Santorini to Mykonos Ferry: How the Crossing Works

A direct ferry links Santorini and Mykonos, and it's the easiest way to make the trip. The crossing takes about 2 to 3½ hours, from Athinios Port on Santorini to the New Port at Tourlos on Mykonos. The ferry itself is simple. Getting down the caldera cliffs to Athinios on time is the part that takes planning.

How long does the ferry take?

The vessel and the number of stops decide where a sailing lands in that range. The quickest boats take about 2 hours. Some run nonstop, while others call at Ios, Naxos or Paros on the way. You stay aboard through those stops, so there's no changing boats, though each one adds time.

Size is a poor guide to speed. Big high-speed vessels often beat small catamarans on both crossing time and comfort. For your date, check the total journey time and the arrival time along with the departure.

When do the ferries run, and how often?

Direct boats sail from March through November. The busiest stretch is June through September, when several departures leave between late morning and afternoon. Service thins out in March, April, October and November, and in winter you can't count on a direct sailing at all.

Timetables, vessels and the number of daily departures shift through the season. Search your exact date before you book flights, hotels or transfers around a sailing.

Who runs the ferry, and what kind of boat will it be?

SeaJets operates a good number of the quicker crossings on this route. Golden Star Ferries also works the route and is just as good a choice when its timetable or vessel suits your day better, and Blue Star appears on some timetables. Many of the boats on this route are high-speed ships or catamarans. Large conventional ferries are rare on this run.

Ship size shapes your ride more than the company does. Vessels change by season and date, so the boat you end up on can differ from the one pictured, but Ferryhopper lists the length and passenger capacity for many of them. A large high-speed ship feels steadier. A small catamaran is fine in calm weather but feels bouncy once the wind picks up, so consider a bigger vessel when traveling with children or anyone prone to seasickness.

Economy seating is comfortable enough for a crossing this length. Business and VIP sections give you more room and a calmer cabin with fewer passengers, a welcome treat on a crowded summer sailing. Food and drinks are sold on board. Don't plan on sightseeing, though. High-speed ferries are fully enclosed, their windows are built for transport, and there's no outdoor deck access while underway.

What about wind, seasickness and delays?

The crossing runs over exposed open water in the Cyclades and can get rough, particularly when the Meltemi wind blows in July and August. Most sailings are uneventful. Strong wind can cause delays and the occasional cancellation, and a boat with several island stops may fall further behind as the day goes on, even if Athinios looks calm.

If motion sickness worries you, choose a larger ship when several fit your schedule, and sit low near the middle. Seat class makes little difference, while your position on the boat matters a lot. Avoid reading or long stretches on your phone, look toward the horizon when a window allows, eat lightly, skip alcohol, and take your usual medication before boarding. If rough seas are a serious problem, flying is the alternative, though it usually means connecting through Athens.

Leave slack after your expected arrival. Don't book a flight, boat tour, beach club table or big dinner right after it. The same uncertainty makes a day trip from Santorini a poor idea, since getting to Athinios, the sailing and the ride from the Mykonos port leave too little time on the island. Stay at least one night.

How much is the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos?

Vehicle tickets are priced separately and limited by each ferry's garage capacity, which sells out early.

Reaching the port by public bus costs very little.

How do you book?

For July and August, it helps to book once your island plans are settled, particularly if you need one specific departure, are traveling with family or a group, want Business or VIP seats, or are bringing a vehicle. May, June, September and October are more relaxed, though booking ahead still gets you better departure times and seats. Either way, sort out tickets before travel day. Athinios is busy and exposed, and a poor place to fix a ticket problem.

Most online bookings support mobile boarding. Online check-in usually opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before, but procedures differ by operator, so follow the instructions in your confirmation. Your booking confirmation may not be the final boarding pass. Once you have checked in, save the boarding pass or QR code on your phone so it opens without mobile service, and carry the ID you used when you booked.

Where do you catch the boat in Santorini?

Ferries to Mykonos leave from Athinios Port, Santorini's main ferry port on the western coast, at the foot of the caldera cliffs. The Old Port below Fira is a different place, used for cruise passengers and smaller boats. Athinios is steep and no place to walk, and the final road drops through sharp bends that jam when buses, taxis, rental cars and arriving ferry traffic converge.

A pre-booked transfer is a smart move, especially with heavy luggage, children, a group or limited mobility, and your hotel or driver can tell you what pickup time suits your sailing. Don't count on grabbing a taxi at the last minute. The public bus from Fira is the budget choice, and the Fira bus station is the hub for routes to the port. From Oia, Kamari or Perissa you'd change buses in Fira, which suits travelers with light luggage and plenty of time. Oia sits at the far end of the island from the port, so leave especially early from there.

That's when you should reach the port, which means leaving your hotel well before.

If you're returning a rental car, confirm the return spot before travel day. Some companies have a port desk, while others send a representative to a parking area or want the car back elsewhere. Allow time for inspection, fuel and paperwork, and keep the handoff well clear of boarding time.

Boarding can feel chaotic when several ferries come and go close together. Before you follow the crowd aboard, check the vessel name and not just the destination.

Where does the ferry arrive on Mykonos, and how do you get to your hotel?

Boats dock at the New Port in Tourlos, about 1.2 miles (2 km) (just over a mile) north of Mykonos Town. It looks walkable on a map, but the road is busy and exposed. The SeaBus is the easy, cheap ride to the Old Port edge of town. KTEL buses also leave the port for the airport and beaches. Taxis are in short supply, so be ready to wait.

Hotels near Fabrika or deep in the pedestrian lanes can still mean a walk over uneven paving and steps from the SeaBus stop. If you have heavy luggage, your hotel can tell you whether a porter or transfer can meet you at the closest point reachable by vehicle.

If you're staying at a beach such as Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou or Elia, arrange a hotel or private transfer before you sail. The bus usually means a change in town, with extra waiting and luggage handling, and in July and August a taxi at the dock is a gamble.