Santorini Buses

Greece › Santorini › Bus Routes, Schedules, Tickets
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: November 3, 2025

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Santorini Buses – The Basics

• The public KTEL buses are my preferred way to get around Santorini. They are safe, reliable, and by far the cheapest way to explore the island. While the system can seem confusing at first, it’s very easy once you understand a few basic rules.
• Fira is the Main Hub: This is the most important thing to understand. All bus routes originate and terminate at the main bus station in Fira. To get from one town to another (for example, Oia to Akrotiri), you must take two buses: one from your starting point to Fira, and a second bus from Fira to your final destination.
• Buying Tickets: At main stations like Fira or Oia, you will pay an attendant in cash (€ euros) at the door as you get on the bus. For other smaller stops, you simply take a seat, and a conductor will come to you to collect your fare after the bus starts moving.
• Cash Only: You must pay for your ticket in cash. The conductors do not accept credit cards. Have small bills and coins ready, especially for the first ride from the airport or port.
• Fares and Passes: Tickets are cheap, typically costing between €2.00 and €2.50 per person, depending on the route. All tickets are for a single, one-way journey. If you’re traveling from Oia to, say, Kamari, you’ll need to pay for two tickets; one for Oia to Fira, and one for Fira to Kamari. There are no day passes, weekly passes, or round-trip discounts.
• Finding the Timetable: The most current bus schedules are posted on a board at the Fira bus station. I recommend taking a photo of the timetables when you are there. Timetables change seasonally, and routes to the ferry port change daily based on ferry arrivals and departures.
• What to Expect on the Bus: The buses are modern, clean, and air-conditioned. In the high season (especially July and August), they get extremely crowded on popular routes like Fira to Oia. Be prepared to stand, as seats fill up quickly. If a bus is completely full, it may not stop to pick up more passengers, so it’s wise to plan for potential delays.
• A Word of Warning About Transport Strikes: Transportation strikes happen periodically in Greece and can affect all bus services, ferries, and flights, sometimes with little warning. Taxis are usually the least affected. While strikes can occur at any time, there is almost always a major national strike on May 1st. I strongly advise against booking any flights or ferries on that day.

Getting Around Santorini by Bus

KTEL is the company that runs the public buses in Santorini. Their website is not updated regularly and is of little use to tourists.

Adult bus tickets cost between €2.00 and €2.50, depending on the destination. Night buses (operating from 12:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) are rare and cost slightly more expensive, ranging from €2.50 to €3.10. Persons with disabilities or multiple children receive a 50% discount. Though buses offer a discount for riders with mobility impairments, Santorini buses are not wheelchair accessible.

Fira is the main bus hub in Santorini. All bus routes begin and end in Fira. Travelers staying in Fira can get anywhere on the island using just one bus. Travelers staying in any other village will need to take two buses to get anywhere other than Fira. For example, to get from Oia to Akrotiri, take the Oia to Fira bus. Get out at the Fira bus station, then take the Fira to Akrotiri bus. Both of these buses require separate tickets. A round trip from Oia to Akrotiri and back to Oia takes four bus rides and four tickets. The same applies for traveling from Oia to Kamari or Perissa and back. If time is limited, a taxi or car rental is a better option.

Santorini bus schedules change seasonally. Buses run year-round with greater frequency and more routes during the summer season, especially from late June through early September. For the main caldera villages (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia) buses run about every 20 to 30 minutes during the summer. For other villages and beaches, buses run about every 30 minutes to 1 hour during high season. Throughout the year, the timetable of the Fira to Athinios Ferry Port route is determined by the ferry schedule, with more frequent service in the busy summer months.

Spring and fall seasons also have fairly frequent bus service. From late November through February, bus service is extremely limited. The main caldera villages are served with less than half the frequency as during high season, while some minor routes run only twice a day or not at all.

How to Ride the Bus in Santorini

Arrive at the bus station early to find your bus. Look for the yellow sign in the lower-left of the bus window to see the destination. Some buses (usually Airport or Ferry Port buses) are not labeled. Ask the bus driver for the destination. If you are in Fira, you may ask the attendant at the information kiosk.

If catching the bus at a bus station, approach the bus and line up for boarding. If catching the bus from a bus stop on the street, flag down the bus to let the driver know to stop. To flag the bus, raise your arms, wave, and try to make eye contact with the driver. Buses will not stop just anywhere along a route. They will only stop at designated bus stops. If the bus is full, it may not stop.

Pay the driver or ticket-taker after boarding from a street-side bus stop. For buses from the ferry port, airport, or Fira and Oia bus stations, sometimes you’ll pay the ticket-taker outside the bus before boarding; other times you’ll sit first, then pay the ticket-taker when they approach you. Buses accept cash only. Exact fare is not necessary, but paying in smaller bills makes the process faster and easier.

