Pack some snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated during the journey.
- Dress in Layers: The coldness of the air conditioning on Greek ferries is not to be underestimated!
- Check the Weather Forecast: Weather conditions can affect ferry schedules. Always check the weather forecast before sailing and get in touch with the ferry operator if you need to.
- Be Aware of Sea Sickness: If you’re prone to sea sickness, consider taking preventative medication. Ginger tables are excellent.
- Keep Valuables Safe: Keep your valuable belongings in your hand luggage with you rather than leave them below decks.
- Respect the Seating Arrangement: If your ferry ticket has a seat number, please respect it. If it doesn’t, it’s a free-seating arrangement.
- Relax and Enjoy: Greek ferry travel is an experience to be enjoyed on your holidays!
Rethymnon to Santorini Ferry Fares
Ticket classes by operator
Published tariffs for a single adult or vehicle, one way. These are operator list prices and do not vary by vessel.
Seajets
| Ticket type | Category | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | passenger | €104.70 |
| Club - Business | passenger | €117.70 |
| VIP | passenger | €139.70 |
| Moto | vehicle | €39.70 |
| Moto 3-4 Wheels | vehicle | €50.00 |
| Car < 4.25m | vehicle | €89.70 |
| Car > 4.25m | vehicle | €189.70 |
Weekly Rethymnon to Santorini Ferry Schedule
The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.
| Operator | Vessel | Days | Departs | Arrives | Duration | From | Season | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seajets | Elite Jet high-speed | 08:00 | 10:20 | 2h 20m | now to 2026-10-17 | Book the Elite Jet sailing |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
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.
Is it worth hiring a car in Rethymno?
The port is about a five-minute walk from the Old Town, with rental desks nearby, so you don't need a car just to explore the town itself. It's worth having one to get further afield though: Crete is large, and a car opens up the mountain villages, gorges and quieter beaches around Rethymno that the KTEL bus network doesn't reach directly. Compare prices at Discover Cars.
Next 14 days
Every scheduled departure from Rethymnon to Santorini between 19 August 2026 and 1 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Rethymnon to Santorini?
Ferries from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) are scheduled 4 times over the next 14 days, roughly 2 a week. In that fortnight there are departures on Tuesday and Saturday. Operators have published this route's timetable as far as 17 October 2026, and nothing beyond that date has been announced yet.
Are there ferries from Rethymnon to Santorini today?
No, there are no scheduled departures from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) today. The next sailing in the published timetable is on 22 August 2026, at 08:00. Departures fall on Tuesday and Saturday.
How many ferries run from Rethymnon to Santorini this week?
2 sailings from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) are scheduled over the next seven days, typically 1 a day on the days it runs.
What time is the first ferry from Rethymnon to Santorini?
Scheduled departures from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) leave at 08:00.
How long is the ferry from Rethymnon to Santorini?
The crossing from Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) takes 2h 20m.
How much does the Rethymnon to Santorini ferry cost?
Published fares for the Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) ferry start from €104.70 for a passenger ticket. Taking a vehicle is published from €39.70. The figure you pay depends on the vessel, the ticket class and the date you travel.
Which ferry companies operate the Rethymnon to Santorini route?
The Rethymnon (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios) route is served by Seajets. Crossings run on high-speed vessels.
Tips for the Rethymnon to Santorini ferry
- The rear vehicle ramp opens while the vessel is still manoeuvring; do not go down to the vehicle deck until the ferry is fully docked and the ramp is secure.
- In the shoulder months of May, June, and September, you will often find seats and cabins available right up to departure day.
- 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.
