Santorini International Airport (JTR) is located 7 kilometres south of the capital Fira, which is about 15 minutes by car, and 25 minutes from the picturesque Oia, the most photographed resort on the island. The distance to the main port of Santorini, on the other hand, is about 8 km, with a journey time of about 20 minutes by car or taxi.
Despite its relatively small size, Santorini Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Greece, connecting the island directly with Athens (45 minutes flight time) and Thessaloniki (1 hour flight time), as well as numerous international destinations during peak season.
In fact, the airport is connected to most international airports by direct flights operated by national and low-cost airlines.
The bus has the advantage of being the cheapest means of transport. It is all in all convenient for those staying in Fira, but not a good solution for all other locations.
Buses of the local transport company KTEL connect the airport with the capital with runs about every 30 minutes. From Fira it is then possible to take connections to other places on the island. The buses are synchronised with the arrival of flights, but during the high season they may be very crowded. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes.
It is advisable to check the updated timetables on the official Santorini public transport website, as they vary depending on the season. Once you arrive in Fira, you can take connections to Oia, Perissa, Kamari and other places on the island.
By car or taxi, the journey time is reduced to just 10 to 15 minutes.
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and offer a convenient and direct service to any destination on the island.
The price for a ride from the airport to Fira is around €20-25, while the journey to Oia can cost €35-40 during the high season. Prices may vary depending on time of day and season, so it is advisable to agree on the fare before setting off.
The problem is that the number of taxis in Santorini is not sufficient to cover the high demand during the summer months. In fact, during the high season, tourist volumes are so high that you will certainly have to wait quite a while before getting into a taxi. To avoid the long queues, you can book a private transfer in advance.
An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Santorini Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.
It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Santorini Airport airport visit this site.
The most convenient way to travel from the airport and visit the island is certainly to rent a car. Several car rental companies have offices in or near the airport. During the high season, it is strongly recommended to book your vehicle in advance to ensure availability and better rates.
Renting a car will enable you to easily reach your accommodation and freely explore the island’s beaches and attractions.
To rent a car in Santorini we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
As mentioned, there are no direct buses from the airport to the resorts of Santorini, with the only exception of Fira. To get to any town or beach you must first arrive in Fira and from there take a second bus to your final destination. We therefore advise you to book a private transfer or hire a car.
The picturesque Oia is about 16 km from the airport, with a journey time of 25-30 minutes by car or taxi. The cost of a taxi is about 35-40€. To admire the famous sunsets and the Caldera, it is best to book a private transfer or hire a car, especially if you stay in a hotel with an in-room swimming pool.
The seaside resort of Kamari is the closest to the airport, only 4 km away. The journey takes just 10 minutes by taxi (about 15-20€). If you have booked in one of the flats in the area, this proximity is particularly advantageous.
Perissa, with its characteristic black beach, is about 10 km from the airport. The taxi ride takes 20 minutes and costs about 25-30€. To get there by public transport, you will have to pass through Fira, making the journey longer (about 45-60 minutes in total).
The archaeological excavations of Akrotiri and the famous Red Beach are located about 14 km from the airport. The taxi ride takes 25 minutes and costs about €30-35. Again, by public transport it will be necessary to pass through Fira.
Imerovigli, known as ‘the balcony on the Aegean’, is located 9 km from the airport. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 25-30€. It is one of the best areas to stay for spectacular views of the caldera, with numerous luxury resorts.
There are no direct buses from Santorini airport to the port of Athinios, which is the only port of departure and arrival for ferries. To travel from the airport to the port by bus, you therefore have to change at Fira, which will probably force you to wait a long time.
Below you can see real-time departure and arrival times at Santorini Airport.
By entering the dates of your stay in the following form, you can check the rates and availability in real time of the facilities near theSantorini Airport.
Below is a list of recommended hotels near Santorini Airport.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the santorini Airport, to book click here.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the santorini Airport. To compare rates click here.
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