A thermal transfer printer comprises a flat tray (11) supported to reciprocate between an advancing limit position and a retreating limit position with a sheet (A) placed thereon, a ribbon supply device (19, 20) arranged above the tray (11) for supplying a transfer ink ribbon (B), a heating print head (21), and a moving device (22) for supporting the print head (21) above the tray (11). The moving device (22) causes the print head (21) to move toward the tray (11) for pressing the ink ribbon (B) against the sheet (A) when the tray (11) moves toward the advancing limit position. Further, the moving device (22) further causes the print head (21) to move away from the tray (11) when the tray (11) moves toward the retreating limit position.