- Updated on: 2024-08-29
If you choose to spend the day at Monolithos, Gialos, or Karterados beach, you can arrange it with a bus line to Monolithos.
The bus service between Fira and the village of Monolithos, near which there are several black volcanic beaches, is quite busy, so it is possible to come from the capital and return to Fira at almost any time, even late at night.
The distance between Fira and Monolithos is approximately seven kilometers, and when all roads are clear, a shuttle bus can cover this distance in just 10 minutes. However, traffic jams can occur on the roads, and the route can take up to 30 minutes if there is traffic.
All regular bus services between the cities are operated by KTEL (KTEL), the company responsible for bus services in Santorini.
Bus route from Fira to Monolithos
The bus from the main bus station of the island goes to Monolithos via the airport, Messaria and Vothonas. To get to the Koutsougiannopoulos Wine Museum, you can alight the bus before reaching the airport and walk a bit. However, it is more convenient to take the line that goes directly to the airport. The bus route between Fira and Monolithos on the map of Santorini:
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Monolithos bus stop on the map
The bus stop in Monolithos is located right at the entrance of the black volcanic beach with the same name. It consists of a large square, a few taverns, and a timetable post under the shade of tamarisk trees. The place is marked on the map above.
Bus timetable from Fira to Monolithos in 2024
From Fira, buses start running to Monolithos at 7:15am and then continue once every 1-2 hours thereafter. This is the most recent (September 2024) updated bus timetable provided by KTEL Santorini:
| From | To | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fira | Monolithos | 07:15 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 10:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 11:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 12:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 13:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 14:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 15:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 16:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 17:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 18:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 19:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 20:00 |
| Fira | Monolithos | 21:00 |
The bus ride from Fira to Monolithos takes around 10 minutes. It’s important to keep in mind that during the high season, traffic jams are common on the roads of our island, which can significantly increase travel time.
The last bus from the capital to Monolithos leaves at 21:00. There are no night buses from the main bus station on the island to Monolithos.
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? Have a look at taxi prices for this route in advance.
Bus timetable from Monolithos to Fira in 2024
The return bus from Monolitos goes to the main bus station of Fira. The first morning trip usually leaves at 7:25 am. This is the latest update of the KTEL Santorini bus schedule (September 2024):
| From | To | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monolithos | Fira | 07:25 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 10:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 11:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 12:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 13:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 14:10 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 15:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 16:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 17:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 18:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 19:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 20:15 |
| Monolithos | Fira | 21:15 |
The bus ride from Monolithos to Fira usually takes about 10 minutes as well.
The last bus from Monolitos to Fira is around 21:15 – after that the bus service between the cities ends.
Bus ticket prices and how to buy tickets from Fira to Monolithos in 2024
You can buy a ticket directly on the bus – from the driver or the conductor. The bus fare from Fira to Monolithos in 2024 is 2 euro.
Children up to and including six years of age ride for free on the bus from Fira to Monolithos. The price of a bus ticket for children aged seven to twelve years inclusive is half the full price of a bus ticket on that route. No additional fees or special luggage tickets are required.
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
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
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
Five important things about the bus timetable from Fira to Monolithos
We want to share five basic facts you should know about bus routes between Fira and Monolithos village 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 Monolithos
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:
