How To Get From Parikia To Naoussa (and back): Paros Island
Heading from Parikia to Naoussa on Paros? Here's every transport option, from bus, car, taxi and scooter, with current 2026 prices, timetables and honest tips from two weeks on the island.
UPDATED MAY 2026
If you're arriving in Paros by ferry, chances are you'll land at Parikia, and chances are you'll want to get to Naoussa as quickly as possible.
And with good reason. Naoussa is the most beautiful town on the island: a picturesque fishing harbour ringed by whitewashed laneways, home to some of the best restaurants, bars and shops in the Cyclades. For most visitors, us included, it's the highlight of the whole trip.
The good news is that getting between the two towns is straightforward, affordable and well-serviced.
There are three options - bus, car and taxi - and this guide covers all of them with current prices, timings and a few practical tips to make the journey as smooth as possible.
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HOW TO GET FROM PARIKIA
TO
NAOUSSA
JOURNEY TIME | 15–30 minutes
BUS COST | €2.00 (buy before boarding)
TAXI COST | €20–35 approx
CAR RENTAL | from €25–35/day shoulder season
BEST OPTION | Public bus
MOST COMFORTABLE OPTION | Car rental
PARIKIA TO NAOUSSA | THE TRANSPORT OPTIONS
There are three easy ways to get between Parikia and Naoussa — bus, taxi or rental car. Which makes most sense depends on how long you're staying and whether you plan to explore the rest of the island.
Here's a breakdown of each, based on our experience visiting in both shoulder and peak season.
OPTION #1 | THE LOCAL BUS
The bus is the cheapest and most straightforward option for the Parikia–Naoussa route and our default recommendation for most visitors.
The Parikia bus terminal sits directly to the right of the ferry terminal, which is an easy transfer straight off the boat. The Naoussa terminal is a short walk from the town centre.
The Parikia–Naoussa route is the busiest on the island. In shoulder season, expect around 12 services daily running from 07:25 through to 20:00; in peak summer, that jumps to 30+ services running until the early hours. Departure times align with ferry arrivals, so there will always be a bus waiting.
Tickets cost €2.00 for the Parikia–Naoussa route and should be purchased before boarding at the terminal kiosk or at mini-markets and kiosks displaying the KTEL sign across town. Buying on the bus from the driver costs more — so buy before you board. A full-day island pass is available for €10 if you're planning to cover a lot of ground.
Check the live KTEL Paros timetable before you travel.
The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, though in peak season they fill up fast and standing passengers are common.
TIP | If you're arriving by ferry in July or August, try to be among the first off the boat and head straight to the bus terminal. Buy your ticket, then position yourself as close to the bus door as possible, as it gets competitive.
If you miss one, don't stress, several buses meet each ferry. Alternatively, grab a coffee at one of the Parikia waterfront cafes and wait for the rush to clear before taking the next one. Both strategies work.
OPTION #2 | RENTAL CAR
If you're planning to explore beyond Parikia and Naoussa, and we'd strongly encourage you to, a rental car is the most comfortable and flexible way to do it.
Paros is larger than it looks on a map, and having your own wheels opens up the southern beaches, hill villages and quieter corners that buses don't easily reach.
The Parikia – Naoussa drive itself is straightforward - one main road connects the two towns and the journey takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.
In July and August, the roads around Parikia port and the windmill roundabout can get genuinely congested, so factor that in if you're arriving by ferry in peak season.
Rental rates start from around €25–35 per day in the shoulder season, climbing higher in peak summer. Book well in advance, as availability is limited on the island.
One honest caveat: if you're planning to stay centrally in Naoussa, a car can be more hassle than it's worth, where parking in the town centre in July and August is a genuine headache.
In that case, the bus for the Parikia – Naoussa run and a car for day trips is a reasonable combination.
OPTION #3 | TAXI FROM PARIKIA TO PAROS
We didn't use a taxi on Paros, as the bus is cheap enough and reliable enough that it never felt necessary, but taxis do service the Parikia – Naoussa route and can be booked in advance for a set pick-up time, which is useful if you're arriving on a late ferry with luggage.
The journey takes 15 – 30 minutes depending on traffic, and current rates run €20 – 35 for the Parikia – Naoussa route, depending on the time of day and passenger numbers.
Radio Taxi Paros is the most reliable operator that you can book with this number: +30 22850 22444
OPTION #4 | SCOOTER OR ATV
A scooter or ATV is a fun way to get around Naoussa and the northern beaches, and parking is genuinely easier than a car in peak season, which is a more significant advantage than it sounds in July.
For the Parikia–Naoussa run specifically, it works fine. The road is straightforward, and the journey is enjoyable enough.
Where it falls down is comfort on longer trips - Paros is more undulating than it looks, and an ATV across the island and back in August heat is a different proposition to a 20-minute hop between towns.
If you're planning to explore beyond the north, a car is worth the extra cost.
Practical notes: you'll need a valid motorbike licence to rent a scooter in Greece, and if you're arriving with significant luggage, an ATV is going to make life difficult — bus or taxi from the ferry, then hire an ATV once you've checked in is the smarter move.
BOOK | We rented from Spanopoulos Car Rental in Naoussa - one of the better rental agencies we came across in Greece, worth bookmarking.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHERE IS NAOUSSA?
The quaint fishing village of Naoussa (otherwise known as Naousa) is located to the northeast of Paros Island, in the Cycladic Archipelago, Greece.
The town itself is 10km from the Island’s capital, Parikia. Parikia is the main port of Paros Island, and where all arrivals start their adventures.
Below is a map detailing Naoussa in relation to Parikia (labelled Paros on the map).
ACCOMMODATION ON PAROS
Paros has some of the most beautiful hotels and villas in the Cyclades across every budget - from luxury design hotels near Naoussa to characterful guesthouses in Parikia.
We've put together a full guide to help you find the right fit.
READ MORE | Where to Stay on Paros - hotels, hostels and villas across the island, and the best Hotels in Naoussa specifically
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
Honest take: if something goes wrong — a medical emergency, a cancelled ferry, lost luggage — travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one. COVID-19 reminded a lot of travellers the hard way.
After 8+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use and recommend:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo — Comprehensive travel and medical cover, with an app offering 24-hour medical support and no out-of-pocket fees. Consistently our top pick. Use our link for 5% off your policy.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing — Flexible travel and medical cover with the key advantage of being able to purchase a policy while already overseas.
FOR CAR HIRE | Insurance4CarHire — A solid annual policy worth considering if you're renting cars across multiple destinations, as it can work out significantly cheaper than per-rental excess cover.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Make the most of your island-hopping adventure with our essential Greece travel guides.
EXPLORE PAROS
Start with these guides to help plan your time on the island:
Paros Travel Guide - Things to know before visiting
MORE CYCLADIC ISLANDS
Planning to visit nearby islands too? These guides will help:
NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, The best beaches on Naxos Island, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, how to get from Athens to Naxos
SANTORINI | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
MYKONOS | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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