Ferry from Santorini to Kasos

The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Kasos is a long but important route linking the Cyclades with the Dodecanese, usually operated by Anek Superfast Blue Star Ferries with conventional ships. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at the port of Kasos, with about 3 weekly sailings spread through the year and slightly more regular service from spring to autumn. Journey times vary a lot, from around 5 hours 10 minutes on the fastest departures to about 10 hours 40 minutes on the slowest multi‑stop sailings, with an average crossing length of roughly 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes. Some ferries leave Santorini early in the morning, while others depart late at night and arrive in Kasos the next morning, so you can choose between a long daytime crossing or an overnight journey if the timetable allows. Ticket prices for foot passengers typically start from about €19–€24 in low season and go up to around €90–€110 for higher demand dates and better seats, while cabins and vehicle fares cost more. This route is one of the main ways to combine Santorini with the quieter, more remote island of Kasos and the wider Dodecanese, but it does require careful planning around limited weekly sailings and a long time at sea.

Key Information

Ferry duration

The ferry duration from Santorini (Athinios) to Kasos usually sits between about 5 hours 10 minutes and 10 hours 40 minutes, depending on the exact sailing and number of stops. The fastest crossings are quoted at around 5 hours 10 minutes, while many regular departures are closer to 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes, so you should generally plan for most of a day or a full night on board.

Ferry companies

The Santorini to Kasos ferry line is operated by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, using Blue Star conventional vessels that serve long routes between Piraeus, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Some schedule tools also mention Aegeon Pelagos on related Kasos–Santorini services, but for the direct Santorini–Kasos connection Blue Star Ferries is the main operator listed for 2026.

Fast vs slow ferry

On this line there is effectively only a conventional ferry option, although within that category some sailings are shorter than others. The “fastest” Santorini to Kasos crossings of around 5 hours 10 minutes are still on large conventional ships, while the longest departures, up to about 10 hours 40 minutes, tend to stop at more islands on the way.

Best time to travel

You can usually find Santorini–Kasos ferries all year, but the route is most reliable and flexible between about April and October when there are roughly 3 weekly crossings and more predictable weather. In winter, sailings continue but may drop slightly in frequency and are more exposed to disruption from storms, so you should always double check the timetable and allow flexibility in your plans.

Sea conditions/wind

The route passes through open Aegean and Dodecanese waters, which can be affected by strong winds and rough seas, especially in summer when the meltemi is blowing. Conventional ferries handle these conditions far better than small high speed boats, but because this is a long crossing, travellers prone to seasickness often prefer to book a cabin or inside seat and carry motion sickness tablets for extra comfort.

Port guide

In Santorini the ferry to Kasos departs from Athinios Port, the main harbour reached by a winding road that is served by buses, taxis and hotel transfer minibuses from Fira, Oia and other villages. In Kasos, ferries arrive at the island’s main port, which is small but has basic services, a few tavernas, accommodation nearby and road links to the villages of Fry, Agia Marina and other parts of the island.

Car rental advice

Blue Star Ferries on the Santorini–Kasos route carry vehicles, and sample data show car fares in the rough range of €45–€110 on this line, on top of foot passenger prices. Because Kasos is a small island and vehicle ticket costs add up quickly on such a long route, many travellers choose to travel as foot passengers and either walk, use local transport or rent a small car on Kasos itself if needed.

Foot passenger tips

As a foot passenger, you should arrive at Athinios Port at least 1 to 1.5 hours before departure, especially if you are boarding a late‑night or complex long‑distance sailing that also loads vehicles and freight. Because some Santorini–Kasos ferries are overnight, it can be worth booking a reserved seat or a cabin rather than an open deck ticket, so you can rest properly during the long crossing and arrive in Kasos feeling fresh.

“Is this route worth it?”

The Santorini to Kasos ferry route is very rewarding if you want to combine a well known island with a remote and much quieter Dodecanese destination on the same trip. Many travellers use it as part of a longer Piraeus–Santorini–Kasos–Rhodes or Karpathos itinerary, saying that the long sea journey is a fair trade‑off for reaching a less crowded island chain without needing multiple flights.

Alternative route if canceled

If your direct Santorini–Kasos ferry is cancelled or does not operate on your chosen day, the main alternatives involve routing via another island on the same long Dodecanese line, such as Rhodes or Karpathos, or adjusting your dates to match the 3 weekly departures. Another possibility is to travel from Santorini to Crete (for example Heraklion or Sitia) or Rhodes and then onward to Kasos, but this usually adds extra legs and time, so most people prefer to wait for the next direct Blue Star Ferries sailing if their schedule allows.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse route from Kasos to Santorini runs with similar frequency and times, and is also usually operated by Blue Star Ferries as part of a wider Dodecanese –> Cyclades route. Typical Kasos–Santorini crossings are shown at around 9 hours 5 minutes to 9 hours 34 minutes, with ticket prices for foot passengers generally starting from about €21–€23 and matching the ranges for the outbound direction.

FAQs about the Santorini to Kasos ferry route