how to get to santorini
There are two ways to reach the island — by plane or by ferry.
Getting to the Island by Plane
Santorini has its own international airport (JTR), with direct flights available from many destinations around the world.
If you’d like to combine your trip with a visit to Athens, most destinations in the USA offer direct flights to Athens. From there, hourly flights to Santorini take just 40 minutes. Airlines operating this route include Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express.
Getting to the Island by Ferry
If you’d like to take the scenic route, ferries to Santorini depart from Athens’ main port at Piraeus (approximately 20 minutes from central Athens by metro). Ferries operate all year round, with up to 9 daily crossings during the summer months, run by Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and Fast Ferries.
There are two types of ferry to choose from:
- High-speed ferries (Seajets) take around 5.5 to 6.5 hours and are fast but can be bumpy.
- Conventional ferries (Blue Star) take around 8 to 8.5 hours — slower, but much more stable, with open decks and cafés on board.
All ferries arrive at Athinios Port in Santorini.
The port is about 8 km from Fira, so you’ll need onward transport to your hotel. The public KTEL bus costs €2 and runs to Fira’s central station, though a pre-booked transfer (~€40–60) is the easiest option.
We recommend booking ferry tickets well in advance for summer travel, as high-speed ferries and cabins sell out quickly. The crossing can occasionally feel rough during periods of high winds, though during the calm summer months the ride tends to be smooth.
We’d suggest ferries for those who want to soak in the Aegean scenery — but if you have any questions or concerns about the journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.