Greece › Santorini › Bus Routes, Schedules, Tickets
Updated: August 27, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Best Hotels in Santorini
- Best Things to Do in Santorini
- Best Santorini Wine Tours
- Best Santorini Boat Tours
A Santorini bus stop near a vineyard in the village of Pyrgos.
Santorini Buses – My Tips
- The public buses are my preferred budget way to get around Santorini. They’re safe, inexpensive, and much easier to use once you understand how the system works. The downside is crowding in summer and schedules that change with little notice.
- Fira is the hub. Almost every useful visitor route starts or ends at the main bus station in Fira. To travel from Oia to Akrotiri, for example, take one bus from Oia to Fira, then a second bus from Fira to Akrotiri.
- Tickets are cash only. At Fira, Oia, the airport, and ferry port, you may pay an attendant as you board. At smaller stops, take a seat and a conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets moving. Bring euros and preferably small bills.
- Most fares are €2.20 to €2.70. Tickets are one-way and there are no day passes, multi-day passes, or free transfers. If you change buses in Fira, you buy another ticket.
- Check the current schedule before traveling. Santorini bus timetables change several times through the year. The most reliable timetable is the one posted at the Fira Bus Station. I take a photo of it when I’m on the island. The official KTEL Santorini website also posts current routes and departure times.
- Summer buses get very crowded. Fira-Oia and the beach routes can be standing-room-only. If a bus is already full, the driver may pass intermediate stops without stopping.
- Don’t plan a tight connection around the bus. For an important flight, ferry, tour, or dinner reservation, allow plenty of extra time. A taxi or private transfer is better when being late would be a serious problem.
- Bus signs are not always helpful. Confirm the destination before boarding. Ticket collectors can have a look of weary disdain for anyone asking if the bus clearly labeled Oia is actually going to Oia, but it’s still better to ask. And “full” means the mass of bodies inside the bus physically prevents the door from closing.
Current Santorini Bus Schedule
Santorini does not have one permanent bus schedule. KTEL changes the timetable through the season, with the most frequent service in summer and much less frequent service in winter.
In summer, buses between Fira and Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and the airport run frequently throughout the day. Akrotiri also has regular service, while Monolithos, Vlychada, Vourvoulos, and some smaller destinations have fewer departures. The exact timetable changes, so check the current KTEL Santorini bus schedule before traveling.
The Fira-Athinios Ferry Port schedule is different. Port buses are timed around ferry traffic instead of running at fixed intervals all day. Check the ferry-port departures posted at the Fira Bus Station if you’re taking a bus down to Athinios for a departing ferry.
Getting Around Santorini by Bus
The bus stop at Perivolos Beach.
KTEL runs the public buses in Santorini. Buses operate year-round, but service changes dramatically by season.
Most one-way tickets cost €2.20. Fira to Perissa and Fira to Athinios Ferry Port cost €2.70. Night fares between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. cost 25% more than the regular fare. Tickets are bought separately for every ride.
Students with qualifying identification receive a 25% discount. Greek large-family and disability card holders receive a 50% discount. International visitors should expect to pay the full adult fare.
Fira is the hub of the Santorini bus system. If you’re staying in Fira, almost every major destination is one bus away. From Oia or another village, most cross-island trips require a change in Fira and a second ticket.
For example, Oia to Akrotiri means Oia to Fira followed by Fira to Akrotiri. Oia to Kamari or Perissa works the same way. If time is limited, a taxi, private transfer, or car rental is faster.
How to Ride the Bus in Santorini
Arrive at the bus station a little early and find the correct bus. Most buses display their destination in the front window, but not all do. Airport and ferry-port buses in particular are not always clearly labeled. In Fira, ask at the information kiosk or confirm with the driver before boarding.
At a bus station, line up beside the bus. At a roadside stop, flag the bus by raising your arm and making eye contact with the driver. Buses only stop at designated bus stops. If the bus is full, it may drive past without stopping.
