Travel Guide: Airports In Santorini, Greece - What To Know

Santorini International Airport (JTR) is located on the eastern side of the island, in the Monolithos area. It is approximately 6km southeast of the island's capital, Fira, and about 17km from the picturesque settlement of Oia in the north and Akrotiri in the south. The airport was built in 1972 or 1976, following the traditional Cycladic architectural style, and renovated in 2017. It is one of the busiest airports in Greece, serving around 2.5 million passengers and accommodating domestic flights and international direct flights from European countries.

Santorini International Airport's location and distance from the capital, Fira

Santorini International Airport, also known as Santorini (Thira) National Airport, is located on the southeastern side of the island of Santorini, near the village of Kamari. The airport is approximately 5-6 kilometres or 3.1-3.7 miles from Fira, the island's capital.

The distance between Santorini International Airport and Fira can be easily covered by various means of transportation, including airport taxis, private transfers, rental cars, and public buses. The bus service in Santorini is provided by the KTEL company, and the route connecting the island's capital with the airport is one of the most popular routes. Buses typically run every hour, with increased frequency during the peak tourist season, and the journey takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

For those seeking a more comfortable and fast journey, airport taxis are a popular choice. Taxis are available at the airport, but there may be a limited number, especially during the summer months, which can result in longer waiting times. Private airport transfers are also an option, offering welcome and pick-up services, fast rides, and various amenities.

Alternatively, renting a car at Santorini International Airport provides flexibility and the opportunity to explore the island at your own pace. Several car rental agencies, including major international companies like Hertz and Avis, operate at the airport, offering a range of vehicles to choose from.

Overall, the proximity of Santorini International Airport to Fira, along with the variety of transportation options available, makes the journey between the two locations quick and convenient for travellers.

Transport options to and from the airport

Santorini International Airport is located on the east side of the island, about 5km from Fira, Santorini's capital city. The airport is small and easy to navigate, but it can often get crowded and chaotic. There are various transport options available to and from the airport.

Bus

The bus is the cheapest option and is relatively easy, especially if your destination is Fira. The bus stop is located outside the arrivals area. Buses can get very busy, especially during the summer, so it is recommended that you arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Luggage space on buses is limited, so it is advised that you only bring what you can fit under your seat or in the small overhead bins. The bus system only operates during the day and until midnight, so you may need to take a taxi if your flight arrives after midnight.

Taxi

You can queue for a taxi outside the arrivals area. Pre-booking a taxi service is also an option and costs only a bit more than flagging one down at the airport.

Hotel Transfer

Most hotels will pick you up from the airport, although this service generally costs more than a taxi or private transfer.

Rental Car

Rental car kiosks can be found in the arrivals area of the airport. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore the island during your stay. The roads on Santorini are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, with adequate signage in both Greek and English.

The airport's facilities and services

Santorini International Airport (JTR) is located 6km away from the island's capital, Fira. The airport is small, with one terminal building, but it has been modernised in recent years and can now serve up to six planes at the same time.

The airport offers the following facilities and services:

• Duty-free shopping
• ATM
• Jewellery shop
• Meteorological Applications Center
• Customhouse services
• Cargo & Baggage Belts
• Flight Information Display System
• Travel agencies, including Pandair and Plotin
• Airline offices, including Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Athens Airways
• Cafes and restaurants
• Car rental offices, including Hertz, Europcar, Axion, Budget, Sixt, Kiss Rental, and Lions Rental
• Information desk
• Bus services to Fira
• Taxi stand

The airport does not have any luggage storage facilities.

Santorini Airport joined the Fraport group in 2015, which led to a renovation and modernisation of its premises. The terminal building has been designed to match the local architecture of the island while offering modern facilities and amenities. The airport is listed among the top 10 Greek airports and is the eighth busiest, serving nearly 2.5 million passengers.

Airlines and flights that service the airport

Santorini International Airport, located 2 miles from the city centre, is serviced by 27 airlines that fly from the United States. The most popular route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Santorini, with an average flight time of 16 hours and 32 minutes. This route has an average round-trip cost of $1,535. Other popular routes from the US include flights from Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, with average flight times of 13 hours and 36 minutes, and 13 hours and 22 minutes, respectively. The average round-trip cost for flights from Newark Liberty International Airport is $512.

When booking flights to Santorini, it is advisable to be flexible with travel plans, including flight times, dates, and carriers, to find the best deals. Booking domestic flights at least a month in advance and international flights six months in advance can also help secure lower prices. Additionally, it is worth comparing prices for flights into different airports in the region, as Athens and Thessaloniki are common departure points for travellers heading to Santorini.

Austrian Airlines offers flights from Heathrow to Santorini, with round-trip prices ranging from $86 to $587. One-way flights to Santorini can start as low as $50. It is worth noting that choosing a non-stop flight can be more expensive but saves travel time.

The airport's history and renovation

Santorini International Airport, located in the southeastern part of the island near Agia Paraskevi, was built in 1972 following the rules of traditional Cycladic architecture. The airport is located about 5-6 km from the island's capital, Fira, and is the largest airport in the southern Aegean Sea. It also operates as a military aircraft base.

The airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic over the years, with 2,254,926 passengers in 2018. To accommodate this growing demand, the airport has undergone modernisation and redevelopment. In December 2015, the privatisation of Santorini International Airport and 13 other regional Greek airports was finalised. As per the agreement, a joint venture between Fraport AG/Copelouzos Group will operate the airports for 40 years, starting on 11 April 2017.

Santorini Airport offers direct flights to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion. During the summer, the airport handles a significant number of international flights and charters from various European airports, catering to around 200,000 tourists visiting Santorini. The airport provides essential amenities such as ATM services, bus connections to Fira, and free unlimited internet access (WiFi) within the terminal premises.

In 2024, it was announced that Santorini Airport would undergo a temporary closure from 8 January 2025 to 23 January 2025 as part of the latest phase of redevelopment works. This closure is aimed at enhancing the airport's infrastructure to better accommodate the increasing passenger traffic and maintain its status as one of the busiest airports in Greece.

Frequently asked questions