Crossing from Santorini to Mykonos is the classic Cyclades island-hopping route, running about 2 to 3 hours by high-speed boat, with several daily sailings in summer from around 45 to 90 euros. This guide covers the journey time, the prices, the operators, the schedules and tips for booking the ferry.
This route links Greece’s two most famous islands, a key connection in the wider Santorini travel guide. Both lie in the Cyclades. The sections below cover the ferry.
How long is the Santorini to Mykonos ferry?
This crossing takes about 2 hours 30 minutes on average, ranging from around 1 hour 50 minutes on the fastest high-speed boats to about 3 hours 20 minutes on slower high-speed ferries. It is one of the most popular island-hopping routes in the Cyclades.
The crossing between Santorini and Mykonos is quick and direct. On average the ferry takes around two and a half hours, though the exact time depends on the operator and vessel: the fastest SeaJets high-speed catamarans make the run in about 1 hour 50 minutes, while the slower high-speed ferries take up to roughly 3 hours 20 minutes. All are passenger high-speed services with air-conditioned lounges and open decks, crossing the open Aegean between the two best-known islands of the Cyclades. It is a hugely popular route, so it pays to plan ahead, set within the wider how to get to Santorini. The cost varies.
How much does the ferry cost?
The Santorini to Mykonos ferry costs roughly 45 to 90 euros one way for a foot passenger, depending on the operator, season and seat class. High-speed SeaJets services are around 70 to 89 euros, while economy seats on slower high-speed ferries are a little cheaper, with prices rising in peak summer.
Fares on the route span a fair range. A one-way ticket for a foot passenger typically costs somewhere between about 45 and 90 euros, varying with the operator, the season and the class of seat you choose. The fast SeaJets vessels generally cost around 70 to 89 euros, while economy seats on the Golden Star high-speed ferries are a little cheaper at roughly 60 to 78 euros, with premium and business-class seats more. Prices climb in the peak July and August period and when boats fill up, so booking early secures both a place and a better fare, set out alongside the guide to a Santorini itinerary. The schedule is dense in summer.
What is the schedule and operators?
The ferry is operated by SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries, with around 52 weekly sailings from June to September, often several a day, dropping to about 8 a week from October to May. High-speed boats dominate, so the route runs frequently in summer but sparsely out of season.
The frequency of the route swings sharply with the season. In the summer months from June to September, two operators, SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries, run around 52 sailings a week between Santorini and Mykonos, often several departures a day, giving plenty of flexibility for island-hopping. Outside the season, from October to May, this drops dramatically to roughly eight sailings a week, so winter and shoulder-season travellers have far fewer options and must plan around the limited timetable. The route is served almost entirely by high-speed vessels, which are quick but more affected by rough seas, set out alongside the guide to the best time to visit Santorini. A few tips help.
What tips help for the ferry?
The tips are to book 1 to 2 months ahead for summer, or 2 to 3 for popular departures, arrive at the port 45 to 60 minutes before departure, and allow flexibility, as high-speed ferries can be delayed or cancelled by the strong meltemi wind in midsummer. The ferry leaves from Athinios port.
A little planning makes the crossing smooth. Because this is one of the busiest Cyclades routes, booking ahead is strongly advised: aim for one to two months in advance for summer travel, and two to three months for the most popular departures, which sell out. On the day, arrive at the port 45 to 60 minutes before departure, as boarding and the busy Athinios port take time. Build in some flexibility too, since the high-speed boats that serve the route can be delayed or cancelled by the strong meltemi wind that blows in July and August, occasionally disrupting Cyclades sailings. With tickets booked early, the route makes combining Santorini and Mykonos easy, set out alongside the guide to Santorini vs Mykonos. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Santorini to Mykonos ferry take?
The Santorini to Mykonos ferry takes about 2 hours 30 minutes on average, from around 1 hour 50 minutes on the fastest SeaJets high-speed boats to about 3 hours 20 minutes on slower high-speed ferries. It is one of the most popular Cyclades island-hopping routes.
How much is the Santorini to Mykonos ferry?
The ferry costs roughly 45 to 90 euros one way for a foot passenger, depending on the operator, season and seat class. Fast SeaJets services are around 70 to 89 euros, with cheaper economy seats on slower high-speed ferries and higher prices in peak summer.
How often does the Santorini to Mykonos ferry run?
The ferry runs frequently in summer, with around 52 sailings a week from June to September, often several a day, operated by SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries. From October to May this drops to about 8 a week, so off-season travellers have far fewer options.