Rhodes - Santorini: Ferry tickets and routes

Rhodes - Santorini: Ferry tickets and schedules

Travelling from Rhodes to Santorini by ferry connects two different parts of the Aegean Sea. This route is useful for travellers continuing their holidays in the Cyclades, taking a car between islands or avoiding a flight with a connection.

The crossing is operated by conventional passenger and vehicle ferries belonging to Blue Star Ferries. It is a relatively long journey, with intermediate stops at other Greek islands.

Before booking, check the total sailing time, your arrival at Athinios port and whether vehicle transport is available. These details will help you organise the rest of your trip.

How much do Rhodes - Santorini ferry tickets cost?

The lowest published passenger fare starts at €25, while other ticket categories can reach €95.

Car tickets start at €90, with prices depending on the vehicle's dimensions, departure date and available garage space.

The main ticket options include:

• Economy class for travellers looking for the lowest fare.
• Numbered aircraft-style seats.
• Private cabins for resting during the crossing.
• Car or motorcycle tickets purchased together with passenger tickets.

The lowest published fare may not be available on every departure. The final ticket price is confirmed before payment.

How long is the ferry journey?

The crossing takes between 7 and 11 hours. Travel time is mainly affected by the number of intermediate ports visited before reaching Santorini.

The shortest available sailing is preferable if you want to reach your accommodation without spending additional hours at sea. On longer crossings, booking a cabin or numbered seat can make the journey more comfortable.

Departure time alone is not enough to identify the best option. Ferries leaving at different times may arrive within a short interval because their routes include different port calls.

Which days and times do ferries depart?

The published schedule includes 3 weekly departures. Sailing days and departure times are not identical throughout the year.

More travel options may be available during the peak tourist season, while services are more limited during quieter months.

The first and last departure times are not fixed for the entire year. Select your travel date to check the available sailing times.

If you need to arrive on a particular day, confirm the ferry schedule before booking your accommodation in Santorini.

Blue Star Ferries: Vessels and intermediate ports

Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries suitable for longer Aegean crossings.

Its fleet includes Blue Star Chios, Blue Star Patmos, Blue Star 1, Blue Star 2 and other vessels. However, not every ship in the fleet operates the Rhodes - Santorini route. The assigned vessel should be checked for your selected departure.

Depending on the itinerary, intermediate stops may include:

• Kos
• Nisyros
• Astypalaia
• Anafi

The order and number of stops depend on the ferry's scheduled itinerary.

Passengers travelling from Rhodes to Santorini do not need to change vessels at intermediate ports when they hold a single ticket for the through service.

Where do ferries depart from in Rhodes?

Ferries leave from the main passenger port of Rhodes, close to the medieval Old Town and the commercial centre.

The port can be reached by taxi, private vehicle or local public transport. However, boarding areas for larger ferries are not all located in the same place.

There is no single departure gate used for every sailing on this route. Follow the information on your ticket and the instructions provided by port staff.

Recommended arrival times are:

• Foot passengers: at least 1 hour before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a car: at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure.

During busy summer months, allow extra time to reach the boarding area.

Arriving at Athinios port in Santorini

Ferries arrive at Athinios, Santorini's main passenger port.

Athinios lies below the settlements overlooking the caldera and is connected by road to Fira and the rest of the island.

After disembarking, transport options include:

• KTEL public buses to Fira.
• Taxis and pre-booked private transfers.
• Rental cars.
• Your own vehicle transported on the ferry.

If you are staying in Oia, Imerovigli or Kamari, arranging your transfer before arrival is advisable.

The road from Athinios towards the island's interior has several sharp bends. Traffic can build up when multiple ferries unload passengers and vehicles.

Avoid planning a tight flight connection immediately after arriving in Santorini.

Cabins and onboard facilities for a long crossing

Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels offer different accommodation categories. Booking a cabin can be particularly useful for late departures, families with children and elderly passengers.

Available facilities may include:

• Interior and exterior cabins.
• Numbered aircraft-style seats.
• Air-conditioned passenger lounges.
• Restaurants or dining areas.
• Cafés and shared seating areas.
• Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Designated pet accommodation areas.

Not every accommodation category is available on every vessel. Cabins can be selected during booking, subject to availability.

For families with young children, a private cabin provides space to rest and keep personal belongings. If keeping travel costs low is the priority, economy class is the first option to consider.

Taking a car from Rhodes to Santorini

Conventional passenger and vehicle ferries serving this connection have garages for cars and motorcycles.

When booking, enter the correct vehicle category and dimensions. Motorhomes, vehicles with roof racks and cars towing trailers require particular attention when selecting the appropriate vehicle category.

Bringing your own car may be worthwhile if you intend to explore several areas of Santorini or stay for an extended period.

For a short visit to Fira or Oia, compare the cost of transporting your vehicle with local car rental prices.

What should drivers know before boarding?

Drivers must follow crew instructions when entering the garage. Other passengers may be required to board through a separate entrance.

