• Nothing Found

Getting from Santorini Old Port to Fira

Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets and scenery, white, red, and black sand beaches, impressive traditional houses, balconies with views of the volcano, and busy nightlife. The town of Fira is the capital of Santorini and the biggest and most cosmopolitan settlement on the island.

Arriving on one of the most popular islands in Greece can be quite overwhelming, especially in high season. This is why it is important to know your options when arriving on the island so that you can make the most of your trip. When travelling from the Old Port to Fira, you have one main transfer option; the cable car. It takes a mere 13 minutes to reach the top and costs €6.

Alternatively, you could take a donkey ride up to the top of the mountain. However, this more traditional option is dangerous, uncomfortable and quite controversial. That being said, it is a method that has been used by locals for over 50 years. Regardless, it is generally recommended to walk up the steps instead.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Santorini at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Cable Car €12 13min 06:30–23:00

How to get from Santorini Old Port to Fira by cable car?

The safest and most comfortable way to reach the town of Fira from Santorini’s Old Port is by cable car. Tickets cost €6 per person and the cable cars leave every 20 minutes. It runs all day from 06:00 to 23:00 during high season (1st June – 31st August).

Taking a cable car up to Fira is a great way to admire the amazing view of the Caldera cliffs, the island’s turquoise sea, and the volcano from an altitude of 220 metres. Also, arriving in only 13 minutes gives you more time to explore the beautiful town and make the most of the small shops the town has to offer.

*It is important to know that on very windy days, the cable cars close for safety reasons.

How much is a cable car from Santorini Old Port to Fira?

A one-way adult ticket for the cable car from Santorini Old Port to Fira costs €6 and €3 for children under the age of 5.

*If you are carrying large luggage, you’ll need to pay a €3 fee.

Cost

€6

Trip Duration

13 Min

The average waiting time is 20 minutes.

Convenience
Value
Safety

Cable cars run from 06:30 to 23:00 from Santorini's Old Port.

Where do I get it from?

When you exit the ferry on the cruise ship dock at the Old Port, you will need to follow the road and turn left towards the Santozeum. After a few metres you will see the cable car station in front of you.

Convenience

Taking a cable car from Santorini Old Port to Fira is definitely the most convenient option. The journey is quick and the cable cars run fairly frequently. However, during the high season in summer, the waiting time can be very long.

Alternative options:

The only other available options are to walk up the steps yourself or ride a donkey. Taking a donkey from Santorini’s Old Port to the town of Fira is dangerous, slow, and uncomfortable and by far the most controversial transfer choice. This option is also not suitable for children as the ride is steep and can be quite scary.

More importantly, donkey rides definitely raise some animal rights issues. However, it is a method that has been used by locals for over 50 years. Instead, we recommend taking a leisurely walk up the steps whilst enjoying the view.

Editor’s Note

The views from the cable cars are spectacular. It is an excellent way to start your Santorini holiday.

Useful Tips

The last cable car trip during the summer months is at 22:40.
All the revenues from the cable car go to Santorini's municipality.
During high season, there can be a very long queue for the cable cars to Fira, due to the many cruise ship passengers.
The cable cars run less frequently during the winter months.
If you can't catch the cable car for whatever reason, your only other option is to walk up the steps, whether on foot or on a donkey.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Santorini. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How much is the cable car from Santorini Old Port to Fira?

The Old Port Santorini cable car costs just €6 for an adult ticket and takes 13 minutes to reach the top (Fira).

How do I get from Santorini Old Port to Fira?

There is only one main transfer option from the ferry port to Fira and that is the cable car. It takes a mere 13 minutes to reach Fira and you’ll pay €6 for a one-way ticket. Alternatively, Santorini donkey rides are a possibility, however, riding a donkey in Santorini comes with its fair share of controversy. The ride is also dangerous, uncomfortable and slow. We recommend enjoying the view and walking up on foot instead.

Was this helpful?

Pre-book online