Stow any luggage before taking your seat. Large pieces of luggage are stored under the bus. Hold small bags and backpacks in your lap or tucked at your feet. Use the overhead shelves inside the bus at your own risk; they do not close or even just angle up, so items are prone to falling out when the bus turns or takes a hill.

Board and try to grab a seat. Popular routes during high season are often standing-room-only. If the first bus is over-full, you may have to wait for a second bus.

Hold on tight during the ride. Roads in Santorini are winding and hilly. There are no seatbelts on the buses. There are handles overhead and on the seatbacks for riders who are standing.

Buses will always stop at the final destination listed on the front of the bus, but they don’t always stop at every designated stop along the way. To get off at a lesser-used bus stop (for example Finikia or Exo Gonia), let the driver know when you board. You can also ring the buzzer (if your bus has one) to request a stop, but this requires that you recognize where your stop is. If you won’t be able to recognize your stop, it’s best to sit or stand near the bus driver. If you have mobile data enabled on your phone, open your preferred maps app to follow along in real time and see when you are near your stop.

Fira Bus Station

Fira-Oia Route

One of the most popular routes, the Fira-Oia route makes a circle around the northern half of the island. The itineraries to and from Oia are completely different, stopping several times through the caldera villages on the way up, then passing by the north coast beaches before shifting inland on the return.

• Fira to Oia: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Firostefani, Imerovigli, North Imerovigli (Taverna Tasos), Cavo Tagoo, San Antonio, Finikia, Finikia second stop (near Mr and Mrs White Santorini), East Oia (near Katikies Kirini), and the Oia Bus Station

• Oia to Fira: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Oia Bus Station, Tholos, Baxedes Beach (stops 4 times a day), around Pori Harbor, Fira Bus Station – does not stop in Imerovigli or Firostefani

Fira-Imerovigli/Firostefani Route

Another loop route, the bus leaves Fira and heads north to Imerovigli taking the inland route, stopping on request (you have to tell the driver) downhill from Firostefani village, about a 5-minute walk up to the village center. Only on the the way south back to Fira does the bus pass directly through Firostefani.

• Fira to Imerovigli: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, near Santo Wheels Rentals, Imerovigli

• Imerovigli/Firostefani to Fira: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Imerovigli, Firostefani, Kontochori, Fira Bus Station

Fira-Perissa/Vlychada Route

The Perissa route is the most frequent bus line with tons of stops along the way and a few variations on the route. The standard Fira-Perissa bus heads through several inland and smaller villages before heading down to Perivolos Beach and ending at Perissa Beach. Every few hours there is an extended route, that adds a side trip to Vlychada Beach. The standard Perissa bus and the Perissa/Vlychada route are the only buses that go to Pyrgos.

There is also a Perissa Express bus that bypasses all villages north of Megalochori, then turns east to the beaches.

• Fira to Perissa Price: €2.50 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados, Mesaria, Vothonos, Santo Wines, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Perivolos Beach, Perissa Beach

• Perissa to Fira: Price: €2.50 – Stops: Perissa Beach, Emporio, Megalochori, Pyrgos, Vothonos, Mesaria, Karterados, Fira Bus Station – does not stop at Perivolos Beach

• Fira to Perissa Express Price: €2.50 – Stops: Fira, Santo Wines, Megalochori, Emporio, Perivolos Beach, Perissa Beach – Bus marked with an “E”

• Perissa to Fira Express Price: €2.50 – Stops: Perissa Beach, Emporio, Megalochori, Santo Wines, Fira – Bus marked with an “E”, does not stop at Perivolos Beach

• Fira to Perissa/Vlychada Price: €2.50 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados, Mesaria, Vothonos, Santo Wines, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Perivolos Beach, Vlychada Beach, Perissa Beach – about every 3 hours, the Perissa bus route adds this loop to Vlychada

•Vlychada/Perissa to Fira Price: €2.50 – Stops: Vlychada Beach, Perissa Beach, Emporio, Megalochori, Pyrgos, Santo Wines, Vothonos, Mesaria, Karterados, Fira Bus Station – does not stop at Perivolos Beach

Fira-Kamari Route

The most straightforward bus line in Santorini. The bus follows the exact route to and from Kamari Beach.

