Ferry from Santorini (Athinios) to Athens (Piraeus)

The run from Santorini back to Piraeus is the busiest link in the Cyclades, worked by Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries and Seajets between them. Times vary a great deal by ship and routeing, from a little over five hours on the fastest craft to around ten and a half on a conventional ferry calling at several islands. The Blue Star vessels and the Fast Ferries ships carry cars and offer deck space; the Seajets high-speed catamarans are quicker but keep you inside.

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, a few kilometres southwest of the centre, and one of the largest passenger ports in Europe. It is a sprawling place with numbered gates running from E1 to E12, so it is worth knowing which gate your ship uses before you arrive. The metro and suburban rail terminus sits right by the harbour and runs directly into central Athens, and Mikrolimano marina and the archaeological museum are both close by.

Departures run several times a day through the season and drop back to a reduced but still regular pattern in winter. The current timetable and fares are shown below. From Piraeus you can connect on to almost anywhere in the Aegean, or head straight into Athens for a flight home.

Santorini to Piraeus Ferry Fares

Weekly Santorini to Piraeus Ferry Schedule

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

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Piraeus?

Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers 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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Santorini to Piraeus between 10 October 2026 and 23 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Santorini to Piraeus 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 Piraeus depart from the main port of Athens, giving easy access to the Acropolis, the world-class Acropolis Museum, and the ancient Agora. The historic Plaka neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis hill, with its neoclassical lanes, Roman ruins, and traditional tavernas, is the most atmospheric place to spend time before or after your crossing.

Plan a journey

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