Shuttles and Buses from and to Santorini Thira Airport

The only public transportation mode serving Santorini Thira Airport (JTR) is the intercity KTEL bus. As expected, a small island like Santorini does not have a railway system or a metro network. Therefore, travelers searching for a budget-friendly option for their transfers to and from the airport have to rely exclusively on public buses.

The Public KTEL Bus from Santorini Airport

The public KTEL buses connect Santorini Airport directly with Fira, the island’s capital and central bus hub. In fact, all Santorini bus routes start and end in Fira. As a result, if your accommodation is not located in Fira, you will have to change buses at the central station to reach your final destination.

This means that although almost every part of the island is accessible by bus, airport transfers are indirect unless Fira is your final stop. Direct shuttle-style connections from JTR Airport are available only to Fira.

The KTEL bus route starts at Santorini Thira Airport and, after making two intermediate stops at the villages of Messaria and Karterados, arrives at Fira’s central bus station. The total travel time is affected by traffic conditions, especially during the busy summer season, but under normal circumstances the journey lasts approximately 15–20 minutes.

Fortunately, Santorini airport buses are modern coaches. They are air-conditioned, comfortable, and equipped with designated luggage storage compartments underneath the bus. There are no restrictions on luggage size or weight. However, restrooms are not available on board, or at least not operational.

Our Tips:

  • If you are heading to Messaria or Karterados, inform the driver in advance. Buses may skip intermediate stops if no passengers request to get on or off.
  • KTEL buses are not wheelchair accessible.

Public Bus Timetable from JTR Airport

The bus timetable varies significantly depending on the season. During the winter months, services are limited, while in summer the frequency increases considerably.

In winter, buses depart from Santorini Airport approximately 6 times per day, every 2–3 hours, operating from 07:25 am to 07:10 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, only 4 routes are available, with the last departure at 03:10 pm.

During the high tourist season, mainly from May to September, buses run hourly from 07:00 am to 11:10 pm, both on weekdays and weekends. Although some night routes exist on the island, buses do not operate from the airport at night, as JTR Airport closes at 10:15 pm in winter and at 11:00 pm (00:15 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays) in summer.

Our Tip: Bus schedules in Santorini change frequently without prior notice, and delays are common.

Where Is the Bus Stop at Santorini Airport?

Santorini Airport has only one small terminal building. The airport bus stop is located just outside the terminal exit, directly opposite the taxi rank. Access is easy and straightforward, even for passengers traveling with heavy luggage.

Bus Tickets from Santorini Thira Airport

The public bus is the most affordable way to travel from Santorini Airport to Fira. A one-way ticket costs 1.60€ / 1.60$. Tickets are purchased directly from the bus driver upon boarding and must be paid in cash (euros only).

It is strongly recommended to carry small bills, as drivers often do not have enough change.

Our Tips:

  • Bus tickets do not include seat reservations. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and during busy hours you may need to stand or wait for the next bus.
  • If Fira is not your final destination, you will need to purchase an additional ticket (usually another 1.60€) for the onward bus to your accommodation.