• Fira to Kamari: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados, Mesaria, Exo Gonia, Episkopi Gonias (at Santorini Brewing Company), Cine Kamari (open-air cinema), Kamari Beach

• Kamari to Fira: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Kamari Beach, Cine Kamari (open-air cinema), Episkopi Gonias (at Santorini Brewing Company), Exo Gonia, Mesaria, Karterados, Fira Bus Station

Fira-Akrotiri Route

Another straightforward route that makes almost the same stops in both directions. This is the bus to take to reach the Akrotiri excavations and Akrotiri Beach, from where you can hike to Red Beach or take the little boat that goes to the Red and White Beaches.

• Fira to Akrotiri Price: €2.00 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados, Mesaria, Santo Wines, Megalochori, Grigoris Bakery, Caldera View Resort, Akrotiri Village, Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Akrotiri Beach

• Akrotiri to Fira Price: €2.00 – Stops: Akrotiri Beach, Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Akrotiri Village, Calera View Resort, Grigoris Bakery, Megalochori, Santo Wines, Mesaria, Karterados, Fira Bus Station

Fira-Airport/Monolithos Route

The Airport bus route runs between the Airport and Fira; every other bus will make a detour in Monolithos before turning back to Fira. The bus stop at the Santorini airport is immediately outside of the arrivals doors.

Airport buses have plenty of space to store luggage, either under the bus or in the overhead shelves inside. The overhead shelves do not close; if you have a laptop or any other breakable item, it’s best to hold it in your lap or at your feet. All Airport buses leaving from the airport go to the Fira Bus Station. To get to the other villages (Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Akrotiri), get off the bus in Fira, buy another ticket, and board a second bus.

There are no night buses (12am to 5am) from the Airport to Fira or from Fira to the Airport.

• Fira to Airport: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados, Mesaria, Airport

• Airport to Fira: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Airport, Mesaria, Karterados, Fira Bus Station

• Fira to Airport/Monolithos: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados, Mesaria, Airport, Monolithos Beach – every other Airport bus adds a loop to Monolithos

• Monolithos to Fira: Price: €2.00 – Stops: Monolithos Beach, Mesaria, Karterados, Fira Bus Station – does not stop at the Airport

Fira-Athinios Ferry Port Route

The bus connecting Athinios Port (Ferry Port) and Fira costs €2.50 and takes about 20 minutes, much of it spent idling on the steep, zigzagging road running up the side of the caldera. The views from here are incredible.

There are always buses waiting at the port to meet arriving ferries, and Athinios Port buses go directly to the Fira bus station. To get to other villages (Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Akrotiri), change buses and buy a second ticket in Fira. Sometimes there is a bus connecting the Ferry Port to the Airport, but it is rare and only offered during the peak of the summer.

Athinios Port buses offer plenty of storage space for luggage under the bus or on the overhead shelves, but as previously mentioned, do not put anything breakable on the overhead shelves.

The Athinios Port bus schedule changes daily depending on the ferry schedules and weather. In bad weather, ferries and buses will be delayed or canceled. The port schedule is handwritten and posted one day in advance only at the Fira bus station.

• Fira to Athinios Ferry Port: Price €2.50 – Stops: Fira Bus Station, Karterados (caldera), Santo Wines, Athinios Port

• Athinios Ferry Port to Fira: Price €2.50 – Stops: Athenios Port, near Santo Wines, Karterados (village), Fira Bus Station

Santorini Bus FAQs

How does the Santorini bus system work?
It is a hub-and-spoke system. All bus routes start and end at the central bus station in Fira. To get from any two other villages (e.g., from Oia to Kamari), you must first take a bus to Fira and then “transfer” to a second bus, paying a new fare.

Where can I buy Santorini bus tickets?
You buy tickets on the bus in cash (€ euros) only. An attendant will collect the fare as you board (at main stations like Fira or the Athinios Port) or will come to your seat after the bus is moving. Credit cards are not accepted. Be sure to have small bills and coins. There are ATMs near the main bus stations.

Can I pay for a bus ticket with my credit card?
No, all bus ticket sales are in cash only. There are ATMs near the bus stations in Fira and Oia.

Can I buy an all-day or multi-day pass for Santorini buses?
No, bus tickets are sold individually and are good for a one-way ride to or from Fira. Transfers are not included. Trips requiring two or more buses also require two or more tickets.

How much does a bus ticket cost?
Fares are typically between €2.00 and €2.50 for a one-way trip, depending on the destination. The airport and port routes are usually the most expensive. The exact price is often written on a sign at the front of the bus.

Can I buy an all-day or multi-day bus pass?
No. Bus tickets are sold individually for each one-way ride. There are no all-day, multi-day, or round-trip passes. If your journey requires a transfer in Fira, you must buy a new ticket for the second bus.

