Santorini Transportation - How To Get Around The Island!

While Santorini certainly packs in a lot of sights and activities to explore, it is still a tiny island by most standards.

In our opinion, the small land area adds to the island's charming character and is one of the reasons that make Santorini special among the Greek islands.

Standing on the edge of the caldera you can easily take the whole island in, even on a less than clear day and without binoculars.

Because of its small size there are many viable options available for your personal Santorini transportation, even by foot or bicycle if you have a little time and feel fit enough.

One important thing before we take a closer look at your options. There are no street signs on Santorini, not even in the major cities. Make sure you keep your orientation and have a map with you.

Santorini driving - get around by car

Using a car as a means for your Santorini transportation can be a great experience!

The island is small enough for you to easily take in the main sights in a couple of days, and still have time to make many small stops to enjoy great views of the beautiful landscape.

In fact, driving non-stop from one end to the other shouldn't take more than about 50 minutes

In most places, the roads are of good quality although at places a bit narrower than what you may be used to.

If you really love driving and appreciate some freedom to move on the roads, you should plan your Santorini driving for the low- or mid-season.

From our own experience, spring is really a wonderful time for cruising along the Santorini roads. The island wildflowers are in lovely bloom this time of year, the weather is nice without being too hot, and traffic is light.

Whether a car is an efficient way of getting around in high season can be argued. Locals have jokingly told us of how it's faster to swim between Fira and Oia in July and August.

Our experience of Santorini driving is not quite that bad, but it is true that the narrow roads can get jammed up at times.

Renting a car on Santorini is affordable and there are plenty of rental agents around.

For more Santorini car rental info, as well as more tips on Santorini driving, proceed to our Santorini Car Rental page.

Get around by bus

Public Santorini transportation is a comfortable and cheap way of getting from place to place.

In our experience the fleet of 23 buses is of high standard throughout. Think tour-bus style with comfortable seating and air conditioning.

In high season, buses will run at least once an hour between the major villages.

Expect the buses to run from around 7 am until 8-9 pm depending on destination. Schedules are extended on the main routes during July and August.

Buses run all year round, although much less often in winter. If you want to go by bus during off-season ask your hotel desk to call and inquire about the schedule, or you could be waiting for hours.

Speaking of schedule, buses in the Santorini transportation system are surprisingly punctual. Much can be said about the Greek but they are certainly not known for their extreme punctuality.

Ticket prices are reasonable. Between €1,40 to €2,00 depending on your destination.

You buy your ticket after you board the bus. It is a good idea to carry exact change.

Note that all routes go to and from the main bus station in Fira. There are no direct bus lines across the island.

You can get updated timetables and prices by calling the bus service (228) 602-5404, or on the official website of Santorini Buses.

Get around by taxi

Take it from us, catching a cab ride on Santorini can be quite an adventure. Chances are that you will not only get from point A to B, but also a great story to tell when you arrive at your destination!

We could easily fill up an entire page with Santorini taxi stories.

For one thing, the ride may not be for the faint of heart. Driving at neck-breaking speed and overtaking tour buses on narrow roads may be second nature to the driver, but you may not feel quite as relaxed with it.

Also, don't expect to have the taxi all to yourself. The driver may pick up other passengers going in the same direction. Get ready to cram up!

This also means that a taxi driver may refuse to service you if you're not going in the 'right' direction. This may seem strange to you, but it's just how it works here.

The cost will not be shared with the other company though. The driver will charge your company the full fare.

The rates, which are reasonable regardless of season, are determined by the Ministry of Transport regulations with which each cab driver must comply.

Santorini taxi drivers are usually honest. You are not likely to be ripped off by a cab driver on Santorini.

No matter how long the trip, even across the island, the fare should not exceed €20.

A good thing to remember is that cab drivers often do not expect you to tip them. We have even had drivers that were quite insulted by us offering a tip. Simply rounding up the amount is what we normally do.

There is a taxi station close to the main square in Fira. The bigger tourist villages like Oia and the beach resorts also have taxi stations.

To get a Taxi don't hesitate to ask the hotel, restaurant or bar to call one for you. You can order one yourself by using one of the following numbers: (228) 602-2555 or (228) 602-3951.

Get around by bicycle

Using a bicycle as a means of your Santorini transportation is obviously not for everyone, but you certainly don't need the physique of a triathlete either.

We wouldn't recommend going on an unguided bicycle tour in high season, though, unless you are an experienced bicycle traveller.

While most roads are in good condition and wide enough for cars to pass you safely, biking can be intimidating when the big tour buses roar by one after the other, which they for sure will in July and August.

High season can also just be too hot for biking. Early spring or late fall is probably your best bet for an optimal Santorini biking experience.

It should be quite easy to find a place where to rent a bicycle. Many places that rent motorized vehicles also offer bicycles.

A typical rate for a bicycle is from €6 up to €10 per day, depending on its features.

Get around by foot/hiking

Santorini does not have an abundance of dedicated hiking trails, but there is enough to keep most hiking lovers satisfied for a few days.

There is a long hike that takes you from Fira to Oia via the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. This hike takes 2-3 hours and offers amazing views of the caldera.

More on Santorini transportation

For more on Santorini transportation and finding your way around the island, have a look at our Santorini Maps page.