Ferry from Santorini to Ios

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Santorini to Ios with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts of up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
• Students of Greek Public Universities
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and children up to 4 years travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

The ferry route between Santorini and Ios is operated by both high-speed and conventional vessels. On board, you'll find a range of modern amenities designed for a comfortable journey, including air-conditioned lounges, snack bars, pet-friendly facilities, and services for passengers with disabilities. 

Wi-Fi is also available on the ferries, allowing you to stay connected throughout your trip.

Cabins and accommodation

The trip to Ios is quite short, so ferries operated by Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Small Cyclades Lines don’t offer cabins. For extra comfort during the journey, you can book a seat. There are cabins available on conventional Blue Star Ferries vessels, as well as numbered seats.

Luggage

Ferry companies are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight. You can store your bags and suitcases at the designated luggage area onboard the ferry to Ios from Santorini.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Tip: each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy. We recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg of luggage to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the Santorini - Ios ferry, depending on the company and type of vessel you’ve chosen. Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Santorini to Ios: 

• The port of Santorini, Athinios, can get extra busy in the high season. We recommend accounting for extra time to arrive at the port. 
• Sometimes weather conditions can affect the duration of this ferry ride. If you get seasick, make sure to carry with you anti-nausea pills or ask the ferry crew for an aspirin.
• The Santorini - Ios is a popular ferry route, so we recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance. 
• For tips and info on what to do in Ios, visit our Ios destination page. 
• There are many island-hopping options from Ios to nearby islands. Check our Map of ferries for all available ferry connections. 

Where to take the ferry from Santorini to Ios

The Santorini - Ios ferry departs from the port of Athinios in Santorini. Athinios is located on the southwest side of the island. It’s about 8 km south of the capital town of Fira and 9 km from Santorini’s airport. 

The boat from Santorini to Ios departs only from the port of Athinios. Therefore, considering it is a small port, it can get quite crowded, particularly in July and August.

There are taxis and public buses that offer services to the port, but they can sell out fast. For useful info about Athinios port in Santorini visit our relevant blog post.

Where does the ferry arrive in Ios?

The ferry arrives at the port of Ios on the west coast of the island, less than 5 min to Chora by car and 20 min on foot. In the port area, you can find restaurants, car rental shops, hotels, bakeries, cafés, ATMs, shops, and a public parking lot close to the ferry terminal.