The santorini cable car runs between Fira and the old port 220 metres below, takes three minutes and costs about 6 euros each way. Six cabins of six carry roughly 1,200 people an hour, so the queue is nothing before nine in the morning and up to an hour between eleven and four on a day with several cruise ships in the caldera.
Discover Santorini with our detailed guide on navigating the island’s transport options. Avoid the long queues and costs of the cable car in Santorini by exploring alternatives. Consider walking from the Old Port to Fira using the historic donkey steps, or try a charming mule ride. Find out the best way to reach Fira from the port and enjoy breathtaking caldera views. Our Santorini Tours travel guide offers insights and tips for a memorable tour. Learn about Santorini transportation options, port guidance, and other things to know before visiting this beautiful island.
Explore Santorini: Santorini Cable Car Experience & Alternatives
Discover the enchanting beauty of Santorini with numerous options to explore the island’s captivating landscapes. Instead of queuing for the Santorini cable car, consider walking the scenic Fira Old Port steps or taking a charming mule ride to Fira. These alternatives not only offer breathtaking caldera views but also immerse you in the island’s rich culture. For a seamless journey, our Santorini travel guide provides tips and transportation options, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning vistas, making your Santorini adventure truly your own.
The Santorini Cable Car Experience
The Santorini cable car offers a thrilling and scenic way to ascend from the charming Santorini port to the vibrant town of Fira. This modern marvel serves as an essential means of transportation for cruise ship passengers eager to explore the island’s wonders. As the cable car runs daily, it provides a reliable and efficient connection from the port to the bustling top station, where visitors can dive into the island’s enchanting atmosphere.
The Santorini cable car experience is not only convenient but also a breathtaking journey as you’re treated to panoramic views of azure waters and the island’s unique landscapes. While the cable car is a popular option for many, alternatives are available for those seeking a more adventurous ascent, allowing everyone to tailor their Santorini experience to their preferences.
History and Significance of the Santorini Cable Car
The Santorini cable car holds a fascinating history as a transportation marvel atop the stunning Santorini island. Its inception provided a much-needed alternative to the winding stairs connecting the old port with the capital, making travel for both residents and visitors more convenient.
Over the years, this cable car has transformed the journey, offering breathtaking views of Santorini’s iconic caldera. The timeliness of the car timetable ensures you maximize your time exploring the island. While its operation is relatively recent, the impact on Santorini culture has been substantial, blending modern technology with traditional charm. Don’t miss out on riding the Santorini cable car to experience the panoramic sights and sounds of this enchanted land, adding depth to your understanding of Santorini’s enduring legacy.
Alternatives to the Santorini Cable Car
For those looking to explore Santorini without the cable car, numerous options promise an equally enchanting experience. The first option is the donkey trail, a historical path leading from the old port to Fira, offering close encounters with the island’s charming animals and breathtaking panoramic views.
If you prefer the sea, tender boats regularly transport visitors to various parts of the island, providing unique perspectives of the majestic caldera cliffs. Organized tours are another fantastic choice, giving you guided insights into Santorini’s rich culture and landscape.
Lastly, consider walking the famed Fira old port steps, where each step reveals more about Santorini’s unique blend of natural beauty and history. Refer to our thorough Santorini port guide for more detailed information on using the island’s public transport system or booking Santorini private transfers that suit your taste for adventure.
Walking the Scenic Fira Old Port Steps
Embark on an invigorating journey as you walk the historic path from Gialos, the Fira Old Port, to the vibrant heart of Fira Town. This scenic route is a delightful alternative to the cable car, allowing cruise visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s authentic charm. As you stroll, take your time to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views and the quaint architecture that lines the way.
The steps, though numerous, provide a rewarding sense of accomplishment as you ascend to Fira. By choosing this memorable walk, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Santorini’s captivating beauty. Ideal for those disembarking from a cruise, this path not only serves as efficient exercise but also grants you the time to connect with the island’s rich culture and stunning vistas.
