International Entry Points to Greece

Flying to Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (airport code ATH) is your main gateway to Greece if you are coming from further afield. The airport receives flights from major cities across the world and is a modern facility with good dining, shopping, and currency exchange options.

Flight Duration from Major Markets:

• From London: approximately 4 hours
• From New York: approximately 9 to 10 hours with one connection
• From Canada (Toronto): approximately 10 to 11 hours with one connection
• From Paris: approximately 2.5 hours
• From Amsterdam: approximately 2.5 hours
• From Frankfurt: approximately 2 hours

Major Airlines Operating This Route:

Airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Aegean Airlines, and Lufthansa all offer regular service to Athens. Many budget carriers offer cheap fares if you book well in advance. The best time to book international flights is typically around 40 days to 6 weeks before your intended travel date.

Airport Facilities:

The airport includes ATM machines, currency exchange booths, rental car companies, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Transportation to central Athens is available via bus, metro, or taxi.

Direct International Flights to Santorini (JTR)

During the peak tourist season from April to October, several European cities have direct seasonal flights to Santorini National Airport (airport code JTR). This can save you significant time if you want to avoid Athens entirely.

Available Seasonal Direct Flights from European Cities:

Airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Volotea operate seasonal routes from London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna, Frankfurt, Milan, Naples, and Prague. These flights operate mainly during summer months and are subject to seasonal availability, so booking in advance is essential during peak season.

Booking Tips:

Book direct flights as early as possible during summer months, as availability is limited. Compare prices across flight comparison websites. Direct flights cost between 15 to 60 pounds depending on season and how far in advance you book.

Alternative Entry: Arriving via Crete

If you are visiting Crete first or find better flight deals to Heraklion, you can travel to Santorini easily from there.

Flight Option from Crete to Santorini:

A short domestic flight from Heraklion International Airport (HER) to Santorini takes approximately 50 minutes and costs roughly the same as a flight from Athens.

Ferry Option from Heraklion Port:

Fast ferries from Heraklion Port to Santorini take just 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours at minimum and cost between 30 to 45 euros. This is one of the quickest and most scenic entry options. Ferries run throughout the day, with multiple operators including Seajets and Blue Star Ferries.

Flying from Athens to Santorini

Duration: The flight takes approximately 50 minutes of actual flying time.

Total Trip Duration: From downtown Athens to your Santorini hotel is typically 3.5 to 4 hours when you factor in getting to the airport, security, and ground transport.

Cost Range: Expect to pay between 25 to 150 euros depending on how far in advance you book and the season. Early booking provides the best deals.

Santorini National Airport Details:

The airport is located approximately 3 miles from central Santorini town of Thira. A taxi ride takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic. Buses also connect the airport to Fira for just 1 euro and 80 cents.

Frequency and Airlines:

Airlines operating this route include Aegean Airlines, SKY Express, and Ryanair. Multiple flights depart daily, with higher frequency during summer months. Winter schedules are reduced, with fewer flights available per day.

Best Booking Platforms:

You can book through Skyscanner, Trip.com, Google Flights, or directly with the airlines. Booking 6 weeks in advance typically offers the best prices. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures often have cheaper fares than weekend flights.

Seasonal Schedule Variations:

Summer months (June to August) have frequent daily flights with multiple departures. Winter (December to February) has reduced frequency with sometimes only one or two flights daily. Spring and autumn offer moderate frequency with good availability.

Connection Time Needed from International Arrivals:

If you are arriving on an international flight from abroad and connecting to Santorini, allow at least 2 to 3 hours between landing and your domestic flight departure. This provides time for immigration, baggage claim, and re-entry to the departure hall.

Ferry Options from Piraeus Port, Athens

Piraeus Port is Athens main international passenger port and is located about 5 miles from central Athens. You can reach the port via metro, bus, taxi, or ride share services.

Standard Conventional Ferry

Duration: Approximately 7 to 10 hours depending on the route and stops.

Cost: Between 40 to 60 euros for foot passengers.

Comfort Features:

Conventional ferries like the Blue Star vessels are large and stable. They feature restaurants, cafes, TVs in common areas, outdoor decks where you can see the islands, reclining seats, and private cabins available for additional cost. These are the most comfortable option for long journeys, though they take longer than high-speed alternatives.

Ferry Companies and Frequency:

Blue Star Ferries operates the most reliable conventional service with daily departures year round. The Blue Star fleet is known for stability and outdoor decks. Seajets, Hellenic Seaways, and Fast Ferries also operate this route. During peak summer season, there can be up to 9 daily crossings from Piraeus to Santorini.

High-Speed Ferry

Duration: Approximately 5 to 7 hours depending on the ferry and route. The fastest high-speed ferries can cover the distance in around 4 hours and 55 minutes to 5 hours.

Cost: Between 70 to 90 euros, making them typically more expensive than conventional ferries.