For buses leaving Fira, Oia, the airport, or ferry port, you may pay an attendant before boarding or after taking your seat. At smaller roadside stops, board first and the conductor will collect your fare. Pay in cash. Exact change is not required, but small euro notes make things easier.
Large luggage goes in the compartment under the bus. Keep backpacks, laptops, cameras, and anything breakable with you. The overhead shelves inside the buses do not close and bags can slide out when the bus turns or climbs a hill.
Popular routes in July and August can be standing-room-only. If the first bus is packed, you may have to wait for the next one. Hold on if you’re standing. Santorini roads are winding and hilly.
Buses stop at the final destination, but they do not necessarily stop at every minor stop along the route. If you’re getting off somewhere less obvious, such as Finikia or Exo Gonia, tell the driver or conductor where you want to get off. If you have mobile data, follow the trip in your maps app so you know when your stop is approaching.
Fira Bus Station
The Fira Bus Station is the hub of the Santorini bus system. Most visitor routes start or end here.
The Fira Bus Station is just south of the center of town and a short walk from the main square. This is where to change buses for almost any cross-island trip and the best place to check the current timetable. The taxi stand is immediately beside the bus station.
Fira-Oia Bus
The line for buses at the Oia Bus Station. Mid-afternoon and after sunset are the busiest times for Oia to Fira buses.
The Fira-Oia bus is one of the busiest routes on Santorini and runs frequently in summer.
• Fira to Oia: €2.20.
• Oia to Fira: €2.20.Do not use the Oia bus for Firostefani or Imerovigli without confirming with the driver that it stops in those villages. Firostefani and Imerovigli are served by the separate Fira-Imerovigli-Firostefani route. In high season the Oia-Fira buses typically do not stop there.
Fira-Imerovigli/Firostefani Bus
The sheltered bus stop in Imerovigli village.
There is dedicated service between Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. The route is short but not completely intuitive because the roads around the caldera villages are mostly one-way.
Northbound buses from Fira will stop east of Firostefani before continuing to Imerovigli. Southbound buses from Imerovigli pass directly through Firostefani on the way back to Fira.
• Fira to Imerovigli: €2.20.
• Imerovigli/Firostefani to Fira: €2.20.If you’re staying in Firostefani, walking to Fira along the caldera path is often quicker and certainly prettier than waiting for the bus.
Fira-Perissa Bus
The end of the line in Perissa is just behind the beach.
The Fira-Perissa route is one of the most useful buses for visitors. It travels south through the center of the island and serves several villages before reaching Perivolos and Perissa.
The regular route stops in or near Karterados, Mesaria, Vothonas, Santo Wines, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Perivolos, and Perissa. Some departures are marked EXP and skip several intermediate stops.
• Fira to Perissa: €2.70.
• Perissa to Fira: €2.70.
• Perissa Express: €2.70. Express departures make fewer stops, so confirm that the bus stops where you need to get off before Fira.The Perissa bus is the main bus to use for central Pyrgos. Other southbound buses pass near Pyrgos, but some only stop at the junction on the main road below the village.
Fira-Vlychada Bus
Vlychada has its own service from Fira rather than simply being an extension of every Perissa bus. The route runs much less frequently than the main Perissa service, so check the day’s timetable before heading out.
• Fira to Vlychada: €2.70.
• Vlychada to Fira: €2.70.Vlychada is a good bus destination for the beach and marina, but the limited schedule makes a taxi or rental car more convenient if you want complete flexibility.
Fira-Kamari Bus
The Beach Loop bus stop near Kamari Beach. This is also where to meet the shuttle to Ancient Thera on the hill behind.
The Fira-Kamari bus is frequent in summer and one of the easiest ways to reach a beach without a car. The main terminal is inland from the beach near the football pitch, with additional stops through the village and one near Cine Kamari.
