Greece › Naxos › Naxos Buses
By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Stay in Naxos
- Best Hotels in Naxos
- Best Family Hotels in Naxos
- Best Beaches in Naxos
- Best Bars & Beach Clubs in Naxos
- Best Restaurants in Naxos
- Naxos Travel Guide
- Greece Travel Guide
The main Naxos bus station is in the center of Naxos Town, directly opposite the ferry port.
Getting Around Naxos by Bus
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Naxos and between Naxos Town and the beaches is by using the island’s excellent public bus system. The coach-style buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and generally on time. The main Naxos bus station is not really a station, but a small ticket office and departure point conveniently located right on the main harbor front in Naxos Town (Chora). As you walk off the ferry, it is impossible to miss. Look for the small building with “KTEL” signs and a crowd of people waiting where the buses line up along the road.
Finding the Schedule: The most reliable way to get the current bus schedule is to look at the large board posted outside the main KTEL ticket office at the port. You can also pick up a printed paper schedule inside. While there is an official KTEL Naxos website, the schedule posted at the station is always the most up-to-date. Remember, the schedule changes frequently and is highly seasonal; the summer schedule (roughly June to September) has many more routes and much higher frequency than the winter schedule.
Buying Tickets: This is a crucial point for Naxos. Unlike on some other islands, you cannot buy your ticket from the driver on the bus. You must buy your ticket before you board from the ticket office at the port. For return trips from villages or beaches, tickets can often be purchased at small supermarkets or tourist shops near the bus stop. Always buy a return ticket when you purchase your outbound ticket if you know you’ll be returning by bus.
Ticket Costs:
• Naxos Town (Chora) to Agios Prokopios: €1.80
• Naxos Town to Agia Anna: €1.80
• Naxos Town to Plaka: €2.00
• Naxos Town to Filoti: €2.60
• Naxos Town to Apeiranthos: €3.50
• Naxos Town to Koronos: €4.20
• Naxos Town to Apollon: €6.20
• Naxos Airport to Naxos Town: €1.50–€2.00Key Bus Routes
All routes originate from Naxos Town (Chora).The Beach Bus (Line 1): This is the most popular and frequent route. In high season, it runs every 15-30 minutes. It goes from Naxos Town south to the incredible western beaches. The main stops are:
• Agios Prokopios: A stunning, long beach with crystal-clear water.
• Agia Anna: A series of beautiful beaches with many great tavernas.
• Plaka: A very long, beautiful sandy beach with a more relaxed, bohemian vibe. (Sometimes this is a separate bus.)The Village Bus (Line 2 & 6): These routes take you into the beautiful, mountainous interior of Naxos. This is a must-do to see the “real” Naxos. Frequency is much lower than the beach bus, with maybe 4-7 departures per day in summer, so planning your return trip is essential. Key stops include:
• Halki (Chalki): A beautiful, historic village with old mansions and the famous Vallindras Kitron distillery.
• Filoti: A large, lively village at the base of Mount Zas.
• Apiranthos: The famous “marble village,” with beautiful stone-paved alleys and incredible views.Other Beach Routes: Less frequent buses also go to the beaches further south, like Mikri Vigla (famous for windsurfing), Kastraki, and Pyrgaki. These may only run a few times a day, even in summer.
Bus To and From Naxos Airport (JNX)
There is no direct bus service that stops inside the airport grounds. However, the main “Beach Bus” (Line 1 to Agios Prokopios/Plaka) stops on the main road about a 500-meter (10-minute) walk from the airport terminal at a stop called “Naxos Camping.” This is a perfectly viable option if you have little luggage. Otherwise, a taxi is the best and easiest way to get to and from the airport.Pro Tips for Riding the Naxos Bus
• Arrive Early: For popular routes in July and August, the buses can fill up. Arriving 10-15 minutes before departure will ensure you get a seat.
• Confirm Your Bus: The buses are large, modern coaches. Their final destination will be displayed on a sign in the front window. If you’re unsure, just ask the driver “Plaka?” or “Halki?” before you board.
• Luggage: You can store large suitcases or backpacks in the luggage compartment under the bus for free. Keep valuables with you in your seat.
• Signal Your Stop: When returning to Naxos Town from a beach or village, make sure you are visible at the bus stop and flag the bus down with your arm. If you are at a less common stop, it is a good idea to tell the driver where you are going when you get on.Naxos Bus Information
- Naoxs public bus website: NaxosBuses.com
- Naxos bus schedule: The bus schedule is revised every couple of weeks or so, with routes increasing in frequency for June to September.
Example bus schedule for Naxos. The most popular bus for visitors is the one to the beach towns of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna (3rd from the bottom).
Taking the Bus in Naxos
The Naxos bus station is an easy walk from arriving ferries.
Naxos bus station.
As you exit the ferry Naxos Town is straight ahead. Just follow the crowd along the pier and into town.
It’s a flat, easy walk to the bus station. About a 3 to 5-minute walk depending on where your ferry docks.
Along the way you’ll pass the taxi queue. If there aren’t taxis here keep walking into town, there are often more taxis waiting close to the bus station.
At the end of the pier is the “Naxos Bus Transfer” – or bus station. Buy tickets inside before boarding the bus. Bus schedules are posted outside or grab printed schedules inside.
There’s a small but nice swimming beach directly beside the bus station.
The famous Naxos Portara is at the end of the same beach.
View from the Portara towards Naxos Town. The ferry port is to the right. The bus station is in the center of the photo.
View from bus station looking back towards the ferry port.
There’s a rental car pick up spot opposite the bus station. Reserve cars with RentalCars.com.
Buses park on the street. There’s plenty of room for luggage on all buses.
Bus stop near Agia Anna Beach.
Bus stop near Plaka Beach.
Bus stop in the village of Chalki.
Bus stop in the village of Apeiranthos.
Bus stopping in Agios Prokopios Beach.
A bus stop on the north side of Agia Anna Beach.
A bus stop on the south side of Agia Anna Beach.
The bus stop near St George Beach is small and easy to miss. Buses stop here on their way out of Naxos Town, heading south to the beaches.
There are no buses to the Naxos airport. Taxi is the best option. Otherwise take the bus from Naxos Town to Agia Anna Beach and ask the driver to let you off at Naxos Camping. From there it’s about a 500 meter walk that takes 10 minutes.
Naxos bus line #1.
Naxos bus line #2.
Naxos bus line #3.
Naxos bus line #4.
Naxos bus line #5.
Naxos bus line #6.
Naxos bus line #7.
Naxos bus line #8.
Naxos bus line #9.
Naxos bus line #10.
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