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Is There Uber In Santorini: 2024 Tips & Prices

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Do you want to know if there is Uber in Santorini? 

Are you worried about getting around in Santorini if Uber is not available? The good news is that there is Uber in Santorini, but its services are very limited

This article has all you need to know about exploring this idyllic Greek island, including Uber and Santorini car rental tips, public transport information, plus the best sightseeing tours found on Santorini. 

The volcanic island of Santorini is best known for its picturesque villages packed with whitewashed houses and its picture-perfect blue-domed churches

Is there Uber in Santorini.

These idyllic features are set against dramatic cliffs and a sparkling blue Aegean Sea, which together make Santorini such a popular destination. 

The island also offers adventurous activities such as hiking, snorkelling and off-roading, incredible foodie experiences, wine-tasting opportunities and expansive sandy beaches. 

Santorini has so much to offer visitors, and you will want to get out and explore everything there is to see and do. This article will help you achieve that. 

Is There Uber In Santorini?

If you have been asking yourself, is there Uber on Santorini, the answer is YES, but similar to Uber in Athens and Mykonos, in a very limited capacity and perhaps not in a format that you may be familiar with. 

At the time of writing this article, Uber Santorini is only available as UberTaxi. This means you can order a ride as usual via the Uber App, but the car that arrives will be a locally licensed taxi following local taxi rules and local fare prices. 

Therefore Uber Taxi Santorini will not offer you the same competitively low Uber fares that you may be used to elsewhere. 

How Much Does An Uber On Santorini Cost?

Is there Uber in Santorini.

Uber in Santorini varies in cost according to the distance you travel, how many people are travelling and at what time of the day or night you need to travel. 

However, it is important to know that Uber Santorini taxi rides have a set minimum fee regardless of the distance travelled or the time of the day. The fee is currently €36. So, even if you want to get somewhere that takes only a few minutes by car, you will still pay a minimum of €36. 

This is known as the base rate or standard rate, which will then increase according to the distance travelled, the number of passengers etc. 

You may also be charged a booking fee, and occasionally an automatic tip for the driver may be added too. 

Most taxis and UberTaxis on Santorini do not have meters. You will need to agree on the fare with the driver in advance of the journey – starting from the standard base rate, of course. 

A few Uber Taxis to and from Santorini airport are metered, so you may end up paying more than you expect to if you get caught in traffic. 

Uber VS Local Taxi Companies In Santorini

Santorini taxi
Taxi stand and bust station in Oia, Santorini.

Are Taxis Expensive In Santorini?

Yes, taxis are very costly in Santorini! 

To give you an idea of the cost of a taxi in Santorini, we recently paid €45 to travel from Santorini airport to Oia, a 17-kilometre distance with a journey time of 20 minutes. On another day, we paid €40 to travel from Oia to the capital Fira which is only 14 kilometres apart. 

After realising how expensive the taxis are in Santorini, we rented a car and paid €30 per day via Discover Cars, including the full insurance cover! Yes, the car was small, and it was late April, but still renting a car in Santorini makes so much more sense than taking multiple taxis or UBER rides. 

So if you’ve been wondering are there taxis in Santorini, the answer is yes, but they are expensive, especially for solo travellers. 

It is also worth remembering that there are a limited number of taxis on Santorini so unless you pre-book a taxi, you may face a wait for one, especially in peak season. 

Families and groups should also know that under Greek law, Santorini taxis are limited to a maximum of four passengers per car.

How To Get From Santorini Airport To Your Hotel

When you arrive at a new destination after a long, tiring journey, many travellers (us included) just want to get to the hotel and relax. 

It can be stressful to arrive somewhere, work out what public transport you need or immediately hire a car. Having to navigate new roads and new rules when you are tired is not fun, and it’s even worse if it is dark. 

Rather than book and hang around waiting for an Uber Taxi from the airport, consider using a pre-arranged transfer service from the airport.  

