Ferry from Santorini (Athinios) to Athens (Rafina)

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.

Santorini to Rafina Ferry Fares

No published fares for this route yet.

Weekly Santorini to Rafina 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 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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Santorini to Rafina between 5 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Santorini to 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.

Plan a journey

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