Greece Airports & Transfers: Choose the Gateway and Arrival Journey

Getting to Greece is straightforward for most travelers, thanks to the country’s strong international flight connections, well-developed ferry network, and modern transportation infrastructure. Whether you are arriving from another European country or traveling long-distance, Greece offers multiple entry points that make trip planning flexible and accessible.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Greece, including international flights, ferries, and arrival procedures. Use it together with the Greece Travel Guide to plan a smooth and stress-free journey.

Flying to Greece

Flying is the most common way to reach Greece. The country is well connected to major cities across Europe and beyond, with frequent direct and connecting flights available throughout the year. Seasonal routes increase significantly during peak travel months, especially to popular island destinations.

Greece’s main international gateway is Athens, but many travelers also fly directly to island airports depending on their destination and time of year.

Major International Airports in Greece

Greece has several international airports that handle flights from abroad. Choosing the right arrival airport can save time and reduce unnecessary transfers.

• Athens International Airport (ATH) – The primary entry point for international travelers and the country’s largest airport.
• Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) – A key gateway for northern Greece and mainland regions.
• Heraklion Airport (HER) – A major arrival point for Crete, particularly during the tourist season.
• Rhodes Airport (RHO) – Serves Rhodes and nearby island destinations.
• Santorini Airport (JTR) – Popular for seasonal direct flights.
• Mykonos Airport (JMK) – A frequent entry point during summer months.

Travelers heading to the islands often choose between flying directly to an island airport or flying to Athens and continuing by ferry or domestic flight.

Arriving in Greece from Europe

Greece is easily accessible from other European countries. Direct flights operate from most major European cities, making short trips and weekend travel possible. Travelers coming from neighboring regions may also combine flights with ferry travel for flexible itineraries.

Because Greece is part of the Schengen Area, arrival procedures are generally smooth for travelers coming from other Schengen countries.

Connect from the arrival airport to your first base

If your first base requires an onward flight, check the complete arrival connection: terminal, baggage, check-in deadline and the consequences of a delay. Domestic route and mode comparisons belong in Getting Around. This page focuses on reaching Greece and getting from the arrival gateway to that first base.

Airport connections to ferry ports

An international arrival followed by an island ferry needs a land transfer to the correct port. Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio are different departure points; match the booked operator and sailing to the actual port before choosing airport transport. Reaching the general harbour area is not the same as reaching the ferry's gate with enough time to board.

Keep the flight arrival, baggage collection, land journey and boarding deadline in one plan. If the scheduled sailing cannot reasonably absorb a delayed arrival, compare an overnight gateway stop or a later service. Do not judge the connection only by distance on a map.

For domestic ferry routes, vessel types, ticket questions and travel between islands, use Getting Around. The Athens arrival section below explains the first airport-to-city or airport-to-port journey; verify current services with the relevant operator.

Arrival Procedures and Border Control

Upon arrival in Greece, travelers pass through standard border control procedures. These may include passport checks and verification of entry requirements. Travelers arriving from Schengen countries typically experience faster entry procedures.

For details on entry rules and documentation, see: Visa & Entry Requirements for Greece.

Getting from the Airport or Port to Your Destination

Once you arrive in Greece, reaching your accommodation is usually straightforward. Airports and ports are well connected by taxis, public transport, and private transfer services. In major cities and popular tourist areas, transportation options are widely available.

Many travelers choose private transfers or taxis for convenience, especially when arriving late or traveling with luggage. Public transport is often a budget-friendly alternative in larger cities.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival

A little preparation can make your arrival in Greece much more comfortable. While most journeys are uncomplicated, planning ahead reduces stress and saves time.

• Allow extra time between connecting flights and ferries.
• Check seasonal flight and ferry availability.
• Confirm arrival transport options in advance.
• Keep important documents easily accessible.

Continue Planning Your Trip to Greece

This page is part of the Greece Travel Guide. To continue planning your trip, explore: Is Greece Safe?, Greece Weather, Best Time to Visit Greece, and Top Destinations in Greece.

Match the gateway to the part of Greece you will visit

Athens is a useful gateway for a capital visit and several onward routes, while Thessaloniki can reduce unnecessary backtracking for a northern itinerary. On Crete, Chania and Heraklion serve different parts of the island. Choose the arrival that fits the first base and the departure that fits the last one, then compare the complete journey and fare. A lower flight price can lose its advantage through a long road transfer, an extra overnight or another domestic booking.

For an island trip, check whether a direct international service runs on your date or whether a connection is necessary. Seasonal service and frequency can differ from a summer route map. Separate flight and ferry tickets need their own protection and time margin. An airline's connection promise should not be extended to an independently booked ferry departure. Use Itineraries to keep the arrival day realistic.

Athens airport to the city or a ferry port

OASA identifies airport express buses linking Athens International Airport with Syntagma, Piraeus, intercity bus stations and Elliniko on a 24 hour basis. Check the exact route, stop and current ticket for the journey you need. The airport metro journey has its own fare and operating arrangements; do not assume an ordinary city ticket covers it. Compare luggage handling and the final walk to the accommodation as well as the displayed fare.

If travelling directly to a ferry, confirm whether it departs from Piraeus, Rafina or another port. At Piraeus, identify the gate and the operator's required arrival time. Reaching the port area is not the end of the transfer. A taxi can simplify luggage or a late arrival, but use an official arrangement and clarify the fare basis and relevant charges. For a prebooked transfer, verify the actual pickup instructions and what happens if the flight is delayed.

Regional airports and accommodation transfers

Use the airport's official ground transport information and the local operator for the date and direction of travel. Do not copy Athens arrangements to Thessaloniki, Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes or Corfu. The final destination may be a resort or village beyond the airport's direct public transport route. Ask the accommodation for the exact address, realistic arrival options and any vehicle access restriction in a historic area.

An advertised shuttle should be confirmed rather than assumed to be free, frequent or available overnight. Check pickup location, hours, luggage, child seats and any charge. With a rental car, verify the desk's actual opening and late flight procedure before paying. In a narrow old town, the vehicle may stop some distance from the entrance, so plan how you will carry luggage for the final approach.

Leave the first day and final connection resilient

After a long arrival, keep the first afternoon modest: check in, a short orientation walk and a meal near the base. Avoid a non refundable timed activity immediately after landing unless the margin and conditions genuinely fit. Flight delay, baggage and unfamiliar terminal access can all consume the allowance. The same principle applies to a late ferry arrival before an early tour the next morning.

Before an international departure through Athens, consider a preceding night at the gateway when your island connection is independently booked. Weather can affect a ferry or flight even when the scheduled crossing looks short. Choose the overnight by the actual airport journey and hours rather than the word airport in a hotel description. Keep the last day simple enough to absorb a changed plan.

Prepare documents and assistance separately

Check Visa & Entry for the rules applying to your nationality, passport and route, including transit through another country. Save the transport confirmations and accommodation contact offline. Keep medicines, essential documents and a change of clothes in an appropriate accessible bag under the carrier's rules. An arrival transport guide does not replace the border authority's decision or the airline's document check.

Request accessibility assistance with the airport or carrier in advance and confirm how it applies to the particular journey. If a ferry follows the flight, contact that operator separately. Verify the accommodation's entrance and room arrangement too. For families, arrange suitable child seats in a booked vehicle and compare the full party price. A well matched gateway and a complete final transfer usually make the arrival more comfortable than an apparently cheap but fragmented chain of bookings.

Official information for your planning

OASA: airport and Athens transport · Blue Star Ferries: schedules and passenger information

Reviewed 11 October 2026. Recheck dated services, access, policies and official rules before travelling.