Greece (Santorini) travel guide
Nonstop flights run from Mumbai and Delhi to Athens, taking about seven to eight hours. Travellers from other Indian cities usually connect through a Gulf hub or Istanbul, a journey of about 11 to 13 hours. From Athens, ferries and domestic flights reach the islands. Check schedules before booking, because frequencies change.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
Getting to Greece from India is straightforward, but the route you choose affects the total travel time. Mumbai and Delhi have direct services to Athens, which is the main international gateway. Other Indian cities usually connect through a Gulf hub, Istanbul or another major airport. Once you arrive, the island connections add a second leg. This guide covers direct and one-stop routes, the flight times for each city, how to reach the islands and the practical tips that save a travel day.
Mumbai and Delhi have direct services to Athens. IndiGo operates direct flights from Mumbai, taking about seven hours, and from Delhi, taking about seven hours and forty minutes. AEGEAN is also listed for Delhi. Frequencies are limited, so check whether the flight operates on your date before you commit. Schedules can change, so confirm the service with your planner or the airline before paying for the package.
Most other Indian cities connect through a Gulf hub or Istanbul. The flight times below are typical, and the actual journey depends on the connection.
Travellers often say that total journey time matters more than the fare alone. A shorter Gulf connection can save a full travel day. Allow at least two hours for international hub connections during peak periods, and avoid separate self-transfers when your baggage is checked through to Athens.
Athens International Airport is connected to the city by metro. The airport metro to central Athens costs about EUR 9 one way. Athens also has suburban rail, buses, taxis and app-based transfers. Taxi users should insist on the meter, and a private transfer from the airport is easy to arrange and useful after a long flight.
Ferries and high-speed catamarans connect the Athens-area ports with the islands. Fares commonly range from about EUR 35 to EUR 100, depending on route and vessel. Domestic flights are also available to several islands, including Santorini and Crete, and they save time on longer journeys. Your planner will suggest the option that fits your schedule.
Our planners advise a buffer night in Athens before an island ferry when you arrive on a long-haul schedule. Ferries can be delayed by weather, especially in August, when strong winds can disrupt crossings. Avoid a tight same-day international connection after an island transfer.
On compact islands, taxis and local buses are practical. Larger islands, such as Crete and Naxos, are easier with a rental car, because road distances are long and public transport is limited. Santorini and Mykonos have buses and taxis, but summer schedules are busy, so book transfers in advance. Travellers recommend island buses or a rental car, and they note that transfers can need more planning than expected.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight schedules, ferry timetables and fares change often, so confirm them before you book.
Read places to visit in Greece to choose your islands and stops, and best time to visit Greece to pick dates. For costs, see Greece trip cost. Before you book flights, read the Greece visa guide for Indians, and browse our Greece tour packages, or go back to the Greece travel guide.
Ready-made trips
Athens 1N · Santorini 4N
Athens 2N · Santorini 3N · Mykonos 2N
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FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Greece (Santorini).
The easiest route is a direct flight from Mumbai or Delhi to Athens, which takes about seven to eight hours. Other cities usually connect through a Gulf hub or Istanbul. From Athens, take a ferry or domestic flight to the islands.
Yes. IndiGo operates direct flights from Mumbai to Athens, taking about seven hours. Frequencies are limited, so check the schedule for your date before you book.
Yes. IndiGo operates direct services from Delhi, and AEGEAN is also listed for Delhi. Check the service for your date, because frequencies are limited and schedules can change.
A typical one-stop journey from Chennai takes about 12 hours, and from Bengaluru about 11.5 hours, usually through a Gulf hub or Istanbul. Compare total journey time, not only the fare.
The airport metro runs to central Athens, at about EUR 9 one way. Taxis and app-based transfers are also available. Insist on the meter for taxis, or book a private transfer if you arrive late.
Ferries and high-speed catamarans run from Athens-area ports, with fares commonly about EUR 35 to EUR 100 depending on route and vessel. Domestic flights are an option for some islands. Your planner will confirm the best choice for your dates.
Taxis and local buses are practical on both islands. Summer schedules are busy, so book transfers in advance. A rental car is possible, but the roads are narrow and parking can be difficult in the main villages.
Yes, it is sensible to allow a buffer. Our planners advise a night in Athens before an island ferry when you arrive on a long-haul flight. Weather can delay sailings, especially in August, so avoid tight same-day connections.
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