Athens and Santorini sit roughly 300 kilometers apart, and getting between them means choosing between a 45-minute flight and a ferry crossing that can take anywhere from 4.5 to 8 hours. For families, that choice isn’t just about time—it affects how the whole travel day feels, what you pack, and how much energy everyone has left when you arrive.
If you’re on a short trip of 3–4 nights or traveling with a baby or toddler, flying is the more reliable option. But if you have a week or more and your kids can handle longer travel, the ferry—especially an overnight conventional crossing—can be a better experience. The catch is that high-speed ferries get rough in meltemi wind season (July to early September), and conventional ferries take 8 hours, which some children won’t tolerate well.
The Family Factor
What works for a solo traveler or a couple changes when you’re managing a six-year-old’s energy levels, nap schedules, and patience for sitting still. The conventional ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries has outdoor decks and a café—my husband Julien and I agreed that for Sofia, our six-year-old, having space to walk around makes the 8-hour crossing more manageable than sitting still for a 45-minute flight followed by airport waits. But that logic only holds if the ferry’s schedule aligns with your child’s natural rhythm.
Seasickness is another variable. High-speed catamarans from operators like SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways are faster but more affected by rough water. Conventional ferries, with their larger hulls and open decks, are noticeably more stable. If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, the conventional ferry or a flight are the safer bets.
Meltemi winds blow from July to early September and can cancel high-speed ferries entirely. Conventional ferries are more resistant, but still face delays. Signing up for operator alerts and keeping a buffer day in your itinerary is standard practice for summer travel.
Flying to Santorini
Direct flights from Athens Airport (ATH) to Santorini Airport (JTR) take 45 minutes, but door-to-door time from central Athens runs about 3.5–4.5 hours once you factor in the metro ride to the airport, check-in, security, and the transfer from Santorini’s airport to your accommodation. Airlines serving the route include Aegean Airlines (€60–150), Sky Express (€40–100), and Volotea (seasonal, often below €50 if booked early).
Santorini Airport is small—one runway, no jet bridges—and arrivals can be chaotic in July and August. Baggage claim sometimes takes 40 minutes, so traveling with carry-on luggage makes a real difference. From the airport, a bus to Fira costs €1.80, a taxi runs €20–25, and pre-booked transfers cost €15–20 per person. If you’re arriving with multiple bags and a tired child, the taxi or transfer is worth the extra cost.
Delays of 1–3 hours are common in peak season due to the airport’s limited capacity. That’s worth factoring into your planning, especially if you’re connecting to an international flight on the same day.
Sit on the right side of the plane flying from Athens for views of the Cycladic archipelago. The approach into Santorini’s runway along the caldera edge is itself a memorable sight for kids.
Taking the Ferry
Ferries depart from Piraeus Port (and occasionally Rafina) and arrive at Athinios Port, at the base of Santorini’s caldera cliffs. The port is about 9 km south of Fira and 23 km from Oia. A bus from Athinios 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 crossings to consider:
High-speed catamarans (SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways) take 4.5–5 hours and cost €55–75 one way. They’re air-conditioned with indoor seating and a café, but the ride can be bumpy in windy conditions. Conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries) take 7–8 hours and cost €35–50 for deck class. They have outdoor decks, restaurants, bars, and cabin options. Overnight ferries (also Blue Star) depart in the evening and arrive early morning, with cabins costing €30–60 extra—effectively saving you a night of accommodation.
For families, the conventional ferry’s deck space and cabin availability are real advantages. Children can stretch their legs, watch the islands pass, and nap in a cabin. The overnight option works well if your kids can sleep through the crossing. Golden Star Ferries also operates high-speed services on this route.
High-speed ferries are more susceptible to cancellation in meltemi season. If you book one, avoid scheduling anything time-sensitive on the arrival day. Conventional ferries are more reliable in rough conditions.
Ferry vs Flight at a Glance
The table below summarizes the main options. All prices are one-way per person and vary by season and booking window. Ferry schedules drop to 1–2 daily in winter, so shoulder and off-season travel requires more flexibility.
| Option | Duration | Cost range | Operator / Airline | 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, Golden Star | Bumpy in meltemi; indoor seating only; no outdoor deck space |
| Conventional ferry | 7–8 hr | €35–50 | Blue Star Ferries | Stable; outdoor decks; café; cabins available; good for kids who need to move |
| Overnight conventional ferry | 8–9 hr | €40–50 + cabin €30–60 | Blue Star Ferries | Saves a hotel night; cabin provides privacy; children must be able to sleep through |
Cost comparisons rarely capture the full picture. A flight at €60 plus baggage, metro, and a taxi can easily reach €100 per person. A high-speed ferry at €65 plus a bus from the port totals around €70. For two adults and one child, the ferry often works out cheaper—but the time difference is substantial.
Making the Call
Start with your trip length. If you’re visiting Santorini for 3–4 nights, the flight saves enough time to justify its higher cost and hassle. For a week or more, the ferry’s slower pace becomes part of the holiday rather than a hurdle.
Next, consider your child’s temperament. A child who enjoys watching boats, walking on deck, and eating snacks from a café will do well on a conventional ferry. A child who needs constant stimulation or gets restless easily will be better served by the shorter flight—even with the airport delays.
Budget favors the overnight conventional ferry for families who can share a cabin. The crossing costs less than a night in most Santorini hotels, and you arrive in the morning ready to explore. The trade-off is that you need to manage sleep schedules and arrive at Athinios Port early enough to check into your accommodation or store your luggage.
Can I bring a car on the ferry to Santorini?
Only conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries accommodate vehicles. You need to book vehicle space well in advance, especially in summer. High-speed ferries and flights do not carry cars.
Once on the island, a rental car offers more freedom than the local bus network, but roads are narrow and ATV accident rates are high. A small car is the better choice for families.
Which option is cheaper for a family of four?
The overnight conventional ferry with a cabin is typically the cheapest when you factor in the saved hotel night. Deck class on a conventional ferry costs about €35–50 per person, plus €30–60 for a cabin. For a family of four, that’s roughly €170–260 total.
A flight costs €40–150 per person, so four tickets can run €160–600 depending on how early you book. Adding baggage and ground transfers narrows the gap.
How far ahead should I book for a family summer trip?
For July and August, book flights 3–6 weeks ahead and ferries 3–4 weeks ahead. In shoulder season (May, June, September), a few days to a week ahead is usually enough, though weekends fill faster.
Early booking is especially important for overnight ferries with cabins, since cabin space is limited and sells out first.
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 they’re not used to the ship’s gentle motion.
If your child is a light sleeper or prone to seasickness, the overnight option is risky. The conventional daytime ferry or a flight are safer bets.
What if my child gets seasick?
Choose the conventional ferry over the high-speed option, or fly. Conventional ferries are more stable, and the open deck helps with queasiness. High-speed catamarans amplify motion, especially in meltemi conditions.
If you do take a ferry, bring motion sickness medication, sit near the center of the ship where motion is least noticeable, and avoid heavy meals before departure.
There’s no universal right answer—the choice depends on your family’s rhythm, your child’s tolerance for travel, and how much of the journey you want to treat as part of the experience. The ferry rewards patience with island views and a slower pace; the flight rewards speed with more time on the ground. Either way, Santorini’s caldera will be waiting when you arrive, and the full Santorini experience starts only after you’ve settled in.
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.
