How to Get from Santorini Port to Santorini Airport

Athinios Port to Santorini Airport: All the Available Options

Santorini’s surrounding islands (such as Ios and Folegandros) don’t have airports. Thus, if you want to depart from the Greek islands by plane, you’ll need to reach the Santorini Ferry Port and then catch your flight from JTR Airport. So, how will you travel from Athinios Port to the airport? Santorini Airport is located about 10km/6.2 miles from Thira Port on the island’s eastern side. Passengers wishing to reach JTR Airport from Santorini Port can opt for a ride with a Santorini port taxi or a private transfer, or catch the bus from the ferry port. That being said, buses don’t run directly to the airport. Finally, visitors who enjoy independent rides can rent a car from Athinios Port.

Taxi Rides from Santorini Port to Airport

If you are looking for a convenient way to travel from Thira Port to Santorini Airport, you should consider catching a Santorini port taxi. The silver cabs offer safe and efficient services, operating around the clock. Most drivers speak English and are professional and friendly. Taxis in Santorini can accommodate up to 4 persons, but aren’t accessible. While they are one of the most popular transit options on the island, taxis can’t cope with the visitors’ needs during the peak tourist season. Indeed, with fewer than 40 taxis serving the island, it’s nearly impossible to handle the sudden increase in demand during the summer. That’s the reason why, although Athinios Port has a taxi rank, near the ferry docks and next to the bus stop, there aren’t always taxis queuing up there. In fact, even if you call your cab (radio taxi), you’ll probably still have to wait a long time to get picked up. In any case, you should always refuse rides from individual drivers to avoid getting scammed or overcharged.

The taxi ride from Santorini Port to the airport lasts about 20 minutes. Santorini port taxis offer metered fares, charging based on travel duration and the distance traversed. The usual fare for the 20-minute journey to JTR Airport is €35/$38,90. However, during rush hours, taxi trips tend to be longer and more expensive. Additionally, extra charges also apply. Hence, night journeys (midnight to 05:00 am) are pricier, while each piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg incurs a €0,39/$0,44 surcharge. Conversely, passengers aren’t obligated to tip the taxi driver. That being said, locals often round up the final fare for efficient service. As for payment methods, although cash and bank cards should be equally accepted, this is often not the case. Therefore, you should always let the driver know that you plan to use a debit or credit card to be on the safe side.

Tip to Know: Do you want to catch an Uber for your ride from Santorini Thira Port to Santorini Airport? Uber and other ride-hailing agencies operate at Athinios Port.

Bus Rides from Santorini Port to Santorini Airport

The Santorini port bus is the only mode of collective transit. Thus, passengers wishing to minimize their travel expenses should opt for a bus journey from Athinios Port to Santorini Airport. While Santorini’s KTEL buses are modern, clean, and air-conditioned and have designated luggage storage areas, they don’t run directly from Santorini Port to Santorini Airport. Therefore, despite being cheap and efficient, they are time-consuming and tedious, especially after a long sailing. Additionally, they aren’t accessible, meaning that passengers with certain disabilities may be unable to ride the bus.

The bus stop at the Port of Santorini is located close to where the ferries dock. It can actually be found right next to the taxi rank. Buses from Athinios Port head to Fira. Their schedule depends on the ferry arrivals and departures. When a ferry docks at Athinios Port, buses are available to accommodate passengers. During the summer months, multiple buses are present to serve ferry arrivals. Still, they tend to fill up quickly. Therefore, you shouldn’t waste time getting to the bus stop to avoid standing during the bus ride or having to wait for the next route.

The bus from Athinios Port to Fira takes around 20 minutes to reach its terminus, provided traffic levels are normal. The ticket for the bus journey is priced at €2,50/$2,85 and can be bought inside the bus from the driver or the conductor. Tickets for children aged 7 to 12 cost €1,20/$1,35, while younger children travel for free.

The bus from Santorini Port terminates its route at the Central Bus Station in Fira. Once you get off the bus there, you’ll need to catch another route to JTR Airport. Buses from Fira to the airport run hourly from 07:15 am to 10:00 pm and reach their destination in about 10 minutes. The ticket for the 10-minute journey is priced at €2/$2,20. You’ll buy it onboard as well. If you don’t know which bus to take to the airport, check the sign on each bus’s windscreen or ask at the station’s information counter.

Hence, your bus journey from Athinios Port to Santorini Airport will last around half an hour (plus waiting time) and cost €4,50/$5.

Car Rentals from Santorini Port to Airport

Are you considering renting a car for the journey from Athinios Port to Santorini Airport? Santorini port car rentals are ideal if you value independence during your rides. A few car hire companies have offices at Athinios Port, while numerous other agencies offer pick-ups at the port despite having desks at off-port locations. As a result, passengers have access to a wide variety of rental cars and can find the perfect deal for their needs and budget. However, in-advance reservations are strongly recommended as the port’s parking facilities are limited. Consequently, car rental companies have only a few vehicles available for on-the-spot bookings at the port.

As soon as you pick up your rental car, you’ll begin the ride to the airport. Please keep in mind that the road from the Santorini Ferry Port is hilly and winding as it traverses the Caldera. Therefore, if you aren’t an experienced driver, you should reconsider renting a car at Athinios Port. The journey from Santorini Port to Santorini Airport lasts around 20 minutes, as long as the road isn’t congested. Once you reach the airport, you’ll conveniently park the vehicle at the airport’s parking lot, located opposite the terminal. The parking is free of charge, but it offers a limited number of parking spaces.

Private Transfers from Thira Port to Santorini Airport

Private port transfers are the most luxurious and hassle-free way to travel from Thira Port to the airport. Time typically isn’t on your side when you have a flight to catch. Thus, why look for an available taxi or hurry up to catch one of the overcrowded buses departing from the Santorini Ferry Port when you can book a private transfer and have your driver waiting for you at the ferry dock, ready to drive you to the airport with the vehicle of your choice? Many side amenities make private transfers even more appealing. On the other hand, the cost of a private transfer is somewhat higher than the fare of standard taxis. However, the difference isn’t significant and reflects the quality of the service, anyway.