• Fira to Kamari: €2.20. Main stops include Fira, Karterados, Mesaria, Exo Gonia, Episkopi Gonias, Cine Kamari, Beach Loop, and Kamari.
• Kamari to Fira: €2.20. The return route uses the same general corridor back through Mesaria and Karterados.Fira-Akrotiri Bus
A bus stop in Akrotiri village. Continue past the village for the archaeological site and Akrotiri Beach.
This is the bus to take for Akrotiri village, the Akrotiri archaeological site, and the road-end stop near Red Beach.
• Fira to Akrotiri: €2.20. The route travels south through Karterados and Mesaria, then past Megalochori and on toward Akrotiri village and the archaeological site.
• Akrotiri to Fira: €2.20.For Red Beach, stay on the bus past the archaeological site to the final stop near Akrotiri Beach, then walk to the Red Beach viewpoint and trail. Do not expect the bus to take you directly onto Red Beach itself.
Fira-Airport Bus
The airport bus stop is immediately outside the arrivals area.
The airport has a dedicated bus between Santorini Airport and Fira. The stop at the airport is immediately outside the arrivals doors.
• Fira to Airport: €2.20.
• Airport to Fira: €2.20.All regular airport buses take passengers to Fira. To reach Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, or Akrotiri, get off at the Fira Bus Station and take a second bus.
There is plenty of room for luggage underneath the bus.
Airport service is frequent during the day in summer but much less convenient late at night and in winter. For an early flight or late arrival, check the current timetable before relying on the bus. I would use a taxi or pre-booked transfer for any flight where the bus schedule leaves little margin for error.
Fira-Monolithos Bus
Some airport buses continue to Monolithos, but not every airport bus does. Check the destination before boarding if you’re going to Monolithos. Monolithos also has its own bus service from Fira, with far fewer departures than the airport route.
• Fira to Monolithos: €2.20.
• Monolithos to Fira: €2.20.Fira-Athinios Ferry Port Bus
Buses at the Santorini ferry port.
The bus between Athinios Ferry Port and Fira costs €2.70 and takes about 20 minutes when traffic is moving normally. The steep switchback road between the port and the top of the caldera can become heavily congested around major ferry arrivals and departures.
Buses from Athinios to Fira are timed around ferry traffic. After arriving by ferry, look for the KTEL buses in the port parking area. They go to the Fira Bus Station.
There is no regular direct bus from the ferry port to Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari, Perissa, or other villages. Go to Fira first, then buy a second ticket and change buses.
For a departing ferry, check the Athinios schedule at the Fira Bus Station. Unlike the regular island routes, ferry-port departures change according to the day’s ferry schedule.
Large luggage goes underneath the bus.
• Fira to Athinios Ferry Port: €2.70.
• Athinios Ferry Port to Fira: €2.70.Allow extra time going down to the port. When several ferries arrive or depart close together, traffic on the port road can be terrible.
Overlooking Athinios Ferry Port. The exact bus loading area can shift around the parking lot depending on port operations.
Santorini Bus FAQs
How does the Santorini bus system work?
Fira is the central hub. If you’re going from one part of Santorini to another and neither is Fira, you will take one bus to Fira and then a second bus to your destination. Oia to Kamari, for example, means Oia-Fira followed by Fira-Kamari. You pay separately for both buses.Where can I buy Santorini bus tickets, and can I use a credit card?
Buy tickets from the conductor or ticket attendant as you board or once the bus is moving. Tickets are cash only. Bring euros, preferably small notes and coins. There are ATMs in Fira and Oia, but I would get cash before you’re standing beside a bus with luggage.How much do Santorini buses cost?
Most one-way fares are €2.20. Perissa and Athinios Ferry Port are €2.70. Night fares from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. cost 25% more.Can I buy an all-day or multi-day bus pass?
No. Tickets are sold individually for each one-way ride. There are no day passes, multi-day passes, or round-trip discounts. If you change buses in Fira, you buy another ticket.Where can I find the Santorini bus schedule?
