How to Get Around Santorini (Without Losing Your Sanity)

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Written by Rachel | Published September 3, 2025

If you’re wondering how to get around Santorini, you’re not alone. Transportation here can be confusing, even overwhelming.

The best way to get around Santorini — especially if you don’t want to drive — is a mix of public buses, private transfers, and walking, with rental cars or ATVs only making sense if you’re confident on the island’s cliffside roads.

Here’s what you’ll find in this guide on how to get around Santorini

• Buses – the budget-friendly lifeline of the island (and how to actually use them without stress).
• Rental Cars & ATVs – freedom for the bold, but the roads here aren’t for the faint of heart.
• Taxis & Private Transfers – why Santorini taxis are scarce and the smarter way I book stress-free rides.
• Walking – the best way to soak up the caldera views (and why you’ll do it no matter what).
• Tours with Transport – the easiest way to see the island without juggling buses, parking, or directions.

I’ve tested every option, from chaotic bus rides to stress-free private transfers, and I’ve learned exactly what works (and what’s not worth the headache).

On my first trip, I swore I’d never drive after watching locals squeeze past each other on cliffside turns with centimeters to spare.

It felt more like a high-stakes video game than a holiday, so I ditched the wheel in favor of buses, walking, and Welcome Pickups transfers, which turned out to be some of the smoothest parts of my trip.

By the end, you’ll know the smartest way to get around Santorini without blowing your budget, your patience, or your nerves.

Public Buses in Santorini

When it comes to public transport in Santorini, the buses are like the island’s unsung hero.

They’re not glamorous, but they’ll get you where you need to go without draining your vacation fund.

Think of them as the Greek version of ridesharing… think less Uber, more ‘whoever’s already on board.’”

All buses start and end in Fira, which is the main transportation hub.

From there, routes run to Oia, Perissa, Kamari, the ferry port, and the airport.

Santorini bus tickets

Tickets cost just a couple of euros, and you buy them on board from a conductor who makes their way down the aisle with the ease of someone who’s done this a thousand times.

With a quick nod, a couple of coins, and you’re set.

You’ll also see locals hopping off with bags of groceries. Buses are how most people get to the bigger Santorini supermarkets.

That little detail made the buses feel less “touristy” and more like the island’s lifeline.

Finding your bus in Santorini

When I visited, I used the buses constantly. They were cleaner and more reliable than I expected. The only “oh boy” moment was at the Fira station, where it feels like a confusing shuffle that somehow keeps moving.

If you’re not sure which bus is yours, don’t worry. Just ask the driver or conductor.

They’ll point you in the right direction with that classic Greek shrug and a ‘slowly, slowly.

For travelers keeping an eye on expenses, buses are hands-down the most affordable way to get around Santorini without a car.

They’re a perfect fit if you’re planning Santorini on a budget. Yes, they get crowded in peak season (think sardine-can vibes at Fira station), but they’ll save you hundreds compared to taxis or rentals.

For couples or families who want more comfort, you might prefer a transfer, but if your priority is saving cash, the bus is the way to go.”

Best for: budget-conscious travelers, anyone not keen on cliff driving, and those who want to avoid parking nightmares.
Not so great for: late-night trips or anyone who hates crowds, since buses can feel like sardine cans in peak season.

Do You Really Need a Rental Car in Santorini?

People often ask, “do you need a car in Santorini?”

On paper, renting a car in Santorini sounds dreamy. You can chase beaches and villages you won’t find on the bus routes.

The reality? It feels more like being dropped into a video game where the roads are the villains. Hairpin turns, scooters darting out of nowhere, and parking spots that barely exist make driving stressful instead of freeing.

You couldn’t pay me to drive in Santorini. On one bus ride, a woman across the aisle leaned toward my husband and whispered, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to stare. I just can’t bear to look out the window.”

He stood up to see what she meant, and all he saw was a straight drop with no guardrail.

That was enough confirmation for me that I was not getting behind the wheel here.

And let’s talk parking. If you’re used to neat rows of cars tucked sensibly into lined spaces, scratch that.

