Ferry from Santorini to Kimolos

The ferry from Santorini to Kimolos is a slower but very atmospheric Cycladic route, linking busy Santorini with the quiet and traditional island of Kimolos in just over 4 hours. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at Psathi Port in Kimolos, usually with around 1 sailing per week and occasionally 2, depending on the season and exact timetable. The crossing is operated by Cyclades Fast Ferries or Fast Ferries, using a conventional vessel that normally takes about 4 hours 20 minutes to cover the roughly 55 nautical miles between the two islands. In practice, departures tend to be in the morning, with schedules often showing a ferry leaving Santorini at around 09:00 and arriving in Kimolos shortly after 13:00. Ticket prices for foot passengers usually start from about €40 to €45 and average around €75 to €80 in high season, with car fares costing more depending on the date and availability. Because this is a relatively infrequent route, it is important to plan ahead and check current schedules, but it is a very rewarding way to reach a quieter corner of the Cyclades without changing ferries.

Key Information

Ferry duration

The ferry duration from Santorini (Athinios) to Kimolos (Psathi) is usually around 4 hours 20 minutes, with most timetables listing a single standard sailing time. Because the route is operated by a conventional ferry that follows a fixed schedule, there is very little variation, so you can safely plan for about 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes at sea.

Ferry companies

Santorini to Kimolos ferries are mainly operated by Cyclades Fast Ferries or Fast Ferries, sometimes also referred to in booking engines as Fast Ferries rather than a separate “Cyclades” brand. Some information sources also note Zante Ferries on this line at times, but the current direct Santorini to Kimolos route is generally shown as a Fast Ferries service using a conventional vessel.

Fast vs slow ferry

On this particular route there is essentially only a slow conventional ferry option, with journey times around 4 hours 20 minutes and no regular high speed catamaran alternative. This means you trade speed for a steadier, more spacious crossing, with open decks and a more relaxed atmosphere compared with the fast routes to other islands.

Best time to travel

The best time to travel from Santorini to Kimolos is from late spring to early autumn, when the route is more likely to operate weekly and sea conditions are generally better. In high summer the ferry is particularly useful for travellers linking Milos and other western Cyclades with Santorini, but departures remain limited, so you should plan your itinerary around the actual day the ferry runs.

Sea conditions/wind

The sea between Santorini and Kimolos is part of the open Aegean, and in summer it can be affected by the meltemi wind, which may cause choppy conditions and occasional schedule changes. Conventional ferries cope better with wind than small high speed boats, but you may still feel some movement, so if you are prone to seasickness it is sensible to sit inside near the middle of the ship and carry motion sickness remedies.

Port guide

In Santorini, the ferry to Kimolos leaves from Athinios Port, the island’s main ferry harbour, which is connected to Fira, Oia and other villages by buses, taxis and transfer minibuses. In Kimolos, the ferry arrives at the small port of Psathi, a peaceful harbour with a few tavernas, rooms to let, car rental options and road access to Chorio, the main village of the island.

Car rental advice

Fast Ferries vessels on the Santorini to Kimolos route can carry cars, and vehicle tickets are usually significantly more expensive than foot passenger fares, with prices shown from roughly €50 upwards depending on car type and season. Many travellers advise returning a hire car in Santorini and then renting a vehicle in Kimolos or neighbouring Milos, because the islands are small and there are several local rental agencies that can be more flexible and cost effective than transporting a car both ways.

Foot passenger tips

If you are travelling as a foot passenger, it is wise to arrive at Athinios Port at least 1 hour before your Santorini to Kimolos departure, as boarding can be busy when multiple ferries are in port. In Kimolos, Psathi Port is very small and easy to navigate, but buses and taxis are limited, so many travellers either arrange a pick up with their accommodation or walk if they are staying nearby.

“Is this route worth it?”

The Santorini to Kimolos ferry route is very much worth it if you are looking for a quieter, more authentic Cycladic island after visiting Santorini and you do not mind a longer sailing. Because there is usually only 1 weekly departure, many experienced island hoppers treat this route as a special opportunity to reach Kimolos directly rather than changing ferries via Milos.

Alternative route if canceled

If your direct Santorini to Kimolos ferry is cancelled or does not run on your preferred date, the most practical alternative is to travel from Santorini to Milos and then from Milos to Kimolos on a separate local ferry. Milos has frequent connections from Santorini and very short crossings to Kimolos, sometimes around 25 to 30 minutes, so combining these two legs is often the backup plan recommended by ferry guides and local agencies.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse ferry route from Kimolos to Santorini follows the same pattern, with about 1 weekly sailing taking roughly 4 hours 20 minutes and operated by the same company. Some timetables show early morning departures from Kimolos at around 05:15, arriving in Santorini mid morning, which can be useful if you need to connect onwards to another island or a later ferry.

FAQs about the Santorini to Kimolos ferry route