Exploring the Donkey Ride to Fira
Embarking on the donkey ride to Fira offers a unique way to experience the island’s charm. As you make your way along the donkey trail, you’ll find yourself immersed in breathtaking sights that reveal the depth of Santorini’s beauty. This traditional path to Fira is not just transportation, but an adventure filled with stunning views and the soundscape of the island. The trail meanders through natural landscapes, allowing you to savor the island’s distinct aromas and gentle breeze.
Choosing the donkey ride means experiencing Fira more serenely, away from the hustle of the crowds. Embrace the leisurely pace of the ride, and let it become a memorable highlight of your visit. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Santorini’s cultural heritage while on the island, making your journey truly unforgettable.
Tips for Avoiding Cable Car Queues
Visiting Santorini promises stunning views, but dealing with the often long queues at the Santorini cable car can be daunting. Luckily, there are ways to skip the wait. One effective tip is to arrive early, before the rush, to enjoy the cable car experience. The serene top station offers breathtaking views of Santorini island without the stress of crowds.
If your time is flexible, consider exploring the historical alternatives to the cable car, like walking the scenic paths. During peak time, it might be a good idea to explore other options, providing you with a more personalized experience. Remember, Santorini Island boasts more than just the cable car journey. By planning your time wisely, you’ll make the most of your visit and enjoy the beautiful top station while avoiding queues. Don’t just endure the ride, experience Santorini!
Best Times to Visit Fira from the Port
Exploring Santorini’s captivating capital, Fira, is a must for any cruise ship traveler. The ideal time to embark on this picturesque journey is during the early morning hours, just as the cruise ships begin docking at the port. Arriving early not only allows you to beat the crowds from multiple cruise ships flocking to Fira but also to enjoy the gentle warmth of the rising sun.
An alternative option is visiting later in the afternoon when the soft hues of the setting sun cast a magical glow over the island’s iconic Caldera. During these times, the queues for the Santorini cable car are typically shorter, providing a smoother transition from the port to Gialos and Fira. Whether arriving by ship or simply exploring this stunning island, Fira offers an enchanting experience like no other.
| Strategy | Time of Day | Benefits | Alternatives |
| Purchase Tickets Online | Anytime | Reduces waiting time | Physical ticket kiosks |
| Visit Early Morning | Before 9 AM | Avoids peak crowds | Late afternoon |
| Explore Fira First | Midday | Enjoy less crowded attractions | Limited tour options |
| Take a Hike | N/A | Experience scenic views | Taxi from the port |
This table provides a concise guide to optimizing your Santorini cable car experience, ensuring a memorable visit.
Transportation Options from Santorini’s Port
Discovering Santorini’s charm begins the moment you arrive at the port. Tender boats smoothly transport you to this picturesque island, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. With multiple transport options available, deciding on the best route can enhance your Santorini experience. The cable car serves a popular choice, swiftly lifting you from the port to Fira, offering spectacular views along the way.
However, if you wish for an efficient way to explore, consider walking the scenic Fira Old Port steps or even experiencing a traditional donkey ride. Each of these transport alternatives provides a unique perspective of the island’s captivating landscapes. Whether you opt for the cable car or choose other transport modes, ensure your journey includes immersing in the breathtaking vistas that Santorini is famed for.
Efficient Ways to Reach the Island’s Capital
Reaching Fira town, the vibrant heart of Santorini island, is an adventure all its own. While the cable car offers a swift ascent to the capital from the beautiful port of Gialos, it’s not the only option. For those who prefer to skip the cable car, walking from Gialos to Santorini’s captivating capital presents a rewarding alternative.
The journey upwards along the scenic paths towards Fira town reveals stunning views of Santorini island’s famed caldera. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage all your senses while navigating the traditional donkey steps to Fira. Every path offers a unique experience, ensuring you’re immersed in the island’s culture. With these various routes, reaching Santorini island’s bustling capital of Fira becomes more than just about getting there, but a part of your unforgettable Santorini adventure.
Once you’ve arrived in Fira, explore these must-do activities to fully experience the island’s charm.
- Stroll along the Caldera to admire stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum to discover artifacts from ancient Thera.
- Indulge in local cuisine at traditional tavernas with breathtaking cliffside views.
- Shop for unique souvenirs and handcrafted jewelry in the quaint boutiques.
- Take a cable car ride to the Old Port for an unforgettable perspective.
- Relax at a cozy café in the lively town square and enjoy people-watching.
- Explore the narrow cobblestone streets and capture photos of iconic blue-domed churches.
These activities will enrich your visit, making your time in Fira truly memorable.
How to Enhance Your Santorini Visit
Visiting Santorini offers endless ways to enrich your travel journey, featuring breathtaking panoramic views and awe-inspiring landscapes. To start, embark on a tour that includes the majestic caldera and experience the significant history it holds. Don’t miss the enchanting boat journey to the volcano and indulge in the soothing hot springs; it’s truly an island adventure that captivates your senses.
As you explore the caldera cliffs, take time to appreciate the vibrant hues and dramatic landscapes that have drawn travelers for generations. Whether you’re on a guided tour or exploring on your own, these experiences offer a connection to the island’s unique charm. Remember, the key is to blend essential attractions like the volcano visit with moments of serene reflection on the beautifully rugged caldera cliffs for an unforgettable Santorini visit.
Incorporating Caldera Views into Your Itinerary
Incorporating the breathtaking caldera views into your Santorini itinerary is a must for any visitor. The island boasts panoramic views that stretch across the Aegean Sea, offering glimpses of the magnificent caldera cliffs that define the Santorini experience. From the old port, you’ll find numerous tours available that highlight these stunning vistas. Taking the cable car presents a direct path with a unique angle on the island’s landscape. However, for those seeking alternatives, consider walking tours that traverse the scenic paths up the caldera cliffs, delivering unforgettable views. Whether via a cable car ride or a leisurely climb, the goal is to soak in the natural beauty of Santorini. Ensure your tour plan includes stops with views of Santorini’s trademark caldera, as these are some of the most captivating sights on the entire island.
Exploring the charming island of Santorini is filled with breathtaking caldera views and rich experiences. Whether you choose to skip the cable car and walk the historic donkey steps or seek an alternative stroll along the scenic walking route from the Old Port to Fira, each path reveals its own charm. At Santorini Tours, we are here to ensure you have all the best tips and transportation options for a memorable adventure. With our comprehensive Santorini Port Guide, uncover the enchanting allure of Santorini on your terms and make every moment of your visit truly unforgettable.
What are the alternatives to the Santorini cable car for reaching Fira?
Instead of the cable car, you can walk the scenic Fira Old Port steps, take a charming mule ride, or explore the historical donkey trail. Each offers breathtaking views and a cultural immersion.
Are there any tips for avoiding long wait times at the Santorini cable car?
To avoid long queues, try to arrive early or explore the area during off-peak hours. Alternatively, consider enjoying the historical paths or other transport methods for more personalized experiences.
What are the benefits of walking from the Fira Old Port to the town of Fira?
Walking from the Fira Old Port provides an opportunity to connect with the island’s culture, enjoy panoramic views, and appreciate the quaint architecture along the way. It’s both a scenic and rewarding hike.
What should I expect from a mule ride to Fira?
A mule ride to Fira offers a unique way to experience Santorini’s charm. The leisurely ride allows you to take in the stunning sights and sounds of the island while engaging with its cultural heritage.
How can I maximize my sightseeing experience on Santorini?
To maximize your sightseeing, consider combining the cable car ride with walking tours along the caldera cliffs. This allows you to see diverse perspectives of the island’s captivating landscapes and ensures an unforgettable Santorini tour.
Book Your Santorini Tours Now:
- Santorini Sightseeing Private Tour
- Exclusive Shore Santorini Private Tour
- Impressive Caldera Santorini Private Tour
- South Part Santorini Private Tour
- North Part Santorini Private Tour
- Santorini Historical Private Tour
- Santorini Sunset Private Tour
Santorini Cable Car: The Short Answer
The santorini cable car runs between Fira and the old port 220 metres below, takes about three minutes, and costs around 6 euros each way for an adult with a small extra charge for luggage. It carries six cabins of six people, roughly 1,200 people an hour in theory and rather fewer in practice, and it is the only mechanical way up that cliff.
