Kefalonia is a small island, so distances are moderate. But with no public transport from the airport, your options are limited to taxis, transfers, and rental cars.
Price comparison
| Transport | Cost to Argostoli | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €20-25 | 15 min | If available |
| Pre-booked transfer | €25-40 | 15 min | Most travelers |
| Rental car | €30-70/day | 15 min | Exploring the island |
| Public bus | N/A | N/A | Not available |
Complete pricing to all areas
Kefalonia is a large island — distances and prices vary significantly depending on your accommodation location:
| Destination | Distance | Taxi | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argostoli | 10 km | €20-25 | €25-40 |
| Lassi | 12 km | €22-28 | €28-42 |
| Lourdas | 18 km | €28-38 | €35-50 |
| Sami | 25 km | €35-45 | €40-55 |
| Poros | 30 km | €40-55 | €45-65 |
| Skala | 35 km | €45-60 | €50-70 |
| Lixouri | 25 km | €35-50 | €40-60 |
| Agia Efimia | 35 km | €45-60 | €50-70 |
| Fiskardo | 55 km | €65-85 | €70-100 |
| Assos | 45 km | €55-75 | €60-85 |
Why transfers cost more than taxis
On Kefalonia, the transfer premium (~30-50% over taxi) buys you:
- Guaranteed availability — taxis are scarce on the island
- English-speaking driver — not all island taxi drivers speak English
- Fixed price — no meter anxiety on winding island roads
- Pre-booked vehicle — especially important during peak summer
Given that there are so few taxis on the island, the transfer premium is more justified here than at a major city airport.
Rental car costs
For many visitors, a rental car is the most cost-effective option, especially for stays longer than 2-3 days:
| Season | Daily rate | Weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Low season (Oct-May) | €25-40 | €150-250 |
| Shoulder (Jun, Sep) | €35-55 | €220-350 |
| Peak (Jul-Aug) | €50-80 | €320-500 |
Important: Book well in advance for July-August. Cars sell out. Local agencies often have better deals than international chains.
Fuel costs: Kefalonia petrol stations charge €1.80-2.10/liter. A week of moderate driving costs about €30-50 in fuel.
The math — transfer vs rental car
If you're staying in Argostoli for a week and plan to explore:
- Transfer both ways: €50-80 total
- Rental car for the week: €200-400 + fuel
- Taxis during the week: Could add up to €100+ if you do several day trips
For a beach resort stay where you don't plan to explore much, a transfer each way is cheaper. For exploring the island, a rental car is essential and ultimately more cost-effective.