The distance between Akrotiri and Fira is about ten kilometres. On a normal day it takes 20 minutes by bus, but on busy roads and in heavy traffic it can take up to an hour to get from Fira to Akrotiri by bus.

Bus services in Santorini are operated by KTEL company.

Bus route from Fira to Akrotiri

Santorini’s bus routes are a sort of network, centred in the capital at the island’s main bus station.

Fira bus station: shuttle buses in Santorini, Greece
Fira bus station: shuttle buses in Santorini, Greece

On this route you can visit the settlements of Megalochori, Pyrgos, Akrotiri, as well as the sights along the bus route: the wineries of Santo Wines and Venetziano, the Caldera View viewpoint overlooking the volcano, the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the White and Red beaches.

If you want to visit the Red Beach in Santorini, get off at the second bus stop in Akrotiri, which is located in the archaeological area. The bus does not go any further. The bus route between Fira and Akrotiri on the map of Santorini:

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Akrotiri bus stop on the map

At the end of the route the bus makes two stops: the first bus stop in Akrotiri is in the center of the village, while the second bus stop is located two kilometres further south – already close to the archaeological site. This location is marked on the map above.

Bus timetable from Fira to Akrotiri in 2024

During the summer months, the bus from Fira to Akrotiri departs at 8:30, and thereafter runs at 30-60 minute intervals. This is the most recent (October 2024) updated bus timetable provided by KTEL Santorini:

FromToTime
FiraAkrotiri08:30
FiraAkrotiri10:00
FiraAkrotiri10:30
FiraAkrotiri11:00
FiraAkrotiri11:30
FiraAkrotiri12:00
FiraAkrotiri12:30
FiraAkrotiri13:00
FiraAkrotiri14:00
FiraAkrotiri15:00
FiraAkrotiri16:00
FiraAkrotiri17:00
FiraAkrotiri18:00
FiraAkrotiri19:00
FiraAkrotiri20:00

The bus ride from Fira to Akrotiri takes approximately 20 minutes. Please note that during the high season, when traffic jams are not uncommon on the roads of our island, the travelling time can increase considerably.

The last bus leaves at 21:00. There are no night buses on this route!

KTEL Santorini sometimes makes changes to the bus timetable – and in some cases several times during the week. Always check the bus schedule before you travel, or better yet, take the early buses that are more likely to get you to your destination on time

Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island

Want to get there in comfort and on time? Check taxi fares for this route in advance.

Bus timetable from Akrotiri to Fira in 2024

The return bus from Akrotiri goes to the main bus station in Fira, with the first departure at 8:50, then every half hour or hour thereafter. This is the latest update of the KTEL Santorini bus schedule (October 2024):

FromToTime
AkrotiriFira08:50
AkrotiriFira10:20
AkrotiriFira10:50
AkrotiriFira11:20
AkrotiriFira11:50
AkrotiriFira12:20
AkrotiriFira12:50
AkrotiriFira13:20
AkrotiriFira14:20
AkrotiriFira15:20
AkrotiriFira16:20
AkrotiriFira17:20
AkrotiriFira18:20
AkrotiriFira19:20
AkrotiriFira20:20

The bus ride from Akrotiri to Fira usually takes about 20 minutes as well.

There are no buses from Akrotiri to Fira at night: the bus service between the cities ends at 21:20 with the last bus.

Bus ticket prices and how to buy tickets from Fira to Akrotiri in 2024

The bus fare from Fira to Akrotiri in 2024 is 1.8 and 2 euros – to the village and to the archaeological area, respectively. The ticket can be purchased from the driver or conductor on the bus for cash.

There is no extra charge or any special luggage tickets are required. A bus ticket from Fira to Aktori for children up to and including six years old is not necessary – we have them free of charge and the bus ticket price for children from seven to twelve years inclusive is half the full bus ticket price for that route.

Santorini sightseeing by bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, don’t forget that we have several bus tours around the island. You can visit almost all the villages and even watch the sunset in Oia. Take a look at some of our tours:

Santorini sightseeing bus tour with wine tasting and sunset in Oia

The most detailed bus sightseeing tour: volcanic beaches, traditional villages, the peak of Mount Ilias the Prophet, wine tasting and sunset meeting Oia.

Schedule: everyday.

  • Bus trip

  • Group tour

  • Sunset

58from/per person

Details

Oia bus tour: meet the sunset in West Santorini

Evening bus trip: south coast, Red Beach, Akrotiri Lighthouse, highest peak of Santorini near the monastery of Prophet Ilias and Oia village at sunset time!

Schedule: everyday.

  • Bus trip

  • Group tour

  • Sunset

50from/per person

Details

Visit all the traditional villages of Santorini in one day

A trip to Santorini's most famous villages: Megalochori, Emporio, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia, where a sunset meeting is planned.

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

  • Bus trip

  • Group tour

  • Sunset

90from/per person

Details

Five important things about the bus timetable from Fira to Akrotiri

We want to share five basic facts you should know about bus routes between Fira and Akrotiri village and on our island in general:

  1. The central bus stop in Santorini is located in Fira, the heart of the island and its capital. It is the main bus station.
  2. All buses in Santorini take their routes from there and return there as well.
  3. You can get from almost any other part of the island and back on regular buses, but you almost always have to go through the central bus station and make a connection there.
  4. Bus timetables are different at weekends and also during the winter season (especially!). The gaps between buses can be an hour and a half or two hours instead of half an hour, and sometimes more. In general, the bus schedule on the island is quite… unstable and conditional. Sometimes it can change twice a week. Sad, but true.
  5. You can buy bus tickets in the bus for cash (euros). It is better to prepare in advance coins or small banknotes of 5 or 10 euros.

What can be useful for holidays in Akrotiri

Are you planning a holiday in Santorini? Or are you already on the island? We are happy to help you organise your vacation! Check out tips, services and offers:

Airplane tickets

If you try SkyScanner or Aviasales, you can find low-cost tickets to Santorini in advance.

Hotels and villas

If you check accomodation in advance, you’ll be pleased with the number of great hotels in Santorini. We also recommend you to pay attention to the selection of our favorite hotels. We stay in many of them ourselves.

Transfers

If driving is not your thing, it’s best to arrange a way to get around the island beforehand. Check the bus timetables, compare taxi offers from Kiwitaxi and our transfer options.

Book a car

There are not many cars in the car hire companies, so once again the aggregator service comes in handy: all the options in one place.

Tours and guides

In our online store you can choose and book group or private tours in Santorini in advance.


Santorinika

Santorini Travel Agency: group excursions and boat trips, private guides and individual itineraries, helicopter aerial excursions, yacht and catamaran rentals - everything you may need for your vacation in Santorini!