The alternatives to the santorini cable car are the 588 zigzag steps, which take twenty-five minutes down and forty-five up and are shared with donkeys, or arriving at Athinios port instead, which has a road.
The santorini cable car queue is the whole story. At nine in the morning there is none; between eleven and four on a day with three or more cruise ships in the caldera it can run to an hour in each direction. Everything else on this page is about avoiding that hour.
The Numbers
Length of the santorini cable car. Around 220 metres of vertical rise on a cable of about 300 metres, from the old port to the rim at Fira.
Ride time. Three minutes, and it is a genuinely spectacular three minutes.
Cabins. Six, each holding six passengers, running continuously rather than on a timetable.
Capacity. Around 1,200 people an hour at best, which is less than a single large cruise ship wants to land in a morning.
Price of the santorini cable car. About 6 euros per person each way, with a small charge per large bag. Cash and cards are both accepted at the booths.
Hours. Roughly 07:00 to 22:00 or later in high season, and shorter hours in winter, adjusted to the cruise schedule.
Who built it. The santorini cable car was a gift to the island from the Nomikos family and opened in 1979, before which everybody used the steps or a donkey.
Tickets. Bought at the booth at either end. There is no advance booking and no skip-the-queue option, whatever a third-party site tells you.
When the Queue Is Bad
07:00 to 09:00. The santorini cable car is empty in both directions. This is the hour to use it.
09:00 to 11:00. Building as the first tenders land, with the queue at the bottom rather than the top.
11:00 to 16:00. The worst window. On a day with three to five ships in the bay the santorini cable car queue reaches an hour, and it is unshaded at the bottom.
16:00 to 18:00. The reverse rush on the santorini cable car, as passengers head back down to the tenders. This is the queue that makes people miss all-aboard.
After 19:00. Quiet again, and the ride at dusk is the best time to do it for its own sake.
The variable that matters. Not the month but the number of ships. The cruise schedule is published in advance and a day with five ships is a different island from a day with none.
The Three Ways Up That Cliff
The santorini cable car. Three minutes, about 6 euros, and a queue that varies from nothing to an hour. It is the sensible choice whenever the queue is short.
The 588 steps, the free alternative to the santorini cable car. Twenty-five to thirty minutes down and forty to fifty up, free, and shared with donkeys, which means the surface is slippery and the smell is strong. Doable in trainers, unpleasant in sandals, and genuinely hard in August heat.
The donkeys. We ask you not to. The animals carry passengers up 588 steps in full sun all day, and there is a weight limit now precisely because of the harm the trade has done. Walk or take the santorini cable car instead. See why we say no to the donkeys.
The fourth option nobody mentions. Do not go down at all. The old port is a row of tourist shops and a tender dock; unless your ship is anchored below it, there is nothing there worth the descent.
If You Are Arriving by Cruise Ship
This is where the santorini cable car becomes a scheduling problem rather than a ride.
The sequence. Ship anchors in the caldera, tenders run to the old port, and everybody funnels into the same 1,200-per-hour bottleneck to reach Fira.
The morning santorini cable car queue. Be on the first tender. The difference between the first and third tender is often forty minutes of queueing.
The afternoon. Come back down two hours before all-aboard, not one. The return queue is the one that catches people out.
The alternative. If your line offers an excursion collecting from Athinios rather than the old port, take it. It removes the cliff, the tender queue and the santorini cable car entirely.
The plan for a call. First tender ashore, Akrotiri while it is cool and roofed, one winery in the south, lunch inland, and Fira or Oia last when the other ships have begun recalling.
What does not fit. The volcano boat. Between the tender, the boat and the queues it will not. See the shore excursion.
When It Stops Running
Wind. Strong gusts stop the santorini cable car cabins, and in a serious meltemi the tenders stop first, which usually means the ships skip Santorini altogether.
Maintenance. Occasional short closures, usually announced locally and usually out of season.
Winter hours. Reduced, and tied to whether anything is docked below.
