Santorini is a beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea, famous for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and volcanic beaches. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Traveling from Delhi to Santorini involves international flights and local transfers. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Santorini from Delhi, including flight options, transfer tips, and practical advice for a hassle-free journey.

Getting from Delhi to Santorini – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the only practical way to reach Santorini from Delhi, as Santorini is an island in Greece. Flights involve at least one or two stopovers, commonly in European hubs.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the main departure point for international flights to Santorini, with airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa offering connections via Dubai, Doha, or Frankfurt.

• The total flight duration including layovers ranges from 11 to 18 hours, depending on the airline and stopover time, with fares typically between ₹35,000 and ₹70,000 one-way in economy class.

• Most flights land at Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR), a small airport with limited facilities, so plan for possible delays during peak tourist season from May to September.

• Booking tickets 2-3 months in advance through IRCTC Air or airline websites can secure better fares and seat availability, especially during European summer holidays.

• Seasonal weather like winter fog or summer heat rarely affects flights, but check for updates during monsoon months in India that might impact Delhi departures.

Bus

There is no direct bus service from Delhi to Santorini due to the international and island nature of the journey. However, local buses can be used within Greece after arrival.

• From Santorini airport or ferry port, local buses operated by KTEL connect popular towns like Fira and Oia, with fares around €1.80 to €2.50 and frequent daily service during tourist season.

• Buses in Delhi to the airport are available via the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Airport Express Metro, offering affordable and reliable access to IGI Airport.

• Within Delhi, buses can be crowded during peak hours, so plan airport transfers accordingly to avoid delays.

• In Greece, buses are less frequent in winter; check schedules online or at bus stations to avoid waiting long hours.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Santorini is not possible due to the sea crossing and international borders. However, car rentals are popular on Santorini for local travel.

• In Delhi, you can rent cars or book cabs like Ola or Uber to reach IGI Airport comfortably, especially if carrying heavy luggage or traveling in groups.

• At Santorini, car rentals, scooters, and ATVs are widely available for exploring the island, with prices ranging from €25 to €60 per day depending on the vehicle type and season.

• Driving on Santorini requires an international driving permit and caution on narrow, winding roads; parking can be limited in busy towns.

• Toll roads are not present on Santorini, but some highways in Greece mainland have tolls; irrelevant for Santorini but useful if combining with mainland travel.

Flight + Ferry

Another option is to fly from Delhi to Athens and then take a ferry to Santorini, which can be a scenic and flexible choice.

• Fly from Delhi to Athens International Airport (ATH) with airlines like Air India, Emirates, or Qatar Airways; flight time is around 9-11 hours with one stopover.

• From Athens, take a ferry from Piraeus port to Santorini, which takes 5 to 8 hours depending on the ferry type, with prices ranging from €30 to €80.

• Ferries run frequently from April to October, but schedules reduce in winter; booking tickets online in advance is recommended to secure seats.

• Transfers between Athens airport and Piraeus port can be done by metro, taxi, or shuttle bus; metro takes about 1 hour and costs around €10.

• This option allows more flexibility in travel dates and the chance to explore Athens before heading to Santorini.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Santorini, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Book your international flight from Delhi to Santorini or Athens at least 2 months in advance using airline websites or IRCTC Air to get the best fares and seat options.

• Arrange airport transfers in Delhi via prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure timely arrival at IGI Airport.

• Upon arrival in Greece, if flying directly to Santorini, use local buses or pre-book a taxi to your accommodation; if arriving in Athens, plan your transfer to Piraeus port carefully using metro or shuttle services.

• If taking the ferry from Athens, book ferry tickets online on official sites like Blue Star Ferries or SeaJets to avoid sold-out situations during peak season.

• Rent a vehicle or use local buses on Santorini to explore the island; carry an international driving permit if you plan to drive and always check vehicle condition before renting.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a printed and digital copy of your flight tickets, passport, and visa documents, as Indian travelers often face strict checks at international airports.

• Drink only bottled water in Greece and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach; Santorini has many restaurants with fresh seafood and vegetarian options.

• Book flights and ferries well ahead of major Greek holidays like Easter and summer festivals to avoid price surges and unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs at Santorini airport to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using local taxis without meters.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a power adapter compatible with European plugs (Type C or F).

• Be aware that Santorini’s narrow roads can be crowded during peak season; plan your sightseeing early in the day to avoid traffic and heat.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Santorini is from late April to early November when the weather is warm and ferry services operate regularly. Winters are mild but many hotels and services close.

Delhi’s climate does not affect flights significantly, but monsoon season can cause delays in airport transfers. European summer holidays may increase flight and ferry prices.

• Avoid traveling during Greek national holidays and August when Santorini is busiest and accommodation prices peak.

• Summer months (June to September) bring high temperatures and crowds; early morning or late evening travel is more comfortable.

• Winter months (December to February) see fewer tourists but limited ferry services and some hotel closures.

• Depart Delhi early in the morning to allow for smoother airport procedures and better connection timings in Europe.

Arrival at Santorini & What to Expect

Arriving at Santorini National Airport, you will find a small terminal with basic facilities. The airport is close to the main town of Fira, about 6 km away.

Local transport options include buses, taxis, and pre-arranged hotel shuttles. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Welcome Pickups offer reliable transfers. Many travelers stay in Fira, Oia, or Kamari, which have good hotel options and easy access to attractions.

Conclusion

Flying remains the most efficient and practical way to reach Santorini from Delhi, with multiple airlines offering connections through European hubs. Booking flights and ferries in advance is essential to secure the best prices and smooth connections.

Planning your transfers carefully, using prepaid taxis, and choosing the right travel season will help you enjoy a hassle-free journey. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for a memorable trip from Delhi to the stunning island of Santorini.