Athens and Santorini sit roughly 300 kilometers apart, a distance covered in 45 minutes by air or 4.5 to 8 hours by sea. For families, that gap in travel time is only the beginning of the decision. The real question is what kind of travel day your children will handle and what you want from the journey itself.
For a short trip of 3–4 nights, flying is the more reliable option. For a week or more, the conventional ferry—especially an overnight crossing with a cabin—can be a better experience. High-speed ferries look like a compromise but get rough during meltemi season, and an overtired child on a bumpy crossing is not worth the time saved.
Flying to Santorini
Direct flights from Athens Airport (ATH) to Santorini Airport (JTR) take 45 minutes. Door-to-door from central Athens runs about 3.5 to 4.5 hours once you factor in the metro, check-in, security, and transfers on both ends. Airlines on the route include Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Volotea, with fares ranging from roughly €40 to €150 depending on how far ahead you book.
Santorini Airport is small—one runway, no jet bridges—and baggage claim can take 40 minutes in peak season. Pre-booked transfers cost around €15–20 per person; taxis run €20–25; the bus to Fira costs €1.80. Delays of 1–3 hours are common in July and August. The Athens Travel Guides comparison notes that a flight ticket around €60 can end up costing €60–220 door-to-door once ground transport is added.
Sit on the right side of the plane for views of the Cycladic archipelago. The approach into Santorini’s runway along the caldera edge is something children notice immediately.
Taking the Ferry
Ferries depart from Piraeus Port, connected to central Athens by metro Line 1 (about 20 minutes from Monastiraki). They arrive at Athinios Port, a concrete shelf at the foot of a 300-metre cliff about 9 km south of Fira. From there, a bus to Fira costs €2.50, a taxi runs €25–35, and pre-booked shared shuttles cost around €15–20 per person.
There are three types of ferry to Santorini, and they are very different experiences.
High-speed catamarans operated by SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways cross in 4.5 to 5 hours and cost roughly €55–75. They have indoor, airline-style seating and a café, but no outdoor deck. In meltemi season—July through early September—they get rough and are the first to be cancelled.
Conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries take 7 to 8 hours and cost roughly €35–50. They have outdoor decks, restaurants, bars, and enough space for a child to walk around. The larger hull makes them more stable in rough conditions, and they are less likely to be cancelled. Discover Cyclades’ ferry analysis recommends the conventional Blue Star ferry for anyone who values outdoor decks and room to stretch.
Overnight conventional ferries run 8 to 9 hours and cost €40–50 plus roughly €30–60 for a cabin. For families, the cabin provides privacy, beds, and a bathroom. The overnight crossing also saves a night in a Santorini hotel, which can offset the cost significantly.
Ferry vs Flight at a Glance
The table below lays out each option side by side. Use it to compare durations, costs, and family logistics at a single glance. Seeking Greece’s breakdown provides additional detail on seasonal price swings.
| Option | Duration | Cost per person | Operators | Family considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight | 45 min | €40–150 | Aegean, Sky Express, Volotea | Fast but airport crowding and delays common in peak season |
| High-speed ferry | 4.5–5 hr | €55–75 | SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways | Bumpy in meltemi; indoor seating only; no outdoor deck |
| Conventional ferry | 7–8 hr | €35–50 | Blue Star Ferries | Stable; outdoor decks; café; cabins available; kids can move around |
| Overnight conventional | 8–9 hr | €40–50 + cabin €30–60 | Blue Star Ferries | Saves a hotel night; cabin provides privacy; children must sleep through |
What this table doesn’t capture is the meltemi factor: from July to early September, high-speed ferries face cancellation risk that conventional ferries generally do not. If your itinerary has no slack, the slower boat is the more reliable one.
Making the Call
Start with trip length. For 3–4 nights, the time saved by flying matters. For a week or more, the ferry’s slower pace becomes part of the holiday rather than an obstacle.
Consider your child’s temperament. A child who enjoys watching boats and walking on deck will do well on a conventional ferry. A child who gets restless or prone to motion sickness will do better on a 45-minute flight.
Budget also factors in. An overnight conventional ferry with a cabin for a family of four costs roughly €170–260 total. A flight for four runs €160–600 before baggage and ground transfers. The overnight ferry typically comes out ahead when you factor in the saved hotel night.
One combination worth considering: ferry out, fly back. You get the scenic arrival, and you skip the long crossing on the day you are tired and heading home.
Practical Considerations
Meltemi winds blow from July to early September and can cancel high-speed ferries entirely. Conventional ferries are more resistant but can still face delays. Sign up for operator alerts and keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
For July and August, book flights 3–6 weeks ahead and ferries 3–4 weeks ahead. In shoulder season, a few days to a week ahead is usually sufficient. Early booking is especially important for overnight ferries with cabins, which sell out.
If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, choose the conventional ferry over high-speed, or fly. Conventional ferries are more stable, and the open deck helps. Bring motion sickness medication, sit near the center of the ship, and avoid heavy meals before departure.
Only conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries accommodate vehicles. Vehicle space must be booked well in advance. High-speed ferries and flights do not carry cars.
Reader Questions
Which option is cheaper for a family of four?
An overnight conventional ferry with a cabin typically costs the least when you factor in the saved hotel night. Deck class runs about €35–50 per person, plus roughly €30–60 for a cabin.
For four people, that totals roughly €170–260. A flight costs €40–150 per person, totaling €160–600 before baggage and transfers.
How far ahead should I book for a summer trip?
For July and August, book flights 3–6 weeks ahead and ferries 3–4 weeks ahead. In shoulder season, a few days to a week is usually enough.
Overnight ferries with cabins sell out fastest, so book those as early as possible.
What if my child gets seasick?
Choose the conventional ferry over high-speed, or fly. Conventional ferries are more stable, and the open deck helps.
Bring motion sickness medication, sit near the center of the ship, and avoid heavy meals before departure. The Common Wanderer’s Santorini travel guide has additional tips for families managing seasickness.
Is the overnight ferry safe with children?
Yes. Blue Star Ferries’ overnight vessels are large, stable, and staffed. Cabins lock from the inside and have beds, bathrooms, and air conditioning.
The main downside is that children may not sleep well if not used to the ship’s motion.
Can I bring a car on the ferry to Santorini?
Only conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries accommodate vehicles. Vehicle space must be booked well in advance.
High-speed ferries and flights do not carry cars.
The choice between ferry and flight to Santorini comes down to what kind of travel day fits your family. A flight gets you there fast but asks for patience on both ends. A ferry takes most of a day but gives it back in experience. For more on planning your time on the island, see our complete Santorini travel guide.
Sources and further reading
Athens to Santorini: Ferry vs Flight. Athens Travel Guides.
Athens to Santorini Ferry vs Flight. Discover Cyclades.
Athens to Santorini Guide. The Common Wanderer.
Getting to Santorini from Athens: Flight vs Ferry. Seeking Greece.