The current timetable is posted at the Fira Bus Station and on the official KTEL Santorini website. I trust the schedule at Fira more than old timetables posted at small roadside stops. Take a photo of the schedule when you arrive because it makes planning the rest of your stay much easier.What hours do Santorini buses run?
In summer, the main routes operate from early morning until late evening, with some service continuing later. Winter service is much more limited. Check the current timetable for the first and last bus instead of relying on a fixed year-round operating time.Do Santorini buses run on Sundays?
Yes. Santorini buses operate seven days a week. The timetable still changes by season, so check the current schedule.Are Santorini buses wheelchair accessible?
No. Travelers should assume the buses are not wheelchair accessible. Boarding involves steps, aisles are narrow, and there are no wheelchair lifts on the regular buses.
You’ll need to climb a few steps to board a Santorini bus.
Can I take the bus from Santorini Airport directly to Oia?
No. Take the airport bus to Fira, then change to the Fira-Oia bus and buy a second ticket.Can I take the bus from the ferry port directly to Oia?
No. Take the Athinios bus to Fira, then change to the Fira-Oia bus.Which bus goes to the beach?
From Fira, take the Kamari bus for Kamari Beach, the Perissa bus for Perissa and Perivolos, the Akrotiri bus for the Red Beach trail area, the Vlychada bus for Vlychada Beach, or the Monolithos bus for Monolithos Beach.Which bus goes to the Akrotiri ruins?
Take the Fira-Akrotiri bus. It stops near the entrance to the archaeological site before continuing toward Akrotiri Beach and the Red Beach trail area.Which bus goes to Santo Wines?
Several southbound buses pass the road by Santo Wines, but routes and stopping patterns vary. The Perissa route is one of the easiest. Tell the conductor that you want Santo Wines before you board. Other Santorini wineries can be reached from stops around Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Exo Gonia, but the bus is not a good way to visit several wineries in one day. Take a wine tour instead.Which bus goes to Ammoudi Bay?
There is no bus to Ammoudi Bay. Take the Oia bus to Oia, then walk down the steep path to Ammoudi. It’s roughly 300 steps. Walking down is easy enough for most people; walking back up after dinner is another matter. Have the restaurant call a taxi if you don’t want to climb back to Oia.
The bus stop at Santo Wines.
Buses and beach clubs go well together. You can have some beer or wine without worrying about driving.
The final stop on the Akrotiri line is near the Red Beach trail. There’s an earlier stop for the archaeological site.
Santorini Bus Service by Season
Summer: June to Mid-September
This is when Santorini has the most buses and the biggest crowds. Service to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, the airport, and other popular destinations is frequent, but buses can be packed. Oia after sunset is especially busy. If you have a flight, ferry, tour, or reservation that you absolutely cannot miss, don’t depend on catching the last possible bus.
Spring and Fall: April, May, Late September, and October
This is my favorite time to use the bus. The main routes still have good service and the buses are less crowded than in July and August. Frequencies start changing as the season winds down, so check the current timetable rather than assuming summer service is still running.
Winter: November to March
Buses still operate, but service is much less frequent. The main towns remain connected, while minor routes have limited departures. Winter visitors who want to explore widely will find a rental car much more convenient.
A Photo Guide to Santorini Buses
Santorini buses are modern and air-conditioned, though the air conditioning has its work cut out for it in July and August.
Large luggage is stored underneath the bus.
A Santorini bus schedule posted at the Fira Bus Station. Take a photo of the current timetable when you’re there.
The Fira-to-ferry-port schedule is based on ferry departures and is posted separately from the regular island timetable.
Confirm with the driver that the bus is going to your stop. Signs and route information are not always as clear as they should be. Pyrgos is a good example: some buses stop on the main road below the village rather than going into the village square.
Routes are marked, but signs can still be confusing. When in doubt, ask before boarding.
