Santorini to Ios Ferry
Santorini (Athinios) → Ios
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- High-speed crossing
- ~45 min–1 h
- Conventional crossing
- ~2 h
- Frequency
- 1–4 daily in summer, reduced in winter
- Carries cars
- Yes (on the car ferry)
Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.
Where it leaves from
Ferries to Ios depart from Athinios on Santorini's west coast. Ios is one of the nearest main Cycladic islands to Santorini, sitting to the north along the same ferry corridor. On arrival at Ios Town (Ormos), the harbour is backed by tamarisk trees and the whitewashed Chora climbs the hillside above — follow the signs up.
A short crossing
At roughly 45 minutes by high-speed catamaran, Santorini to Ios is one of the shortest scheduled ferry hops in the Cyclades. Conventional ferries take around 2 hours but stop at intermediate ports like Naxos or Paros on some itineraries. The short crossing makes Ios an easy addition to a Santorini stay or a natural next stop on a southward island-hopping loop.
Operators
SeaJets provides the fastest catamaran services in high season, running passengers between the two islands with minimal journey time. Blue Star Ferries operates conventional car-carrying services and is the more reliable option in choppy weather. In July and August, the meltemi can make catamaran travel uncomfortable — Blue Star's larger vessels handle wind better.
Ios beyond the nightlife
Ios has a reputation as a party island, but beyond the bars of Chora there are quieter pleasures: the long sandy beach at Mylopotas, the hilltop Chora with its photogenic windmills, and the reputed tomb of Homer near Plakatos in the north. Ferries also connect Ios onward to Piraeus, Naxos and Santorini, so it fits naturally into a broader Cyclades itinerary.
Ports & terminals
- Santorini (Athinios)View on map →
- IosView on map →
Port guides
Related ferry routes
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the ferry from Santorini to Ios?
- High-speed catamarans take around 45 minutes to 1 hour; conventional ferries take about 2 hours. Ios is one of the closest major islands to Santorini.
- Where do ferries arrive on Ios?
- Ferries dock at Ios Town port (Ormos), the harbour village at the bottom of the hill. The famous Chora (village) is a 10-minute walk or a short bus ride uphill.
- Is there a car ferry between Santorini and Ios?
- Yes — Blue Star Ferries carries vehicles on conventional sailings. Given how close the islands are, a car is less essential here than on longer routes.