- Updated on: 2024-04-18
This is probably one of the most popular bus routes on our island: the bus to Santorini’s new sea port and from the sea port to Fira. Every day several ships with a capacity of 400 to 6000 people arrive on our island: fast ferries, catamarans and cruise ships – and all their passengers want to explore the island 🙂 Therefore, there is a frequent bus service between Fira and the seaport, which, however, is limited by a single narrow road.
All regular connections are operated by KTEL, the company responsible for bus services in Santorini.
Which port in Santorini accepts ships, ferries and catamarans?
Our island has two sea ports, but only one of them serves passenger ferries, which are approached by shuttle buses. Santorini’s port that serves passenger ferries is called Port Athinios (Afinios) or simply the New Seaport. There has been some confusion because we have another small port on our island, which is also located in Fira, – the Old Port of Santorini. If you arrive on our island by ferry, it is the new port of Athinios that will welcome you. We will provide you with more information about it.
Bus from Santorini sea port to Fira
The distance between Fira and the port of Athinios is only five kilometers, and the bus journey usually takes no more than 20 minutes under normal circumstances. However, the bus schedule on this route is always tightly linked to the arrival and departure of large ships from Crete, Athens and all the Cyclades islands, so many buses are lined up and sometimes the traffic becomes very, very difficult. Please take this factor into account and always leave time to spare, because a bus on this route may take 30, 40 or even 50 minutes instead of 20. The bus from Santorini port to Fira is usually punctual, but it can be extremely frustrating to arrive at the port just 5 minutes after the ship has departed!
If you arrive at the port of Fira on one of the ferries from Crete, the Cyclades or Athens and plan to take a bus from the port of Santorini to Fira on your own, then be especially careful: when leaving the ship on the left side you will see buses – do not confuse them with excursion buses, which will be dozens at the pier.
Important detail: as soon as the buses are filled with passengers, they leave for the city, regardless of the time, and return only at the time of arrival of the next ship. When leaving the ship, try to avoid wasting time and proceed directly to the bus.
Bus route from Fira to the sea port of Athinios
The bus from Fira to the seaport is direct and non-stop. Please note that you can only use this line if you are traveling by ferry to/from Athens, the Cyclades (Milos, Mykonos and Folegandros islands) or to/from Heraklion, Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos (Crete island).
If you are going to sail around the caldera or visit the volcano, you must reach the old port of Santorini. The new port is primarily used for large ships and fast ferries.
Bus route between Fira and the new seaport of Santorini on the map:
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Bus stop in the sea port of Athinios on the map
The bus stop in the port of Afinios is located in a large square next to the docking area for ships. After disembarking, it will be on your left-hand side. Please refer to the map above for its exact location.
Bus timetable from Fira to Athinios sea port in 2024
The bus to the sea port of Santorini from Fira leaves from the main bus station of the city.
- The bus schedule between the seaport and Fira is updated regularly to match the arrival and departure times of ferries from Athens, the Cyclades and Crete
For instance, this is a sample of an updated bus timetable for travel between the seaport and Fira. Nice, isn’t it?
The bus ride from Fira to the seaport of Afinios takes about 20 minutes, but most of that time can be spent literally idling along the steep zigzag road that follows the slope of the caldera. While the views from here are incredible, the travel time can increase significantly during high season, when traffic jams are not uncommon on our island’s roads. Be sure to allow extra time: it’s better to wait a little longer if you get to the ship early than to miss your flight.
Bus timetable from the Athinios sea port to Fira in 2024
From the new port of Athinios, buses travel to Fira to the island’s main bus station.
- The bus schedule between the seaport and Fira is updated regularly to match the arrival and departure times of ferries from Athens, the Cyclades and Crete
The bus ride from the seaport into town also usually takes about 10 minutes, although there may be a traffic jam uphill.
Bus ticket prices and how to buy tickets from Fira to the Athinios sea port in 2024
The bus fare from Fira to Santorini seaport in 2024 is 2 euros. You can buy a bus ticket from the driver or the conductor.
There is no extra charge and no special luggage tickets are required. A bus ticket from Fira to the port is not required for children up to six years of age – we let them travel free, and the price of a bus ticket for children from seven to twelve years of age is half the full price of a bus ticket on this route.
Five important things about the bus timetable from Fira to the sea port of Athinios
We want to share five basic facts you should know about bus routes between Fira and the sea port of Athinios (or “New port of Santorini”) and on our island in general:
- The central bus stop in Santorini is located in Fira, the heart of the island and its capital. It is the main bus station.
- All buses in Santorini take their routes from there and return there as well.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Athinios
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:
