Taxi Availability At Santorini Airport: What To Expect

Santorini Airport, located on the east side of the island, is a mere 5km from Fira, the island's scenic capital and transportation hub. The airport is small, with just one drop-off/pick-up area, but it can be crowded and chaotic. For those arriving at the airport, there are several transportation options to reach their destination, including taxis. However, taxis in Santorini are in short supply, with only a few dozen operating on the island. This can make securing a taxi ride a challenge, especially during peak season. Taxis are available outside the airport terminal during operating hours, but passengers may experience long wait times. Pre-booking a taxi is recommended, especially during the high season, to avoid the hassle of long queues. While taxi fares are typically fixed, they can vary depending on the distance and duration of the journey, with additional charges for luggage and night-time travel. Overall, taking a taxi from Santorini Airport is a convenient option for travellers seeking a fast and hassle-free way to reach their accommodation.

Taxi availability at Santorini Airport

Taxis are available at Santorini Airport, but there is a limited number serving the island, so you may have to wait. There is a designated taxi rank outside the arrivals area, and a taxi is the most convenient, fast, and hassle-free way to get to your hotel, especially if it's in Fira.

Taxis are available when the airport is operating, which is from 6:30 am to 10:15 pm in winter and 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (00:15 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays) in summer.

Taxi prices are either fixed or depend on the taximeter's indication, which calculates the cost based on the distance and duration of the journey. A ride to Fira will cost around €15-€22 during the day, and €22-€27 at night. A ride to Oia will cost around €32 during the day and €39 at night. There may be extra fees for luggage or for taxi rides during holidays.

You can book a taxi by calling a local radio taxi at +30 228 602 2555, using the Aegean taxi app, or by asking your hotel to book one for you. You can also pre-book a taxi online before your flight.

The waiting time for a taxi at the airport can be long, especially during the peak season (May to October). You may have to wait up to half an hour for a taxi if the airport is busy. It is recommended to pre-book your taxi during the peak season.

Yes, there are other transport options available, such as bus, pre-booked car service, car rental, and private hotel transfer. Taking the bus is the cheapest option, and it is relatively easy if your destination is Fira. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore the island.

Taxi fares and pricing

Taxis in Santorini Airport charge according to the distance travelled and the duration of the journey. The taxi fare is formed by the taximeter's indication. As a result, road congestion can significantly affect taxi rates. There are fixed prices between the airport and various places on the island.

A taxi ride to Fira, the city centre, costs approximately €15-€22 during the day and €22-€27 at night. The journey takes about 15 minutes and there is an airport pick-up extra charge of €4. There is also an extra fee of €0.40 for every piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg. Fira is located about 5.8 kilometres or 3.6 miles from the airport.

Travelling to Kamari or Perissa will cost between €25 and €35, and a ride to Oia will be more expensive at around €32 during the day and €39 at night. A trip to the Ferry Port will cost around €20-€25. For a group of more than four people, you will need to book another taxi for the remaining passengers.

During the peak season, it is recommended to pre-book your taxi as there are only 39 taxis serving the island. The taxi rank is located outside the terminal building and taxis are available when the airport is operating. You can also call a local radio taxi or book through a taxi app.

It is important to note that taxi fares in Santorini start at a minimum of €5 and there may be extra charges for luggage or for the taxi to come to your hotel. The preferred payment method is cash, as there is no legal requirement for drivers to carry a POS machine. While some taxis may accept credit cards, this is not guaranteed.

How to book a taxi in advance

Santorini Airport is often crowded and chaotic, and taxis are in short supply on the island, so it's a good idea to book your taxi in advance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do that:

• Decide on your transportation needs: Consider how many people are in your group and how much luggage you'll have. This will help you determine the type of vehicle you need. Also, decide if you want a shared or private ride, as this will impact the cost.
• Choose a taxi company: Research reputable taxi companies in Santorini. Look for companies that offer online booking and have good reviews for their services. You can book through a company like Welcome Pickups, or use a service like Aegean Taxi, which offers an app for booking.
• Book your taxi: Go to the company's website or use their app to book your taxi. Provide your arrival/departure details, including flight information, the number of passengers, and the address of your accommodation. You may also be able to book by phone or WhatsApp.
• Confirm the details: After booking, review the confirmation email or message to ensure all the details are correct. Make a note of the taxi company's contact information in case you need to make any changes or have any issues.
• Prepare for your arrival: On the day of your arrival, keep an eye out for your driver. They may be holding a sign with your name on it. If you've booked through an app, you may receive updates on the driver's location and vehicle details.
• Pay and tip your driver: Have cash ready to pay your driver, as credit card payments may not always be accepted. Tipping is not required, but if you're happy with the service, you can round up the fare or leave a small tip.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth arrival and departure from Santorini Airport and avoid the hassle of long waits for taxis.

Taxi stands and queues

There is a designated taxi stand at Santorini Airport, located just outside the arrivals area and the terminal building. The taxi rank is situated in front of the Departures Hall, near the exit.

The taxi stand at the airport is the best place to find a taxi, although it can be challenging to secure a ride due to the limited number of taxis on the island. There are only about two to four dozen taxis serving the airport and the island, and during peak season, the demand far exceeds the supply. As a result, it is common to have to wait in line for a long time to get a taxi at the airport. The queue can become quite lengthy, especially when several flights arrive simultaneously. Therefore, it is recommended to pre-book your taxi whenever possible, especially during the high season from May to October.

The taxi stand is easy to locate, and airport staff can provide directions if needed. The taxis are typically grey or silver in colour and have a 'Taxi' sign on the roof, as well as driver registration details displayed inside the vehicle.

In addition to the airport taxi stand, there is a main taxi stand located just below Fira main square, where you may also find a taxi. However, be prepared to wait in line as it is a popular spot for travellers looking for a ride.

Alternative transport options

There are several alternative transport options for travellers arriving at Santorini Airport. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Pre-booked car service: This is a convenient option if you want to avoid the hassle of waiting for a taxi or public transport. You can book a car service in advance, and they will usually monitor your flight for any changes or delays. This option is ideal for families and large groups, as larger vehicles can be reserved. It is also a good choice if you want to avoid carrying cash, as you can often book and pay in advance.
• Rental car: Renting a car at Santorini Airport is a good option if you plan to explore the island independently. It can be more cost-effective than taxis or private transfers, especially if you are staying for a longer period. Online reservation is available, and rental car kiosks are located in the small arrivals area of the airport. Keep in mind that if you are a foreign driver, Greek law requires you to carry an International Driving Permit in addition to your driver's license.
• Bus: Taking the bus is the cheapest option for getting from the airport to Fira, the island's capital. The bus service runs regularly from the airport parking lot to Fira and costs €1.80. There is ample room for luggage, and buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. However, to get to other villages, you will need to switch buses in Fira and buy a separate ticket.
• Shuttle bus: Shuttle buses are available for a shared or private ride to Fira. The shared shuttle takes around 25 minutes and costs €17 per passenger, making it the most economical option. The private shuttle guarantees that only you and your party will be on board, with no stops at other hotels. This option costs €60 per vehicle for up to three passengers.
• Hotel shuttle: Many hotels in Santorini offer a free airport shuttle service. Even if there is a fee, this option can still be more affordable than a taxi or private transfer. Hotel shuttles also offer the convenience of minimal waiting time.

Frequently asked questions