Athinios is Santorini's main ferry port, about 10 km (20–25 min) from Fira via an uphill road with hairpin bends. You get up by pre-booked private transfer, a KTEL bus timed to the ferries, or a taxi. With luggage or late at night, a transfer is the most reliable.
If you arrive in Santorini by ferry, you'll almost certainly disembark at Athinios port — the island's main ferry harbour. It sits on the west side, below the caldera cliff, about 10 km from Fira via an uphill road of tight hairpin bends. Here's how to reach your accommodation with the least hassle.
Transfer options from Athinios port
| Option | Price | Booking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoot Transfer | Fixed, known in advance | Online booking | Luggage, late arrivals |
| Taxi | Variable | On the spot | Short trips (if you find one) |
| Bus (KTEL) | € low | At the stop | Budget travel |
Scoot Transfer
Driver waiting at the port, fixed price, linked to your ferry time.
Book a transferBus (KTEL)
Timed to the main ferry arrivals, takes you up to Fira with a change.
Taxi
Few taxis, huge demand after each ferry.
Athinios or the old port? Don't mix them up
Ferries (from Piraeus, Crete and the other Cyclades) dock at Athinios. The old port, below Fira, mainly serves cruise ships via small tender boats, and you go up to Fira by cable car or on foot. If you're travelling by ferry, your destination is Athinios.
The road up from Athinios
The road from the port climbs steeply in switchback bends. After each ferry arrival, hundreds of passengers look for transport at once — which is why arranging things in advance makes the difference, especially with luggage or late at night.
Transfer options from Athinios
Bus (KTEL)
KTEL buses are timed to the main ferry arrivals and take passengers up to Fira, where you change. Cheap, but they fill quickly and are awkward with suitcases at peak.
Taxi
There are few taxis at the port and demand after each ferry is huge — the wait can be long and the price variable.
Pre-booked private transfer
The most relaxed option: your driver waits at the port with your name, with a fixed price known in advance, and takes you straight to your accommodation. See Scoot Transfer in Santorini.
Why a private transfer from the port
With Scoot Transfer you skip the crush after disembarking: the transfer is linked to your ferry time, the driver tracks any delays, and you choose a vehicle to match your luggage (Sedan, SUV or Van). Ideal for late arrivals and uphill routes to Oia.
Tip: many ferries arrive late at night. Book your transfer together with your ferry tickets, so you're not stuck in a queue after dark.
When each one is worth it
For an arrival with luggage, a group, or late at night, a private transfer is the most predictable. For budget travel without a rush, the KTEL bus is enough. If you plan to explore on your own, see vehicle rental and the getting around Santorini guide. Arriving by plane? See the airport (JTR) transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Athinios port on the west side, about 10 km from Fira. Cruise ships use the old port below Fira.
About 10 km, roughly 20–25 minutes, via an uphill road with hairpin bends.
Yes, KTEL is timed to the main ferry arrivals and takes passengers up to Fira, with a change for the other settlements.
Yes, especially with luggage or for late arrivals: you skip the queue, have a fixed price and the driver waits for you at the port.