A beautiful view from within central Rafina-mobile

How to get from
Santorini to Rafina

Santorini to Rafina Trip Overview

Distance221 km (138.1 miles)
Price range$112-$241
Ride Duration Range45m-55m
Earliest Departure07:20
Latest Departure19:35

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Santorini to Rafina



























































































Taking a ferry from Santorini to Rafina

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The fastest: 45m

The cheapest: $112

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

A beautiful view from within central Rafina

About the ride from Santorini to Athens

With ancient historic sites, world-beating museums, and myriad restaurants and rooftop bars, Athens is one of Europe's most interesting and exciting cities. When you're done with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the other archeological sites, have brunch in Kolonaki, browse the foodie shops around the Central Market, and tap into the city's edgy counter culture on a street art tour.  Wander down to the port for excellent seafood overlooking the sea. If you're a museum buff, don't miss the New Acropolis Museum, the National Archeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum, all of which house great treasures from the Ancient World. 

Ferries from Santorini to Athens are frequent during the high season (May - October), and there's a choice of slower passenger ferries or high speed ferries which are pricier. All the boats are modern, and different classes of seating are available. With Blue Star Ferries, you can buy an unallocated economy seat on the deck, or an allocated seat inside the boat. With Seajet, there's only seating inside the boat. If you want to be on deck during the journey, you'll need to opt for Blue Star. Both Blue Star and Seajet offer the option to upgrade your seat. 

From Athens there are plenty of options for onward travel. Trains connect to interesting destinations outside of the city, like Corinth, and to the rest of the mainland, including the Peloponnese, Macedonia, Northern Greece and Pelion, and beyond, to cities in the rest of Europe. Ferries from Athens go to the Greek islands and Italy. Flights from Athens airport connect to destinations all over Greece, other European cities, and the rest of the world. 

 

What you’ll see when traveling from Santorini to Athens

The journey from Santorini to Athens is quite scenic. Ferries stop at several islands along the way and you can watch the comings and goings in the ports. However, if you're keen to be outside in the fresh air and see the view, you'll need to opt for Blue Star. The Seajet High Speed Ferry doesn't have any outside space  - you'll be inside the boat for the duration of the ride. 

 

How to get from Santorini to Athens

By ferry

The ride from Santorini to Athens can take anywhere from 5 - 19 hours depending on which boat you choose. Which one you opt for depends on whether you want to get to Athens quickly, or you've time to spare and prefer being out on deck. The slowest option with Blue Star Ferries takes 19 - 20 hours overnight, and the fastest option takes 7 - 8 hours. With Seajet, the journey takes 4 - 6 hours and you'll be inside for the duration of the ride. 

If you opt for Blue Star Ferries, be aware that an economy seat is unallocated, so in high season when it's crowded, you might be hunting around to find a place to sit. If you want to be sure of somewhere to sit,  purchase an allocated seat inside the boat (slightly more expensive). If you opt for Seatjet, all seats are allocated, and inside the boat. Both companies offer the option of upgrading your seat to business class, which is usually quieter and a bit less crowded. 

All ferries have AC, somewhere to get a bite to eat and a drink, a gift shop, ATM, toilets, and a business class lounge. On Seajet ferries, the seating area can get crowded, and the ride can be a little bumpy, so if you're prone to sea sickness, or just want to be able to walk around in the fresh air, then Blue Star may be the better option for you.

In high season, ferries from Santorini to Athens can be jam-packed with people, so book in advance, especially if you're traveling on a weekend or on a public holiday, like August 15th or June 8th.   

 

Departing Santorini

Aim to arrive at Athinios  port on Santorini no later than 45 minutes before your boat is due to leave. Buses run to the port from Fira, Santorini's main town, or you can take a taxi. At the port, there's somewhere to wait and a few options for food and drink. You can each take one 20 KG bag and a 7 KG piece of hand luggage on board.

 

Arriving in Athens

When you arrive in Piraeus port in Athens, you can take the Athens Metro (Line 1), a taxi, Uber, the suburban railway, or the bus into the center of the city. If you're heading straight to Athens Airport, you can take the Metro (changing at Monastiraki), the bus, or a taxi (40 - 70 minutes).   

Companies Operating from Santorini to Rafina

Average time

45m - 55m

Average price

$112 - $134

Popular stations and stops in Santorini and Rafina

Departure stations in Santorini

Thira (Santorini) Port

Arrival stations in Rafina

Rafina Port

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