Is there Uber in Santorini.

Shared transfer

A shared transfer is when you share your chauffeur-driven vehicle with other people on your flight or on flights that arrive at a similar time. 

You will be met in the arrivals hall by the driver, who will hold a card with your name on it. This is a reassuring sight after a long tiring journey!

Once you have been transferred to the air-conditioned vehicle, you will be whisked away to your hotel. 

The downsides of using a shared transfer are that, depending on bookings, you may have to share your vehicle with other travellers and wait for them to be picked up and dropped off before you are.

However, in our experience, we have found that these waits are kept to an absolute minimum to keep customers happy. After all, happy customers ensure repeated business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

The benefits of a shared transfer are a quick and easy journey to your hotel without the worry of self-driving and the security of knowing you will be met at the airport when you arrive. 

Plus, as you are sharing the transfer vehicle, the fare will be lower than a private transfer.

You can also pre-book car seats if you are travelling with children to save you bringing your own. 

Book shared Santorini transfer here:

Private transfer

A private transfer is when you have the transfer vehicle all to yourself. You will have plenty of room for your luggage, and you can pre-book car seats if needed. 

You will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver, taken to the vehicle and driven directly to your hotel with no delay or waiting time. 

The benefits of a private transfer are a stress-free, quick and easy journey. It can be cost-effective if you are travelling as part of a group. 

The downside is you will pay a higher fare than a shared transfer. Another downside for families is that children are considered to be bum on a seat, so no concessions are offered. 

Book private Santorini transfer at the best rate here:

What Is The Best Way Of Getting Around Santorini Without Uber?

As Uber in Santorini is currently limited to UberTaxi, you will need other options for getting around in Santorini Greece. 

Rent A Car In Santorini

renting a car in Santorini

Renting a car in Santorini is straightforward and can be cost-effective if you are travelling as a couple, group or family. 

We trust and use Discover Cars whenever we travel. Discover Cars is a comparison site which, in our experience, has saved us time, stress and money. We actually tested it out, and Discover Cars offer better prices and an option to get full insurance cover, which is not offered at the local rental car shops in Greece. 

After inputting your travel details into the Discover Cars website, it will show you all the cars that are available in Santorini during your trip dates. You can use filters for cost, type and size of a car to further narrow your search enabling you to book the right car for you, your budget and your luggage, 

The listings are prioritised in order of best reviews (which we have found to be accurate), and the quoted price is the price you pay; there are no hidden fees on Discover Cars.

Another reason we love this company is that they offer free cancellation in case your trip is cancelled or your travel dates have to change. 

Santorini is not a big island, so rental cars are in high demand all year round, especially in peak season. Make sure you book your rental car well in advance of your arrival on the island. 

Book your car in advance of your trip at the cheapest rate here:

Go By Bus

Santorini buses
Fira Bust Station.

Public transportation in Santorini Greece is limited to buses, but there is a comprehensive and reliable bus network on the island. It consists of 23 coach-style buses run by KETL.

The buses operate all over the island covering the principal tourist destinations plus the port and the airport. 

Regular buses run seven days a week from around 7 am to 10 pm (airport buses start a little earlier at 6 am), with a limited night service offered between 10 pm and 5 am. 

Buses will be a slower way of getting around Santorini than self-driving, but the buses are very cheap, so they are a great option for solo or budget travellers. 

For example, the 14-kilometre journey from Santorini port to Fira costs just €2 per person. Student discounts and concessions for children are available. 

Rent An ATV Or Buggy

ATV Santorini

You can also rent an ATV or buggy to travel around Santorini. 

However, although these vehicles are fun to drive, they should not be driven by inexperienced drivers. Drivers must be over 21 years old and hold a current, valid licence. 

If you are considering renting an ATV or buggy, check that your travel insurance policy allows you to ride one. If you ride an ATV and have an accident, your travel insurance may not cover you. 

