How to Get from Athens Airport
to Santorini — 2026 Guide
Ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, direct flight, or a mix — here's everything you need to know to reach Santorini from Athens Airport (ATH), including the best private transfer to your port of departure.
Your 3 Options: Athens Airport to Santorini
There is no direct road or rail connection. Every traveler uses one of these three routes:
⛴️ Option 1 — Ferry from Piraeus Port
- Transfer: Athens Airport → Piraeus by private minivan (~50 min, €95)
- Ferry: Piraeus → Santorini (4.5–8 hrs depending on ferry type)
- Cost: Ferry €40–€80+ per person (economy to cabin)
- Best for: Budget travelers, those with large luggage, overnight sailings
- Note: High-speed catamarans take ~4.5 hrs; conventional ferries ~8 hrs overnight
✈️ Option 2 — Direct Flight ATH → JTR
- Airlines: Aegean, Sky Express, Ryanair (seasonal)
- Flight time: 45–55 minutes
- Cost: €60–€200+ per person depending on season
- Best for: Travelers short on time, peak summer
- Note: Luggage fees apply on budget carriers; book early for best prices
⛴️ Option 3 — Ferry from Rafina Port
- Transfer: Athens Airport → Rafina by private minivan (~30 min, €82)
- Ferry: Rafina → Santorini via Golden Star or similar (~5 hrs)
- Best for: Those who prefer a shorter, cheaper airport-to-port leg
- Note: Fewer departures than Piraeus; check schedules in advance
Athens Airport to Santorini — Full Comparison 2026
Honest breakdown of total cost, time and comfort for each option.
| Route | Total Time | Approx. Cost (per person) | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan to Piraeus + High-Speed Ferry | ~5.5–6 hrs total | €60–€130 | Groups, families, scenic experience | Book ferry in advance in summer; overnight cabin option available |
| Direct Flight ATH → JTR | ~2–3 hrs total (inc. airport time) | €80–€220 | Solo travelers, time-pressed | Most expensive per person; luggage fees add up for families |
| Minivan to Rafina + Ferry | ~6–7 hrs total | €55–€120 | Travelers near east Athens | Fewer sailings; confirm schedule before booking |
| Minivan to Piraeus + Overnight Ferry | Depart evening, arrive morning | €55–€150 (with cabin) | Budget travelers, families, those who want to save a hotel night | Comfortable cabins available; arrive in Santorini rested |
Step-by-Step: The Two Most Popular Routes
⛴️ Route A: Athens Airport → Piraeus Port → Santorini
⛴️ Route B: Athens Airport → Rafina Port → Santorini
Book Your Athens Airport → Port Transfer
The first leg of your Santorini journey — private, stress-free, fixed price.
Practical Tips for 2026
📅 Book Ferries Early
July and August ferries to Santorini sell out weeks in advance. Book your ferry on Ferryscanner, Ferryhopper or directly with the operator as soon as your flights are confirmed.
⏰ Allow Connection Time
Allow at least 90 minutes between landing at ATH and ferry departure from Piraeus. For Rafina, 60 minutes is usually sufficient given the shorter drive.
🎙️ High-Speed vs Conventional Ferry
High-speed catamarans (Blue Star Fast, SeaJets) take ~4.5 hrs but cost more and can be rough in strong winds. Conventional ferries are slower but more stable and often have cabin options.
🧳 Luggage on Ferries
Ferries have no strict luggage limits — an advantage over flying. Our Mercedes Vito Extra Long handles all your luggage to the port so you board stress-free.
🌙 Overnight Ferry Option
An overnight sailing from Piraeus (~22:00 departure, ~06:00 arrival) lets you save a hotel night and wake up in Santorini. Cabin classes range from economy to premium.
📱 Athinios Port on Arrival
Santorini ferries dock at Athinios — not in Fira or Oia. Pre-book a local transfer or use the bus from the port to reach your accommodation.
What Travelers Say
“Booked the AMT minivan from Athens Airport to Piraeus for our Santorini ferry. Driver was waiting, loaded all our luggage and dropped us directly at the gate. Perfect start to the trip.”
— Family of 5, USA“We chose Rafina — only 30 minutes from the airport and €13 cheaper. AMT dropped us right at the ferry. Excellent service and great tip about the Rafina option.”
— Couple, UK“Flew in late at night, minivan to Piraeus, overnight ferry cabin to Santorini. Woke up in paradise. The AMT transfer was smooth, professional and worth every cent.”
— Solo traveler, AustraliaAthens Airport to Santorini — FAQ 2026
Is there a direct transfer from Athens Airport to Santorini?
No direct road or single-vehicle transfer exists — Santorini is an island. You need to fly (45 min) or take a ferry from Piraeus (~4.5–8 hrs) or Rafina (~5 hrs). The first step is always a transfer from Athens Airport to the port or domestic terminal.
Which port is closer to Athens Airport — Piraeus or Rafina?
Rafina is significantly closer (~25–30 min, €82 by private minivan). Piraeus takes ~45–60 min and costs €95. However, Piraeus has far more daily sailings to Santorini than Rafina.
How long does the ferry take from Piraeus to Santorini?
High-speed catamaran: approximately 4.5 hours. Conventional ferry: approximately 7–8 hours (often an overnight sailing). Both depart multiple times daily in summer.
How much does the private transfer from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port cost?
€95 fixed price for up to 8 passengers in a Mercedes Vito Extra Long. Includes meet & greet, flight tracking, all tolls and direct drop-off at your ferry gate.
Can I take the metro from Athens Airport to Piraeus?
Yes — Metro Line 3 from the airport to Monastiraki, then switch to Metro Line 1 to Piraeus. Takes ~70–80 minutes total and costs around €10–12 per person. Not ideal with heavy luggage or groups.
Should I fly or take the ferry to Santorini?
Fly if you are short on time or traveling solo with light luggage. Take the ferry if you are a family or group with luggage, enjoy the scenic sea journey, or want to save money. The overnight ferry also saves a hotel night.
How do I book the ferry to Santorini?
Use Ferryhopper, Ferryscanner or the ferry operator websites (Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways). Book well in advance for July and August sailings.
Ready to Book Your Athens Airport to Port Transfer?
Private Mercedes Vito Extra Long • Fixed price • Meet & greet • Direct to your ferry gate
Athens Airport (ATH) → Piraeus Port (€95) or Rafina Port (€82) • Up to 8 passengers