Santorini Airport, officially Thira National Airport, serves as the primary gateway to one of Greece’s most iconic islands, handling around 2.8 million passengers annually. Located 5.5 kilometres east of Fira, the island’s capital, this compact airport connects travellers to domestic destinations like Athens and seasonal routes across Europe, operated by airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Volotea, and easyJet. Its small size and recent renovations ensure a functional experience for visitors eager to explore Santorini’s unique landscapes.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with several transport options linking to Fira and beyond. KTEL buses run hourly from 05:00 to 20:00 during summer, connecting the airport to Fira in 15-20 minutes for €1.80, with tickets purchased from the driver at the bus stop between the arrivals and departures terminals.
Taxis, available outside the arrivals hall, offer a 10-minute ride to Fira for €30-50, though agreeing on the fare beforehand is wise as taximeters are not used. Private transfers, bookable through services like Welcome Pickups, provide a hassle-free alternative, with drivers waiting at arrivals. Car rentals from companies like Avis, Hertz, and Sixt are located just outside the terminal, ideal for exploring the island’s 10- to 20-minute drives to villages like Oia or Kamari. Free parking is available but limited, so early arrival is recommended during peak season.
The airport’s single terminal, refurbished in 2021, spans 15,640 square metres and handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, with 17 check-in desks, two security checkpoints, and a handful of gates. Separate areas for arrivals and departures, plus clear signage in Greek and English, make navigation easy despite the compact layout.
Security checks typically take 10-20 minutes, but queues can extend outside during peak summer months from June to September, so arriving two hours early for international flights or 90 minutes for domestic ones is advised. Boarding involves bus transfers or short walks to aircraft, as there are no air bridges, which is manageable but worth noting in hot weather.
Delays can occur during the high season due to the airport’s high traffic and limited capacity, with slot coordination managed by the Hellenic Slot Coordination Authority. Weather issues like strong winds or fog, common in the Cyclades, may disrupt flights, and overcrowding at check-in or security can slow processes. On-time performance is generally reliable for major carriers like Aegean and Ryanair, but checking flight status via airline apps or the airport’s website is recommended. Passenger reviews note occasional staff shortages, which can exacerbate delays, so patience is key during busy periods.
Dining options are modest but sufficient, with five airside eateries—Bonheur, Holy Burger, Il Maestro, So Very Greek, and Summer Breeze—offering burgers, pizza, pasta, salads, and Greek dishes from 08:00 to 23:00. Landside, Caldera and French Bakery provide coffee, pies, and sandwiches. Retail includes two duty-free shops in the departures area with perfumes, cosmetics, and local products, plus a phone store, an optical shop, and a gallery selling Greek-designed art in the arrivals and public departure zones. These options meet basic needs, though choices are limited compared to larger airports.
Facilities are practical, with free Wi-Fi via the “Fraport-Free” network, though connectivity can be inconsistent. Three ATMs (Eurobank, Euronet, Piraeus Bank) and a OneXchange currency exchange desk are located at the arrivals gate. Charging stations are available airside near Intra Schengen Gate 3 and in the arrivals corridor. Accessibility is supported with ground-floor restrooms for reduced mobility, and assistance can be arranged through airlines. A first-aid station and lost property office are present, but there are no lounges, sleeping areas, or water fountains, and seating is limited, often leading to crowded conditions. The airport operates from 06:30 to 22:15, closing overnight, with nearby hotels like Marvarit Suites or Hotel Villa Manos offering transfers for layovers.
Connections are minimal, as the airport primarily serves point-to-point flights, with most transfers routed through Athens. Minimum connection times are around 40 minutes for domestic and 60 minutes for international flights, with clear signage guiding passengers to transfer desks. Non-Schengen connections may require passport control, so allowing extra time is prudent. The terminal’s small size ensures quick transfers, but limited flight schedules necessitate careful planning.