Other things to consider are the weather. If you are unlucky enough to catch a rain shower or a windy day, riding an exposed ATV is not fun. 

Plus, an ATV or buggy is expensive compared to hiring a car. For example, the lowest spec ATV costs from €301 for one week in August. A low-spec buggy will cost €875. 

However, a four-seat Mini on Discover Cars will cost €333 for the same week and will keep you dry AND transport your luggage around. If you’re renting only for 2-3 days, renting a car will always be cheaper than renting an ATV.

If you do want to drive an ATV on Santorini, I recommend joining a tour and travelling as part of a group. 

Book A Tour 

You can take all the stress out of self-driving or using public transport by booking a tour to explore the island. The following tours are my top picks of all the tours offered on Santorini. 

ATV-Quad Santorini Experience Tour

Uber in Santorini?
Megalochori

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

If you have always wanted to ride an ATV but are nervous about heading out on your own, this highly-rated small-group ATV tour is for you. The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. 

The 3 – 4 hour tour is limited to six people, so you will get lots of attention from your guide. You must be over 21 to drive and hold a valid driver’s licence. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from most island locations
  • An ATV/QUAD vehicle 300cc
  • A professional guide 
  • A helmet for each guest
  • Fuel costs
  • Bottled water 
  • Wine tasting 
  • A light snack

ITINERARY

The tour starts at Perissa’s black sand beach, where you will receive a safety briefing and driving tips before setting off on off-road trails. 

Your first stop of the day is the Castelli of Emporio, where you can enjoy 30 minutes of exploring the area and the Venetian Castle on foot. 

You will then jump back onto your ATV and continue driving to Megalochori, passing the Windmills of Emporio en route. After a quick stop in this gorgeous traditional village, you will visit the oldest winery on Santorini to taste three of their unique wines. 

The final stop of the day is the Heart of Santorini viewpoint for incredible caldera and sea views before returning by ATV to Perissa. 

Book your spot at this fun ATV tour here:

Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Full Greek Meal and Sunset

Santorini sunset cruise
Santorini sunset cruise

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

The size and scale of Santorini’s cliffs and dramatic coastline can only be truly appreciated from the sea. 

This 5-star Santorini sunset cruise lasts for five hours and visits some of the most scenic spots on Santorini. For the price, this comprehensive tour is excellent value for money. 

The tour is limited to 20 guests and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. An alternative date is offered should the trip be cancelled due to poor weather. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • A professional crew 
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
  • A Greek meal on-board 
  • Beach towels 
  • Use of toilets and changing rooms 
  • Hotel pick up and drop off

ITINERARY

Setting sail from Vlychada Marina, the catamaran will sail past Vlychada Beach to Red Beach, where you can enjoy a 30-minute stop for swimming or snorkelling. 

You will then sail past White Beach, and Mesa Pigadia Beach before arriving at the caldera. Here you will pass Akrotiri and the lighthouse to reach Palea Kameni, where you will stop for 20 minutes to enjoy the hot springs. 

After a freshly cooked Greek meal of grilled fish, chicken, pasta and salad, you will continue your journey past Oia and Amoudi Bay back to your starting point. 

The tour is available as a day tour or as a sunset tour. We celebrated my birthday on this tour and had a fantastic time!

Book the exact romantic sunset cruise we took and loved here:

Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with 12 Tastings and Tapas

Santorini winery tour

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

If you prefer to stay on dry land or are a food lover, this wine and food-tasting tour is a perfect day trip for you. 

The adults-only tour is limited to eight guests and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Transportation throughout the day by an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • A guide
  • 12-15 wine tastings
  • Tapas snacks 
  • Mineral water

ITINERARY

After the hotel pick-ups are complete, you will travel into the Santorini countryside to visit three of the island’s top wineries. 

On route, your guide will explain how wine is made on Santorini and the effects of the rich volcanic soil on both the grape growing process and the taste of the wine produced here. 

