How to reach Santorini, Flights, Buses and Taxi to Santorini

How to Reach Santorini

There are plenty of flight options available from all over the Europe if you want to get into Santorini. Although the major route is through Athens, there are several direct charter flights from European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Frankfurt, Milan, Naples and Rome operating only in summers. The flight time from Athens is about 30 minutes. Ferries are also available from Greece port.

How to Reach Santorini from India

New Delhi and Mumbai has various daily flights for Athens. Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines offer services to Athens. From there, you can take flights or ferries to reach Santorini.

How to reach Santorini by flight

Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR), also known as Thira Airport, is situated in the village of Kamari providing daily flight connections from nearby Athens and places all over Europe. There are regular flights from Athens by Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and AirSea Lines. During summer, connections for Crete (Heraklion), Rhodes and Mykonos are also provided. In July and August Astra Airlines flies from Thessaloniki.

How to reach Santorini by Waterways

Frequent ferry from Piraeus port in Athens are available which connect Santorini to the new port of Athinios. There is also a daily connection between Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini during high season. Ferries to Santorini depart from Gate E8 at Piraeus Port in Athens. The trip from Piraeus to Santorini takes 4.5hrs with a high-speed ferry. Normal Ferries can take upto 8 hours. High-speed ferries are faster but may be more expensive than conventional ferries.

Local transport in Santorini

The island is not very big; it takes around 50 minutes from one end to the other. Most tourists prefer covering that distance by foot.

1. Public Buses:

Cost: Public buses are an affordable option, with one-way tickets costing around €1.80 to €2.50 (prices may vary).
Routes: Buses connect major towns and attractions on the island, including Fira, Oia, Kamari, and Perissa. Schedules are available at bus stations and online.

2. Taxis:

Cost: Taxi fares start at around €2.50, with an additional cost per kilometer (approximately €1.50 to €2.50 per kilometer).
Availability: Few taxis are available in towns and at popular tourist spots. It's advisable to use official taxi stands or pre-book the taxi.

3. Rental Cars:

Cost: Car rental prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration. On average, expect to pay €30 to €50 per day.
Availability: Rental agencies are present in major towns and at the airport. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.

4. ATVs (Quad Bikes) and Scooters:

Cost: Renting an ATV or scooter can cost around €20 to €40 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental period.
Note: ATV and scooter rentals are popular, especially among younger travelers. Ensure you have the necessary license and follow safety guidelines.

5. Walking:

Cost: Free! Many towns on Santorini, especially Fira and Oia, are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore on foot.
Note: Walking is an excellent way to explore the narrow streets, shops, and scenic viewpoints in towns.

6. Bicycles:

Cost: Bicycle rentals range from €5 to €15 per day, depending on the type of bicycle.
Note: Santorini's hilly terrain may make cycling challenging in certain areas, but it can be a pleasant option for exploring flat areas.

7. Water Taxis:

Cost: Prices for water taxi services can vary. Negotiate rates directly with the service providers.
Routes: Water taxis operate between certain beaches, offering a scenic and unique mode of transportation.

8. Private Transfers:

Cost: Private transfers, such as pre-booked shuttles or hotel transfers, can range from €20 to €50, depending on the distance and the number of passengers.
Availability: Many hotels offer airport or port transfers as part of their services.

9. Cable Car (Fira to Old Port):

Cost: The cable car ticket costs around €6 for a one-way trip (prices may vary).
Note: The cable car is a convenient way to travel between Fira and the Old Port, especially for cruise ship passengers.