Getting from Mykonos to Santorini is easiest by ferry, a roughly 2 to 3 hour crossing from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos to Santorini’s Athinios port, run by SeaJets and other companies, or by a short flight. This guide covers the ferries, journey times, prices, the ports, booking and tips for island hopping.
Santorini is the most popular island-hop from Mykonos in the Mykonos travel guide, pairing two iconic Cyclades. The sections below cover the journey in full.
How do you get from Mykonos to Santorini?
The main way to get from Mykonos to Santorini is by ferry, a direct crossing of roughly 2 to 3 hours run by SeaJets and other companies, with several daily sailings in summer. There are also short flights via Athens. The ferry is the most popular, scenic and convenient option for most travellers.
Travelling from Mykonos to Santorini is easy and popular, as the two most famous Cycladic islands are well connected and often combined on one trip. By far the most common way is the ferry, a direct sea crossing that takes roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on the boat, with several sailings a day through the summer season, making it simple to hop between the islands. The fast catamarans and high-speed ferries cover the route quickly and comfortably, and the journey offers lovely views of the Aegean and other islands along the way. The alternative is to fly, but there are generally no direct flights between Mykonos and Santorini, so flying usually means connecting through Athens, which is slower and less convenient than the direct ferry for such a short hop. For these reasons the ferry is the preferred, scenic and straightforward choice for most travellers going from Mykonos to Santorini, set out alongside the guide to getting to Mykonos. The ferry companies and times are worth knowing.
Which ferries run from Mykonos to Santorini?
Ferries from Mykonos to Santorini are run mainly by SeaJets, which dominates the route with several daily fast ferries, alongside Minoan Lines and Golden Star Ferries. The high-speed boats make the crossing in around 2 to 3 hours, with up to several crossings a day in the summer high season.
Several ferry companies operate the popular Mykonos to Santorini route, giving good choice and frequency in summer. The dominant operator is SeaJets, which runs the largest fleet on the route with multiple fast ferries each day, and it is joined by other companies including Minoan Lines and Golden Star Ferries, so there are typically several crossings daily during the high season, sometimes up to around eight. Most of these are high-speed catamarans and fast ferries designed for quick island hopping, covering the distance in roughly 2 to 3 hours, with some services slightly faster or slower and a few making intermediate stops at islands such as Naxos, Ios or Paros along the way, which can lengthen the journey. The frequency and range of operators mean you can usually find a departure to suit your schedule, though times vary by day and season. Because the boats and timetables change, checking the current schedule when planning is sensible, and the ferries run seasonally, roughly from March to November, set out alongside the guides to the ports and Mykonos vs Naxos. Knowing the ports avoids confusion.
Which ports do the ferries use?
Ferries to Santorini leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, not the Old Port in town, and arrive at Santorini’s main port of Athinios. Reach Mykonos New Port roughly three quarters of an hour ahead of sailing in summer, and arrange onward transport from Athinios, which sits below the clifftop towns.
Knowing which ports the ferries use is important to avoid stress on travel day. Departures from Mykonos leave from the New Port at Tourlos, the large modern port about 2.5 kilometres north of Mykonos Town where the big ferries and cruise ships dock, and crucially not from the small Old Port beside the town, so make sure you head to the correct port. In summer it is best to reach Mykonos New Port roughly three quarters of an hour ahead of sailing to allow for boarding, though arriving a full two hours ahead is unnecessary unless your operator specifically tells you to. On arrival in Santorini, the ferries dock at Athinios, the island’s main ferry port, which sits at the base of the cliffs below the famous clifftop towns of Fira and Oia, so you will need onward transport up and across the island. The best option is to arrange a hotel or private transfer in advance, while the cheapest is the public bus from Athinios to Fira. Planning the ports and transfers in advance makes the journey smooth, set out alongside the guide to a Mykonos itinerary. The cost and timing are worth planning.
How much does the ferry cost and how long does it take?
The Mykonos to Santorini ferry takes around 2 to 3 hours and costs from roughly 80 euros per person on the fast boats, with prices varying by company, season and seat class. Book online in advance, especially in peak summer, to secure your preferred time and avoid sold-out sailings.
The journey from Mykonos to Santorini is quick and the cost is moderate, though it rises in peak season. The fast ferries cover the route in around 2 to 3 hours, reaching Santorini comfortably within a half day, while any services with intermediate stops take a little longer. Ticket prices start from roughly 80 euros per person on the high-speed boats, with the exact fare depending on the ferry company, the season, how far ahead you book and the class of seat or cabin you choose, so prices are higher in the peak of July and August and for premium seating. Because this is one of the busiest and most popular routes in the Cyclades, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets online in advance rather than waiting until you arrive in Mykonos, as sailings, especially at convenient times, can sell out in high season. Booking ahead also lets you compare times and prices and choose the most direct, suitable crossing. Reserving early secures your plans and often a better fare, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. A few tips smooth the trip.