Santorini is more of an “if it fits, it works” situation.

via GIPHY

You’ll see cars half on sidewalks, scooters squeezed into spots no human could wriggle through, and the occasional bumper practically kissing a cliff wall.

If you’re a confident driver who wants to chase hidden beaches, a rental car might be your best option.

For most travelers, the best way to get around Santorini is without a car.

If you choose to go with a rental car, just know that parking in Oia and Fira is a nightmare.

Picture circling endlessly, like a slow-motion game of musical chairs you’re never going to win.

It’s part of the reason that where you choose to stay in Santorini matters, for in some neighborhoods, parking is near impossible.

If you’re already planning to explore Santorini’s beaches, a car is the fastest way to hop between them.

But if you’re not comfortable with cliffside driving or creative parking, save yourself the stress and stick with buses or private transfers.

Best for: confident drivers, adventure-seekers, and anyone with a solid GPS and nerves of steel.
Not so great for: hesitant drivers, families with young kids, or anyone hoping for an easy parking experience in the busiest towns.

Are ATVs and Scooters Worth It in Santorini?

ATVs and scooters are practically the unofficial mascots of Santorini.

What struck me most in Santorini was how ATVs and scooters were absolutely everywhere! They buzzed around like flies between villages.

You’ll see travelers whizzing past with selfie sticks in one hand and helmets in the other.

It’s a whole vibe in Santorini.

They’re cheap to rent, easy to park (because you can squeeze them in almost anywhere), and give you the freedom to zip between villages without waiting for a bus.

However, accidents happen all the time.

Santorini’s roads are narrow, drivers can be aggressive, and those cliff edges aren’t forgiving.

Helmets are legally required, but you’ll still see plenty of people skipping them.

Honestly, if you’re not already confident on two wheels, Santorini is not the place to learn.

ATV rental in Santorini can make sense if you’re adventurous, comfortable in traffic, and want a quicker way to reach spots that buses don’t hit.

Just keep your safety in mind and remember that a scraped knee or worse can quickly turn that “epic vacation vibe” into an unplanned hospital visit.

Best for: confident, experienced riders who want flexibility
Not so great for: beginners, families with kids, or anyone nervous about traffic

👉 For more on whether it’s right for you, check out my full post on ATV rental in Santorini.

Taxis and Private Transfers in Santorini

Santorini has taxis, but not nearly enough of them.

On a busy day, it feels like there are about twelve taxis for the entire island, and everyone is trying to flag them down at the same time.

Don’t expect to roll up to Oia at sunset, pull out your phone, and instantly get a ride.

Yes, you’ll see apps like Uber or Lyft available on the island, but they don’t work the way you’re used to.

Instead of ride shares, they function more like booking platforms for the local taxi system.

That means longer waits and no guarantee that a car will show up quickly (or at all).

That’s why I always book private transfers when I need to be somewhere on time, like catching a ferry or heading to the airport.

Honestly, once you’ve figured out how to get from Athens to Santorini, the last thing you want is stressing over how to actually get to your hotel once you land.

If you’re in Santorini on a honeymoon or anniversary trip, taxis won’t cut it. Nothing kills the vibe faster than standing in Oia after sunset with no ride back to your hotel in Santorini.

A pre-booked transfer means you get picked up on time, no stress — so you can stay focused on the romance.

We used Welcome Pickups for every scheduled ride, and it was flawless.

I booked in the app, saw my driver’s name, photo, and car, and got a notification when they were arriving.

It felt safe, organized, and completely stress-free.

Plus, chatting with the drivers was one of my favorite parts of the trip — we got little slices of local life along the way.

Best for: airport and ferry transfers, stress-free arrivals and departures, travelers who don’t want to play “find a taxi” roulette
Not so great for: super spontaneous late-night trips (book ahead if you can)

Walking in Santorini: What to Expect

No matter what else you use to get around Santorini, you’re going to be walking. A lot.

Parts of the island are completely pedestrian-only, especially in villages like Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli. 

These main pathways are gorgeous, lined with shops, cafes, and whitewashed staircases, but they’re not made for cars, scooters, or ATVs.

Even if you rent one, it’s staying parked outside the village while you head in on foot.

Walking here feels like a series of surprises.

