Ferry from Santorini to Andros

The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Andros is a longer Cycladic crossing that is usually seasonal and may not always run as a direct route each year, even though some schedule tools still show it with one weekly sailing. The most consistent pattern in recent years has been a single conventional ferry per week operated by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, taking about 9 hours from Athinios Port in Santorini to the port of Gavrio in Andros, often on a mid‑week afternoon. Other sources focus on the more active Andros → Santorini route operated by Golden Star Ferries, which runs daily in season in that direction in around 5 hours, but they explicitly note that there are currently no scheduled direct sailings showing from Santorini to Andros itself. In practice, this means that depending on the specific season, you may either find a rare direct 9‑hour crossing from Santorini to Andros, or have to route via another Cycladic island such as Mykonos or via Rafina on the mainland. Ticket prices where they are listed for the reverse Andros → Santorini direction typically range from about €70 to €90 one way for foot passengers, so you can expect similar pricing if and when the Santorini → Andros leg appears in the timetable.

Key Information

Ferry duration

When it operates, the direct Santorini (Thira) to Andros ferry with Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries is shown with an approximate duration of 9 hours. Other journey planners that combine different legs, such as Santorini–Mykonos–Andros, give total travel times of about 7 hours 40 minutes to 11 hours depending on how your connections line up and which companies you use.

Ferry companies

Netferry shows the Santorini–Andros line as being covered by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries with about 1 weekly sailing when active. For the reverse direction, Andros–Santorini, Golden Star Ferries is the main operator, running daily high‑speed services in season in around 5 hours using vessels such as Golden Princess.

Fast vs slow ferry

The rare direct Santorini–Andros crossing described by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries is a conventional, slower ferry taking about 9 hours and capable of carrying vehicles. By contrast, the Andros–Santorini direction is often served by faster Golden Star Ferries high‑speed ships that do the route in around 5 hours, but current 2026 tools state there are no direct Golden Star departures from Santorini to Andros.

Best time to travel

Any direct Santorini–Andros ferry, if scheduled, will almost certainly be seasonal, typically appearing between about April and October when long Cyclades routes are running. Outside that period, itineraries usually require a change at another island (often Mykonos or Tinos) or via Rafina, using Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries services through the mainland hub.

Sea conditions/wind

The route between Santorini and Andros passes through open Cycladic waters where the meltemi wind can create choppy conditions in summer. On a long 9‑hour conventional ferry crossing, seas are generally manageable but you may still feel movement, so travellers prone to seasickness often choose an inside seat or cabin near the centre of the vessel and bring motion sickness remedies.

Port guide

In Santorini, any direct or connecting ferry for Andros departs from Athinios Port, the main harbour reached by buses, taxis and hotel transfers from Fira, Oia and other villages. In Andros, ferries arrive at Gavrio, the island’s main port on the northwest coast, which has car rentals, bus connections to Batsi and Chora, and tavernas and cafés close to the pier.

Car rental advice

Conventional ferries like those run by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries can take vehicles on the long Santorini–Andros line, but carrying a car for a 9‑hour sea journey can be expensive. Many travellers choose to rent a car separately in each island group instead, returning a hire car in Santorini and picking up a new vehicle in Andros (Gavrio), where Golden Star Ferries and other lines bring many visitors from Rafina.

Foot passenger tips

If you manage to book a direct Santorini–Andros ferry, aim to arrive at Athinios Port at least 1 to 1.5 hours before departure, as loading a long‑distance ferry with vehicles and passengers can take time. Because the crossing is long, it is worth reserving a numbered seat or cabin, bringing snacks and water, and planning what you will do on arrival in Gavrio, as buses to Chora and Batsi are timed around ferry arrivals.

“Is this route worth it?”

The Santorini to Andros route is worth considering if you want to link the southern Cyclades with the northern islands and avoid an extra step via Athens. Andros offers hiking, beaches and a much quieter feel than Santorini, so for travellers who enjoy longer ferry journeys, this line can be a scenic way to anchor a north–south island hopping itinerary.

Alternative route if canceled

If there is no direct Santorini–Andros sailing on your dates, or if a planned crossing is cancelled, the usual alternative is to travel via Mykonos or another central island as shown in route planners. A common pattern is Santorini → Mykonos by high‑speed ferry and then Mykonos → Andros by Golden Star Ferries or Fast Ferries, or Santorini → Rafina/Piraeus then Rafina → Andros, which can bring total travel time to around 7–11 hours including connections.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse route, Andros to Santorini, is much better served: Golden Star Ferries runs about 7 weekly crossings, with a typical afternoon departure at 15:15 and a journey of roughly 5 hours 5 minutes. Ticket prices in this direction often fall between about €70 and €93 for foot passengers, and ferries can carry vehicles, making it one of the main ways to travel from Andros to the southern Cyclades.

FAQs about the Santorini to Andros ferry route