Santorini Port Transfers from Athinios Ferry & Old Port
Santorini has two ports, and they work in completely different ways. Knowing which one applies to your arrival is the first step to a smooth transfer.
My Santorini Transfer serves passengers arriving at both. This page explains how each port works, where your driver meets you, and how to reach your destination without the queues.
Santorini's Two Ports: Ferry Terminal and Cruise Dock
Apart from the airport arrivals and departures, Santorini receives arrivals at two completely separate locations, and they operate nothing alike. Athinios Port is the island’s ferry terminal, connected by road and reachable by vehicle. The Old Port (Skala) is the tender dock for cruise ships, sitting at the base of the caldera cliffs with no road access at all. Your transfer arrangement depends entirely on which port applies to your arrival. Knowing the difference before you land means no confusion at the dock, no wasted time, and a driver waiting exactly where you need them.
Port Transfers
Athinios Port: Santorini's Ferry Terminal
Athinios Port is the only ferry terminal on Santorini. It sits on the southwestern side of the island, approximately 8 km south of Fira, 20 km south of Oia, and 9 km west of Santorini Airport.
All passenger ferries use Athinios. This includes connections from:
- Athens (Piraeus) via Blue Star Ferries and Seajets
- Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Milos
- Heraklion (Crete) and other Aegean destinations
Over 2 million passengers pass through Athinios each year. During peak season, multiple ferries can arrive within the same hour. When that happens, the taxi rank fills and clears within minutes.
Athinios is road-accessible. Private transfer vehicles, taxis, and public buses all operate directly from the port exit.
Your driver meets you at the Athinios Port exit with a name sign.
From there, we take you directly to your hotel or any destination on the island, including Oia, the island’s most iconic village. Not sure which route suits you? Read our guide on how to get from Fira to Oia.
Old Port Santorini (Skala): The Cruise Ship Dock
The Old Port (also known as Skala or Gialos) is the only cruise tender port on the island.
Cruise ships anchor in the caldera bay and also departs from there. Passengers board small tender boats that ferry them ashore in approximately 10 minutes.
The Old Port has no road access. From the port, passengers ascend to Fira by:
- Cable car: approximately 3 minutes, the most practical option
- Karavolades Stairs: 588 steep steps, not suitable with luggage
- Water taxi: Solid option for travelers that value their time and don’t mind spending a few more euros to reach their destination faster.
Your driver meets you at the top of the cable car in Fira with a name sign. From there, we take you directly to your hotel or any destination on the island. Or, we can arrange a water taxi for you and pick you up comfortably at port Athinios.
During peak season (June to August), up to five cruise ships can arrive on the same morning. Cable car queues can stretch to 45 minutes or more. Pre-arranging your transfer means your driver is already waiting the moment you reach the top.
Note: Cruise passengers in Royal Carribean are sometimes tendered to Athinios Port instead of the Old Port with the user of a ticket bought on board. If you are unsure which dock your ship uses, check with your cruise line or contact us when booking.
Ferry Port vs Cruise Port: Key Differences
| Athinios (Ferry Port) | Old Port / Skala (Cruise Port) | |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers served | Ferry arrivals | Cruise ship arrivals |
| Road access | Yes | No |
| How you arrive | Ferry docks at the port | Tender boat from anchored cruise ship |
| Transfer meeting point | Port exit | Top of cable car in Fira |
| Public bus available | Yes, to Fira | No |
| Taxi rank | Yes, limited supply | Available in Fira after cable car |
What Every Santorini Port Transfer Includes
Every booking with My Santorini Transfer includes:
- Vessel monitoring: We track your ferry or coordinate around your cruise tender schedule
- Meet and greet: At the Athinios Port exit for ferry arrivals, or at the top of the cable car or via prearranged water taxi at the Athinios port for cruise arrivals
- Luggage assistance: No hauling bags alone from the port or cable car exit
- Fixed price: Confirmed at booking, no surprises on arrival
- Door-to-door drop-off: Including hotels in pedestrian-only areas
Child seats are available on request. Groups can book vans or minibuses.
