Santorini - Naxos: Ferry Tickets, Routes & Departures
- Santorini - Naxos ferry tickets for passengers from €31.50
- Car ferry tickets from €60 in published fare listings, subject to confirmation during booking
- Journey duration from 1 hour and 5 minutes by high-speed ferry and from 2 hours by conventional ferry
- Ferry companies: Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and seasonally Golden Star Ferries
- Frequency: Daily connections during several periods, with additional departures in summer
- Ferries: Blue Star Naxos, Blue Star 1 and seasonal high-speed vessels
- Departure port: Athinios Port, Santorini
- Arrival port: Naxos main port, next to Chora
Santorini - Naxos: Ferry tickets and sailing schedules
Travelling from Santorini to Naxos is a convenient way to explore another Cycladic island without returning to Athens or taking a flight.
Choosing the right ferry involves more than comparing journey times. Conventional vessels offer economical seating and vehicle transportation, while seasonal high-speed ferries are particularly useful for travellers who want to reach their destination sooner.
There is also an important practical difference between the two ports. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini, not from Fira. Reaching Athinios requires advance planning, especially during busy travel periods. In contrast, Naxos Port is located directly beside Chora, making onward travel much easier.
On booktickets.gr, you can search available departures, compare seating categories and choose the most suitable ticket for your journey.
Which ferry companies operate between Santorini and Naxos?
Several ferry companies serve this connection, although their schedules and operating periods vary throughout the year.
Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries. Blue Star Naxos serves the route during the winter period, while Blue Star 1 has also operated on this connection in previous schedules.
Seajets provides faster seasonal connections. Vessels that have operated on this route include Champion Jet 1 and WorldChampion Jet.
Golden Star Ferries has also served the connection through its seasonal Cyclades ferry network.
When selecting your ferry, consider three key factors:
- The scheduled departure and arrival times.
- The total ticket cost for passengers and any vehicle.
- The available seating categories and onboard facilities.
The fastest ferry is not necessarily the most economical option, especially for families travelling with a car.
Ferry ticket prices for passengers and vehicles
Passenger tickets with Blue Star Ferries start from €31.50 in economy class. High-speed Seajets tickets have been listed from €59.70, with higher fares available in other seating categories.
Car transport fares from €60 have been recorded on this route. However, this should not be considered a confirmed minimum fare for every ferry and departure date.
The exact vehicle price must be checked during the booking process, as it is affected by the car's dimensions, vehicle category and available garage space.
Passengers can choose between economy seating and numbered seats. Conventional ferries may also offer cabin accommodation, where available for booking.
For this relatively short island crossing, many travellers prefer a standard seat or a reserved aircraft-style seat. Cabins may appeal to passengers who want additional privacy, provided that the selected vessel offers this option.
How do ferry schedules change between winter and summer?
The Santorini - Naxos route experiences significant seasonal changes.
During winter, Blue Star Ferries provides the main connection. Blue Star Naxos operates departures from Athinios at 19:30 or 19:45, arriving in Naxos at 22:10 on the days specified in the timetable.
During summer, additional morning and daytime high-speed departures give visitors greater flexibility.
This difference can influence accommodation plans. A morning arrival gives travellers more time to enjoy Naxos, while an evening arrival makes it important to arrange transportation to the hotel beforehand.
Departure days and sailing times should always be checked for the specific travel date.
Does the ferry stop at Ios?
Not every ferry follows exactly the same route.
Some conventional services stop at Ios before continuing towards Naxos. Other vessels travel directly between the two islands.
A stop at Ios does not require passengers to change ferries. Travellers holding a ticket to Naxos remain onboard until their destination.
If you want to visit several Cycladic islands during one holiday, you can consider planning a separate stay on Ios. This requires individual tickets and a check of the available connections.
How to reach Athinios Port in Santorini
Ferries to Naxos depart from Athinios, Santorini's main passenger ferry port.
Google Maps - Athinios Port, Santorini
The port is connected to Fira and other parts of the island by road.
One of Athinios Port's distinctive features is its narrow, winding access road descending towards the ferry terminals. Traffic can become particularly heavy when several vessels arrive or depart within a short period.
Available transportation options include:
- Public KTEL buses from Fira when services are scheduled for the relevant ferry departure.
- Taxis or pre-booked private transfers.
- Rental or privately owned vehicles.
It is advisable to arrange your journey to the port before your departure day.
If you are travelling with a rental car, check whether the rental company permits ferry transportation to another island. Some rental agreements require prior approval or prohibit taking the vehicle onboard a ferry.
Travelling with a car and boarding procedures
Car transportation is available on ferries equipped with vehicle garages, provided that space is available.
During online booking, select the correct vehicle category. Large cars, vehicles with roof boxes or additional equipment may require different registration details.
Drivers must arrive at the designated vehicle boarding area and follow the crew's instructions.
Other passengers are required to leave the vehicle when instructed, while access to the garage is restricted during the crossing.
Keep essential personal belongings with you in the passenger areas, including travel documents, medication, mobile phones and anything you may need during the journey.
Why arriving at Naxos Port is convenient
Unlike Santorini, the ferry port in Naxos is situated directly beside Chora, the island's main town.
This location allows travellers staying in the town centre to walk to their accommodation, provided it is close to the waterfront.
Taxis, car rental services and local buses are available near the port.
For destinations such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka, visitors can use local bus services when the relevant routes are operating.
If your accommodation is in eastern or mountainous Naxos, consider arranging a rental car collection or taxi transfer.
Naxos is a large island, and organising transportation before arrival can save valuable time, particularly when travelling on an evening ferry.
Discounts for children, students and families
Ferry operators offer reduced fares to specific passenger categories, subject to their current conditions.
Blue Star Ferries provides discounts for children, students and other eligible travellers.
Seajets and Golden Star Ferries also offer special fares for selected passenger groups.
Students must carry the required supporting documents, while children's tickets are issued according to each company's age categories.
You can find additional information on ferry ticket offers and discounts.
The correct discount category must be selected before completing your reservation.
Booking ferry tickets and planning your return
To book your journey from Santorini to Naxos, select your preferred travel date, number of passengers and seating category.
If you are taking a car or motorcycle, enter the vehicle details before choosing a departure so that the complete booking availability can be checked.
The return journey from Naxos to Santorini should be checked separately, as departure times and ferry operators may differ.
On booktickets.gr, you can compare available options and complete your ferry ticket reservation online.
Before payment, check the travel date, passenger information, cancellation conditions and electronic boarding procedures.
Frequently asked questions about the ferry crossing
Can I travel from Santorini to Naxos and return on the same day?
Yes, provided that suitable outward and return departures are available. Both directions must be checked separately, as the schedules do not always allow sufficient time on the island.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket?
Ferry companies support electronic tickets for eligible bookings. Once the required check-in procedure has been completed, you can use your electronic boarding ticket in accordance with the operator's instructions.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry?
Only if the rental company permits transporting the vehicle to another island and garage space is available on the selected ferry. Check your rental agreement before purchasing the ferry ticket.
Are pets allowed onboard?
Pets are permitted subject to the ferry company's transport conditions. They must be declared during booking and accompanied by the required documentation.
What happens if there are strong winds?
Weather conditions may affect ferry departures, particularly high-speed services. If a sailing is changed or cancelled, follow the operator's instructions regarding rescheduling or refunds.
How can I reach the beaches of Naxos from the port?
Local buses from Chora serve popular beach areas, while taxis and rental cars are also available. For late-night arrivals, it is advisable to arrange your onward transportation before departure.
Content editing: booktickets.gr