Transportation from Santorini Airport to Oia

Transfer Options from Santorini Airport to Oia

Travelers not heading to Fira after landing at Santorini Airport (JTR) usually have the picturesque village of Oia as their final destination. Oia is not only one of the most scenic villages in Santorini, but it is also widely regarded as offering some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Therefore, if Oia is your journey’s end, you can choose among Santorini airport taxis, private airport transfers, car rentals, and the budget-friendly yet indirect KTEL buses.

Option	Price (€)	Price ($)	Duration
Taxi	32€	32$	25 min
Bus	3.20€	3.20$	40 min

Santorini Airport to Oia by Taxi

Santorini airport taxis line up at the official taxi rank just outside the terminal’s exit doors, at least during the airport’s operating hours. In summer, the airport operates from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm (until 00:15 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays), while in winter it runs from 06:30 am to 10:15 pm. The silver-grey taxis with the distinctive “TAXI” sign on their roof cover the 17 km / 10.5 miles distance to Oia in approximately 25 minutes.

However, during the high tourist season, heavy traffic is a daily reality, often extending both the journey’s duration and cost. Moreover, Santorini taxis are limited in number and frequently insufficient to meet demand. As a result, waiting times of up to 30 minutes are common, and sharing the taxi with other passengers heading in the same direction is very likely.

Airport taxis in Santorini operate with taximeters, meaning there are no officially fixed prices. Nevertheless, many drivers negotiate a flat fare before starting the ride. Typically, the daytime taxi fare from Santorini Airport to Oia is around 32€ / 32$, while night rides (from midnight to 05:00 am) cost approximately 39€ / 39$. These prices include the 4€ airport surcharge but exclude excess luggage fees (0.40€ per item over 10kg).

Most taxi drivers prefer cash payments and usually do not accept credit cards. Carrying small bills is highly recommended.

Our Tips:

Most Santorini taxi drivers speak English fluently.
If possible, agree in advance to share the ride and split the fare with other travelers heading to Oia.
Tipping is not obligatory, but it is always appreciated.

Santorini Airport to Oia by Bus

If you are traveling on a tight budget, the public KTEL buses are the most economical option for reaching Oia from Santorini Airport. The airport bus stop is located opposite the taxi rank, outside the terminal. Airport buses run directly to Fira, where passengers must change buses to continue to Oia.

The bus ride from Santorini Airport to Fira takes about 15–20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. During the summer season, airport buses operate hourly from 07:00 am to 11:10 pm. From Fira, buses to Oia run every 30–90 minutes between 06:50 am and 09:20 pm, depending on the day.

In total, the journey from JTR Airport to Oia by bus usually takes 70–80 minutes during summer, including waiting time. However, during the low tourist season, routes are much less frequent, and the total travel time may reach up to 2.5–3 hours.

A one-way ticket from the airport to Fira costs 1.60€, while the additional ticket from Fira to Oia raises the total fare to 3.20€. Tickets are purchased directly from the driver and must be paid in cash.

Our Tips:

Bus schedules may change without notice, and delays are common.
KTEL buses are air-conditioned and offer luggage space, but they are not wheelchair accessible.
The Fira–Oia bus makes an intermediate stop at Imerovigli.

Car Rental from Santorini Airport to Oia

With several car rental companies operating at Santorini Airport, renting a car is a convenient and flexible way to reach Oia. After exiting the airport parking area, turn left, then take a right turn after approximately 500 meters. Continue driving for around 15 km / 9.3 miles and turn right onto the Provincial Road Firon–Oias, following the signs to Oia.

The drive from Santorini Airport to Oia takes about 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Nevertheless, congestion is common near popular attractions during the summer months. Parking in Oia is mostly free street parking, but spaces are limited. It is advisable to park just outside the village and walk to your accommodation.

Private Airport Transfers from Santorini Airport to Oia

If you want to avoid bus changes, waiting times, and taxi queues, booking a private airport transfer is the most convenient option. Santorini airport transfers offer meet-and-greet services, fixed prices, modern vehicles, and direct door-to-door transportation. Choosing a private transfer ensures a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free journey from JTR Airport straight to your hotel in Oia.

FAQ

How do I get from Santorini Airport to Oia?

When it comes to airport transfers from Santorini Airport to Oia, your options vary from the comfortable yet few airport taxis, the efficient, still indirect public buses, the lavish private airport transfers, and last but not least, the autonomous car rentals.

How long does it take to get to Oia from the airport?

The traveling time from Santorini Airport to Oia varies depending on the chosen transportation mode. Hence, a car or taxi ride lasts around 25 minutes, while the public KTEL buses heading to Fira need 20 minutes to reach the central station and another 20 minutes to get from Fira to Oia, without taking into account the waiting time or the time needed to change lines at Fira.

How much does a taxi cost from Santorini Airport to Oia?

As Santorini airport taxis are metered, their fare is subject to the journey’s distance and duration. Therefore, the usual price for the 17-km/10.5-mile taxi ride from Santorini Airport to Oia costs 32€/32$ during the day, while night transfers are pricier, costing 39€39$.