Santorini Port Transfer Routes
Ormos Athinios is the main ferry port of Santorini and one of the busiest arrival points on the island. Because of steep roads, heavy traffic, and limited taxis, choosing the right transfer from the port makes a big difference especially during peak season.
Our most frequently requested Santorini port transfers include the following routes:
How to Get from Santorini Port to Oia
The most popular route from both ports. Distance from Athinios to Oia is approximately 20 km, with a typical travel time of 30 to 45 minutes by private transfer. For cruise passengers picked up at the top of the cable car in Fira, the drive to Oia is approximately 11 km, taking 20 to 25 minutes.
A private transfer is the only real guaranteed door-to-door option from either port. Private transfer from Athinios Port to Oia starts from €50. Price is fixed at booking, with no hidden fees on arrival.
How to Get from Santorini Port to Fira
For ferry passengers at Athinios, this is a direct 8 km drive taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes. For cruise passengers, Fira is already your arrival point after the cable car. If your hotel is in Fira, you are already there. If you need to continue to another village, your driver is waiting at the cable car exit.
Santorini Tours from the Port
A transfer is just the start. My Santorini Transfer arranges private island tours for travellers arriving by ferry or cruise ship, covering the highlights at your pace. Cruise passengers can request precise timing built around their tender schedule, so every stop is planned and the return to the Old Port is never in doubt. No rushing, no missed ships.
Leaving Santorini by ferry or cruise ship requires the same planning as arriving. The road to Athinios is steep and narrow, and during peak season it backs up quickly. Missing a ferry because of a traffic delay is a real risk without a pre-arranged transfer.
My Santorini Transfer handles departure pickups from all hotels and villages across the island, including pedestrian-only areas in Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli, where your driver meets you at the nearest vehicle-accessible point.
FAQ: Santorini Port Transfers
What is the difference between Athinios Port and the Old Port in Santorini?
Athinios (New Port) is the ferry terminal, connected by road and serving all passenger ferry arrivals. The Old Port (Skala/Gialos) is the cruise ship tender dock at the base of Fira’s cliffs, with no road access. Ferry passengers take road transport directly from Athinios. Cruise passengers ascend to Fira by cable car, where their driver meets them at the top.
Where does my driver meet me if I arrive by cruise ship?
Because the Old Port has no road access, your driver meets you at the top of the cable car in Fira. We confirm the exact meeting details when you book. Otherwise we can arrange a water taxi for you from the Old Port to the new port
If your ship arrives at Port Athinios, the driver will meet you right at the port.
Specifically for the Royal Caribbean cruise, you can obtain a priority ticket during your ship stay that allows you to disembark at Port Athinios and skip the cable car lines. In this case, we will meet you there after consulting you.
Is there a taxi at Athinios Port?
Taxis wait at the port after ferry arrivals, but Santorini has only around 35 to 40 licensed taxis for the entire island. The queue forms immediately when a ferry docks and can stretch to 30 to 60 minutes during peak season. Pre-booking a private transfer guarantees your vehicle is confirmed.
Is there a direct bus from Athinios Port to Oia?
No. The public KTEL bus from the port goes to Fira only. From Fira, a second bus to Oia is required. With luggage during peak season, securing space on both buses is unreliable. Total journey time is 1 hour to 1 hour 40 minutes.
What if my ferry is delayed?
We monitor your vessel’s arrival status and adjust your driver’s timing accordingly. For significant schedule changes, contact us via WhatsApp and we will reschedule.
What if my tender from the cruise ship runs late?
We coordinate your pickup around your ship’s tender schedule. If your ship is delayed or tendering takes longer than expected, contact us via WhatsApp and we will adjust.
Book Your Santorini Port Transfer
Whether you arrive by ferry at Athinios or by cruise ship at the Old Port, My Santorini Transfer provides reliable, professional rides to all destinations across Santorini.