Last updated: August 2026 · By Ioneon Travel
Quick answer: Zakynthos is easiest with your own wheels for a few days plus a pre-booked airport transfer so you're not stuck in a taxi queue on arrival. Public buses exist but are limited. Here's the simple version.
From the airport
The airport is small and taxi queues can be long in peak season. A pre-arranged private transfer means a driver is waiting for you with a nameboard and takes you straight to your hotel — no queue, fixed price.
Getting around during your stay
- Car hire — the best all-rounder if you want to explore beaches, villages and viewpoints at your own pace. A few days of hire opens up the whole island.
- Scooter / ATV — fun and easy for short hops in the south, if you're comfortable on two wheels.
- Taxis — fine for the odd trip, but costs add up over a week.
- Buses — cheap but infrequent; workable for the main towns, less so for remote beaches.
A local tip
You don't need a car for everything. Many of the island's best bits — the Shipwreck, Blue Caves, the Marine Park — are reached by boat, not road. A smart plan is a couple of days with a car for the land sights, plus a boat day for the coast.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to get around Zakynthos?
A hire car for a few days to reach beaches and villages, plus a pre-booked airport transfer on arrival. Boat trips cover the coastal sights that roads can't.
Do you need a car in Zakynthos?
For land sights and flexibility, yes — a few days of car hire helps. But the island's most famous spots (Shipwreck, Blue Caves, Marine Park) are reached by boat, not road.
Is it worth pre-booking an airport transfer?
Yes — taxi queues at Zakynthos airport can be long in summer. A private transfer means a driver is waiting for you at a fixed price.
Can you hire a scooter or ATV in Zakynthos?
Yes, they're a fun option for short trips in the south if you're comfortable riding.
Plan your days
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