Traveling from Santorini to Athens is one of the favorite routes among the tourists in search of one of Greece’s capital cities after spending their holiday with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Regardless of the choice being to travel by a short flight or on a scenic ferry ride, this guide will provide you with everything you need for smooth traveling. SUMMARY OF travel from Santorini to Athens
You can travel from Santorini to Athens either on a flight or a ferry. Both are possible and are sometimes left to the preferences or schedules that suit the people concerned. It will, however help to make an informed decision with the two options as follows;
Ferry vs. Flight
The ferry and flight vary greatly based on budget, more time constraint, and personal preference. Ferries normally take the longest time, about 45 minutes, whereas ferries take about 4.5 to 8 hours depending on which vessel. Read more.
If you just want to get there in a short trip, your best choice is to fly. But if you really want to see that wonderful sightscapes of the Aegean Sea and to enjoy the travel itself, a ferry trip would be perfect.
Traveling by Ferry: What You Should Know
Traveling from Santorini to Athens by ferry involves both traveling and an experience. This post gives you some essential information to help you decide whether to travel by ferry or not:
Types of Ferries Sailing
There are two primary types of ferries that sail from Santorini to Athens :
High Speed Ferries: These are the ones that take the least amount of time, and a trip generally lasts about 4.5 to 6 hours. These are highly recommended for travelers who would like to get to Athens in less time.
Traditional Ferries: These are slower, about 7 to 9 hours, but larger and roomy. It also allows the entrance of an open deck and passengers can view the landscape to enjoy.
Departure Ports
Most of the ferries depart from two ports:
Piraeus Port: It is the main port where ferries to Santorini often depart and is about half an hour from central Athens via metro or taxi. Fares are multiple departures in a day, so it is not easy to get stranded.
Rafina Port: This is closer to Athens International Airport, while it is a departure point for those landing directly from flights. Still, fewer ferries use Rafina than Piraeus.
Booking Your Ferry Tickets
It is always a good idea to make advance bookings of ferry tickets, especially if you are traveling in May to October. Online booking of ferry tickets is available on many websites, like Ferryhopper, as well as on the direct websites of the ferry companies.
Fly from Santorini to Athens: Fast and Easy
For those who consider traveling time to be more important than taking time, flying from Santorini to Athens will be a great choice. Here is what you should know about the itinerary:
Flying Options on This Route
There are several airlines that provide flights in between Santorini (Thira) Airport and Athens International Airport:
- Aegean Airlines
- Olympic Air
- Ryanair
To say the least, there are many flights operated so you will have great options for your flight schedule.
Flight Time and Experience
A direct Santorini to Athens flight would take approximately 45 minutes. Yes, this is a very short time. However, you have to remember that you would spend more time at the airport before you could board the aircraft, considering all the procedures for clearing at security checkpoints.
Book Your Flight
Just like you would want to book ferry tickets ahead of time to get your preferred schedule and best price, book flights well in advance for better rates and availability. Websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help with comparisons of prices among different airlines.
Tips for Smooth Journey
Ultimately, whether you take a ferry or flight when traveling from Santorini to Athens, here are some general tips to make the travel experience smooth:
Arrive early
In ferries and flights, coming early to the port or airport will give you enough time in case there might be some kind of check-in procedures and security checks.
Weather Conditions
Always remember that weather conditions can determine ferry schedules and even flight management. Check on forecasts ahead of your trip so you can adjust your plans according.
Pack What You Need
If you take a ferry, don’t forget to bring your snacks, drinks, books, or other games for that very long journey by ferry, which could take hours.
Qs and As of Travel from Santorini to Athens
How long is a ferry ride from Santorini to Athens?
The traveling time takes approximately about 4.5 to 8 hours depending if you take a high-speed or a regular ferry.
Is it cheaper to fly or to take the ferry?
It really depends on season and how much in advance of time you are booking your tickets. As such, it could work out to be cheaper to take a ferry to some of the more touristy places at peak, but flight prices may also be competitive.
Which port is better to depart from Athens?
Piraeus Port is more convenient for most travelers, although Rafina Port would be closer if coming from the airport.
Can I buy my ferry ticket online?
Yes! Online tickets are available on websites such as Ferryhopper or sometimes directly from the websites of the ferry companies.
What can I do if my ferry or flight is delayed?
In case you get delayed, update yourself on any developments made by your airline or ferry company regarding traveling status.
Conclusion: Have a Safe Travel Experience from Santorini to Athens
Traveling from Santorini to Athens serves as a great experience because it allows any visitor a chance to visit two of Greece’s most famous destinations. While either flying or by ferry is a great way to go, they will create a different experience for each to make the journey worthwhile.
And enjoy every step of your Greek adventure, planning ahead, of course, with issues of time and money best suited to your taste and liking.