Comfort Level:

High-speed ferries offer airline-style seating in an enclosed cabin. You cannot access outdoor decks while the ferry is moving, though you may have limited access when docked. They are faster but can experience more motion in rough seas.

Seasonal Availability:

High-speed ferries operate year round but frequency is highest from April to October. Winter months have reduced high-speed sailings due to weather conditions.

Ferry Companies Operating High-Speed Routes:

Seajets operates the largest fleet of high-speed catamarans including the Champion Jet, Super Jet, and Sea Jet classes. Hellenic Seaways also offers high-speed service. These ferries have modern amenities including air conditioning, snack bars, and Wi-Fi on some vessels.

Ferry Connections to Other Islands

From Santorini, you can easily reach other Cycladic islands by ferry. These inter-island routes are shorter and more frequent than the Athens to Santorini route.

Santorini to Mykonos: High-speed ferries take approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to 3 hours. Standard prices are around 60 euros. Multiple daily departures available.

Santorini to Paros and Naxos: High-speed ferry to Naxos takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to 3 hours depending on stops. The conventional ferry to Paros or Naxos takes longer but is cheaper. Prices start around 30 euros.

Santorini to Ios: One of the shortest routes with ferries taking approximately 30 minutes on high-speed vessels. Very frequent service with multiple daily departures.

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete: Fast ferries take 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes. This is an excellent alternative if you are combining a Crete visit with Santorini.

Santorini to Rhodes and Other Dodecanese Islands: Various ferry connections available, though most routes require a longer journey or connections to other islands.

Ferry Port Details

Athinios Port:

Athinios is Santorini’s main modern ferry port located at sea level. It is located approximately 10 kilometres from Fira, the main town on the island.

Port Facilities:

The port includes cafes, banks, car rental companies, a parking lot, and ticketing booths. It is a modern facility with good facilities for arriving and departing passengers.

Distance from Town Centre:

Athinios is 7.5 kilometres from Fira and about 20 kilometres from Oia. Buses run regularly from the port to Fira, taking approximately 25 minutes and costing just under 3 euros. A taxi to Fira costs around 20 euros and takes about 20 minutes.

Inter-Island Connections and Speedboat Options

The Cyclades islands form an interconnected network making island hopping very easy. Ferry routes connect Santorini to all nearby islands with regular schedules.

Ferry Routes Between Nearby Cyclades Islands:

You can travel between Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and other islands with multiple daily departures. High-speed ferries typically operate during peak season from April to October, with reduced frequency in winter months.

Speedboat and Fast Ferry Options:

Seajets operates the most extensive high-speed network. Fast ferries take roughly half the time of conventional vessels but cost more. For example, Santorini to Ios is just 30 minutes on a speedboat versus longer on conventional ferries.

Schedule Seasonal Variations:

Summer months have frequent service with multiple daily options. Winter months have reduced schedules, sometimes just one ferry per day on certain routes. Always check current schedules as they change seasonally.

Cost Comparisons:

High-speed ferries cost between 50 to 80 euros for inter-island journeys. Conventional ferries cost 25 to 50 euros. The distance and ferry company affect pricing.

Travel Duration Between Islands:

Routes vary from 30 minutes (Santorini to Ios) to 3 hours (Santorini to Mykonos). Naxos and Paros are about 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes away. Crete is 1.5 to 2 hours from Santorini.

Cruise Ship Arrivals

If you are arriving on a cruise ship, your experience differs significantly from ferry or flight arrivals.

Old Port Versus Modern Port Details:

Cruise ships do not dock at Athinios port. Instead, they anchor offshore and tender passengers to the Old Port below Fira. The Old Port is a historic harbour carved into the volcanic cliffs with limited facilities.

Tender Boat Process:

Tender boats (small boats) shuttle passengers from the cruise ship to the Old Port. This process depends on sea conditions. In calm weather, it operates smoothly. In rough seas, tender operations may be suspended entirely, and passengers cannot leave the ship.

Time Constraints for Cruise Passengers:

Cruise passengers typically have 6 to 10 hours on the island depending on the ship’s schedule. Tender operations can take 30 minutes to 1 hour per direction, reducing actual time on land.

Transfer Options from Cruise Ports:

Various private shuttle services operate for cruise passengers. The Old Port has steps and stairs leading up to Fira town. Local bus service is available but can be crowded with cruise passengers. Private tours and transfers must be booked through the cruise line or independent operators.

Getting From Airport to Your Destination

Once you land at Santorini National Airport, several transportation options connect you to your hotel or final destination on the island.

From Airport to Town or Hotel

Taxi Service:

Taxis wait outside the airport terminal. Service is available 24 hours per day. A taxi to Fira costs approximately 25 to 30 euros, with fares increasing in evening and nighttime hours. Prices are not metered and must be negotiated before departure. Cash payment is required. There is a strict four passenger limit in Greek taxis.

