Volcanic cliffs plunging into the Aegean Sea, white villages clinging to the ridges, legendary sunsets… Santorini is a dream destination, that’s for sure. But once you’re there, how do you explore this Cycladic island without wasting time or blowing your budget?
I’m sharing all my tips for choosing how to get around Santorini with or without a car, depending on your preferences: car rental, organized tours, taxi, public buses, scooters…
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How to Get Around Santorini – Quick Answers
Travel Times in Santorini
First thing to understand: Santorini is a small island, but the winding roads significantly extend travel times. Here are some reference points to help you plan:
- Fira → Oia: 20 minutes
- Fira → Airport: 10 minutes
- Fira → Athinios Port: 20 minutes
- Fira → Kamari: 15 minutes
- Fira → Perissa: 20 minutes
- Fira → Akrotiri: 25 minutes
- Oia → Akrotiri: 30 minutes
Best Option According to Your Needs
If you want to explore the island freely
I recommend renting a car. Rates remain reasonable, you avoid the crowds during peak hours, and you can easily access authentic small villages. Driving really isn’t as difficult as some people claim on the internet.
See the best deals.
If you’re afraid of the roads or prefer to enjoy your hotel
Book organized tours – there are plenty departing from Fira. Or use taxis for classic routes.
See the many options.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget
Public buses work perfectly fine for connecting the main towns. Be warned though: trips are long due to numerous stops, and schedules aren’t always reliable.
Where to stay in Santorini?
My favorites:
- For the charm: Oia – See best-rated accommodations
- To explore by bus: Fira – See best-rated accommodations
- To enjoy the beach & nightlife: Kamari – See best-rated accommodations
- For cheaper options: Emporio – See best-rated accommodations
- Away from the crowds: Vlychada – See accommodations
How to Reach Your Hotel from the Airport or Port
Car Rental
If you opt for a rental car, I recommend picking it up directly at the airport. That’s where you’ll have the most choice, and you’ll save on taxi fare.
You can book a transfer with a specialized company. Convenient and stress-free.
See the options.
Hotel Shuttle or Taxi
If you don’t plan to rent a car, ask your hotel if they offer a shuttle from the airport or port. Otherwise, taxi lines await you at the exit.
From the airport to Fira: expect around 20-30€
From Athinios port to Fira: expect 30-35€
Public Buses (Aerobus and Regular Lines)
An Aerobus connects the airport to Fira every day, with a journey of 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Ticket: around 2€.
From Athinios port, buses serve Fira, Kamari, Perissa… but watch out for reduced schedules off-season and crowds in summer when several ferries arrive at the same time.
Getting Around Santorini by Car – Tips for Renting and Driving
My preferred solution remains car rental. It gives you complete freedom to discover Santorini’s most beautiful landscapes at your own pace, and rates remain affordable for a Greek island.
My 3 tips for choosing your car:
- Not too large: roads are narrow and parking is complicated
- A good engine: essential for climbing very steep roads
- Automatic transmission if possible: more comfortable on climbs
See my complete guide on driving in Santorini.
Need to rent a car in Santorini?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Is Driving Dangerous in Santorini?
Honestly, I didn’t find driving as perilous as some people claim. Yes, these are mountain roads, winding and sometimes narrow. But I never felt in danger. There are almost always protective walls on the cliff side.
My advice: if you visit sites at sunrise, you’ll be practically alone on the road. Otherwise, simply take your time and drive carefully.
The only tricky moment I experienced was on a really very steep road in the heights of Fira. But nothing insurmountable with a bit of vigilance.
Don’t forget that the millions of people who had no issues don’t take the time to write a review on the internet!
Parking
Parking is complicated in Fira and Oia during high season. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to hope to find a spot. Some hotels offer private parking: inquire before booking.
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
Getting Around Santorini by Tours or Taxis
Organized Tours
If you don’t feel like driving – because you’ll mainly be enjoying the pool or because mountain roads stress you out – organized tours are an excellent option.
They allow you to visit iconic sites without worrying about organization, and the guide shares plenty of information to better understand Santorini’s treasures.
Some tour ideas
- Wine tasting
- Private sunset tour
- Iconic villages
Taxis and Private Transfers
For more flexible schedules and itineraries, you can use taxis, but rates climb quickly.
Taxis are easily recognizable (they’re often white). Prices are normally displayed, but I advise you to always confirm the amount before departure.
Sample indicative rates
- Fira → Oia: around 25-30€
- Fira → Airport: 20-30€
- Fira → Akrotiri: 30-35€
Recurring problem: there’s more demand than available taxis, especially in high season. Rates reflect this. You can sometimes share a taxi with other travelers to reduce costs.
Is There Uber or Bolt in Santorini?
No, Uber and Bolt don’t operate in Santorini. You’ll need to take regular taxis.
Exploring Santorini by Bus
Public Buses
Santorini’s bus network is developed more for locals than for tourists, but it remains usable if you have time.
All buses depart from (and return to) the Fira bus station, which often requires a detour. In summer, buses are packed and don’t always respect schedules. Drivers don’t even stop at intermediate stops anymore if the bus is full…
Practical information
- Schedules change every month: check them at the bus station or online
- Tickets are purchased directly from the driver (bring cash)
- Rates: between 2 and 3€ depending on distance
- Signal the driver to stop!
Main lines
- Fira ↔ Oia
- Fira ↔ Kamari
- Fira ↔ Perissa / Perivolos
- Fira ↔ Akrotiri
- Fira ↔ Airport
- Fira ↔ Athinios Port
Other Transportation Options in Santorini: Scooters, Quads, Bicycles…
Scooter, Quad and Motorized Two-Wheelers
It’s a good idea if you’re comfortable with this type of vehicle and if you have some power (small engines struggle on steep climbs). The main risk comes from the wind and its violent gusts that deflect light vehicles.
Expect between 15 and 40€ per day depending on engine size and season. Attention: a motorcycle license is mandatory in Greece, and wearing a helmet is too.
Bicycle
Santorini by bike is possible… but difficult. The roads aren’t adapted, the island climbs significantly, and drivers aren’t accommodating. Cyclists are rare on the island.
Water Taxi and Sea Tours
Fast shuttles and small boats offer these routes. It’s quite fast and allows you to enjoy the scenery and sea breeze rather than sweating on the island’s dusty paths.
Otherwise, boat tours around Santorini are unmissable. My favorite Santorini tour was actually a sailing trip around the south of the island. A magical moment that I absolutely recommend.
See the options.
Or see my article with my 5 favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you easily get around between beaches?
The southern beaches (Perissa, Perivolos, Red Beach, White Beach) are relatively close to each other. By car or scooter, it’s easy. By bus, it’s possible but less practical as you often have to go back through Fira.
Do buses run at night?
In July-August, yes, some lines run late at night to bring tourists back after sunset in Oia. Off-season, services stop earlier.
Discover the most beautiful places in Santorini:
- What to do in Santorini? – read the article
- 25 Santorini landscapes in photos – read the article
- Best boat tours in Santorini – read the article
- When to visit Santorini? – read the article
- How to get around Santorini – read the article
- 1, 2, 3 or 4 days in Santorini – itineraries – read the article
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
