Mykonos to Santorini Ferry: How to Get There by Boat

Yes, boats run from Mykonos to Santorini, and many travelers pick the ferry because it is a convenient and fairly affordable way to make the trip. Fast catamarans take about 2.5 hours, slower ferries take around 4, and flying means a stop in Athens. Schedules shift from year to year, so check the timetable for your exact dates before you commit to a hotel.

How long does the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini take?

Fast ferries usually cover the crossing in about 2 hours 30 minutes, and a few Seajets sailings take under 2 hours when the weather is good. Slower, indirect ferries call at other Cyclades islands on the way and can take up to 4 hours. Some travelers prefer them for exactly that reason, since the stops bring other islands into view along the way.

Which ferry companies make the trip?

Seajets and Blue Star Ferries both run high-speed services, and Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries also sail Cyclades routes. The boats range from small, fast catamarans with numbered seats to large conventional ferries. Blue Star's big ferries are very stable even when the sea turns choppy.

How often do boats run, and when?

The route runs from about late March through October. In peak season, expect several departures a day, the earliest leaving before 10 a.m. and the last direct sailings around 6:35 p.m. In shoulder season the timetable thins out: in April, the run can come down to a single daily catamaran.

Where do the ferries leave from and arrive?

In Mykonos, the big ferries use the New Port at Tourlos, about 1 mile (2 km) north of Mykonos Town. The Old Port beside town handles Delos boats and other excursions. Local buses and taxis serve the New Port, and the SeaBus links it with town. Mykonos Airport sits roughly 4 miles (6 km) from the port.

In Santorini, all passenger ferries use Athinios Port, also called the New Port or Thira Port. It lies on the western coast, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Fira and 12 miles (20 km) from Oia. The port is steep and chaotic, and not a place to arrive on foot. Cafes, banks, car rentals and a parking lot are close by. KTEL buses connect Athinios with Fira, the hub of the island's bus network, so reaching most villages means changing buses there; no bus goes straight from the port to Oia. A taxi or a pre-arranged transfer is easier with bags.

Both ports see heavy traffic in summer, so arrive at least an hour before departure.

How much does it cost, and how do you book?

Prices follow speed: the faster the boat, the more you pay. The slow ferry is the budget pick if you have the time. Business and VIP seats cost more again and usually come with a separate lounge with luxury features. Some ferry companies offer discounts for certain passengers, so it is worth asking about reduced fares when you book.

For July and August, book weeks ahead, since ferries can sell out. In April, a seat bought the night before is usually easy to find. Buy straight from the operator to avoid sites that build their own commission into the fare. You can print your ticket at home or collect it at a ticket office by the port, where crowds gather, so leave extra time if you need a paper ticket.

What is the ferry like on board?

Many fast ferries have no outdoor deck, the doors can close shortly after departure, and the windows may not be very clear, so the islands slip past at a distance. Large ferries such as Blue Star's Paros have outdoor seating and standing room. Photos of a vessel show whether it has an open deck, so look them up before you book if fresh air and views matter to you.

Suitcases go in a luggage storage room or beside your seat, up to 40 kg per ticket. Legroom can be tight, storage space is limited and some catamarans have no Wi-Fi, so pack light. If you plan to bring a rental car, check with the rental company before buying a vehicle ticket, since many don't allow their cars on ferries.

Will wind cancel your ferry?

Sometimes. The Aegean can get choppy, especially when the meltemi wind blows in high season, and fast catamarans are more prone to weather delays than big ferries. Plenty of crossings are smooth, and Santorini's port, ringed by mountains, sits in a sheltered, wind-free pocket.

If motion bothers you, take a seat along the centerline of the boat, where the side-to-side rocking is gentlest, or book a large conventional ferry.

Is flying a better idea?

Rarely. Both islands have international airports, and Athens is the hub that links them, so flying means connecting there. Flights from Athens to Mykonos take about 45 minutes and to Santorini about 50 minutes, so a trip with a stop in Athens can add up to about as much travel time as the fast ferry. A helicopter makes the hop in under an hour for travelers with a bigger budget. Flights leave from Mykonos Airport, about a 10-minute taxi ride from town.