At each winery, you will enjoy a tour of the cellars, a talk about the production process and a walk through the vineyards. You will sample a total of 12 – 15 wines during your day trip. At the last winery, you can indulge in tapas, including bread, cheese and olives. 

This tour is available as a day tour and as a sunset tour. If you choose the sunset option, you will arrive at the Santo Winery in time to witness a fantastic sunset. We really enjoyed sampling all the wine and learning more about the island’s rich wine-making heritage!

Book the exact same wine tour we took here:

Is There Uber In Santorini: FAQ

You can gran an Uber taxi in Santorini Oia.

Is everything in Santorini walkable?

You can walk around individual towns and villages in Santorini (and sometimes between towns), but you cannot walk all over the island. The distances are too far. 

For example, if you are staying in picturesque Imerovigli, you can walk to the capital Fira which is 25 minutes or two kilometres away on foot. In contrast, Fira to Oia is over two hours on foot. 

If you had been relying on Uber in Santorini in order to explore the island, consider hiring a car, using the public bus system or joining a tour. 

Do other Greek Islands have Uber?

If you have been wondering if Santorini’s lack of Uber is unusual and is there Uber in Greece the answer is no, there isn’t. 

The only Uber available in Greece is UberTaxi, and even that is only available in Santorini, Athens and Thessaloniki. 

What is the best way to get around Santorini?

With the lack of Uber in Santorini, the best way to get around the island is by hire car, by public bus or as part of a tour.

Santorini taxis are also good and reliable so you can use them, but they will be expensive. 

Which taxi app works in Santorini?

The easiest way to book an UberTaxi in Santorini is via the Uber App.

You can also hail a taxi on the street (just make sure it is a licensed taxi before you get in) or from a taxi rank, or by phone.  

Do you need a rental car for Santorini?

If you do not plan to leave your hotel or stray far from the nearest beach you do not need a rental car for Santorini. You will be able to manage your Santorini trip with the occasional taxi or short bus ride. 

However, if you want to visit the different locations Santorini is famous for, eat in different tavernas each night or laze on a new beach each day, you will need to rent a car in Santorini. 

Taxis would prove too expensive for daily trips, and you will also waste a lot of your precious holiday each day waiting for and travelling on public buses. 

Is driving in Santorini difficult?

Driving in Santorini is not difficult, especially if you are used to manual cars and driving on the right-hand side of the road. If you aren’t used to this, driving in Santorini will be challenging at first, but it will get easier the more driving you do. 

Make sure you take the usual driving precautions and do your research on local speed limits, the best routes to take and the rules of the road before setting off on your Santorini road trip. 

Santorini’s roads can be narrow, winding and, at times, precipitous. It can be white knuckle time if you meet a bus or tour coach coming in the opposite direction on a narrow mountain road.

You also need to be aware of quad bikes and ATVs coming out of nowhere and distracted pedestrians, and badly parked cars on the roads. 

Don’t let these negatives put you off driving in Santorini. As long as you are old enough and hold the correct licences, hiring and driving a car in Santorini is relatively straightforward. Plus, it will enable you to fully explore all that this magical island has to offer. 

Do cabs in Santorini take credit cards?

Some taxis accept credit cards, and if you use the UberTaxi app, you can pay with a credit card. However, to avoid an unpleasant surprise, I always recommend carrying some cash with you, just in case. 

Is There Uber In Santorini: Final Word

I hope this post answered your question Is there Uber in Santorini Greece. As there is currently very limited Uber in Santorini, you will need to decide before you arrive on the island how you are going to get around and how to get to and from the airport or port. 

If you decide to rent a car – which I think is the best way to explore Santorini – book your vehicle on Discover Cars as far in advance as you can. There are a limited number of rental cars on the island, and demand outstrips supply. 

Once you have worked out how to get around the island, you can get down to the fun part of your trip – planning which of the pretty towns, historic sites and amazing beaches on Santorini you wish to visit. 

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