One minute you’re in a narrow alley, the next you’re staring at the caldera.

You’ll wander along narrow alleys that suddenly open up to sweeping caldera views, or stumble on tucked-away tavernas that you’d never spot from a car window. 

Some of the best meals come from places you stumble on while walking, especially the Santorini caldera restaurants that hang right over the cliffs.

Just keep in mind that Santorini’s marble paths and stone stairs aren’t always even, and slips do happen — something worth noting if you’ve been wondering if Santorini is safe.

One thing I quickly learned: Santorini’s stairs and marble paths aren’t always forgiving.

My husband flat-out banned me from walking and taking pictures at the same time because there were no guardrails, and I’m low-key clumsy.

He wasn’t wrong. Between the uneven steps and steep drops, it’s definitely a place where you want to pay attention to where your feet are going.

Bring sturdy shoes, not flip-flops, especially if you plan to explore the cliffside paths between villages.

And if you want a front-row seat to those famous Santorini sunsets, nothing beats being on foot.

Some of the best spots, like in Oia or Imerovigli, are only reachable by walking anyway, and they’re worth every step.

For more inspiration on where to go, check out my tips for catching the perfect Santorini sunset.

Best for: soaking up the caldera views, exploring village centers, finding hidden gems in Santorini
Not so great for: anyone expecting flat, easy strolls. Even if you’re not planning a workout, Santorini’s stairs will challenge your calves.

Tours With Transport Included

Tours are also a great way to check off some of the big things to do in Santorini without the stress of figuring out transport.

Whether it’s sailing, wine tasting, or exploring archaeological sites, most of them include pickup and drop-off.

The best part is you don’t have to think about how to get there. The van shows up, you climb in, and off you go. Zero stress.

One of my favorite ways to do this is on the water.

A Santorini catamaran cruise will pick you up from your hotel, sail you around the caldera, feed you ridiculously good Greek food on board, and drop you back without you lifting a finger.

No parking, no maps, no “wait, how do we get back?” stress.

Just wine, swimming stops, and a sunset view from the deck.

I joined a catamaran cruise that picked me up at my hotel and dropped me back after sunset.

Not worrying about transport made it feel like a true vacation. No maps, no stress, just wine and the Aegean breeze.

If you’re on a romantic trip, tours can double as built-in date nights.

Many Santorini honeymoon daytrips come with transport included, so instead of navigating those cliff roads or fighting for a taxi, you’re clinking glasses of Assyrtiko while someone else drives.

The beauty of tours is that they take transportation off your plate completely.

If you’re already juggling flights, ferries, and hotel check-ins, sometimes it’s worth paying for the ease of just showing up and enjoying the ride.

Best for: couples on a romantic trip, families who don’t want logistics stress, and anyone who wants a “just show up” experience
Not so great for: ultra-independent travelers who hate being on someone else’s schedule

Mistakes Tourists Make Getting Around Santorini

Transportation in Santorini isn’t hard once you know the tricks, but there are a few mistakes that can seriously mess with your day.

Let’s skip those, shall we?

Counting on taxis at the last minute.

Picture this: you’ve just watched the sunset in Oia, the sky is turning pink and gold, and you’re ready for dinner.

You open your phone thinking, “I’ll just grab a taxi.” Nope.

Everyone else had the same idea, and with the island’s tiny fleet, you might be standing there long enough to memorize every souvenir shop on the strip.

Driving straight into Oia or Fira, hoping to find parking

It feels like a hopeless game that you’ll keep trying, but the odds are never in your favor.

You’ll circle, and circle, and maybe squeeze into a spot half on a sidewalk if you’re lucky.

Most of the time, you’ll just waste an hour and your sanity.

Assuming buses run late into the night.

The buses are fantastic during the day, but they’re not New York City subway trains.

If you plan a late dinner or night out, be sure to check the schedule.

Otherwise, you might end up on an accidental moonlit hike back to your hotel.

Trusting Google Maps for timing

Google might say “15 minutes,” but on Santorini roads, that could easily stretch into 45.

Between traffic, cliff curves, and the occasional donkey blocking the way (yes, it happens), give yourself extra time, especially if you’ve got a ferry or flight to catch.

