Ios – Santorini (Thira)
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
Ios – Santorini (Thira)
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
You can get from Ios to Santorini (Thira) by ferry. Ferries from Ios to Santorini (Thira) run all year round, with an average crossing time of 45 minutes. With 13 weekly sailings, it's easy to find a ferry from Ios to Santorini (Thira) to suit you.
Ios to Santorini (Thira) first ferry: departs Ios at 00:30.
Ios to Santorini (Thira) last ferry: departs Ios at around 23:45.
Bear in mind that the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry time can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry timetable before you book.
The Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry duration depends on whether you’re travelling on an Ios to Santorini (Thira) fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry time is usually around 45 minutes on average.
Average Ios to Santorini ferry time: 45 minutes
Fastest ferry crossing to Santorini (Thira): 40 minutes
Longest ferry crossing to Santorini (Thira): 1 hour 15 minutes
The Ios to Santorini (Thira) fast ferry takes 40 minutes. Bear in mind, the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry duration can vary.
Ferries from Ios to Santorini (Thira) are provided by 4 ferry companies; Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries. There are a combined total of 2 daily and 13 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry runs all year round
Blue Star Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings
Cyclades Fast Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings
SeaJets: 1 daily sailing and 3 weekly sailings
Golden Star Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 6 weekly sailings
With the fastest ferries to Santorini (Thira) taking around 40 minutes, you can easily do a Ios to Santorini (Thira) day trip.
The Ios to Santorini ferry price can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Ios to Santorini ferry cost: £37.58
Ios to Santorini (Thira) distance: approximately 23.7 miles (38.1km) or 21 nautical miles.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Ios to Santorini (Thira) with a car.
Car operators: Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries
Average car price: £103.77
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry.
Ios to Santorini (Thira) foot passenger ferries: Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries
Average foot passenger price: £37.33
Pets are allowed on Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Blue Star Ferries
SeaJets
Golden Star Ferries
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Ios Santorini (Thira) ferry.
Seajets:
Blue Star Ferries:
Golden Star Ferries:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the ferry to Santorini (Thira) with Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
We recommend to book your ferry from Ios to Santorini (Thira) in advance to get it at the cheapest price. The Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry cost varies depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Santorini (Thira) Ios ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re wanting to travel on a Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry in summer it’s always best to make you book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the best ferry from Ios to Santorini (Thira) to suit you.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Ios Santorini (Thira) ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the boat from Ios to Santorini (Thira) differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Yes, the ferries from Ios to Santorini (Thira) are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
If you're travelling from Ios to Santorini (Thira) by ferry, we recommend arriving at Ios port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Ios to Santorini (Thira) ferry tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Ios Santorini (Thira) ferry crossing should be in your confirmation email.
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| Ios - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cyclades Islands | |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 4 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, SeaJets & Golden Star Ferries | |
| Average Price | £38 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 13 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 45 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 40 m | |
| First Ferry | 00:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 | |
| Distance | 21 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 October 2025.
"Efficient transportation"
"SupersonicTonic"
"Good experience"
"Brilliant"
A blend of beauty, history and nightlife, Ios is an island that has something for everyone. Days here will be spent wandering through traditional Cycladic streets, lounging on sun-soaked golden stretches and admiring postcard-perfect views. Mykonos may steal the spotlight for the top nightlife spot in the Cyclades but Ios isn't far behind. The whitewashed town comes alive when the sun sets with bars and clubs spilling out onto the charming streets.
It's easy to explore Ios Town by foot. From the town, you can also walk to destinations such as Mylopotas Beach. Alternatively, local buses connect Ios Town with the beaches. Many tourists also choose to rent a quad or a scooter, giving them the freedom to explore the island at their own pace.
Also known as Gialos Port or Ormos Port, Ios ferry port is located in the village of Gialos which is around 2km from Ios Town. From here, you can get ferries to a range of destinations including Athens, Naxos, Santorini.
There are regular buses connecting Ios Town and the beaches with the ferry port. The journey takes around 5 minutes from Ios Town. Or, if you’re coming from Mylopotas Beach, the journey will take around 10-15 minutes.
Yes, parking is available near the ferry port.
At the ferry port, you’ll find ticket offices, a waiting area and public toilets. You’ll also find facilities like car and scooter rental offices, ATMs and a range of shops, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the port.
Gialos ferry port, Ios, Cyclades, Greece
Boasting stunning whitewashed streets, breathtaking caldera views, incredible volcanic beaches and sunsets worthy of your Instagram feed, it's no surprise that Santorini is one of the most popular Cyclades Islands. A must on your Greek Island hopping adventure, this picture-perfect island certainly lives up to the hype. And thanks to regular ferries from destinations such as Athens, Mykonos and Naxos, it's super easy to get to.
In the villages, it's best to get around by foot. Local buses connect various destinations on the island including Fira, Oia, Kamari and the port and airport. Most visitors either rent a car, scooter or quad so they can explore the island freely.
Athinios port is the main ferry port in Santorini. It’s located on the southwest side of the island and serves ferries and high-speed catamarans. Gialos port, which is also known as the Old Port is used for cruise ships and small excursion boats.
Athinios ferry port is easily accessible from the rest of the island. You can reach the port by bus, taxi or private transfer. It's best to book taxis in advance if you're travelling during peak season.
From Fira:
From Oia:
Yes, free parking is available at Santorini ferry port. However, it can get very busy in the summer months.
Facilities are limited at Santorini ferry port, although you will find toilets, a waiting room and a shop.
Port, Ormos Athinios 847 00, Greece
