Athens to Santorini
There are lots of flights from Athens to Santorini as well as a ferry service from Piraeus, with flights to Santorini leaving from Athens International Airport.
The reason for the number of flights from Athens to Santorini is because Santorini is one of the few islands in the Cyclades to have an airport of international standard. Anyone headed to Ios, for example, will have to fly to Santorini from Athens and then take the hour-long ferry ride to Ios.
Flights to Santorini leave from Athens International Airport, with a flight time of about 45 minutes. At the height of summer there can be 15-20 flights a day, and flights go all year round.
Flights from Athens to Santorini
Obviously flight schedules from Athens to Santorini change regularly, in particular after the outbreak of Covid-19 which resulted in the cancellation of many flights during 2020. You should check direct with the airlines, but at the time of writing the main airlines operating Athens-Santorini flights are:
Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines operates seasonal flights to Santorini from various European destinations, including Thessaloniki within Greece, as well as from Athens. Under normal circumstances there are daily flights between Athens and Santorini, with several per day in the summer season, though fewer out of season.
Olympic Air
Olympic Air is owned by Aegean Airlines and although they operate as separate companies, the flights (and prices) from Athens to Santorini are identical.
Ryanair
The Irish budget airline Ryanair flies between Athens and Santorini daily in the summer season and several times a week otherwise.
Sky Express
Sky Express is a Greek airline based in Athens and Crete, and with flights between numerous Greek destinations as well as to several European countries. Its many Greek destinations range from Alexandroupolis to Zakynthos, including Santorini. In high season it might operate as many as nine flights per day between Athens and Santorini, though fewer out of high season.
Volotea
Volotea is a Spanish budget airline but its route network does include flights between Santorini and Athens. Flights operate from May to October, with 2-3 per day.
Some Cool Santorini Gifts
Shower Curtain
Personalised IPhone 14 Cover
Wireless Charger
Luggage Tag
Santorini (Thira) International Airport
Santorini Airport is about 5 km (3 miles) southeast of the main town of Thira, less than a 10-minute drive to Thira and about 25 minutes if you're going to Oia. There are buses and taxis linking the airport with Thira, and many hotels operate shuttle buses when they have guests arriving or departing. You can also rent cars at the airport, with companies including Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt all having offices at the airport.
See Our YouTube Video of Santorini
In addition to the Athens-Santorini flights, you can fly to Santorini from Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Crete, and Mykonos. In the holiday season there are also charter flights from numerous European cities direct to Santorini. Out of season you'll need to fly to Athens and get a connection to Santorini.
Santorini Airport opened in 1972 and by 2019 it was being used by 2.3 million passengers, though obviously the number was a lot less in 2020 due to the coronavirus. The IATA code for the airport is JTR.
Athens to Santorini by Ferry
You can catch the Athens to Santorini ferry in Piraeus. Santorini also has ferry connections with Thessaloniki, Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, and many other Greek islands. The ferry from Athens to Santorini takes about 5 hours if using the more expensive high-speed service, or 8 hours on the regular car ferry.
Note that you must buy your ticket in advance, and you cannot get a return ticket, only two singles. In Piraeus you can buy a ticket from one of the ticket agent offices near gate E7 of the port, which is close to both the metro station if coming from central Athens, and close to the stop for the X96 airport bus. On Santorini there are numerous agencies where you can buy ferry tickets.
Your Best Santorini Guides and Maps
You can also buy tickets online through websites like Ferries in Greece.
Ferries in Greece
Ferries in Greece has an excellent and very thorough website where, in addition to checking ferry schedules and times, you can also book tickets and get lots of useful information about travelling by ferry in Greece.
Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides
Other Santorini Pages
Things to Do on Santorini
Some of the best things to do on Santorini, as well as seeing the caldera, include wine tasting, beaches, and visiting the sites of ancient Thira and Akrotiri.
Santorini
Santorini or Thira in the Cyclades islands has cheap and luxury hotels, car rental, ferries from Athens, Crete and other islands, and flights from Athens.
Santorini Wineries
Visiting Santorini wineries is a popular activity on this Greek island in the Cyclades, whose volcanic soil provides a distinctive terroir.
Santorini Car Rental
Santorini car rental companies include Budget, Hermes, VIP Rent a Car and Euro Dollar, with Santorini car hire at the airport, and around Santorini.
Pictures of Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets brings together some outstanding pictures of Santorini in the Cyclades islands of Greece.
Hotels on Santorini
Hotels on Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades, range from luxury choices to good cheap accommodation in Fira, with caldera views.
Fun Things to Do on Santorini
This list of fun things to do on Santorini include visiting an old tomato canning factory, listening to Greek bagpipes, and enjoying some local beers.
Best Time to Visit Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Santorini, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Best Restaurants on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the best restaurants on Santorini, choosing the top gourmet and fine-dining eating places with some exclusive dining experiences.
Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira.
Luxury Weddings in Greece
Luxury Weddings in Greece, including venues such as a boutique hotel with deluxe spa on Santorini, can be booked through Ionian Weddings.
Weddings in Greece
Weddings in Greece and the Greek islands can be luxury or cheap, are easy to arrange from the UK or USA in Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.
Latest Posts
-
The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter
Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece. -
Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia
In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience. -
Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise
Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart. -
Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs
In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets. -
April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel
Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions. -
Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation
The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that… -
Seven Greek Traditions Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage
From traditional barrel-making to age-old folk dances, seven new entries on Greece’s National Inventory preserve the country’s living heritage for future generations. -
Greek Air Traffic Controllers to Hold 24-hour Strike, Disrupting Flights on April 9
The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union have announced a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, April 9, in response to the protest called by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY). The strike is being h… -
Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira. -
No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will…
Why not sign up for our Greece Travel Secrets newsletter? Each week you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
LEARN A LITTLE GREEK BEFORE YOU GO!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
