Athens to Santorini is the most popular Greek island hop with a 45-minute flight time. Olympic Air flies ATH-JTR year-round from €45 one-way including cabin bag. Sky Express offers competitive fares from €35 but charges for overhead luggage. Volotea operates seasonal summer flights from €39. The 235km route sees massive price spikes in July and August where returns hit €300, while winter fares drop to €70 return. Direct flights are essential as ferries take 5-8 hours.
Route: Athens (ATH) → Santorini (JTR)
Distance: 235 km
Prices by Season
| Season | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | €70 | €110 |
| Apr-Jun | €100 | €180 |
| Jul-Aug | €220 | €350 |
Airlines on This Route
- Sky Express: direct, 45m, from €35, 3x daily
- Olympic Air: direct, 45m, from €45, 4x daily
- Volotea: direct, 45m, from €39, 1x daily (Seasonal)
Best Time to Book
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best rates. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save €20 versus weekends. January and February are cheapest months. Avoid August bookings within 2 weeks of travel as prices double. Set alerts for Sky Express promo fares which drop to €29 occasionally.
Luggage Tips
Olympic Air includes 8kg cabin bag (55x40x22cm) in base fare. Sky Express and Volotea charge €20-35 for overhead cabin bags. Free underseat bag limited to 42x32x25cm on budget carriers. Checked bags cost €25-50 depending on weight. Pre-book luggage online to save 50% compared to airport counter rates.
Destination Highlights
- Santorini Airport (JTR): Small terminal, 6km from Fira, limited shopping, busy in summer.
- Fira: Capital town, bus hub to all villages, 15min from airport via KTEL bus.
- Oia: Famous sunset spot, 30min from airport, requires bus change in Fira or taxi.
Airport Transfer Tips
Athens: Metro Line 3 to airport €9, 40 min. Bus X95 €6, 60 min. Taxi €40-50 flat rate. Santorini: KTEL Bus to Fira €2, 15 min. Taxi to Fira €25-35, to Oia €45-55. Pre-book transfers in summer as taxis queue heavily upon flight arrivals.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are cheap flights from Athens to Santorini?
One-way fares start at €35 on Sky Express during low season, but return tickets typically range from €70 to €100. Olympic Air starts around €45 one-way but includes a cabin bag, making the total value higher. Volotea offers seasonal promos from €39. During July and August, expect to pay €150 to €300 for a return ticket regardless of the airline due to high demand.
Which airport do I fly into for Santorini?
Santorini has only one airport, Thira (JTR), located near Kamari. All three airlines land here. There is no alternative airport on the island. Athens departures are exclusively from Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). Connecting flights are unnecessary and costly. Direct flights are the only sensible option for this short domestic route within Greece.
When should I book Athens to Santorini flights?
Book 4-6 weeks in advance for the best balance of price and availability. Last-minute bookings in summer can exceed €400 return. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often €20 cheaper than weekend flights. January and February offer the lowest fares, while August is the most expensive month to fly this route.
What luggage can I bring on Athens-Santorini flights?
Olympic Air includes an 8kg cabin bag in the base fare, while Sky Express and Volotea charge extra for overhead bins. Underseat bags are free on all carriers but size limits vary strictly. Checked baggage costs €25-€50 depending on weight and airline. Pre-booking luggage online is essential to avoid double fees at the airport counter.
How long is the flight from Athens to Santorini?
The flight time is approximately 45 minutes in the air. Total travel time including security at Athens and transfer at Santorini is around 3 hours door-to-door. There is no time difference between Athens and Santorini. Delays are rare but can occur in summer due to air traffic congestion over the Aegean Sea.
Are there direct flights from Athens to Santorini?
Yes, all flights on this route are direct non-stop services. There are no connecting flights needed as the distance is only 235 kilometers. Olympic Air and Sky Express operate year-round schedules. Volotea increases frequency during the summer tourist season. Flight duration remains constant at 45 minutes regardless of the carrier chosen.
Data updated: 2026-03