Where can I find the Santorini bus schedule?
The official timetables are posted at the central bus station in Fira. This is the most reliable source. You can also find the current schedule on the official KTEL Santorini website. Do not rely on schedules posted at small, remote bus stops, as they are often outdated.

What are the hours for Santorini buses?
During high season (roughly June to September), buses run frequently from about 7:00 AM to midnight or later. In the off-season (November to April), the schedule is greatly reduced. Night buses in high season exist, but their schedule can be erratic and should not be relied on.

Do buses in Santorini run on Sundays?
Yes. Buses in Santorini operate 7 days a week, though the schedule may be slightly reduced on Sundays, especially in the off-season.

Are Santorini buses wheelchair accessible?
No. All buses have a few steps to climb at the entrances and exits. There are no ramps or wheelchair lifts. Once on the bus, the aisle is narrow and there is no space to park a wheelchair.

Can I take the bus from the Airport or Port directly to Oia?
No. All bus routes begin and end in Fira. It will take two buses to reach Oia from the airport or ferry port. You must take the first bus into Fira, then transfer to a second bus (and buy a second ticket) to Oia.

Which bus goes to the beach?
Buses from Fira go to all the main beaches:
• Kamari Bus: Goes directly to Kamari Beach.
• Perissa Bus: Goes to Perissa Beach and Perivolos Beach.
• Akrotiri Bus: Stops at the parking area for the Red Beach trailhead.
• Monolithos Bus: Goes to Monolithos Beach (this is often the same bus as the Airport route).

Which bus goes to the Akrotiri ruins?
The Akrotiri bus will take you to the Akrotiri Prehistoric Town, which is the main excavation site. This is the same bus that stops at the Red Beach trailhead.

Which bus goes to Santo Wines? The bus routes for Perissa, Vlychada, Akrotiri, and the Athinios Ferry Port all pass Santo Wines. Tell the attendant when you buy your ticket that you want to stop at “Santo Wines.” They will alert the driver and drop you off near the entrance. Other great Santorini wineries are accessible via these same buses by getting off at the Pyrgos, Megalochori, or Exo Gonia stops and walking a short distance.

Which bus goes to Ammoudi Bay?
No bus goes directly to Ammoudi Bay. The Oia bus will drop you at the main square in Oia. From there, you must walk about 15 minutes down a steep, winding footpath (about 300 steps) to get to the port. My strong advice is to walk down, have dinner at a taverna, and then have the restaurant call you a taxi for the ride back up.

Santorini Bus Service by Season

Bus frequency changes dramatically throughout the year. Here is what you can expect.

SUMMER (High Season: June to Mid-September)

My Take: The buses are frequent, but the island is packed. Routes to Oia and the beaches are often standing-room-only. If a bus is full, it will drive past your stop. For short trips or tight schedules, I strongly recommend pre-booking a taxi or renting a car.
Key Routes:
• Fira to Oia: Runs about every 30 minutes from early morning until after midnight.
• Fira to Beaches (Kamari & Perissa): Runs about every 30 minutes from morning until late at night.
• Fira to Akrotiri (Red Beach): Runs about 15 to 20 times per day.
• Ferry Port Bus (Athinios):The schedule changes daily to meet every arriving ferry. A bus will always be at the port when your ferry docks. For departures from Fira to the port, you must check the schedule at the Fira station one day in advance.

SPRING & FALL (Shoulder Seasons: April-May & Late September-October)

My Take: This is the best time to use the bus. Service is still very frequent to all main towns and beaches, but the buses are much less crowded. It is a reliable and easy way to get around.
Key Routes:
• Fira to Oia: Runs about every 30 to 45 minutes from early morning until 10:00 PM (22:00) or later.
• Fira to Beaches (Kamari & Perissa): Runs frequently, about 20 times per day, with service ending around 9:00 PM (21:00).
• Fira to Airport: Runs hourly for most of the day.
• Ferry Port Bus (Athinios): A bus will still meet every arriving ferry.

WINTER (Low Season: November to March)

My Take: The bus system is operating on a limited, “locals-only” schedule. Many routes are shut down, and others run only a few times a day. You cannot rely on the bus for spontaneous travel. I strongly recommend renting a car if you visit in winter.
Key Routes:
• Fira to Oia: This is the most reliable winter route, running about every 60 to 90 minutes.
• Fira to Kamari & Perissa: Runs 5 to 10 times per day, roughly every 90 minutes. Service ends early, around 7:00 PM (19:00).
• Fira to Airport: Runs only a few (e.g., 6) times per day. You must check the schedule at the Fira station in advance or you will miss your flight.
• Ferry Port Bus (Athinios): A bus will still meet every arriving ferry, even in deep winter.

A Photo Guide to Santorini Buses

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