Is there Uber in Santorini? There is, but Read This First

If you’re planning a trip to the iconic Greek island of Santorini, one of the first things you’re probably thinking about is how to get around.

Whilst the picturesque town of Oia tends to be the most popular place to visit, there’s plenty to explore around the rest of the island.

And whilst there is Uber on the island to help you explore, it’s not how I’d recommend getting around. There’s a few big issues with using Uber in Santorini, which I’ll explain in this guide.

Is there Uber in Santorini?

Yes, there is Uber in Santorini, but it works a little differently to normal. You’ll still use the Uber app, but it’ll connect you with local taxi drivers rather than Uber drivers.

Santorini is a very popular island, and there aren’t many taxis available, so you might want to consider using public transport instead.

Where is Uber available in Santorini?

Uber is available on the whole island of Santorini.

How much does Uber cost in Santorini?

One of the biggest drawbacks of taking an Uber in Santorini is definitely the cost. No matter where you’re going on the island, there’s a base fare of €36.

This base fare means that the minimum amount you’ll pay is €36 no matter what distance you’re travelling (even if it’s only 5 minutes), but it will increase the further you travel.

This means that taking an Uber in Santorini is a very expensive method of transport, and therefore not the way I’d recommend getting around.

Types of Uber you can take in Santorini

As Uber is fulfilled by local taxi companies in Santorini, there’s not a lot of choice when it comes to the type of cars you can order:

Van – Perfect for larger groups of up to 6 people

Uber Comfort – Nicer cars with higher rated drivers

Are local taxis in Santorini cheaper?

Not really. Because there aren’t many taxi’s on the island, both local taxis and Ubers are very expensive methods of transport.

Instead, I’d recommend using the public buses, they’re really affordable, and run very regularly, so you can get wherever you want to go on the island easily.

If you prefer the flexibility of exploring on your own terms, hiring a car is a great option. It’s much more affordable than constantly taking taxis, and means you’re not restricted by bus timetables.

Arriving in Santorini – how to get to your hotel

When you arrive in Santorini, you’ll either be coming by ferry from another Greek island, or by plane.

I’ve visited Santorini twice, the first time arriving by boat from Naxos, and the second time arriving by plane from London.

If you’re arriving by boat

The ferries arrive into the main port, Athinios, which is around 10km from Fira, the islands capital.

The port is at the bottom of the caldera, and it’s quite a precarious drive up the side of the cliff. But the drivers are well used to doing it, so you’re in safe hands.

If you’re not a fan of heights (like me), I’d recommend staying away from the window seat.

Tickets for the bus are only a few Euros, and can be purchased on the day from the bus driver (you’ll need cash).

Don’t bother buying them in advance, it’ll cost you a lot more and there’s no need to, the buses are timed to be there when the boats come in, and they’re really regular so there’ll be space.

If you’re arriving by plane

The cheapest way to get from Santorini airport to Fira or Oia is to take the airport bus, which you’ll find outside of arrivals.

No matter where you’re heading, you’ll need to take the bus to Fira, which takes just 10 minutes and costs around €2.

If you’re not staying in Fira, you’ll need to change to another bus here.

The buses from Fira go around the whole island, so this is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport.

Is Uber safe in Santorini?

Yes, it’s safe to use Uber in Santorini. I’m a bit of an over thinker, so I’m always extra cautious, especially if I’m travelling alone.

Here are a few things I’d recommend doing to help you feel safer:

1. Check the number plate matches the one on the app. I once ordered an Uber in Barcelona and the car showed up with different number plates. He said he’d “just got new plates” but I felt really uncomfortable and ordered a new Uber.
   
2. Send your location to a friend. I always send my live location to a friend whenever I’m in an Uber. That way, I know someone else can track where I’m going.
   
3. Follow the journey on your Google Maps. If I’m travelling alone, I always follow the route to make sure we’re going the right way. You can report anything that feels suspicious to Uber within the app.
   
4. Check the Uber drivers rating. You’ll only see this after the Uber has been confirmed, but I never like to travel with a driver who has a low rating. The app doesn’t tell you the reason which is frustrating, but I don’t like to take the risk. You might get charged a small amount if you cancel, but it’s better to be safe.

