Ferry from Syros (Ermoupoli) to Santorini (Athinios)

Syros and Santorini sit at opposite ends of the Cycladic personality spectrum. Ermoupoli, the elegant neoclassical capital of Syros, offers a working harbour, unhurried tavernas, and a city that feels genuinely Greek rather than tourist-shaped. Santorini, by contrast, is one of the most visited islands in the world -- and with good reason. The crossing between them takes you from understated Cycladic charm to the extraordinary drama of the caldera.

Ferries run year-round on this route, though the timetable thins considerably in winter. From June through September you can expect three or four departures a day, giving you real flexibility when planning connections or choosing a departure time that suits your itinerary. In the shoulder months of April, May, and October, there is still solid frequency, while February, March, and November see a single daily sailing on most days. January and December are currently without scheduled service, so plan accordingly if your trip falls in those months.

Syros to Santorini Ferry Fares

Weekly Syros 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 Syros?

Yes, and rental desks cluster right in Ermoupoli, a short walk from where the ferry docks. Syros Town itself is easily walkable, but a car earns its keep for reaching Kini, Galissas and Poseidonia beaches, each 8-10km away on the other side of the island. Compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Syros to Santorini ferry

• The ferry quay sits right in Ermoupoli town centre, close to hotels, cafés and the bus station, so you can walk to most accommodation. In peak summer, arrive at least an hour early, or 60–90 minutes if you're bringing a car.
• There's no single ferry ticket office at the port – tickets are issued by several independent travel agencies clustered near the harbour, so check your booking confirmation for pickup details rather than expecting one terminal counter.
• A taxi rank is around 100 metres from the quay, but ranks empty fast in August, so pre-book a taxi or arrange a hotel transfer in advance rather than relying on hailing one on arrival.
• Where a route has both a slow overnight ferry and a fast daytime catamaran, consider whether speed or cost matters more – the conventional ferry is usually significantly cheaper.
• 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

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