Access to the vehicle garage is prohibited during the crossing. Take everything you need for the journey before leaving your vehicle.

Special transport regulations apply to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including battery charge limits. Check the ferry company's requirements before boarding.

Discounts and special ferry ticket offers

Blue Star Ferries offers reduced fares for passengers who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Eligible categories may include:

• Children and infants.
• Students with recognised student status.
• Large families and families with three children.
• Passengers with disabilities and eligible companions.
• Permanent island residents entitled to the Greek Transport Equivalent programme.
• Members of the ferry company's loyalty programme.

Each discount has its own conditions. Some apply only to certain seating categories, while others cannot be combined with additional promotions.

Passengers must carry the appropriate supporting documents when boarding.

You can check current ferry ticket offers and discounts before completing your booking.

E-ticket and web check-in

Blue Star Ferries provides electronic tickets through its Web Check-in service.

Online check-in is available from 48 hours to 2 hours before the scheduled departure.

Once completed, passengers can save their electronic tickets on their phones and present them when boarding.

Remember to carry your identity card or passport and any documents required for discounted tickets.

Having an electronic ticket does not remove the requirement to arrive at the port on time.

Planning your return journey from Santorini to Rhodes

The return connection from Santorini to Rhodes provides the reverse journey between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

If you are planning to visit both islands, check the available return dates before confirming your accommodation.

The limited number of weekly departures may influence how long you need to stay on Santorini.

Travellers bringing a car should consider booking their return ferry early, particularly when garage space is limited.

Alternative ferry connections through other islands

If there is no suitable Rhodes - Santorini departure, you can explore ferry connections involving another port.

Possible combinations include:

• Rhodes - Kos, followed by a connection from Kos to Santorini.
• Rhodes - Piraeus, followed by a ferry from Piraeus to Santorini.
• Rhodes - Heraklion, followed by a ferry from Heraklion to Santorini.

These alternatives do not guarantee same-day connections. Check the availability of each service and the waiting time between departures.

If you need separate tickets, allow enough time between ferries in case the first crossing is delayed.

Find all the routes

Ferry connections from Rhodes to other islands

Rhodes is an important ferry hub in the Dodecanese. Its port serves nearby islands as well as destinations farther across the Aegean.

You can explore connections such as:

• Rhodes - Kos
• Rhodes - Symi
• Rhodes - Chalki
• Rhodes - Karpathos
• Rhodes - Kasos
• Rhodes - Piraeus

Santorini also offers ferry connections to Naxos, Paros, Ios, Heraklion and Piraeus.

These routes make it possible to continue exploring the Greek islands without returning to your original departure port.

Useful tips for travelling from Rhodes to Santorini

• Arrange transport from Athinios. The ferry port is not close to every accommodation area, particularly if you are staying in Oia.
• Choose your seat carefully. On a long crossing, a numbered seat may be more comfortable than standard economy accommodation.
• Check the weather. Strong Aegean winds may affect arrival times or lead to schedule changes.
• Keep essential belongings with you. Medication, chargers, travel documents and valuables should remain in your hand luggage.
• Consider your arrival time. For late arrivals, confirm that your accommodation can check you in and that transport will be available.
• Review cancellation conditions. Lower-priced fares may have stricter rules regarding changes and refunds.

Through booktickets.gr, you can compare available departures and complete your ferry booking online.

Frequently asked questions about Rhodes - Santorini ferries

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes. Pets must be declared during booking. Passengers must carry the required animal health documents and follow the ferry company's pet transport regulations.

Can I bring a bicycle on the ferry?

Bicycles can be transported under the company's conditions. Check whether your bicycle must be declared or registered separately before booking.

What is the luggage allowance?

Blue Star Ferries allows passengers to carry up to 50 kg of luggage or 1 cubic metre free of charge, under the company's conditions. Larger bags should be placed in the designated luggage areas.

Can an unaccompanied minor travel?

Unaccompanied minors may travel only under the conditions established by the ferry company. Parents or guardians should check the relevant age restrictions and required documents before purchasing a ticket.

What happens if I miss my ferry?

Contact the ferry company or the ticket agency immediately. Whether your booking can be changed depends on the fare conditions. Automatic transfer to the next departure is not guaranteed.

Are facilities available for passengers with reduced mobility?

Conventional ferries have facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Inform the ferry company of any assistance requirements before travelling so that suitable boarding and disembarkation arrangements can be made.

In brief

The Rhodes - Santorini ferry connection allows travellers to move between the Dodecanese and the Cyclades on a conventional ferry, without changing vessels during scheduled intermediate stops.

Vehicle transport, cabins and passenger discounts make this connection suitable for families and travellers planning longer island holidays.

Because departures are limited, advance planning is important, particularly when accommodation bookings or onward travel arrangements depend on your arrival date.

On booktickets.gr, you can select your travel date, compare available tickets and organise your journey to Santorini.

Content edited by: booktickets.gr

Last updated: October 2026