How to Get Around Samos Without a Car: Taxis, Buses & Insider Tips

Exploring Samos Without Renting a Car – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Samos but don’t intend to rent a car—whether it’s by choice or necessity—you’re not alone. The good news? It’s totally doable. The not-so-good news? You’ll need a bit of planning and patience. But hey, that’s part of the adventure!

I recently spent a week in Samos without a rental car and navigated the island using public transport and taxis. Here’s everything I learned (and a few pro tips) for making the most of a car-free island experience.

🚌 The KTEL Bus System in Samos

Yes, KTEL buses do operate in Samos, and you’ll be able to find their schedules floating around on their Facebook page—which surprisingly, is updated and accurate (even in the off-season).

🧾 How to Use the Buses

• You buy your ticket directly from the bus driver.
• Have cash ready—small change if possible. Buses don’t always carry change for large bills.
• Be early—Samos buses don’t run with military precision. Try to arrive at the stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
• All routes go to or from Vathy, the capital. So, even if you're traveling between two nearby villages like Pythagoreio to Kokkari, you’ll still need to transfer through Vathy.
• As of late October, there were no buses on Sundays, so plan accordingly (this might change during peak summer months).

🌴 Pro Tip: Double-check the schedule with locals, your hotel, or at the bus stop, especially if you're traveling outside of the summer season. The winter and summer timetables differ significantly.

🚖 Taxis in Samos: Easier Than You Think

Even without a rental car, taxis can be your best friend on the island—especially if you’re sticking to tourist-friendly areas like Vathy, Pythagoreio, or Kokkari.

✅ Where to Find Taxis

• Taxi stations are located in major towns like Pythagoreio and Kokkari. During summer, you’ll often find cars waiting.
• In the off-season, stations may not always have drivers standing by. This is where WhatsApp and Google become your best friends. I easily found several local taxi drivers by searching online and saved a few numbers—just in case.
• It’s rare to hail a taxi on the street, so planning ahead helps.

💬 Local Insight: There’s often a coordinator or a dispatcher at taxi stations during the summer months. If no one’s around, just call or WhatsApp a driver you’ve saved earlier.

📍 Where You Can Go Without a Car

If you're sticking to popular areas, you’ll be just fine without a car:

• Vathy – The capital, with shops, cafes, and ferry connections.
• Pythagoreio – A lovely harbor town with a great museum, historical ruins, and vibrant nightlife.
• Kokkari – Beachy, chilled, and charming with great food.

But if you’re dreaming of discovering hidden villages, secret beaches, or mountain trails, public transport won’t get you there.

🧭 FYI: Smaller villages and off-the-beaten-path destinations often have no public transport at all. You’d need a taxi or, better yet, a car or scooter rental.

💸 Price Comparison: Taxi vs. Car Rental

Let’s talk cost.

• 🚖 Taxis are convenient for short hops but can add up quickly for longer distances (think 20-30€ for a one-way ride between towns).
• 🚗 Rental cars, even in high season, can be more affordable over multiple days of exploring. If you're taking more than 2-3 taxi rides per day, renting a car could be the cheaper option.

😅 Reality Check: I managed just fine with taxis and buses, but if I had the chance, renting a car would’ve saved money and given more freedom. Still, if you can’t rent, don’t worry—you’ll be okay.

📅 Timing Matters: Summer vs. Off-Season

• In summer (June–September), public transport is more frequent, and tourist areas are well-connected.
• By October, especially the end, bus schedules thin out. Some routes disappear completely.
• Taxis remain active but may require a bit more coordination.

💡 Final Tips for Car-Free Travel in Samos

• 📱 Save local taxi numbers from Google or ask your hotel.
• 💬 Use WhatsApp to contact drivers—it’s fast and easy.
• 📍 Plan around Vathy—most transport starts and ends there.
• 📆 Avoid Sundays if you’re relying on buses.
• 💶 Always carry cash, especially for buses.

🌺 So, Can You Explore Samos Without a Car?

Yes, absolutely—especially if you're sticking to the main tourist areas. While a rental car offers more flexibility and savings, it’s not a deal-breaker. I had a lovely time exploring Samos without one, and you can too. Just plan a bit, stay flexible, and enjoy the ride.

For other adventurous travelers taking the car-free route, Samos still delivers big island charm without the driver's seat.