How to Get Around Santorini by Bus — Complete 2026 Guide
Getting Around Santorini by Bus
Almost every KTEL route on Santorini runs through Fira, the island's central hub, fanning out across 11 routes to Oia, the beaches at Kamari and Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport and the ferry port at Athinios. If you're travelling between two outlying points — say Oia to the airport, or the port to a beach — you'll usually change buses in Fira and buy a second ticket, as there are few direct cross-island services.
Buses are operated by KTEL Santorini, running frequently from around April to October and on a reduced winter timetable. In peak season the Fira–Oia and beach routes get very busy around sunset and ferry arrivals, so it can be worth letting a full bus go and catching the next one rather than standing for the trip.
With Greek Island Buses you can buy your ticket online before you arrive, skip the queue at Fira station, and board with a digital QR code straight from your phone.
Main Santorini bus routes
Fira ↔ Oia: the island's signature ride along the caldera rim — extremely busy around sunset. Route details. A local service also links Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira.
Fira ↔ Airport: the direct link between town and Santorini airport (JTR) — route details.
Fira ↔ Athinios Port: the ferry-port shuttle, timed around sailings in season — route details.
Fira ↔ Kamari and Fira ↔ Perissa/Perivolos: the two big black-sand beach lines — Kamari route, Perissa route.
Fira ↔ Akrotiri: for the archaeological site and Red Beach — route details.
Other lines: Monolithos, Vlichada, Vourvoulos and Baxedes round out the network — see the full Santorini timetable.
Tickets and fares
Single fares on Santorini currently run from about €2.20 to €2.70 depending on the route. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station kiosk, from the conductor on board, or online through Greek Island Buses. Digital tickets come with a QR code — simply show your phone when boarding. Online prices are the same as at the kiosk, with no booking fee. Remember that cross-island trips via Fira need a separate ticket for each leg.
From the airport and the port
From Santorini airport, the Fira–Airport bus takes you into town, where you can connect to Oia, the beaches or Akrotiri. From Athinios ferry port, buses meet arrivals in season for the switchback climb up to Fira — far cheaper than a transfer, though expect queues after big ferry arrivals. For the return trip, allow an extra buffer: port and airport buses fill fast at peak times.
Main Bus Station
The central KTEL bus station in Fira 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 Santorini runs on two seasonal schedules. The full summer timetable (typically late April to late October) offers significantly more departures, especially to popular beach destinations and Oia. Winter schedules are reduced but still cover essential routes between the main settlements.
Tips for Riding the Bus on Santorini
Arrive early: Popular routes fill up quickly in July–August. Arrive at the stop 10 minutes before departure — and earlier for the sunset run to Oia.
Check the last bus: Especially for beach trips and Oia sunsets, always verify the last return 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: Nearly everything connects through Fira — check both timetables so the transfer works.
Useful Links
View the complete bus timetable for Santorini, and explore things to do on Santorini.