How to Get Around in Santorini: Your Best Options

I did not expect to almost get run over, but when I found myself walking roadside from the village of Megalochori to the town of Pyrgos it felt like a very real possibility. When it comes to how to get around in Santorini there are definitely some things you should know before you go.

Even if you’re not venturing off the beaten path like I did, you’ll likely need to switch between more than one way of getting around while you’re on the island.

Choosing how to get around in Santorini

Depending on where you stay in Santorini and what areas you plan to explore, you’ll toggle between these ways of getting around the island:

Walking

White church with a blue dome and bell tower along a cobblestone street in Santorini as tourists walk past small shops and cafes under a bright blue sky.

In most tourist-popular parts of Santorini, like Fira and Oia, you’ll find a lot of shops and restaurants clustered together.

Within these towns it’ll feel walkable, although be aware that certain places may be hillier with more steps to climb up and down.

Curved white steps leading up through Santorini buildings toward a church with a blue dome and bell tower as strong sunlight creates a bright flare in the sky.

If you’re up for longer, hike-like walks then you can even get between Fira and Oia on foot following the well-known trail between the two.

But where walking gets risky, at least in my experience, is when you go out a bit further.

This is because it is not uncommon to find yourself walking in places with no available sidewalks. I had this experience in Santorini but also on the other Greek islands I visited.

I was waiting for a bus to get from Megolochori to Pyrgos when the couple next to me suggested I should just walk. But while the distance between these two, more local towns isn’t a lot the walk between them was uncomfortable.

Traditional white windmill beside a quiet road in Santorini with stone walls and sparse vegetation under a bright midday sky.

Maybe I made a wrong turn somewhere, but for a little stretch of time I was walking right alongside the cars on the literal road. What’s worse?

The road curved at times so it was impossible to always see the cars coming through or for them to see me.

In moments like these, I’m actually grateful to be traveling solo because I only have to worry about getting myself across safely!

Public buses

buses in a parking lot before sunrise, with a dark sky

Buses run fairly regularly, are affordable (2 euros) and pretty easy to figure out. However, you’re on someone else’s timetables and sometimes that can be frustrating or confusing.

I did have one instance in particular where I had to wait a very long time for the bus back to Fira from Pyrgos. But I believe this is because I missed one of the buses because it did not clearly show the destination it was headed to when it arrived.

To avoid something similar, when in doubt go up and ask the bus driver or the bus driver’s assistant – not a fellow passenger – whether a bus plans to make a stop at your destination.

Is there Uber in Santorini?

Yes, there is Uber in Santorini and I almost used it that day when I found myself waiting for a bus for a long time in the hot sun.

The Uber service is connected to the local taxi service, so when you request an Uber you’re actually calling a taxi. It’s certainly not the most affordable means of transportation but it is available.

Steep volcanic cliffs of the Santorini caldera with white villages perched along the rim above the dark blue sea under a clear sky.

Is it easy to get taxis in Santorini?

There are only 40-50 taxis on the entire island, so especially if you’re visiting during peak season it may be trickier to get a taxi.

Otherwise, there are some taxi stands around the island that you can visit if that’s your preferred mode of transportation.

Just be sure to ask about prices beforehand for any fixed fee transfers (usually to/from the airport or port), and to ensure the meter is running in other situations.

I generally prefer to use an app like Uber, which will hail you a taxi anyway, just for the added security of seeing prices and paying electronically.

Passengers boarding a large ferry at the Santorini port with cars waiting on the dock and rocky caldera cliffs rising behind the harbor.

Rental car

If you feel comfortable driving in unfamiliar places and want maximum freedom then renting a car is a great option.

You’ll get to see as much of the island as you want at your leisure. Just try to book a hotel in Santorini that includes free parking or has some sort of parking available nearby.

You also have the option to rent an ATV or scooter, but if you’re not used to driving those a car is the safer choice.

Small Santorini church with a bell tower and pale yellow facade with several scooters parked along the white wall in front of the building.

Private driver

Want the flexibility of moving around the island on your own schedule, but without driving yourself? There are plenty of customizable tour itineraries with private drivers you can reserve for a day around Santorini.

This one in particular has nearly 1,000 5-star reviews.

Check availability for your travel dates

Group tours

One of my hacks as a solo traveler who hates driving is to book a group day trip if I want to visit further out destinations without the hassle. It’s also a great way to meet fellow travelers, and get insights from a local guide.

I typically use Viator or GetYourGuide to book these experiences.

Transport is covered on nearly all trips, and they often also include meals or entry tickets depending on the specific tour.

Narrow whitewashed alley in Santorini with a scooter parked along the wall and a woman in a green dress walking toward blue domes and bell towers in the distance.

Tips for Getting Around Santorini

Get an eSIM so you can easily use Google maps, Uber app, etc.
Don’t be put off by the bus drivers’ brusque demeanors. Be polite but straightforward when asking them questions. They know what they’re doing so trust them.
Have euros on you for buses.
Be prepared for buses to run less frequently during shoulder season
During high season, book any private transfers in advance
Communicate with your hotel early to arrange transfers

What’s next?

My near misadventure between Megalochori and Pyrgos was also a reminder that Santorini isn’t just about sunset views and whitewashed villages.

You’ll likely be walking quite a bit, navigating uneven streets and spending long days outside. As you’re getting ready for your trip, here’s what to pack for Santorini so you’re comfortable exploring the island.