Complete Kefalonia Transportation Guide 2025
Navigating Kefalonia becomes effortless when you understand the island's transportation network. From reliable public buses connecting all major destinations to professional taxi services and comprehensive car rental options, this guide provides everything you need to explore Greece's largest Ionian island with confidence.
🚌 Quick Transport Summary
- Best for island exploration: Car rental (most flexible)
- Best for budget travel: KTEL public buses
- Best for convenience: 24/7 taxi services
- Airport connections: Bus, taxi, or rental pickup available
Public Transport: KTEL Buses
The backbone of Kefalonia's public transportation is KTEL (Κεφαλονιάς), a network that has served the island for over 50 years. With 42 interurban and 5 city buses, KTEL connects Argostoli with every village and major destination across Kefalonia. Modern amenities include air conditioning and WiFi on most routes, making longer journeys comfortable even during summer's peak heat.
Essential Bus Routes & Schedules
🏖️ Airport & Resort Areas
Argostoli ↔ Airport ↔ Lassi
Frequency: Every 2 hours daily (until Sept 28)
Times: 8:30 - 10:30 - 12:30 - 14:00 - 16:00 - 18:00 - 19:30
Journey time: 45 minutes airport to Argostoli
🏛️ Major Tourist Destinations
Argostoli ↔ Melissani Cave (Karavomylos)
Schedule: Mon-Fri 10:00, 13:00 / Weekends 10:00
Return: Mon-Fri 7:45, 17:50 / Weekends 17:50
Argostoli ↔ Sami (Ferry Port)
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:15*, 10:00, 13:00 / Weekends 7:15*, 10:00
Note: *Times in red subject to ferry departure changes
🌅 Scenic Routes
Argostoli ↔ Fiskardo (Northern Tip)
Daily: 10:00 departure, 17:00 return
Wednesday Special: Additional 6:15 AM and 12:30 PM services
Argostoli ↔ Myrtos Beach & Assos
Daily: 10:00 departure
Return: Myrtos 17:15, Assos 16:45
Contact KTEL: Visit ktelkefalonias.gr for complete schedules and online booking. Tickets can now be purchased online, making travel planning even more convenient.
Taxi Services: Professional & Reliable
Kefalonia's taxi services bridge the gap between public transport limitations and the freedom of private vehicles. Professional drivers offer not just transportation, but local expertise, transforming your journey into an informative tour of the island's hidden corners.
Kefalonia Taxi 24/7 - Premier Service
📞 Contact & Booking
Phone & WhatsApp: +30 6945 118 866
Website: kefaloniataxi247.com
Service: 24/7 availability, 365 days a year
Fleet: Predominantly Mercedes vehicles
✨ Premium Features
- English-speaking drivers who double as knowledgeable guides
- Meet & greet service at airport arrivals hall
- No deposit required for advance bookings
- Flight tracking ensures on-time pickup despite delays
- Island tours available with insider knowledge of best photo spots
- Fixed rates based on official Greek taxi tariffs
This family-run company has served Kefalonia for over a decade, building its reputation on reliability and local expertise. Drivers provide complimentary mini-tours during transfers, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories that transform simple journeys into memorable experiences.
Other Established Services
- Jackos Taxi: Long-running service highly rated on TripAdvisor for clean vehicles and safe driving
- Kefalonia VIP Tours: Specialized in group transfers and guided tours with minibus options
Car Rental: Freedom to Explore
For ultimate flexibility in exploring Kefalonia's scattered beaches, mountain villages, and hidden coves, car rental remains the most popular choice. The island's size and the distances between major attractions make having your own wheels almost essential for a comprehensive visit.
International Brands at the Airport
🚗 AVIS Rent a Car
Airport Location: Desk in terminal, short walk to car lot
Phone: +30 2671 440076
Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Also in Sami: 1 Konstantatou Square (+30 26740 23773)
🚙 Other Major Brands Available
- HERTZ: From €31.25/day, full range from economy to luxury
- EUROPCAR: Popular choice with competitive rates
- BUDGET: Economy-focused options
- SIXT: Premium vehicles and service
Local Specialists
🇬🇷 Greekstones Rent a Car (Since 2001)
Main Office: Svoronata, Kefalonia 28100
Phone: +30 2671 042201
Skala Branch: +30 2671 083011
Website: greekstones-rentacar.com
This family-run business prioritizes customer service and offers island-wide delivery, including airport pickup. Their philosophy centers on understanding each customer's specific needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
🚐 ACE Rent A Car Kefalonia
Specializes in: City cars, superminis, family cars, SUVs, automatics, and Jeeps
Website: acerentacarkefalonia.com
Note: Regular fleet updates with new vehicle additions
💡 Car Rental Insider Tips
- Book early: Summer demand is high, especially for automatics
- Consider size: Some mountain roads are narrow; smaller cars navigate easier
- Check insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended for peace of mind
- Fuel up: Gas stations outside Argostoli can be scarce
Ferry Connections: Gateway to Greece
Kefalonia's strategic position in the Ionian Sea makes it a crucial ferry hub. The island's three main ports—Sami, Poros, and Lixouri—connect not only to mainland Greece but also to Italy, making it accessible for both domestic and international travelers.
Major Ferry Routes
- To Mainland Greece: Patras and Kyllini (Western Peloponnese)
- International: Bari, Italy (seasonal summer service)
- Inter-Island: Ithaca (connected via Sami)
KTEL buses coordinate with ferry schedules, particularly the Sami and Poros routes. Red asterisks on timetables indicate bus times that adjust based on ferry departures, ensuring seamless connections for travelers continuing to Athens or other destinations.
Airport Transportation
Anna Pollatou International Airport (EFL) serves as Kefalonia's primary gateway, located approximately 20 kilometers from Argostoli. Multiple transportation options ensure smooth connections to your final destination.
✈️ From Airport Options
- KTEL Bus: Argostoli-Airport route, 2-hour intervals
- Taxi: 30-45 minutes to most destinations, available 24/7
- Car Rental: All major companies have terminal desks
- Private Transfer: Pre-arranged pickup services available
Getting Around: Distances & Travel Times
Understanding Kefalonia's geography helps plan efficient itineraries. The island stretches considerably, making strategic transportation choices crucial for maximizing your time.
📏 Key Distances from Argostoli
- Airport: 20 km (30-45 minutes)
- Myrtos Beach: 30 km (45 minutes)
- Sami Port: 25 km (35 minutes)
- Fiskardo: 50 km (1 hour)
- Skala: 40 km (50 minutes)
- Lixouri (via ferry): 45 minutes total
⚠️ Transportation Strategy Tips
- Public transport limitations: Buses primarily connect through Argostoli; few direct inter-town routes
- Taxi economics: Cost-effective for short trips or when shared between destinations
- Car rental sweet spot: Essential for stays longer than 3 days or when visiting multiple beaches
- Combined approach: Many visitors use buses for major routes, taxis for specific trips, avoiding rental costs
Seasonal Considerations
Transportation frequency and availability vary significantly between summer peak season and quieter months. Plan accordingly to avoid unexpected limitations.
Peak Season (July-September): Full bus schedules, all rental companies operational, taxi demand high
Shoulder Season (May-June, October): Reduced bus frequency, some rental locations close
Off-Season (November-April): Limited public transport, advance booking essential for taxis and rentals
Whether you choose the structured reliability of public buses, the convenience of professional taxi services, or the freedom of your own rental vehicle, Kefalonia's transportation network ensures every corner of this magnificent island remains within reach. Plan your approach based on your itinerary, budget, and preference for spontaneous exploration.
