Transportation in Santorini

In this Santorini Transportation Guide we tell you the best ways to get to Santorini, and the best ways to get around once you are there. A local Santorini tour is a great way to learn more about the region and people. For more general transportation information, check out our Greece Transportation Guide.

Santorini Transportation Guide

Getting to Santorini

By Sea

The island of Santorini is well connected with mainland Greece by sea and air, which makes it easy for you to reach here any time of the year. You can reach Santorini by ferry or high-speed catamaran from the port of Piraeus in Athens. You can also come in by sea from the other islands of the Greek Cyclades, including Mykonos, the Dodecanese Islands and Crete.

The frequency of the sea service varies in each season - there is more than one service every day in summer as most tourists visit the island during this season. The travel fare depends on the mode of transport, which includes ferry, high-speed boat and the Flying Dolphin. It will take you nine to ten hours by ferry and four to five hours by high-speed boat. There are two ports - Phira/Fira and Athinios. The main and larger port of Athinios is where most tourists who visit Santorini arrive. There are cruises to the volcano and Thirasia every day from the port in Phira.

By Air

The airport of Santorini is in Monolithos, which is five kilometres away from Phira. You can reach the airport by bus or taxi. There are regular flights to Santorini and back from Eleftherios Venizelos, the Athens International Airport in Spata throughout the year, which take 45 minutes. Santorini is also connected by air to the other cities in Greece, including Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Crete. There are flights to and from other foreign airports in the peak tourist season of summer, with varying air fares.

Getting Around Santorini

By Taxi

There are taxis for travel within the island. You will have no difficulty hiring a taxi to your place of choice/accommodation when you reach the port of Athinios. The main square in Phira also has a taxi stand. The taxi fares vary depending on the season, but are fixed for an entire year. The taxi drivers will let you know the rates if you ask.

By Bus

Santorini Island has an excellent network of buses. The routes and schedules of this mode of public transport in Santorini vary according to the season. The details are available at the main bus terminal in Phira in summer. Summer is the busiest season, with high volumes of travel. There are frequent buses to several places within the island. Bus fares vary depending on the destination, but they are cheaper than taxi fares. Generally, the bus fare is more than 4 Euros only for particular long distance journeys.

By Car or Motorbike

You can hire a car, motorbike or scooter for travel in Santorini. Even though they are the quickest ways of travelling, you will have to fulfil specific criteria to be able to use them.

By Boat

You can enjoy a cruise to Thirasia, which is an island in the caldera (volcano cauldron) and a popular tourist spot. You can get tickets, itineraries, time-tables and other details of the cruises at the port in Phira. Take a camera when you go on an excursion to the volcano to capture the spectacular sights.