Santorini Cable Car
Soar above the Aegean on the Santorini Cable Car, connecting the Old Port to Fira with stunning caldera views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid peak crowds
Santorini Cable Car
Best Time
Avoid peak crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above the Aegean on the Santorini Cable Car, connecting the Old Port to Fira with stunning caldera views.
"A quick ride with million-dollar views, but be prepared for the queues!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the cable car, stairs, or any walking. Sneakers are recommended!
💰 Cash or Card Accepted
The cable car accepts both cash and card for tickets, making payment convenient.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Caldera Views
Ascending from the Old Port to Fira
Soar above the Aegean Sea for breathtaking views of the volcanic caldera and the iconic white-washed villages clinging to the cliffs.
Convenient Port-to-Town Access
Connecting the Old Port and Fira
A quick and efficient way to reach the bustling town of Fira from the Old Port, saving you a strenuous climb.
A Thrilling Ride Experience
The cable car journey itself
An exhilarating ride that adds a unique element to your Santorini experience, especially for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Footwear and Fare: What to Expect
While walking down is an option, be prepared for steepness and donkey droppings. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the cable car, stairs, or any walking. Sneakers are recommended!
💰 Cash or Card Accepted
The cable car accepts both cash and card for tickets, making payment convenient.
🚢 Cruise Ship Impact
Wait times are heavily influenced by the number of ships in port. Check schedules!
🚶♀️ Stairs vs. Cable Car
Walking down is an option, but beware of donkey droppings and steepness.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the cable car, stairs, or any walking. Sneakers are recommended!
💰 Cash or Card Accepted
The cable car accepts both cash and card for tickets, making payment convenient.
🚢 Cruise Ship Impact
Wait times are heavily influenced by the number of ships in port. Check schedules!
🚶♀️ Stairs vs. Cable Car
Walking down is an option, but beware of donkey droppings and steepness.
⏳ Check Wait Times
Use ship binoculars or ask locals to gauge the cable car queue length.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Santorini Cable Car offers breathtaking views and a convenient way to travel between the Old Port and Fira. While the ride itself is enjoyable and a highlight for many, particularly families, the significant wait times, especially with multiple cruise ships, are a common point of frustration. Some find it a bit pricey for the short duration of the ride.
"staff rude and not helpful who guides you to the cars .. I cannot sit backwards and staff even not bothered to listen … so what you will do if I faint inside the car? though team in the cash desk are nice and polite
giving 5 stars only because I work myself in hospitality and not fair of one person to put all experience as bad
you can pay card and cash one way"
Jovita
"Way better than walking up or down. Only took cash when I went. 10 € per person each way."
Joshua Sohn
"Lovely views of La caldera…. I took the steps going down to the harbour was a big mistake, so my plan was to take back the cable car was the best decision ever. I think is a bit expensive for time of the ride. 2 mins €6, queues can be up to 2 hours if you have a cruise mooring in Santorini. The old harbour is small you will expect to be crowded. But I was lucky I took the cable car around 5.30pm the lines were 15 mins"
Ljubica Banic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
When your cruise ship docks at the Old Port, you have three main options to reach Fira: the cable car, walking up the steep steps, or taking a donkey ride. The cable car is a popular choice for its views and convenience, though lines can be long. Donkey rides are also available but often discouraged due to animal welfare concerns.
+1
No, taxis and buses cannot access the Old Port directly. You must first ascend to Fira via the cable car, stairs, or donkeys before you can catch a taxi or local bus to other parts of the island.
The cable car is the most recommended option for those with mobility issues, as it avoids the steep climb and the uneven terrain of the stairs.
The cable car ride itself is only about 3-5 minutes. However, the wait time in line can vary significantly, from 15 minutes on a quiet day to over two hours when multiple cruise ships are in port. +1
Yes, you can walk up the 500-600 steps, or take a donkey ride. However, many travelers advise against walking due to the steepness and the presence of donkey waste.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Santorini Cable Car typically costs around €6 per person for a one-way trip. Prices can sometimes vary, so it's good to confirm upon arrival.
Currently, online ticket purchasing for the Santorini Cable Car is not widely advertised or available. Tickets are generally purchased on-site at the station.
The cable car usually operates daily, with hours extending into the evening, often until 10:00 PM or later, especially during peak season. It's advisable to check the latest operating hours closer to your visit.
Tickets are sold one-way, so you'll need to purchase a separate ticket for your return journey if you plan to use the cable car both ways.
Discounts for the cable car are not commonly mentioned. Children may have a different fare, but adult prices are generally fixed.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car offers stunning panoramic views of the caldera, the Aegean Sea, and the cliffside villages. Look out for dramatic shots of the volcanic landscape and the boats in the Old Port below.
Yes, it is generally safe to take photos. However, be mindful of your surroundings and hold your phone or camera securely, especially when leaning to capture the best angles.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography. However, daytime offers clear views of the blue sea and white buildings.
Yes, you can get great photos of the cable car from various vantage points in Fira, looking down towards the Old Port, or from the port looking up at the ascending cabins.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most travelers. If you have a camera with a wide-angle lens, it will be excellent for capturing the expansive caldera views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be prepared for potential long wait times, which can test the patience of younger children. Bringing snacks and drinks can help keep them entertained. 🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
It's a challenging but rewarding experience with unique views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Santorini Cruise Port
However, the cable car is not without its drawbacks. Wait times can be exceptionally long, especially on days with multiple cruise ships in port. Travelers have reported queues of up to two hours or more.
For those looking to bypass the queues, booking a cruise line excursion that includes priority tender access or a specific transfer to Fira can be a worthwhile investment.
The Santorini Cable Car Experience
The cable car cabins are designed to carry passengers up and down the steep incline. While the ride is generally smooth, some travelers have noted that it can feel a bit exhilarating, especially for those with a fear of heights.
It's a popular choice for families, adding a fun element to their island exploration. Despite its convenience, the cable car's main challenge is the potential for long queues. This is particularly true when several cruise ships are docked, as many passengers will opt for this mode of transport.
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