Ferry from Santorini to Rafina

The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Rafina is a popular seasonal route linking the Cyclades directly with the Athens coastal port of Rafina in about 5–6 hours on average. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at the Port of Rafina, with the route mainly operated by Golden Star Ferries using modern high speed vessels on a seasonal timetable from roughly April to October. Journey times typically range from about 5 hours 20 minutes on the fastest high speed sailings to around 6 hours 5 minutes and occasionally up to about 9 hours 30 minutes on longer, multi stop routes. In high season there are usually 3 to 5 crossings per week and sometimes up to 6 or 7 weekly sailings, while in the shoulder months the frequency drops to roughly 2 per week. One way economy tickets for foot passengers normally start from about €46–€81, with typical prices around €82 and higher fares for premium seating, cabins and vehicles. This route is a convenient way to head straight towards northern Cyclades and Athens from Santorini without having to go via Piraeus.

Key Information

Ferry duration

The ferry duration from Santorini (Athinios) to Rafina is usually around 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes, depending on the sailing. Fastest quoted times for high speed vessels are about 5 hours 20 minutes, while some slower or multi stop departures can take up to roughly 9 hours 36 minutes, though these are less common.

Ferry companies

This route is mainly operated by Golden Star Ferries, using high speed and conventional ferries on the Rafina–Tinos–Mykonos–Paros–Ios–Santorini line. Some summary tools also list other operators in a generic way, but detailed 2026 timetables point to Golden Star Ferries as the key company for direct Santorini–Rafina sailings.

Fast vs slow ferry

High speed ferries such as Golden Star’s Superexpress cover the Santorini–Rafina crossing in about 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours. Conventional or slower multi stop ferries, when scheduled on this route, can take closer to 7–9 hours but often offer more space, open decks and cabin options at a lower base price.

Best time to travel

The Santorini to Rafina ferry is seasonal, normally operating from about April to October, with daily or near daily connections in peak summer. In high season there are typically 3–5 crossings per week and sometimes up to 6–7 weekly sailings, while outside this window the route may not operate or may have very limited frequency, so it is important to check current timetables.

Sea conditions/wind

The route passes through open Aegean waters, which can be affected by strong meltemi winds in summer, making high speed catamarans feel bumpy even on a 5–6 hour crossing. Travellers who are prone to seasickness often choose seats near the middle of the vessel, avoid heavy meals before departure and bring motion sickness tablets to make the journey more comfortable.

Port guide

In Santorini, ferries to Rafina depart from Athinios Port, the main ferry harbour below the caldera cliffs, reached by buses, taxis and hotel transfers from Fira, Oia and other villages. In Rafina, ferries dock at the town’s main port on the east coast of Attica, which is a short walk from cafés, tavernas, car rental offices and the KTEL bus station with buses to central Athens and the airport.

Car rental advice

Golden Star Ferries vessels on the Rafina–Santorini line carry vehicles, and example data show that car fares increase total ticket costs significantly, with return trips for a car and passengers often running into several hundred euros. Many travellers drop a rental car in Santorini and then hire a new vehicle in Rafina or Athens, where there are extensive rental options and you can choose a car more suited to mainland driving.

Foot passenger tips

As a foot passenger, aim to be at Athinios Port at least 1–1.5 hours before the Santorini–Rafina departure, especially in July and August when port traffic and boarding queues are heavy. When you arrive in Rafina, you can walk from the ferry to the bus stop or taxi rank in a few minutes, making it relatively easy to continue to central Athens, the airport or an Andros–Tinos–Mykonos ferry the same or next day.

“Is this route worth it?”

The Santorini to Rafina ferry is very useful if you want to connect Santorini with the northern Cyclades or Athens via a quieter port than Piraeus. Many travellers choose Rafina when they plan to continue directly to Andros, Tinos or Mykonos, or when they prefer an easier transfer to the airport without crossing the whole city from Piraeus.

Alternative route if canceled

If your Santorini–Rafina departure is cancelled or not running on your chosen date, the main alternative is to travel from Santorini to Piraeus instead and then continue by bus, metro or taxi within Athens. Another option is to check for same day sailings from Santorini to one of the northern Cyclades (such as Mykonos or Andros) and then onward from there to Rafina on another ferry, although this requires careful timetable checks.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse route, Rafina to Santorini, is well documented and runs seasonally from April to October, with Golden Star Ferries high speed services taking around 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours. There is usually one morning departure around 07:20 from Rafina, arriving in Santorini early afternoon, making it convenient to start your island trip from Athens.

FAQs about the Santorini to Rafina ferry route