Transport in Santorini

The beautiful island of Santorini is accustomed to tourism: you can see it also in the transport, both those to get on the island and those to move within it. There is a wide choice of flights and ferries to reach Santorini, while local buses are well organized and allow you to move easily throughout the island.

Those who want more freedom can rent a car, a scooter or a quad: the offer is varied, with many models and prices.

There are also more unusual means of transport, such as the donkey or the cable car, which may not represent the fastest and most efficient solutions but are fascinating experiences to see the enchanting island of Santorini from another perspective.

How to get around Santorini

Santorini is not a very large island so in theory, people who are trained could even get around it on foot! The summer temperatures and the climbs, however, discourage this option except for a few leisurely walks: better to use thebus, operated by the public transport company KTEL.

Bus

The local buses of Santorini connect all the main places, including beaches, to Fira (also called Thira), the capital of the island. There are about a dozen bus lines: with a direct bus or at most a change in Fira you can go almost everywhere. There are also a couple of night runs.

The price of tickets varies depending on the race, usually between 1, 80 and 2.50 euros.

The disadvantage of traveling by bus is that it is tied to a set schedule. Plan your day by consulting the timetables on the official website, to avoid having to wait hours in the sun.

For schedules and routes, refer to the official KTEL website.

Cab

A much more convenient solution, which does not bind you to any schedule, is that of the cab: be careful not to abuse it, however, because cabs in Santorini are quite expensive and at some times even scarce.

Other means of transport

The boat remains the best way to admire the coast of the island. You can participate in one of the many boat trips organized by local tour operators or rent a dinghy or a sailboat. Like everything in Santorini, prices are not cheap. If you opt for the DIY, keep in mind that sailing in the waters around Santorini is not something for beginners.

Two alternative ways to get around Santorini are the mule and the cable-car. The first will take you to places inaccessible to buses, cars and scooters; the second connects the port of Thira, from which cruise ships depart, and the capital. It is a vertiginous descent (or ascent), an unmissable experience for all cable car lovers.

Car or scooter rental

Many tourists want total freedom and therefore choose to rent a car or scooter. There are several rental companies on the island and you can book online before arrival. Driving on the island is a bit ‘complicated because of the steep climbs and narrow streets, also the parking lots are very scarce, which is why most tourists prefer the scooter

How to get to Santorini by plane

The easiest way to get to Santorini is to take a direct flight. In the summer months there are many flights available from low cost airlines and if you book in advance you’ll be able to find a good offer, saving considerably compared to arriving by ferry.

There is only one airport on the island, it is small but modern and equipped with all essential services. It is located about 7 km from Fira, the city to which it is connected by direct bus. The duration of the trip by bus from the airport to the center is 20 minutes. The cost of the ticket is the urban one.

A cab ride from the airport of Fira to the center will cost you about 40.00 euros.

How to get to Santorini by sea

ReachingSantorini by sea is ideal for those who want to do island hopping, or visit several islands during a single vacation. The best connected islands are Ios, Paros and Naxos, but with a ferry from Santorini you can get up to Crete.

There are three ports on the island: the one from which ferries depart and arrive, of all companies, is the port of Atninios, located on the east coast of the island. From the port depart direct buses to Fira, from which it is possible to reach with another bus all the main places of the island.

The port is about 10 km from the airport, but there are no direct buses: to move from one to the other it is necessary to change bus in Fira or take a cab (the cost is about 30.00 euros) or a private transfer.