How to Get Around Ios by Bus — Complete 2026 Guide
Getting Around Ios by Bus
Ios is compact, and its KTEL buses focus on the busy triangle between the port at Gialos, the hilltop Chora (the main village) and Mylopotas beach — a short shuttle that runs very frequently through the day and, in high season, late into the night for Chora's nightlife. Other routes reach beaches further out, such as Koumbara, Agia Theodoti, Agia Psathi and Manganari in the far south, but these run much less often, so check return times carefully.
Buses are operated by the local KTEL service, frequent in summer (roughly April to October) and minimal in winter. The Gialos–Chora–Mylopotas shuttle is the backbone of the network and the easiest way to move between the port, your accommodation and the beach without a quad or car.
With Greek Island Buses you can buy your ticket online before you arrive, skip the queue, and board with a digital QR code straight from your phone.
Main Bus Station
The central KTEL bus station is the main transport hub for the island. Most routes depart from and return here, making it the ideal starting point for any journey. Timetables are posted at the station and departure times are generally reliable.
Summer vs Winter Schedules
The bus service on Ios runs on two seasonal schedules. The full summer timetable (typically late April to late October) offers significantly more departures, especially to popular beach destinations. Winter schedules are reduced but still cover essential routes between the main settlements.
Buying Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the bus station kiosk, from the driver directly, or online through Greek Island Buses. Digital tickets come with a QR code — simply show your phone to the driver when boarding. Online prices are the same as at the kiosk, with no booking fee.
Tips for Riding the Bus on Ios
Arrive early: Popular routes fill up quickly in July-August. Arrive at the stop 10 minutes before departure.
Check the last bus: Especially for beach trips, always verify the last return bus time. Evening services may be less frequent.
Use the map: Our interactive map shows all bus stops, so you can find the nearest one to your accommodation or destination.
Plan connections: If you need to transfer between routes, check both timetables to ensure the connection works.
Useful Links
View the complete bus timetable for Ios, explore things to do on Ios.