Home › Routes › Ios to Santorini
How to get from Ios to Santorini
Ios has no airport, so the only way is by sea. High-speed ferries reach Santorini's Athinios port in about 40 min–1 h, and conventional ferries in about 1 h 15–1 h 45.
Best option: Ferry. It is the only option, and in summer there are several sailings a day.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry High-speed boats (e.g. SeaJets) from Ios port (Ormos) to Santorini (Athinios) | about 40 min–1 h | several a day in summer, few or none in winter | about €40–70 | Fast boats can be cancelled in strong meltemi winds. |
| ferry Conventional ferries (e.g. Blue Star Ferries) from Ios to Santorini (Athinios) | about 1 h 15–1 h 45 | about daily in summer, fewer in winter | about €20–35 | Cheaper and more stable in rough seas; also carry cars. Check current timetables. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Athinios port is below the cliffs; book a bus, taxi or transfer to Fira or Oia in advance in high season.
- Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Buy tickets ahead in July and August.
- If you get seasick, choose a conventional ferry over a fast boat.
Common questions
Can I fly from Ios to Santorini?
No. Ios has no airport, so the only connection is by ferry. The crossing is short: high-speed boats take about 40 minutes to an hour and conventional ferries around an hour and a half. If you are coming from abroad, you can fly into Santorini and take the ferry to Ios from there.
Can I visit Santorini as a day trip from Ios?
In summer, yes, if the timetable gives you an early sailing out and an evening sailing back. That can leave 6–8 hours on Santorini, enough for Fira and Oia. Outside July and August connections may not line up, and fast boats can be cancelled in strong winds, so confirm your return before booking.
What is the cheapest way?
A conventional ferry such as Blue Star Ferries is usually the cheapest, at about €20–35 for a deck seat. High-speed boats are faster but cost roughly twice as much. Prices are set per operator and season, so compare sailings for your date on a ferry booking site or at a port agency.
Do I need to book ahead?
In July and August, yes: fast boats in particular can sell out, and booking a few days ahead is sensible. Outside the peak you can often buy tickets on the day at a port agency on Ios. In winter there are far fewer sailings, so check current timetables before planning.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.