Sometimes buses at the Fira Bus Station have a number but no obvious destination sign. Ask at the information desk which bus number you need, then confirm with the driver.
The Fira bus station and taxi stand are right beside each other, separated by a small set of stairs.
Timetables are posted at the Oia Bus Station, but the boarding line can form on the opposite side of the parking lot. Follow the crowd and listen for the destination being called.
At Athinios Ferry Port, stow large luggage underneath the bus before boarding.
Airport buses depart immediately outside the Arrivals area.
The Pyrgos bus stop in the village. The Perissa route is the most useful bus for getting directly into central Pyrgos.
Some countryside bus stops are difficult to see until you’re almost past them. Tell the driver or conductor where you want to get off.
The Megalochori bus stop is on the main road a short walk from the village center.
The bus stop in Firostefani. For a trip between Firostefani and Fira, it’s often quicker to walk along the caldera path than wait for a bus.
The bus works for reaching an individual winery, but it’s a poor way to visit several wineries in one day.
Santorini Brewing Company and Estate Argyros are next to each other along the Fira-Kamari route.
Buses can get very crowded in summer. If you’re boarding at an intermediate stop, a full bus may pass without stopping.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Thank-you so much for all you information and photos! Super helpful.
You’re welcome Karla. Glad it was helpful.
Hi Dave.
We are considering taking the 6:45 am ferry to Naxos. This will be mid-June. We are staying in Imerovigli.
Will it be possible to find buses this early in the morning?
There will be a bus from Fira to the port (likely around 5:45 am). But the Imerovigli to Fira bus won’t be running that early. It’s a 30-minute walk from Imerovigli to the Fira bus station (obviously, that only works if you have light bags or a backpack). You could take a taxi/Uber from Imerovigli to the Fira bus station, but the price difference for a ride to the bus station or to the port wouldn’t be much different so you might as well take it all the way to the port. Or ask your hotel if they do a shuttle, it could be free. Hope that helps.
Hi Dave! Thank you for your very helpful guide! We are traveling to Santorini next month and will be staying in Imerovigli.
– One day, we plan to take the bus to Fira, which seems straightforward. When we take the bus back to Imerovigli, will we need to specifically request the driver to stop at Imerovigli on the way to Oia? I’m confused about which bus we will take to get back.
– We also plan to hike to Oia one day, but wish to take the bus back to Imerovigli. Same question here. Once we take the bus to Fira, what is the best way to get back to Imerovigli?
Meredith Burch
Not all Fira-Oia buses stop in Imerovigli, so you do need to confirm that any bus you get on stops in Imerovigli. It might say on the front of the bus, it might not. Just ask. Also, the walk from Imerovigli to Fira is wonderful and mostly downhill. If possible it’s best to walk to Fira, then bus back if needed.
Hi,
Thank you the wonderful info. I have a question in finding the best way to visit 3 different sites.
Option 1
1. Fira to Pyrgos via bus
2. Pyrgos to Akroriti (walk to red beach)
3. Water taxi from red beach to Black sand beach
4. Black sand beach to Fira via bus
Option 2
1. Fira to Akroriti
2. Water taxi to Black sand beach
3. Black sand beach to Pyrgos
4. Pyrgos to Fira
Which option is better in terms of travelling time and bus schedule? WE will be doing on April 30 or May 1
Thank you so much for your assistance
Paul
Visiting Pyrgos, Akrotiri/Red Beach, and Perissa from Fira in one day via public transport is ambitious anytime of year but especially so for late April/May because the water taxi might not be running yet and direct bus routes between these villages generally don’t exist – routes typically radiate from Fira. Option 1 (Pyrgos first) struggles without an easy Pyrgos-to-Akrotiri bus connection. Option 2 (Akrotiri first) flows slightly better geographically if the seasonal water taxi between Red Beach and Perissa is running, but its operation is uncertain this early in the season (and weather-dependent). Option 2’s bus trip from Perissa to Pyrgos, even with the water taxi running, likely requires going back to Fira. Verifying the water taxi’s operational status locally upon arrival is essential, as both your plans depend heavily on it. Consider simplifying your plan to visit just two locations directly from Fira for a more feasible day trip.
