Departure and Arrival Ports
When planning your ferry journey from Mykonos to Santorini, it is important to understand the departure and arrival points. You will depart from the New Port of Mykonos, located in Tourlos approximately two kilometres away from the main town of Mykonos, also known as Chora. This is where all the larger ferry operators including Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets conduct their regular passenger services. The New Port is easily accessible by car, taxi or local bus, with the convenient Sea Bus service departing every thirty minutes from early morning until midnight for just two euros per person.
Your ferry will arrive at the port of Athinios in Santorini, situated approximately seven and a half kilometres from Fira, the capital of the island. Athinios is the main commercial port for Santorini and handles all major ferry arrivals and departures. The port is well connected to the rest of the island by taxi and bus services, making it straightforward to reach your accommodation or preferred destination on Santorini. Both ports are modern facilities with clear signage, information desks and various amenities to ensure a comfortable experience during your ferry journey.
The actual distance covered by the ferry between the New Port of Mykonos and Athinios in Santorini is approximately sixty four nautical miles, or roughly one hundred eighteen kilometres across the Aegean Sea. This relatively short sea crossing makes the ferry service extremely popular with tourists and locals alike who are island hopping between these two iconic Cycladic destinations.
Journey Duration and Operating Schedule
The ferry journey from Mykonos to Santorini typically takes between one hour fifty five minutes and three hours fifteen minutes, depending on the type of vessel and sea conditions on the day of travel. The fastest option available is the Seajets Supercat Jet, which completes the crossing in approximately one hour fifty five minutes, making it ideal if you prefer to minimise travel time. Golden Star Ferries operates high speed vessels that take around two hours fifty minutes, while Hellenic Seaways offers services that take approximately three hours to complete the journey.
The ferry route operates seasonally from March through November each year, with the highest frequency of departures occurring during the peak summer months. During the height of the tourist season from May through September, ferries depart up to eight times daily with departures staggered throughout the day from early morning until evening. The exact schedule varies by season, with fewer services available during the shoulder months of March, April, October and November. It is therefore crucial to check the current timetable before booking, particularly if you are travelling outside the main summer period. The frequency of departures means that even if you miss one ferry, there are usually multiple alternatives available on the same day, providing flexibility with your travel plans.
Ferry companies operating on this route include Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets, all of which maintain modern high speed vessels equipped with contemporary facilities. These operators are well established and reliable, with extensive experience managing this particular crossing which is one of the most travelled ferry routes in the Greek islands.
Can I take the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini if I get motion sickness?
Motion sickness is a legitimate concern for some passengers on the Mykonos to Santorini ferry route. The high speed vessels used on this service can experience some motion during rough sea conditions, particularly during winter months or when wind patterns are unfavourable. To minimise discomfort, consider booking a business class or platinum class seat which typically have lower movement compared to standard seating. You can also check the sea conditions and wind forecast approximately one week in advance to choose a day with calmer weather. Many experienced travellers take motion sickness medication such as Dramamine before boarding and find that sitting on the upper observation deck with fresh air helps considerably. Eating light meals, staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol the night before your journey also reduces the likelihood of experiencing symptoms. If the sea conditions are particularly rough on the day of your departure, the faster ferries may be cancelled and replaced by slower but more stable conventional ferries, which provide a much smoother experience.
What time should I arrive at Mykonos port before my Mykonos to Santorini ferry departure?
The official recommendation from ferry operators and Ferryhopper is to arrive at the New Port in Tourlos at least forty five minutes before your scheduled departure time. However, during peak summer season from May through September when the port experiences considerably higher passenger volumes, it is advisable to arrive at least one hour before departure to allow sufficient time for queuing at check-in and boarding procedures. If you are travelling with a vehicle, you should arrive between one hour thirty minutes to two hours before departure to allow adequate time for parking and vehicle documentation. The port can become quite chaotic and congested during busy periods, particularly in the early morning when many ferries depart. Arriving with adequate time also eliminates stress and gives you the opportunity to purchase snacks or refreshments before boarding.
How much does a ferry ticket from Mykonos to Santorini cost?
Ferry ticket prices from Mykonos to Santorini vary depending on the ferry operator, the time of year, the time of day you travel, and the class of seating you select. Economy class seats typically start from approximately €62 to €70 per person with most operators. Business class or VIP seating options begin from around €100 per person and offer enhanced comfort with wider seats, dedicated lounges and priority boarding. Vehicle transportation is also available, with car transport starting from €48 to €50 per vehicle and motorcycle transport costing approximately €15 to €19. During peak season months, ticket prices tend to be higher than during shoulder season. Children aged five to ten years qualify for discounts of up to fifty percent on ticket prices. Students of Greek public universities and persons with disabilities also receive significant discounts. Infants and toddlers aged four years and younger travel completely free of charge when included in a booking, though they do not have an assigned seat. It is advisable to book several weeks in advance during peak season to secure better prices, as last minute bookings often incur higher fares.
Does the Mykonos to Santorini ferry operate during winter months?
The Mykonos to Santorini ferry route is seasonal and only operates from March through November each year. There is no ferry service available during the winter months of December, January and February. If you absolutely must travel between these islands during winter, your only alternative would be to book a domestic flight, though these are limited and considerably more expensive than the ferry option. The seasonal nature of the route is primarily due to weather conditions in the Aegean Sea during winter, which can be unpredictable and challenging for ferry operations. Planning your visit to Mykonos and Santorini during the operational months is therefore essential if ferry travel forms part of your itinerary. The shoulder seasons of March, April, October and November offer fewer daily departures compared to peak summer, so it is important to check schedules and book in advance if travelling during these months.
Can I travel with my pet on the Mykonos to Santorini ferry?
You can absolutely travel with your pet on the Mykonos to Santorini ferry at no additional cost, provided your pet is included in your booking. All three ferry operators serving this route have pet friendly policies and provide dedicated pet facilities on board. However, each ferry company has slightly different requirements, so you must declare your pet when making your booking and ensure you carry all necessary documentation. This typically includes valid health certificates, vaccination records particularly for rabies, and any government health permits required by Greek authorities. It is your responsibility as the pet owner to bring adequate supplies for your pet including food, water, medications if required and comfort items. Pets are generally allowed in designated areas of the ferry and are not permitted in passenger lounges or dining facilities. The crew will direct you to appropriate areas where your pet can be accommodated during the crossing. Bringing your own portable pet carriers or travel crates is recommended to keep your pet secure and comfortable during the journey.