Why I Took the Blue Star Ferry From Kos to Santorini

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The first time I boarded a slow ferry in Greece, it was for the trip from Kos to Santorini. I remember standing on the dock, watching the ship pull in, and wondering if I had made a bad call. The ferry was huge. The crossing looked long. Nothing about it suggested speed or efficiency. Once we pulled away from the port, though, the noise softened, the pace slowed, and the islands began to appear one by one across the water. Somewhere along the way, the doubt faded.

When I made that trip, I booked Blue Star Ferries. I didn’t choose it because it was flashy or fast. I chose it because it fit the way I was traveling at the time. I wasn’t trying to squeeze Greece into a tight schedule. I wanted the travel days to feel like part of the experience, not something to rush through just to get to the next stop.

Table of Contents

• Why the Slow Ferry Made Sense for This Trip
• What the Blue Star Ferry Experience Was Like
• Cost, Routes, and How I Planned the Rest of the Trip
• The Tradeoffs and Practical Realities
• Final Thoughts
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Why the Slow Ferry Made Sense for This Trip

I didn’t take the slow ferry because it was the best option on paper. I took it because it sounded like a different way to get from Kos to Santorini. Arriving by sea is completely different from flying into the island. Most people land at a small airport, grab a transfer, and don’t really think about the water at all. Coming in overnight from Kos, you feel how open and deep the Mediterranean is around Santorini. We spent the night sitting outside, talking, and watching the water pass by.

When the island came into view in the morning, rising straight out of the sea, it felt more real somehow. It’s a side of Santorini you only notice when you arrive by boat instead of stepping off a plane. I liked feeling that stretch of sea instead of skipping over it.

What the Blue Star Ferry Experience Was Like

Blue Star Ferries felt like working ships, not tourist attractions. They carried cars, trucks, supplies, and people all at once, and that purpose was obvious onboard. The atmosphere was calm and practical, with locals, families, and travelers sharing the same space. The ticket office is located at Kos Port, and the ferry docks at Athinios Port in Santorini. Both ports have cafes and restrooms, so you can grab a snack or use the facilities.

The size of the ship mattered on a long crossing. It felt steady and open, with room to move around without feeling trapped. I spent a lot of time outside. Sitting on the deck, watching the water change color and the coastline drift in and out of view, made the slower pace feel natural.

Cost, Routes, and How I Planned the Rest of the Trip

The ride from Kos to Santorini takes about six to seven hours on the overnight Blue Star Ferry, depending on the sailing. We paid €41 for our tickets, though prices now generally range from €45 to €65 for adults, with discounted fares for children. Tickets include economy or reserved seating, and there are onboard cafes and lounges for meals and snacks. You can also grab a comfortable seat, step outside, and do absolutely nothing except watch the sea roll by. Booking ahead is smart, especially during the summer months.

We took the overnight ferry to Santorini, and it ended up being far more than just transportation. The ship was spacious, with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of room to stretch out. It made the crossing feel like part of the trip instead of something to get through. Sailing through the night, with islands passing quietly under the stars, was one of those moments that stays with you. We arrived early in the morning, and our hotel had arranged a taxi, with tea and biscuits waiting in the room. My daughter’s ship was anchored nearby, and we took the cable car down to the jetty for a short visit—a small, meaningful moment, with Santorini’s cliffs rising behind us.

The Tradeoffs and Practical Realities

The Blue Star Ferry was slow, and that was exactly what I liked about it. The overnight crossing from Kos to Santorini took hours and arrived around six in the morning. Instead of rushing through the day, we settled in for the night. The pace felt calm and steady, which made the trip feel relaxing rather than exhausting. On a tighter schedule, that kind of crossing might not have worked. On this trip, it was perfect.

The timing took a little planning. Overnight sailings can leave late and arrive early, so I built the rest of the trip around that. During busy seasons, the ferry can feel crowded, which makes a long night feel even longer. Still, knowing what to expect made it easier.

Boarding and getting off required attention. Once the ferry docked in the morning, everything moved quickly. I arrived early, listened for announcements, and stayed ready to disembark when Santorini was called. Tickets needed to be printed or downloaded ahead of time, and large bags stayed on the lower deck, so I kept valuables with me.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t take the Blue Star Ferry because it was fast. I took it because I wasn’t in a hurry and thought it would be a fun experience. We had the time, and who wouldn’t want to spend a night sailing on the Mediterranean Sea? I loved sitting outside, looking at the water, and letting the hours pass on their own.

We liked the ferry more than I expected. Even though the crossing was long, we enjoyed watching movies, eating dinner at the snack bar, and talking with other people onboard. It felt great to explore the ocean between the islands. If you want to see schedules or routes, you can find them on the Blue Star Ferries website: https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb.

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