Santorini has no trains, no metro, and no Uber — so figuring out how to get around before you land makes a real difference to your trip. The short version: private taxis and transfers are the easiest and most reliable option, the KTEL bus is the cheapest, rental cars and ATVs offer independence (with trade-offs), and which one is right for you depends on your budget, group size, and how much you want to plan versus just relax.
Here’s a breakdown of every option, what it actually costs and feels like day-to-day, and which one fits your specific trip best.
Option 1: Private Taxi & Transfer Service
The most straightforward way to get around Santorini is a pre-booked private transfer. You get picked up directly from Santorini Airport or Athinios Port, taken straight to your hotel, and can book point-to-point rides between villages like Fira, Oia and Imerovigli whenever you need — no timetables, no walking to a bus stop with your luggage, and no negotiating a price after a long flight. See our full Santorini taxi price breakdown for what to expect route by route.
If you want a car and driver for the whole day — for a wine tour, multiple stops, or just not wanting to think about logistics — an hourly private service works especially well, since the price is fixed upfront and the itinerary is entirely yours.
Option 2: The Public KTEL Bus
Santorini’s KTEL bus network connects Fira to most major villages and beaches, and it’s by far the cheapest way to get around — tickets typically cost just a few euros. The trade-off is timetables that thin out significantly outside peak season, standing room only during busy summer departures, and routes that radiate out from Fira rather than connecting villages directly to each other.
Option 3: Rental Car
Renting a car gives you full independence to explore on your own schedule. It suits travellers planning to visit multiple remote spots in a single day and who don’t mind navigating Santorini’s narrow, cliffside roads and limited parking in Fira and Oia. We’ve broken down the real costs — including insurance and fuel that base rental prices often leave out — in our taxi vs. rental car comparison.
Option 4: ATV & Scooter Rental
Popular with younger travellers and couples, ATVs and scooters are affordable and fun for short exploring, but offer little protection on Santorini’s steep, winding roads, and aren’t practical with luggage or for longer transfers like the airport run.
Which Option Is Right for You?
| Traveller Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Arriving with luggage from the airport or port | Private taxi/transfer |
| Tight budget, flexible schedule | KTEL bus |
| Want to explore independently, multiple stops daily | Rental car |
| Couples wanting a fun, short local ride | ATV/scooter |
| Wine tour, sightseeing day, or a group | Hourly private driver |
Our Recommendation
For most visitors, the easiest approach is a hybrid: book a private transfer for your airport or port arrival so you’re not managing luggage on a bus timetable after a long flight, then decide day-to-day whether you want a bus, a rental, or another private ride depending on your plans. It’s the combination that avoids the most common Santorini travel headaches — queuing, missed buses, and rental car parking stress — without locking you into one option for the whole trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to get a taxi in Santorini without booking ahead?
Not always. Street taxis are limited in number and concentrated in Fira, so during peak season or late at night you may face a wait. Pre-booking guarantees a car is there when you land, rather than hoping one is free.
Do I need a car to see Santorini’s best spots?
No. Most of the island’s most-visited spots — Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, the caldera villages — are easily reached by taxi or transfer. A car mainly helps if you’re chasing several remote beaches or viewpoints in one day.
What’s the cheapest way to get around Santorini?
The KTEL bus is the cheapest option by far, at just a few euros per ride, though it comes with fixed timetables and routes that mostly connect through Fira rather than village to village directly.
Can I mix and match transport options during my trip?
Yes, and it’s what most experienced visitors end up doing — a private transfer for arrival and departure, buses or a rental for a day or two of independent exploring, and an occasional taxi for evenings out.
Book Your First Ride Before You Land
Book your Santorini transfer in advance and skip the guesswork — get an instant, transparent price and a driver waiting when you arrive.