Strikes. Rare, and they happen. The steps are the fallback and they are always open.
Power cuts. Very rare, and the system has backup.
What to do if it is closed. Walk the steps in trainers, or if you are coming from a ship, wait for the tender schedule to change, because a closed santorini cable car usually means the port is closing too.
Do You Need It at All?
Most visitors who are not on a cruise ship never use the santorini cable car, and that is a perfectly good trip.
If you arrive by plane you will never need the santorini cable car. The airport is inland and fifteen minutes from Fira by road, and you will not see the old port unless you decide to.
If you arrive by ferry. Every ferry docks at Athinios, thirty minutes below Fira by road, with buses and transfers waiting. No cable car involved.
If you are staying on the island. The only reasons to go down are a boat trip leaving from the old port, a drink at the water, or the ride itself, which is worth doing once at dusk.
If you are on a ship. You have no choice unless your excursion collects from Athinios.
The honest summary. The santorini cable car is essential infrastructure for cruise days and a three-minute novelty for everybody else.
See the ports explained.
Walking the Steps Instead
Downhill. Twenty-five to thirty minutes, steep, cobbled and slippery in places. Hard on the knees and entirely manageable for most people.
Uphill without the santorini cable car. Forty to fifty minutes, 588 steps, in full sun for most of the day. In July or August this is a genuinely demanding climb and people do get into trouble on it.
The surface. Cobbles polished by generations of hooves, with the donkey traffic and everything that comes with it. Watch your footing.
Right of way. Donkeys have it. Stand on the inside wall as they pass and do not try to squeeze by.
Shoes. Trainers or walking shoes. Not flip-flops, not smooth-soled sandals.
Water. Take some. There is nothing between the top and the bottom.
The verdict. Walk down and take the santorini cable car up, which costs one fare and avoids both the climb and the worst of the queue.
Luggage, Children and Mobility
Luggage on the santorini cable car. Suitcases travel with a small extra charge, and the cabins are small. If your hotel is in Fira and you arrive by sea, arrange a porter or a transfer rather than wrestling a case in and out.
Pushchairs. They fit, folded, and the steps are not an option with one.
Children. Fine, and most enjoy the ride. The steps in the heat are the part to avoid.
Mobility. The santorini cable car is the only accessible route between Fira and the old port, and even then the walk at either end is uneven. Anybody with real mobility difficulty should avoid the old port altogether.
Claustrophobia and heights. The cabins are glazed and the drop is 220 metres. It is short, and if it worries you, the steps exist.
Motion. The ride is smooth. Wind makes it sway slightly and it stops before that becomes a problem.
A Cruise Day Planned Around the Queue
Six usable hours out of a nine-hour call, and the santorini cable car sits at both ends of them. This is the version we run.
07:30. First tender ashore. The old port is quiet and the queue at the bottom station is a few minutes at most.
07:45. Up, and met at the top by a vehicle rather than a bus queue.
08:30. Akrotiri at opening, ninety minutes, roofed and cool.
10:15. The Akrotiri lighthouse and the Red Beach viewpoint, twenty minutes each.
11:30. One winery in the south, with the caldera below the terrace.
13:00. Lunch in Megalochori or Pyrgos, inland, at a third of the rim price.
15:00. Fira, the rim path towards Firostefani, and the museum if there is time.
16:00. Back down on the santorini cable car, two hours before all-aboard rather than one.
What that avoids. Both peaks of the queue, the heat of the middle of the day in Oia, and the anxiety of watching a clock on a cliff.
What it costs you. An early alarm, which is the price of every good day on this island.
If Your Ship Docks at Athinios Instead
A few smaller ships and most ferries use Athinios, the commercial port thirty minutes below Fira by road, and it changes the day completely.
No cliff. There is a road, so no tender, no steps and no santorini cable car queue in either direction.
The quay. Chaotic when a big ferry unloads, with no shade and a scrum of minibuses. Know which vehicle is yours.
The drive. Thirty minutes to Fira on a switchback road with a view of the caldera at the top.
