Paros Airport sits just outside Alyki in the south of the island, and most ferries land at Parikia port in the west. Whichever way you arrive, you will need to work out how to get to Naoussa, Lefkes or wherever you are staying, and that usually means a choice between a taxi and a hire car. Paros is small enough to get around easily, but the taxi fleet is limited, especially in July and August, so it is worth understanding your options before you land.
1. Taxi Services in Paros
How much does a taxi cost in Paros?
Paros taxis run on a meter, and rates are set by the local taxi association rather than by individual drivers. As a rough guide:
- Minimum fare: approximately €3.50
- Per kilometre rate: approximately €0.70 during the day, rising to roughly €1.40 between midnight and 5am
- Airport surcharge: approximately €1.10 added to any journey starting from Paros Airport
- Extra luggage: some drivers add a small charge for bags over 10kg
- Approximate journey costs: Paros Airport to Parikia around €15 to €25 depending on time of day, and Parikia to Naoussa around €18 to €23
These are approximate figures based on published local rates and should be treated as a guide rather than a guarantee. Prices can shift with fuel costs and official rate changes, so always check the meter is running or agree a price before you set off.
Booking a taxi in Paros
In low season you can usually flag a taxi down in Parikia or Naoussa, or find one waiting at the port. In peak summer this gets much harder. There are only a handful of dozen taxis covering the whole island, and when two ferries arrive close together, or a busy restaurant lets out at once, the wait can stretch past 30 minutes or even an hour. If you are catching a flight or a ferry, or heading somewhere for dinner, book ahead rather than hoping to find one on the street. Hotels and tavernas can often call a taxi for you, and this is usually more reliable than waiting at a rank in August.
Taxi enquiry form
Taxi from Paros Airport and Port to main towns
Airport to Parikia. This is the most common airport run, roughly 15 minutes on quiet roads. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of €15 to €25 depending on time of day and traffic.
Airport to Naoussa. A longer trip across the island, since the airport sits in the south near Alyki and Naoussa is up on the north coast. Allow extra time in summer traffic.
Port to Naoussa. A popular route for visitors heading straight to the north coast after their ferry. It takes about 20 minutes and typically costs around €18 to €23.
Port or Airport to Lefkes. Lefkes sits inland in the hills, so this is a shorter distance than the coastal towns but the road climbs, which some drivers factor into a flat rate rather than a pure metered fare.
Port or Airport to Piso Livadi and Marpissa. These east coast spots are a fair drive from both the port and the airport. Confirm the fare before you get in, since drivers on longer cross island routes sometimes offer a flat rate instead of running the meter.
Port or Airport to Aliki. Aliki is close to the airport itself, so this is usually one of the shorter and cheaper runs on the island.
Radio taxi and phone numbers in Paros
If you do not have a number saved, the taxi ranks at Parikia port and in the centre of Naoussa are the easiest places to find one in person. Hotel reception desks and taverna owners almost always have a local taxi number on hand and are usually happy to call on your behalf, which can save you standing around in high season.
2. Car Rental in Paros
Where to rent a car in Paros
Most visitors pick up a car either at Paros Airport, at the port in Parikia, or from a rental office in Parikia town itself. Airport pickup suits anyone flying in, while a Parikia office is convenient if you are arriving by ferry. Some companies will also deliver a car directly to your hotel in Naoussa or elsewhere on the island, which is worth asking about if you are not staying near the main hubs.
Car rental prices in Paros
Prices swing a lot with the season. As a rough guide for a small economy car:
- Low season (winter, early spring): approximately €14 to €25 per day
- Shoulder season (April, May, September, October): approximately €35 to €50 per day
- Peak season (July, August): approximately €60 to €100 or more per day, and cars can sell out weeks in advance
These are approximate figures and vary by supplier and how far ahead you book. Basic third party insurance is usually included in the daily rate, but full collision cover is often an extra €8 to €15 per day, and it is worth asking exactly what is covered before you sign anything. Booking six to eight weeks ahead for a summer trip is sensible, since Paros has a smaller rental fleet than islands like Naxos or Crete.
Do you need a car in Paros?
This depends on where you are staying and how you like to travel. Paros is roughly 30 kilometres from east to west, which is small enough to drive across in well under an hour, but the beaches and villages are spread out enough that buses will not get you everywhere on your own schedule. If you are staying in Parikia or Naoussa and mainly plan to walk around town, eat locally and use the bus for day trips, you can probably manage without a car. Both towns are walkable, and the summer bus network connects the main beaches and villages reasonably well, though services thin out later in the evening and outside peak months.
If you want to reach quieter beaches such as Kolymbithres in the north or Golden Beach and Aliki in the south and east in one day, or if you plan to visit inland villages like Lefkes at your own pace, a car or at least a scooter makes a real difference. Paros roads are generally in good condition and easy to drive, with none of the steep hairpins you get on islands like Santorini or Ios. For a short stay of two or three nights in one base, taxis or buses can work out fine. For a longer stay, or if you want to explore beyond your own village, the daily hire cost usually pays for itself in time saved and flexibility gained.
3. Scooter, ATV & Buggy Rental in Paros
Scooters and small ATVs are a common sight on Paros, and for good reason. The island’s roads are flat enough and well surfaced enough for two wheels to feel comfortable, even for less experienced riders, and parking a scooter in Parikia or Naoussa is far easier than parking a car in high season.
A scooter or ATV makes sense if you are travelling light, staying close to one main town, and mainly want to reach nearby beaches rather than tour the whole island in a day. They are usually cheaper than a small car, though prices still rise steeply in July and August along with everything else. Do check your travel insurance covers scooter or ATV use, and note that a proper motorcycle licence is legally required for anything over 50cc, which most rental scooters are.
Buggies are a newer option on the island and tend to suit small groups who want something a bit more fun for a day of beach hopping. They cost more than a scooter but less than a car in most cases, and are worth considering if you are travelling with friends rather than alone.
4. Book Your Taxi or Transfer in Paros
If you would rather not worry about timings once you land, send us your flight or ferry details and we will help arrange your transfer in Paros.
7. FAQ
How much is a taxi in Paros?
Paros taxis start at a minimum fare of approximately €3.50, with a per kilometre rate of around €0.70 during the day and €1.40 at night. A short trip such as the airport to Parikia typically costs between €15 and €25 depending on the time of day.
Is there a taxi from Paros airport or port to the main towns?
Yes. Taxis run from Paros Airport and from Parikia port to all the main towns, including Naoussa, Lefkes, Piso Livadi and Aliki. Journey times and prices vary depending on distance, with coastal runs to Naoussa taking around 20 minutes.
Do I need to book a taxi in advance in Paros?
In low season you can usually find one on the street or at a rank. In July and August it is strongly recommended, since the island only has a limited number of taxis and waits after busy ferry arrivals can exceed an hour.
Can I rent a car without a credit card in Paros?
Most rental companies in Paros require a credit card to hold a security deposit. Some local operators may accept a debit card or cash deposit instead, so it is worth checking directly with the company before you book if you do not have a credit card.
Is it better to rent a car or use taxis in Paros?
For a short stay in one town, taxis and buses are usually enough. If you plan to explore several beaches or villages over a longer stay, renting a car or scooter tends to work out cheaper and more convenient than repeated taxi trips.