Ride sharing via Uber is also available and usually costs slightly more than a taxi but offers the convenience of app-based booking and reliability.

Bus or Public Transport:

Airport buses depart from the airport parking lot regularly to Fira and cost just 1 euro and 80 cents. The journey takes about 10 minutes to Fira. All buses are air conditioned with plenty of luggage space. Fare is paid in cash only, so have coins or small bills ready.

Hotel Pickup Service:

Many hotels offer free or fee-based airport pickup service. This is usually included with upscale hotels or available for a small fee at smaller properties. Pre-booking your hotel pickup before arrival is highly recommended as it guarantees transport and is one of the most convenient options.

Airport Transfer Services:

Pre-booked shared minivan or private car services are available through companies like Welcome Pickups. These services are reliable, only slightly more expensive than taxis, and eliminate negotiation or language barriers. Private transfer options cost more but provide flexibility and direct service to your hotel.

Rental Car:

Car rental companies have offices at the airport. Renting after arriving at the airport and getting settled at your hotel is usually more practical than an airport rental, especially if you arrive tired from travel.

From Ferry Port to Town or Hotel

Bus Service:

Buses regularly operate from Athinios Port to Fira and other towns across the island. Tickets cost less than 3 euros and are purchased from the driver. The journey to Fira takes approximately 25 minutes. Buses are air conditioned and comfortable. This is the most budget-friendly option and the system uses a hub-and-spoke design with Fira as the main hub where you can transfer to buses serving other parts of the island.

Taxi Service:

Taxis are available at the port during ferry arrivals. A taxi to Fira costs approximately 20 euros and takes about 20 minutes. During nighttime arrivals, pre-booking a taxi through your hotel is recommended, as finding available return taxis at the port can be challenging.

Hotel Shuttle Service:

Pre-booking a hotel shuttle is important for ferry arrivals. Contact your hotel in advance and arrange pickup at Athinios Port. The shuttle is more convenient than public transport and typically costs less than a taxi.

Rental Car or Scooter:

Car and scooter rental offices are located at Athinios Port. Renting is best if you plan to explore the island, though roads are often narrow and winding. Scooters are popular but require appropriate licensing.

Walking or Local Guides:

If your accommodation is near the port area, walking may be possible. However, most accommodations are located in Fira or other towns, making walking impractical.

Cost Comparison Table: All Transportation Methods

Transportation Method	Cost	Best When	Notes
Flight from Athens	€50–€150	Time is limited	Fast, less crowded, but most expensive
High-speed Ferry	€70–€90	Island hopping	Moderate speed, more expensive, can be rough in wind
Conventional Ferry	€40–€60	Budget conscious	Most economical, slowest, very stable and comfortable
Ferry from Crete	€30–€45	Starting from Crete	Quick alternative entry point
Airport Taxi	€25–€30	Any time	Direct service but higher cost than bus
Airport Bus	€1.80	Any time	Most budget-friendly, takes 10 minutes
Ferry Port Taxi	€20	Any time	Convenient but more expensive than bus
Ferry Port Bus	€3	Any time	Budget option, takes 25 minutes

Duration Planning from Major Markets

From London to Santorini:

Flight option: 4-hour flight plus 2-3 hours for airport procedures and ground transport equals approximately 7 hours total. Ferry option: Fly to Athens (4 hours), then ferry to Santorini (5-11 hours) equals 10-16 hours total.

From New York to Santorini:

Flight option: Connect through a hub (9-10 hours flight plus connections) plus domestic service equals 16-20 hours total. This is generally slower than flying through Europe first.

From Canada (Toronto) to Santorini:

Similar to New York connections, total travel time is 18-24 hours including connections.

Jet Lag Considerations:

From the UK, jet lag is minimal as the time difference is only 2 hours. From North America, expect significant jet lag requiring 2-3 days to adjust.

Sleep Planning:

Consider overnight flights or ferry departures at night to minimize disruption to sleep schedules. Night ferries have sleeping cabins available for additional cost. Ferry cabins are more economical than hotels for overnight travel.

Travel Documents and Requirements

Passport Validity:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure date from Greece. Passports should have been issued within the previous 10 years and must contain at least two blank pages.

Visa Requirements by Country:

Citizens of more than 60 countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU member states may travel to Greece visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180 day period. You may be asked to provide documentation outlining your reason for visit and confirming your departure date. Check with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm your country’s status.

EU Citizen Specifics:

EU citizens simply need a valid passport or national identity card. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.

Travel Insurance Recommendations:

While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and flight delays. Consider coverage that includes evacuation to a larger medical facility, as Santorini has limited hospital services.

Pet Travel:

If traveling with pets, special arrangements are required including microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificates. Plan well in advance as pet travel to Greece has strict requirements. Most airlines charge additional fees for pets.