On one trip, Google Maps told us our dinner reservation was just two minutes away.

In reality, it was closer to 20, and after getting turned around in the alleys, it took almost an hour.

Needless to say, we were very late, and I never trusted the app blindly again.

A little bit of planning is the difference between sipping wine at a caldera-view taverna and sweating in a parking lot.

Don’t let these mistakes steal your Santorini joy.

When Is the Easiest Time to Get Around Santorini?

Getting around Santorini isn’t just about how you travel; it’s also about when.

The island feels like two totally different places depending on the season.

In the shoulder months — late spring or early fall — buses are manageable, roads are busy but not terrifying, and you can actually find a parking spot without selling your soul.

This is when I usually visit, and honestly, it’s peak bliss.

Bring your patience in July and August, everything takes twice as long.

Traffic slows to a crawl, buses fill up fast, and that “quick drive” across the island might turn into a test of your Zen levels.

Even walking the main paths feels different, with more elbow-to-elbow crowds.

Google Maps might say 20 minutes, but in high season, give yourself at least double that.

Santorini time runs on its own rhythm, and it’s better to budget extra minutes than risk missing your ferry.

Greek time is real, and it’s one of those things to know before you travel to Greece.

If timing is still up in the air for your trip, you’ll want to check out the best time to visit Santorini.

Trust me, choosing the right season makes transportation about ten times easier.

Best for: travelers who like to plan ahead and avoid chaos
Not so great for: anyone expecting to breeze through peak season without delays

🚗Quick Comparison: Best Ways to Get Around Santorini

• Public Buses
  Best for: budget travelers, anyone avoiding parking stress
  Watch out for: crowded in high season, limited late-night service
  My take: clean, cheap, and easy — my go-to most days
  
• Rental Cars
  Best for: confident, assertive drivers who want freedom
  Watch out for: cliffside roads, “creative” parking, pricey insurance
  My take: you couldn’t pay me to drive here, but it works if you’re bold
  
• ATVs & Scooters
  Best for: adventurous riders, quick hops between villages
  Watch out for: accidents are common, helmets are required, not for beginners
  My take: fun to watch, risky to ride unless you’re experienced
  
• Taxis
  Best for: short trips, late nights (if you actually find one)
  Watch out for: scarce, not app-based, long waits at busy times
  My take: hard to count on, better as backup than your main plan
  
• Private Transfers
  Best for: airport/ferry pickups, couples, families
  Watch out for: pricier than buses
  My take: worth every cent for stress-free arrivals — I use Welcome Pickups
  
• Walking
  Best for: exploring villages, sunset views, hidden gems
  Watch out for: hilly terrain, uneven marble paths, not flip-flop friendly
  My take: unavoidable and magical — some of the best moments happen on foot
  
• Tours With Transport
  Best for: couples, families, anyone wanting “just show up” ease
  Watch out for: less flexible schedules
  My take: the best way to combine transport with activities like catamaran cruises or wine tours

Final Tips for Getting Around Santorini

Figuring out how to get around Santorini doesn’t have to be stressful. After multiple trips, I’ve found the best mix is:

• Buses for budget-friendly rides
• Private transfers when timing matters
• Walking through the villages for those unforgettable caldera views

Cars and ATVs can work if you’re bold, but most travelers don’t need them to have an incredible trip.

Of course, getting around is just one part of the puzzle. In this article, I break down the pros and cons of whether Santorini is worth the trip.

👉 Next Step: If you’re still building your trip, the biggest decision isn’t transport — it’s where you stay. The village you choose will make a huge difference in how easy (or hard!) it is to get around.

✨ Read my full guide on Where to Stay in Santorini to choose the right base for your trip.

And before you book anything, grab my FREE Santorini Destination Guide. It includes:

• ✅ Key Greek phrases
• ✅ Dining etiquette
• ✅ Must-do tours + free activities
• ✅ Transportation cheat sheet

📩 Sign up here and I’ll send it straight to your inbox → Get My Free Santorini Guide

That way, you’ll feel confident navigating Santorini from the moment you land.

👉 Keep reading, keep planning, and let’s turn Santorini from overwhelming to effortless.

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