Getting from Santorini to Patras

If you are heading to Patras from Santorini you are making your way to Greece's third largest city and one of its most underrated. Patras sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth on the northwestern Peloponnese, a working port city with a medieval castle above the old town, a carnival that is the largest in Greece and one of the most atmospheric in Europe, and a waterfront that has been slowly transformed into one of the more pleasant in the country. It is also the main departure point for ferries to Italy, connecting to Ancona, Bari, Brindisi and Venice, so if you are heading onwards by sea to southern Europe, Patras is where that journey begins.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Santorini to Patras. The connection goes via Piraeus. Take the ferry from Santorini to Piraeus, which takes around 5 to 8 hours depending on the vessel, and then travel by road to Patras. The drive from Athens to Patras takes around 2 to 2.5 hours on the E65 motorway heading west along the Gulf of Corinth. KTEL buses also run regularly between Athens and Patras from the Kifissos terminal.

What about flying?

Patras does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 215 kilometres to the east. Flying from Santorini to Athens and then travelling by road to Patras gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours door to door. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and take the bus or drive to Patras. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal to Patras is regular, comfortable and considerably cheaper than a taxi or rental car if you do not need wheels once you arrive. If you are continuing by ferry to Italy from Patras, book that crossing well in advance in July and August as the Italy routes fill up fast.