The trade. You lose the three-minute ride and the view from the cabin, and you gain an hour of the day.
What to ask your line. Whether the excursion collects from Athinios rather than the old port. If it does, take it in preference to almost any other option.
What the Old Port Is Actually Like
Worth knowing before you spend an hour queueing for it.
What is there. A short quay, a line of souvenir shops and cafés, the tender dock and the bottom station of the santorini cable car. That is all of it.
What is not there. A beach, a village, a road, or anything you would travel to see on its own.
The boats. Volcano trips and some sunset cruises leave from here, which is the main reason non-cruise visitors go down.
The atmosphere. Busy and transactional between eleven and four; pleasant and almost empty in the early evening.
The honest advice. If you are staying on the island and not taking a boat, there is no reason to go down except to ride the santorini cable car once for the view.
How It Compares With Ammoudi and Athinios
Three places at the bottom of a cliff, and people confuse them constantly.
The old port, below Fira. Tenders, boat trips and the santorini cable car. No road access at all.
Ammoudi, below Oia. 280 steps down from the village, a road that reaches it, the best fish tavernas on the island, and the Thirasia ferry. No cable car.
Athinios. The commercial ferry port, a road, no village and no reason to linger.
Which to visit. Ammoudi, for lunch, and take a car or a taxi back up rather than the steps.
Which to avoid on a hot day. All three at midday, and particularly the walk back up from any of them.
Money, Tickets and Small Print
The fare. Around 6 euros an adult each way, with reduced rates for children and a small charge for large bags.
Payment. Cards and cash at both booths. There is rarely a queue at the booth itself; the queue is for the cabins.
Return tickets. Not really a thing. Buy each direction as you use it, because plenty of people walk one way.
Groups. No group priority. Everybody queues in the same line, including us.
Tips. Not expected anywhere in the santorini cable car system.
Lost property. Handed in at the upper station, which is staffed all day.
Timetable changes. Posted at the stations and adjusted to the cruise calendar rather than published far in advance.
A Short History of the Cliff
Everything about the santorini cable car makes more sense once you know what it replaced.
Before 1979. Every passenger, every sack of flour and every crate landed at the old port and went up the 588 steps on a mule. The steps are not a tourist attraction; they were the road.
The gift. The Nomikos family funded the santorini cable car and handed it to the community, on the condition that the muleteers received a share of the revenue. That arrangement is why both still operate side by side.
What changed. Cruise traffic. A cliff designed for a few hundred people a day now handles several thousand on a five-ship morning, and the santorini cable car is the whole of the capacity.
Why there is no road. The cliff is loose volcanic ash and pumice, and building one would cost more than the port is worth. Athinios exists precisely because a road could be cut there instead.
What may change. Daily caps on cruise arrivals are being discussed and applied, which would ease the santorini cable car queue more than any engineering could.
The One-Paragraph Summary
Six euros, three minutes, six cabins, 220 metres, and a queue that is either nothing or an hour depending entirely on how many ships are anchored below. Use the santorini cable car before nine in the morning or after seven in the evening, walk down the steps if you like and up them only in cool weather, never ride a donkey, and if you are on a cruise, be on the first tender and back at the cliff two hours before all-aboard. That is everything worth knowing about it.
The Ride Itself
Taken on its own terms rather than as a queue, the santorini cable car is one of the better three minutes available on the island.
The view from the santorini cable car. The caldera opens out as you rise, with Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni in the middle of the bay, Thirasia opposite and the cliff face directly below the cabin.
The best time. Around an hour before sunset, when the light is on the cliff and the queue has gone.
The best direction. Going up, because the view opens rather than closes.
The photograph. Difficult through the glass in daylight and easy at dusk.
Worth doing for its own sake? Once, in the evening, yes. Riding the santorini cable car in the middle of a cruise day is a different experience entirely.
Getting to and from the Old Port
By sea. Tenders from the anchored ships, and the small boats that run volcano and sunset trips.
By road. There is no road. That is the entire reason the santorini cable car exists.
From Fira town. The upper santorini cable car station is at the northern end of the main pedestrian street, five minutes from the bus station and ten from the museums.
