** EUR (€) 1 = ~₹ 110 (As of June 2026) **
Greece boasts around 6,000 islands, and Santorini is the most famous of them all. It’s always packed with honeymooners and cruise ship passengers.
Famous for its iconic sunsets, Santorini offers much more like historical ruins and stunning beaches.
Santorini is big enough that you’ll need to travel by taxi or Santorini public buses. Unlike cities with extensive public transportation networks, islands generally have limited public transportation and are without trams or metro. And Santorini is no exception. Santorini public buses are the only reliable option, covering all the major towns.
Also Read: Amazing Views On Fira to Imerovigli Hike
The Santorini public buses network hits all the hotspots but it is not as frequent as you will find on mainland Greece. Alternatives like renting an ATV/car (minimum €50 / ~₹5,500 per day) or taxis (€35+ / ~₹3,850+) are expensive and can quickly eat up your budget.
ALSO READ: Top Money Saving Tips On Europe Travel
Bus Ticket Prices
Santorini public buses are modern, air-conditioned, and super affordable at €2.2–2.70 (~₹240–300). Routes connect popular spots like Fira (the capital, where all lines start/end), Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, Athinios ferry port, and the airport.
Check latest prices at Santorini Public Buses :: Official Web Site – PRICELIST
Bus Services Frequency in Santorini Public Buses
Frequency varies by season. During peak (June–mid-October), Santorini public buses run every 30–45 minutes on major routes. Off-peak, expect departures every 1–2 hours (or less).
Download the latest timetable from Santorini Public Buses :: Official Web Site – HOME
Popular Bus Routes on Santorini Public Buses
| Route | Famous For | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Fira – Oia | Majestic sunsets, blue dome churches, Oia castle | 2.2 |
| Fira – Kamari | Kamari beach (black pebble beach), Open Air Cinema | 2.2 |
| Fira – Perissa | Perissa black sand beach, Ancient Thera, Pyrgos, lost atlantis experience, Heart of Santorini view point | 2.2 |
| Fira – Akrotiri | Red beach, lost atlantis experience, Heart of Santorini view point | 2.2 |
| Fira – Athinios Port | Ferry port | 2.7 |
| Fira – Airport | 2.2 |
Travel Tip: Keep enough cash as payment in Santorini public buses can only be made in cash. It is to be paid directly to the conductor.
Bus Schedule: Athinios Port to Fira
Most tourists arrive by ferry, so Santorini public buses from Athinios Port to Fira are a budget lifesaver. Timings sync with ferries so you’ll usually find a bus waiting upon arrival, or one from Fira before departure.
But that may not always be true if ferry is delayed and land Athinos Port post-midnight. That exactly happened to us. Our ferry was supposed to arrive at 11 PM but but it got delayed by more than 2 hours and there was no bus at station when we arrived. That left passengers like us to the mercy of shuttle operators who charged exorbitant fare of EUR 50 (~INR 5,000) per person to transfer passengers to their hotels in Fira. I believe they charged even more if hotels were in Oia which is northernmost village of Santorini island.
If pre-booked, shuttle charges are not more than EUR 20-25 (~INR 2,000 – 2,500) so you can see the extent of loot from shuttle operators.
I dodged it by booking Uber for €35 (~₹3,850) which was 20 minutes away, but worth the wait over €100 (~₹11,000) for <10 km. The counter guy then offered €50 for two (50% off due to empty seats), but we haggled to €40 (~₹4,400).
Travel Tip: Make arrangements with your hotel for pick-up if arriving by ferry at night. That beats relying on Santorini public buses post-midnight.
If you have travelled in Santorini by public transport, please share your experience in the comments.
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Thanks for sharing this info: I love to travel like local than tourist and these info are rarely captured by most travel sites. Its not only reasonable but to get the feel of the local and people.
I completely agree with you, Dee! Riding the local buses really gives you a different perspective of the island and its people that you totally miss in a private taxi. Thanks for stopping by!
I remember what a hassle the buses were…luckily, I’m patient. But I would have loved to have found this information and these tips back then. Great post, thanks for sharing!
You are so right, Ginger—patience is definitely required when dealing with island bus schedules! I’m glad this guide resonated with your experience, and hopefully, it helps the next wave of travellers plan ahead.
Great guide! Public transportation can really help travelers save money, and I like that you included real world tips about bus schedules, carrying cash, and what to do if your ferry arrives late. Advice like this makes planning a trip to Santorini much less stressful.
Thanks, Lisa! Getting stuck at the port after midnight because of a delayed ferry was a stressful learning curve for us, so I knew I had to include that warning to save others from the same hassle!