The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Piraeus is one of the main routes connecting the Cyclades with Athens, running all year with a mix of conventional and high speed ferries. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at Piraeus, usually at gates E6–E10, with journey times ranging from about 5 hours on the fastest high speed vessels to around 8–9 hours on large conventional ships and occasionally over 11 hours on slower multi stop services. The route is operated by several companies, mainly Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Fast Ferries, offering up to 8 daily crossings in summer and multiple departures per day even in shoulder seasons. Ticket prices for foot passengers typically start from about €46.50–€48 for basic economy seats on slower ferries and go up to around €180–€185 or more for high speed services, cabins and premium seats. This route is the classic sea connection between Santorini and Athens, giving you a choice between a fast transfer and a slower, more scenic overnight‑style journey.
Key Information
Ferry duration
The Santorini to Piraeus ferry time normally ranges between about 5 hours and 11 hours 30 minutes, depending on vessel type and route. Fast high speed ferries such as Seajets can do the crossing in roughly 5 hours to 5 hours 40 minutes, while large conventional ferries like Blue Star often take around 7.5–8 hours and some multi stop sailings stretch to over 11 hours.
Ferry companies
The main companies on the Santorini–Piraeus route are Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Fast Ferries. Together they provide dozens of weekly sailings, with Blue Star handling many of the conventional departures and Seajets and Fast Ferries running the faster catamarans and high speed vessels in season.
Fast vs slow ferry
High speed ferries, mainly Seajets and some Fast Ferries services, complete the Santorini–Piraeus crossing in about 5–6 hours and are ideal if you want to minimise travel time. Conventional ferries such as Blue Star’s large ships take around 7.5–8 hours and up to 11 hours 15 minutes on some routes, but they usually offer cheaper tickets, more space, big outdoor decks and a more stable ride, which many travellers prefer.
Best time to travel
You can travel between Santorini and Piraeus all year, but from May to September there are multiple ferries per day in both directions, giving very flexible options. In winter the route still operates daily, though there are fewer departures and more of them will be on conventional ferries rather than high speed vessels.
Sea conditions/wind
The crossing runs through open Aegean waters and can be affected by the meltemi and other strong winds, especially in summer. High speed ferries are safe but can feel bumpy on rough days, while larger conventional ferries like Blue Star are more stable, so travellers prone to seasickness often choose them, sit near the centre of the ship and bring motion sickness tablets.
Port guide
In Santorini, all ferries to Piraeus depart from Athinios Port, the main harbour at the base of the cliffs, connected to Fira, Oia and other villages by buses, taxis and hotel transfers. In Piraeus, ferries from Santorini usually arrive at gates E6–E10, a short walk from the suburban trains, metro, buses and taxis that connect you to central Athens, the airport and other parts of the city.
Car rental advice
The conventional Santorini–Piraeus ferries can carry vehicles, and high speed ferries often do as well, but car fares add a significant amount to the ticket cost. Many travellers return a hire car in Santorini, travel as foot passengers and then rent a new vehicle in Athens, where you have a wide choice of rental agencies and do not need to pay for a long sea crossing with a car.
Foot passenger tips
As a foot passenger, plan to arrive at Athinios Port at least 1–1.5 hours before departure in summer, because the port road and boarding area can be busy, especially when several ferries are leaving. In Piraeus, check your arrival gate in advance and know whether you are heading straight into Athens, to the airport or to another ferry, so you can move quickly from the port to trains, buses or taxis.
“Is this route worth it?”
The Santorini to Piraeus ferry is definitely worth it if you want a scenic and flexible way to travel between the island and Athens without flying. Many visitors say that arriving or departing on a large conventional ferry, especially Blue Star, gives them the classic caldera views and a relaxed start or finish to their trip that a short flight does not provide.
Alternative route if canceled
If your Santorini–Piraeus ferry is cancelled due to weather or strikes, you often have other ferries the same or next day, including routes to Rafina or to other islands from which you can connect. When all ferries are disrupted, the alternative is to fly between Santorini and Athens, but for most travellers the next available ferry from Piraeus or Rafina is the first option to check.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route, Piraeus to Santorini, is very well served, with up to 8 daily crossings in summer and at least 1–2 ferries per day in low season. Journey times and prices are similar in both directions, so you can easily plan round trips or use Piraeus as your main starting and ending point for a wider island‑hopping itinerary.
FAQs about the Santorini to Piraeus ferry route
How long does the Santorini to Piraeus ferry really take?
In practice, most travellers find that the Santorini–Piraeus ferry takes about 5–6 hours on the fastest high speed ferries and around 7.5–8 hours on conventional Blue Star ships. Some slower services can take over 11 hours, but these are less common and usually involve extra stops.
How often does the Santorini to Piraeus ferry run?
In peak season there can be up to 8 ferry departures per day between Santorini and Piraeus, with early morning and afternoon options. Even outside the summer months there are still daily ferries, though with fewer choices and more conventional vessels than high speed ones.
How much does the Santorini to Piraeus ferry cost?
Ticket prices for the Santorini–Piraeus ferry usually range from about €46.50–€48 for basic economy seats on slower ferries to around €180–€185 for high speed services, cabins and premium seat classes. Average prices often fall around €90–€160 for foot passengers, depending on the company, seat type and season.
Is the Santorini to Piraeus ferry suitable for people who get seasick?
The route is manageable for most travellers, but high speed ferries can be quite bumpy on windy days. If you get seasick easily, a larger conventional Blue Star ferry with an inside seat or cabin near the middle of the ship is generally more comfortable, especially on 7–8 hour crossings.
Do I need to book the Santorini to Piraeus ferry in advance?
For June to September it is wise to book your Santorini–Piraeus ferry well in advance, especially if you want specific departure times, high speed ferries, cabins or vehicle space. In shoulder seasons you may have more flexibility, but popular sailings can still sell out, so most experts recommend buying tickets at least a few days before travel.