Parking. There is none at the top station. Park in Fira’s public car parks and walk, or be dropped off.
Taxis and drivers. They can only reach the upper station, and in season a driver waiting at an agreed time saves a great deal of standing about. See transfers.
Buses. All island routes run through the Fira station, a few minutes’ walk from the top of the santorini cable car. See the bus network.
Common Mistakes
Taking the santorini cable car down at noon on a five-ship day. An hour each way for a row of souvenir shops.
Leaving the return to the last minute. The afternoon queue is worse than the morning one and it has made people miss a sailing.
Buying a ticket online. There is no advance ticket for the santorini cable car. Anything sold as one is a repackaged tour.
Walking up in August at two in the afternoon. 588 steps, no shade, 30 degrees. Every summer somebody needs help on that climb.
Riding a donkey to save the fare. Please do not.
Assuming the ferry port is the same place. Athinios is a different port entirely, thirty minutes away by road, and no cable car serves it.
Taking a suitcase down on foot. The steps are cobbled and stepped throughout; the wheels will not survive.
Santorini Cable Car: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the santorini cable car cost? About 6 euros per person each way, with a small extra charge for large luggage.
How long does it take? Three minutes, on cabins that run continuously rather than to a timetable.
What are the opening hours? Roughly 07:00 to 22:00 in high season and shorter in winter, adjusted to the cruise ship schedule.
Can you book tickets in advance? No. Tickets are sold at the booths at either end only.
How long is the queue? Nothing before nine in the morning, and up to an hour between eleven and four on a day with several cruise ships in the bay.
What are the alternatives? The 588 steps, twenty-five minutes down and forty-five up, or a donkey, which we ask you not to ride.
Is it suitable for children? Yes, and most of them enjoy it more than the adults do.
Is it wheelchair accessible? It is the only accessible link to the old port, though the approaches at both ends are uneven.
Does it run in winter? Yes, on reduced hours tied to what is docked below.
Does wind stop it? Strong gusts do, and in that weather the tenders usually stop first.
Do you need it if you are not on a cruise? No. Flights and ferries both arrive elsewhere, and the santorini cable car is then simply a good ride at dusk.
We Will Keep You Off the Queue
We are a local operator running private tours and transfers in our own vehicles, and cruise days are entirely about timing: first tender ashore, Akrotiri before the coaches, one winery in the south, lunch inland, and back at the cliff two hours before all-aboard rather than one.
Tell us your ship and your call times and we will plan the day around the santorini cable car queue instead of into it, or collect you from Athinios and remove the cliff from the day altogether.
Prices are per vehicle rather than per person, pickup at the port or your hotel is included, we guide in twelve languages, and an 80 EUR deposit confirms a date.
See the personalised tour, the shore excursion, or contact us.
Every Village and Site on the Island
Any of these can be built into a private day. Each has its own page with what to see and how long to allow.
Caldera villages: Fira · Firostefani · Imerovigli · Oia · Finikia · Baxedes
Inland villages: Pyrgos · Megalochori · Emporio · Mesaria · Karterados · Vothonas · Vourvoulos · Exo Gonia · Mesa Gonia · Pigadia
Beaches: Perissa · Perivolos · Kamari · Vlychada · Monolithos · Red Beach · White Beach · Agios Georgios · Agia Paraskevi
Sites and landmarks: Akrotiri · Ancient Thira · Akrotiri Lighthouse · Nea Kameni · Palia Kameni · Thirasia · Athinios Port
All our tours: All Santorini tours · Full day tour · Sightseeing tour · Personalised tour · North part tour · Horse riding · South part tour · Sunset tour · Shore excursion · Caldera tour · Food experience · Wine tour · Historical tour · Small group tour
Planning and services: Famous sights tour · Private transfers · Transfers to Oia and Finikia · Transfers to other villages · Villages of Santorini · History of Santorini · Tours near you · Languages we guide in · Food and fun tours · Gay friendly tours · Our tour buses · Daily tours · Day tours · FAQ · Gallery · Tour photo gallery · About us · Contact · Blog
