In this guide
Santorini has two main arrival points: the international airport near Kamari on the east coast, and Athinios, the ferry port at the foot of the caldera cliffs.
Both are close to the main villages, but in high season the queues for taxis and buses can be long. Here's everything you need to know.
Travel times
| Route | By car | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport → Fira | ~15 min | Main town |
| Airport → Imerovigli | ~20 min | Caldera hotels |
| Airport → Oia | 25–30 min | Northern tip |
| Airport → Perissa / Kamari | 10–20 min | Beach resorts |
| Athinios Port → Fira | 20–25 min | Steep zig-zag road |
| Athinios Port → Oia | 40–50 min | Allow more in traffic |
Your options
Private transfer
The easiest optionYour driver waits for you in arrivals or at the port exit with your name, helps with your bags and takes you straight to your hotel, even to the nearest point in pedestrian villages like Oia.
Taxi
Limited numbersSantorini has a limited number of taxis. When a big ferry or several flights arrive at once, waiting times can be long.
Public bus (KTEL)
CheapestBuses connect the airport and the port with Fira, the main hub. From Fira you change for Oia and other villages. Buses can be very full in summer.
Arriving at Athinios Port
Athinios is a small port at the foot of a steep cliff, connected to the rest of the island by a single zig-zag road. When a large ferry docks, hundreds of passengers and dozens of vehicles leave at the same time.
- Expect crowds when a big ferry arrives.
- Traffic on the zig-zag road can be slow for the first 20–30 minutes.
- Leaving by ferry? Arrive at the port well before departure, as traffic down the road builds up.
Book your Santorini transfer
Airport or Athinios Port to your hotel. Meet & greet, fixed price per vehicle, flight and ferry tracking.
Key takeaways
- Airport → Fira: about 15 minutes.
- Port → Oia: allow 40–50 minutes.
- Taxis are limited: pre-book in summer.
- Leave early for your departing ferry.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Santorini Airport to Oia?
By private transfer or taxi it takes about 25–30 minutes. By bus you need to change in Fira, which takes longer.
How far is Athinios Port from Fira?
About 20–25 minutes by car, via a steep zig-zag road up the caldera cliff.
Are there enough taxis in Santorini?
Santorini has a limited number of taxis, so queues can be long in summer. Pre-booking a transfer avoids the wait.
Can a car reach my hotel in Oia?
Oia's center is pedestrian, so cars stop at the nearest access point. Many hotels offer help with luggage from there.
