Getting from Santorini to Rafina

If you are heading to Rafina from Santorini you are almost certainly doing so because of the Athens Airport. Rafina is a small port town on the eastern coast of Attica, around 26 kilometres from Athens International Airport and considerably closer to it than Piraeus is. For travellers who need to catch a flight home from Athens or who are arriving at the airport and continuing their journey, Rafina is the more logical port. The town itself has a pleasant working harbour lined with fish restaurants that deserve more than the brief time most passengers give it on the way to or from the ferry.

Take the ferry

There is a direct seasonal ferry from Santorini to Rafina, operating from April to October with up to 2 daily sailings in summer. Seajets and Golden Star Ferries both serve the route, with the crossing taking around 5 to 6 hours depending on the operator and vessel. Outside of the summer season the Rafina service does not run and you would need to use Piraeus instead, which operates year-round with more frequent crossings. Book ahead in July and August.

What about flying?

Santorini has an airport with daily flights to Athens. Flying is faster than the ferry if Athens city centre is your destination, but if you are heading to or from Athens Airport specifically, the Rafina ferry is worth considering as it delivers you much closer to the airport than a flight would via the Piraeus route.

Your best option

It depends on your onward journey. If you are catching a flight from Athens Airport after Santorini, the Rafina ferry is a strong option as the port is a short taxi or bus ride from the terminal. If you are heading to central Athens or anywhere beyond the airport, Piraeus gives you more ferry options and better metro connections into the city. Check both routes on Ferryhopper before deciding.