What tips help for the Mykonos to Santorini journey?
Book ferry tickets online in advance, choose a direct fast ferry, and head to Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, arriving about 45 minutes early. Arrange a transfer from Athinios in Santorini ahead of time, keep luggage manageable, and consider seasickness precautions, as fast ferries can be bumpy in windy conditions.
A few practical tips make the Mykonos to Santorini journey smooth and stress-free. Book your ferry tickets online well in advance, particularly in peak season, and choose a direct fast ferry where possible to keep the crossing short, checking whether your boat makes intermediate stops. On travel day, go to the correct port, the New Port at Tourlos rather than the Old Port, and get there roughly three quarters of an hour before sailing to allow for boarding and luggage. Pack so your luggage is manageable, as you may need to handle it yourself on and off the boat, and keep valuables and documents with you. Arrange your onward transport from Athinios in Santorini ahead of time, ideally a hotel or private transfer to your accommodation, since the port is below the clifftop towns and taxis can be scarce. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions, as the fast ferries can be bumpy when the meltemi wind picks up and the sea is rough. With these steps, island hopping between the two icons is easy and enjoyable, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos weather and day trips. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Should you visit Santorini from Mykonos?
Yes, Santorini pairs beautifully with Mykonos on an island-hopping trip, as the two are close, well connected and offer contrasting experiences: Mykonos for beaches, nightlife and glamour, Santorini for dramatic caldera views, sunsets and romance. A few days on each, linked by the easy ferry, makes a classic Cyclades holiday.
Combining Mykonos and Santorini is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to experience the Cyclades, and the easy ferry link makes it simple. The two islands are close neighbours yet offer strikingly different experiences, so visiting both gives wonderful variety on one trip. Mykonos is the island of beautiful beaches, glamorous beach clubs, world-class nightlife, chic shopping and a cosmopolitan, party atmosphere, while Santorini is famous for its dramatic volcanic caldera, the whitewashed clifftop towns of Fira and Oia, the world-renowned sunsets, the wine and a more romantic, scenic character. Spending a few days on each, linked by the 2 to 3 hour ferry, lets you enjoy the beaches and energy of Mykonos and the views and romance of Santorini in a single, classic Cyclades holiday, ideal for couples, honeymooners and first-time visitors wanting to see two of Greece’s most iconic islands. With the ports, ferries and transfers planned in advance, the combination is straightforward and unforgettable, set out alongside the guides to when to visit and a Mykonos honeymoon. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
When is the best time to travel from Mykonos to Santorini?
The ideal time for the Mykonos to Santorini crossing is the shoulder season of May, June, September and October for calmer seas, pleasant weather and easier booking, and a morning ferry to give a full day on arrival. Avoid the windiest days, as the meltemi can make the crossing rough or cause delays.
Timing the journey from Mykonos to Santorini well makes for a smoother, more comfortable crossing and a better start to your Santorini stay. Across the year, the shoulder months of May, June, September and early October are ideal, with warm, pleasant weather, generally calmer seas than the windiest peak weeks, fewer crowds and easier ferry and accommodation booking, while July and August are busiest and the sailings can sell out, so reserving early is essential then. The key practical factor is the wind: Mykonos and the open Cyclades are exposed to the strong meltemi wind in summer, which can make the fast-ferry crossing bumpy and occasionally cause delays or cancellations, so where possible choosing a calmer day and a larger, more stable boat helps, and travellers prone to seasickness should take precautions. Within the day, a morning departure is often best, getting the crossing done early and giving you a full day and afternoon to settle into Santorini and reach your accommodation before evening. Booking your ferry in advance for your chosen day and time, and keeping a little flexibility for weather, ensures the island hop goes smoothly, set out alongside the guides to when to visit and Mykonos weather. With your ferry booked for a calm morning, the correct port confirmed and your Santorini transfer arranged, the journey between the two most iconic Cyclades becomes a smooth, scenic part of the holiday rather than a hassle, leaving you free to enjoy both islands to the full. Planning the timing rewards you with an easy crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mykonos to Santorini ferry take?
The ferry from Mykonos to Santorini takes around 2 to 3 hours on the fast boats, with some services slightly longer if they make intermediate stops at islands like Naxos or Ios. Several daily crossings run in summer, departing from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos and arriving at Santorini’s Athinios port.
How much does the Mykonos to Santorini ferry cost?
The Mykonos to Santorini ferry costs from roughly 80 euros per person on the fast boats, with prices varying by company, season and seat class and rising in peak summer. Book online in advance to secure your preferred time and a better fare, as this busy route can sell out in high season.
Which port do ferries to Santorini leave from in Mykonos?
Ferries to Santorini leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, about 2.5 km north of town, not the Old Port. Arrive about 45 minutes before departure in summer. They arrive at Santorini’s main port of Athinios, below the clifftop towns, so arrange onward transport in advance.