I hope that helps.
Good morning, I would like information on bus transport. The plane lands at the airport on August 14 at 10.40 am and I have to take the ferry from Athinios Port at 3.30 pm. I would like to know the bus timetables. Thank you. Best regards.
Alessandro
I don’t know the ferry schedules that far in advance but take the bus from the airport to Fira then check when the most appropriate bus (for you) departs Fira for the port. You should have lots of time. Sometimes there is a direct bus from the airport to the ferry port, but even if that worked out you’d be spending a lot of time at either the airport or port. Better, I think, to go via Fira and hang out in town for a bit.
Hi Dave, we are staying in Finikia. Since the Fira to Oia only runs one way, when trying to get to Fira, we get on the bus going towards Oia. Once in Oia will we need to transfer buses to get to Fira and purchase another ticket or will we be able to stay on that same bus and it will continue on to Fira?
Corina
You can catch the Oia-bound bus in Finikia, and when you board, tell the driver/ticket taker that you are going to Fira. The vendor will sell you a ticket from Oia to Fira (cash only). When the bus gets to the Oia bus terminal, you can stay on that bus – no need to get out and change buses or re-board the same bus. And you’ll only need to buy that one ticket (not a ticket to Oia plus a ticket to Fira).
But if you are there in high season, the bus may be full when it passes through Finikia. In that case, the bus won’t stop, and you’ll need to wait for the next one, or walk into Oia. Buses run that route every half hour. If it’s a busy time of day or high season, I would save time and walk to the Oia bus station, then take the Fira-bound bus from there.
Great guide. Thank you so much. If I were to take the bus from Fira to Perissa and I get out at Santo Winery, I’d obviously want to get back on the reverse trip to go back to Fira. Since Santo Winery isn’t the end of that line, how hard is it to catch a bus part way through it’s run? And since the buses only come by once an hour, how crowded are the busses typically (in July) because if they’re packed and I can’t get on, I’m stuck for another hour.
Adam
In July the bus from Perissa to Fira is often full in the late afternoon. The bus from Akrotiri to Fira also passes Santo. It is full less often. My guess is you’ll be fine but there is certainly a possibility that you’ll be left waiting.
Best bus info I have ever seen. Never been before and we are arriving by private catamaran, flying in from the US. However, I travel with a medium-sized Assistance/Service Dog, fully documented. Will I be able to utilize the bus system on Santorini? Thank you, Karen E. Duncan.
I don’t have any direct experience with taking a dog on a Santorini bus. My guess is that it will depend on the driver and I’d recommend being prepared for anything. If you have a crate with you then you might be allowed to put your dog under the bus with the luggage – which wouldn’t be great and might not be air-conditioned. Taxis are small so they probably won’t be welcoming. Hiring a family van through Welcome Pickups will likely be your best bet.
How far is the walk to the fira bus station once getting off of the cable car at the top? Thanks.
I’d estimate about a 5-minute walk.
Hi Dave, the itineraries are absolutely thorough, thank you. Is there a discount for kids on the bus?
Thank you
Pavlína
Babies/toddlers (under 5) are free. Kids are half price up to 12 years old.
Hi Dave, great guide, thanks, only have one question. If I buy a ticket from say Perissa to Firá can I get off at any of the intervening stops and then catch a later bus to continue my trip to Firá using the same ticket? And could I do this several times using the same ticket? Thanks Tony
No, each ticket is only good for one ride. In your example, you would need to purchase a new ticket each time you got on the bus.
The Santorini bus information was clear, concise, and thorough. Having never been there, I feel totally confident I could get anywhere on Santorini easily with this guide. Thanks Dave!
Pete
Thanks Pete. We try to make it as helpful and possible. Good to hear!