Santorini Port Transfer Guide: Athinios & Old Port

Scheduled ferries arrive at Athinios Port, while cruise tenders use the Old Port below Fira. This guide explains the difference, estimated transfer times, hotel access and how to plan a pickup before you arrive with luggage.

Use the KC Travel booking form for a route-specific request from Athinios to your hotel. If you are leaving the island rather than arriving, follow the separate Santorini hotel-to-port departure guide.

Santorini's Two Ports: Athinios vs Old Port (Skala)

Santorini has two distinct ports. Understanding which one you're arriving at determines your transfer strategy.

Athinios Port (also called the New Port) is where all ferry services dock. Located on the western coast below the caldera cliffs, it handles Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Minoan Lines, and all other scheduled ferry connections from Piraeus, Mykonos, Crete, and the other Cycladic islands. It's a working commercial port — functional but not glamorous. The road out of Athinios is a steep, winding ascent through the caldera wall.

Old Port (Skala / Fira Port) is directly below Fira at the foot of the caldera cliffs. Cruise ships anchor offshore here and transfer passengers to shore by tender (small boat). You can ascend to Fira by cable car, by donkey, or on foot via the 580-step zigzag path. Day-trippers from cruise ships use this port; it does not handle scheduled ferries.

Getting from Athinios Port to Your Hotel

At Athinios, vehicles can access the port directly. Your options:

Pre-booked Private Port Transfer (Best Option)

A private transfer from Athinios port means your driver is waiting when you walk off the ferry gangway. No taxi queue, no confusion about which bus goes where, no stress if your ferry is delayed (your driver monitors the arrival). Luggage goes straight into the vehicle. Direct to your hotel door. For families, groups, or anyone arriving with significant luggage, this is by far the most practical solution.

KC Travel offers port transfers from Athinios to all destinations on the island: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and all hotels and villas. Fixed price, door to door.

KTEL Bus from Athinios

A public bus meets most ferry arrivals at Athinios and runs to Fira's central bus terminal. The journey takes 20–30 minutes. From Fira you can connect to other destinations. The bus is inexpensive (around €2.60) and perfectly adequate for solo travellers with light luggage and flexibility. However, buses can be crowded at peak arrivals and do not operate late at night — check timetables at ktel-santorinis.gr. The last bus from the port is typically around 22:00.

Taxis at Athinios

Taxis wait at Athinios for ferry arrivals, but supply rarely meets demand after large ferry disembarkations. Queues of 30–45 minutes are common in high season. If you're arriving on a late night ferry, taxis may be scarce. Pre-booking is strongly advised for any arrival after 22:00.

Transfer Times: Athinios Port to Key Destinations

Approximate driving times from Athinios port:

• Fira — 15–20 minutes
• Imerovigli — 20–25 minutes
• Oia — 35–50 minutes
• Perissa / Perivolos — 20–30 minutes
• Kamari — 25–35 minutes
• Pyrgos / Megalochori — 20–30 minutes

Arriving by Cruise Ship at the Old Port

If you're on a cruise call, your ship will anchor offshore and tender you to the Old Port (Skala). From here, the caldera cable car (€6 one way) runs up to Fira and is the fastest option. At the top, your KC Travel driver can meet you at the cable car exit in Fira for a private transfer to any point on the island.

Alternatively, if you've pre-booked a full-day private tour with us, we'll coordinate a Fira meeting point and handle your entire day on the island — wineries, villages, beaches, and drop-off back at the cable car before your all-aboard time.