The ferry from Santorini to Serifos connects the southern Cyclades with the western Cyclades, giving you a direct way to travel from busy Santorini to the quieter, more rugged island of Serifos in around 3 to 6 hours depending on the vessel. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at Livadi Port in Serifos, with crossings available all year and more frequent services in the summer months. The route is mostly operated by Seajets and Fast Ferries, and some timetables also show Zante Ferries, with fast catamarans taking about 3 hours 5 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes and slower conventional ferries taking up to about 7 hours 45 minutes. From June to September you can usually find around 20 to 23 weekly crossings across all operators, while from October to May this drops to roughly 3 to 4 per week, often clustered on specific days. Ticket prices for foot passengers normally start at about €16.50 in low season on slower ferries and can reach around €90–€100 on the fastest Seajets services in high season, with vehicle fares averaging around €35–€40 one way. This route is a very useful way to include Serifos in a wider Cyclades itinerary without having to backtrack via Piraeus or another mainland port.
Key Information
Ferry duration
The ferry duration from Santorini (Athinios) to Serifos (Livadi) usually ranges from about 3 hours 5 minutes on the fastest catamarans to around 7 hours 45 minutes on the slowest conventional ferries. On average, most summer crossings take about 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes, so you should plan for half a day of travel including boarding and disembarkation.
Ferry companies
The Santorini to Serifos route is mainly operated by Seajets and Fast Ferries, with some schedules and guides also listing Zante Ferries as an operator on this line. Seajets typically provides the faster services, while Fast Ferries and Zante Ferries run the slower, conventional crossings that take longer but often cost less.
Fast vs slow ferry
Fast ferries on this route, such as Seajets catamarans, usually complete the Santorini to Serifos journey in about 3 hours 5 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes, with limited or no intermediate stops. Slower conventional ferries operated by Fast Ferries or Zante Ferries can take around 6 hours to 7 hours 45 minutes and may call at several islands on the way, but they offer cheaper deck tickets and a more relaxed, open deck experience.
Best time to travel
The best time to travel from Santorini to Serifos is from June to September, when there are more weekly crossings, often around 20 to 23 per week, and better connections with other Cycladic islands. In the low season from October to May, the route still operates but with only about 3 to 4 weekly sailings, so you should plan around the specific days ferries run and be flexible with your travel dates.
Sea conditions/wind
The ferry route between Santorini and Serifos crosses an exposed part of the Aegean, and in summer it is often affected by the meltemi, a strong north wind that can create choppy seas and occasional delays or cancellations. High speed catamarans are safe but can feel lively on windy days, while larger conventional ferries tend to feel more stable, so if you are prone to seasickness you may prefer a slower boat, sitting near the centre of the vessel and using seasickness remedies when the wind is strong.
Port guide
In Santorini, all ferries to Serifos depart from Athinios Port, the main ferry harbour at the base of the caldera cliffs, reached by buses, taxis and transfer minibuses from Fira, Oia and other villages. In Serifos, ferries arrive at Livadi Port, a small but lively harbour with tavernas, beachside cafés, car rental offices, mini markets and bus and taxi connections up to Chora and around the island.
Car rental advice
Most Santorini to Serifos ferries can carry vehicles, and average vehicle fares are reported around €35 to €40 one way, with exact prices depending on the operator, date and car size. Many travellers choose to return a rental car in Santorini and then hire a new one in Serifos, as local rentals are available in Livadi and this avoids paying higher ferry costs for a car in both directions.
Foot passenger tips
Foot passengers should plan to arrive at Athinios Port at least 1 hour before the Santorini to Serifos ferry departure, as traffic on the steep port road and boarding queues can be slow in high season. On arrival in Serifos, Livadi is compact and walkable, so if you are staying in the port area you can usually walk to your accommodation, while buses and taxis from the port provide easy access to Chora and the island’s beaches.
“Is this route worth it?”
The Santorini to Serifos ferry route is definitely worth considering if you want to combine Santorini with a less crowded island that has beautiful beaches, hiking and a more laid back Cycladic feel. Regular island hoppers often describe Serifos as a quieter alternative to more famous islands, and the direct ferry from Santorini makes it easier to include without returning to Athens.
Alternative route if canceled
If your direct Santorini to Serifos ferry is cancelled, one of the most practical alternatives is to travel via another hub such as Milos or Sifnos, as both islands have ferry connections with Santorini and Serifos. Another option is to route through Piraeus, but that usually involves a much longer journey, so most travellers prefer to look for same day changes via nearby Cycladic islands if the weather allows.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Serifos to Santorini follows the same pattern, with an average journey time of about 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes and similar ticket prices. In summer there are normally several weekly crossings in each direction, so you can plan a circular trip that uses Serifos as either a starting point or a peaceful final stop before returning to Santorini.
FAQs about the Santorini to Serifos ferry route
How long does the Santorini to Serifos ferry really take?
In practice, most travellers find that the Santorini to Serifos ferry takes around 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours, especially on Seajets and other faster services. Slower ferries can take up to about 6 to 7 hours 45 minutes, but these longer crossings are less common and usually chosen mainly for price or scheduling reasons.
How often does the Santorini to Serifos ferry run in summer?
From June to September there are generally around 20 to 23 weekly Santorini to Serifos crossings across all operators, which works out as 1 to 3 ferries most days. In low season this drops to about 3 to 4 weekly sailings, often clustered on set days, so you need to check exact dates rather than assuming there is a ferry every day.
How much does the Santorini to Serifos ferry cost?
Foot passenger tickets on the Santorini to Serifos ferry typically range from about €16.50 on slower ferries in low season to around €90–€100 on the fastest Seajets crossings in peak months. Vehicle fares average around €35–€40 each way, with extra charges for cabins and premium seating on some vessels.
Is the Santorini to Serifos ferry suitable for people who get seasick?
The Santorini to Serifos ferry is long enough that seasickness can be an issue on windy days, especially on smaller high speed catamarans. Many travellers who are sensitive to motion choose a larger conventional ferry, book an inside seat near the centre of the ship and bring seasickness tablets or bands to help them feel more comfortable.
Can I do a day trip from Santorini to Serifos by ferry?
A same day return trip from Santorini to Serifos is not realistic, because even the fastest crossings take around 3 hours 20 minutes each way and there is no return ferry that allows enough time on the island before coming back. Travellers and ferry guides therefore recommend planning at least 1 or 2 nights on Serifos if you decide to take this route.