Don’t feel bad about refusing to get in the car if you feel uncomfortable. Even if you do have to pay a cancellation fee, your safety is more important.

What is the best way to get around in Santorini?

There’s a few different options for getting around the island depending on your budget and where you’re staying.

If your accommodation is Oia and you only plan on exploring that area, everything is walkable. Oia is relatively small and you’ll be able to walk around it in a couple of hours.

1. Hike

There’s a 10km hike between Fira and Oia that’s extremely popular with tourists. If you want to see both places, this is a great way to do it, whilst also benefiting from incredible views over the Caldera

2. Public transport

The buses in Santorini are really reliable and affordable, and the perfect way to get around the island.

The bus from Fira to Oia takes about 20 minutes and costs around €2. It also stops in the main square in Imerovigli if you want to explore there.

3. Taxi

If you’d prefer to go directly to your destination, a taxi might be a good option, but it’ll be the most expensive. Here’s some example fares below:

• Fira to Oia (25 minutes) costs around €40.
• Fira to Imerovigli (10 minutes) costs around €36,
• Oia to Imerovigli (25 minutes) costs around €39

4. Hiring a car

If you like having the flexibility to explore on your own terms, hiring a car is the best option. It’s much more affordable than taking taxis, and means you can come and go as you please.

I personally love hiring a car when I go away as I find it so much easier to be able to put everything I need in the boot and head out for the day.

Plus, I love the option to discover hidden coves or smaller towns that might be inaccessible with public transport.

If you’re planning on staying in Oia for the majority of the time, you could hire a car for a day (which will work out much cheaper than taking an Uber).

5. Rent an ATV

Hiring an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or buggy is a really popular mode of transport on the Greek islands. Whilst we didn’t hire one in Santorini, we did get one in Paros, and it was the perfect way to explore.

If you’ve not driven one before, I’d strongly recommend joining a tour. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and head out with a small group to explore the island. Plus, you’ll get snacks, drinks and samples of wine included!

Why book this tour?

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Do you need a car in Santorini?

If you’re just exploring Oia, you won’t need a car, as everywhere is walkable.

But if you want to explore around the island (which I recommend you do), or if you’re staying in a villa that’s further away from shops and restaurants, having a car might be useful.

In peak season, hire car companies are extremely busy, so I’d recommend booking a car in advance so you don’t miss out, and to secure the cheapest prices.

Is there Uber in Santorini? FAQs

Can I get an Uber in Santorini?

Yes, you can get an Uber in Santorini, but it works differently to normal. You order through the Uber app, but you’ll be connected to local taxi companies who will fulfil your journey. There aren’t loads of taxis available on the island, but there is good public transport.

What is the best way to get around in Santorini?

The best way to get around Santorini is either hiring a car, or taking the public buses. The public transport in Santorini runs regularly and is really affordable, but hiring a car will give you more flexibility to explore. Both options are great!

What is the cheapest way to get around Santorini?

The cheapest way to get around Santorini is by using the bus. A single journey costs from €1.80, and the buses go all around the island. They’re air conditioned, reliable and safe, so they’re a great option if you don’t want to spend money on taxis.

Is everything in Santorini walkable?

No, not everything in Santorini is walkable. If you onnly plan on staying in Oia, you can walk everywhere, but if you want to explore the rest of the island, you’ll need to take public transport or drive. You can walk between Oia and Fira, but it’s a long hike.

Do I need a car in Santorini?

You don’t need a car in Santorini but you might decide that it’s more cost effective than getting taxis, and more flexible than public transport. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the island on your own schedule, and find hidden spots you might miss otherwise.

Is there Uber in Santorini? The Wrap Up

As you’ve gathered from this article, there is Uber in Santorini, but it works a little differently to usual.

You can order on the app, but rather than being connected with Uber drivers, local taxi companies will fulfil your journey instead.

There’s only a limited number of taxi drivers in Santorini, and prices are set at a minimum of €36 no matter where you’re going, so it might not be the best option for getting around.

The bus system on the island is brilliant and really affordable, so if you’re heading out on a day trip, I’d recommend taking public transport.

Enjoy your trip!