How to Get to Alonnisos. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Skiathos International Airport (JSI) is the closest and most common airport. Volos National Airport (VOL) on the mainland is another option. Athens International Airport (ATH) provides the most extensive worldwide transfers between flights.

Flight Routes

To Skiathos (JSI): Seasonal direct flights from European cities (London, Amsterdam, Milan) and year-round via Athens. Airlines include Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, TUI, British Airways.
To Volos (VOL): Fewer seasonal international flights (Ryanair, Transavia).
To Athens (ATH): Major global airlines from worldwide destinations.

Flight Availability & Transfers

Direct flights to Skiathos are mainly seasonal. From North America, South America, Asia, or Australia, expect a minimum of one connection through a major European hub or via Athens. Flights to Skiathos are most common and expensive in July-August. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September) offer better prices.

Airport Transfers

Skiathos Airport (JSI) to Skiathos Port: Short taxi (5-10 min, €5-€10) or local bus.
Skiathos Port to Alonnisos: Regular ferry/catamaran (1.5-3 hours).
Athens Airport (ATH): Domestic flight to Skiathos (30-40 min) then ferry, or bus/private transfer to mainland ports (Agios Konstantinos or Volos) then ferry.

Flight Search

Find competitive fares with Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Explore options for car rentals at DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Facilities

Skiathos International Airport (JSI) offers basic facilities: car rental, cafes, duty-free, free Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Bus Services KTEL

KTEL Fthiotidos: Athens (Kifissos Bus Terminal) to Agios Konstantinos (ferry port).
KTEL Magnisias: Athens (Kifissos Bus Terminal) to Volos (major mainland port).
Bus services often coordinate with ferry schedules for seamless transfers.
Comfortable seating and air conditioning on bus journeys.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Non-EU license holders need an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their national license.
Main roads are paved and generally good, but can be narrow and winding.
Greek drivers can be aggressive; drive carefully and follow traffic laws.

Sea Arrivals

Main Port

Patitiri, Alonnisos, is the island's main port. All passenger and vehicle ferries arrive and depart here.

Ferry Connections

Regular services connect Alonnisos with Volos, Agios Konstantinos (mainland), Skiathos, Skopelos, and sometimes Mantoudi/Kymi (Evia).

Ferry Companies

Main companies: Blue Star Ferries (Hellenic Seaways), Seajets (high-speed catamarans), Aegean Flying Dolphins.

Ferry Booking & Departure

Booking & Procedures

Book ferry tickets in advance, especially for high season (July-August) or with a vehicle. Online platforms like Ferryhopper.com allow easy booking. Printed or mobile tickets are generally accepted. For domestic travel within Greece (e.g., Skiathos to Alonnisos), no formal immigration checks occur at island ports.

Arrival at Port

Taxis are available directly at Patitiri port.
The local bus station is very close to the port.
Car and scooter rental agencies are within walking distance.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed upon departure from Greece for tourists. Airport taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price. If departing by ferry, arrive at Patitiri port at least 30-45 minutes before scheduled departure (earlier with a vehicle).

Airport Departure

For flights from Skiathos (JSI), plan your ferry connection from Alonnisos carefully.
For domestic flights from Skiathos, be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, allow 2.5-3 hours.
Skiathos Airport has basic check-in counters, cafes, and a duty-free shop. Patitiri port offers cafes and waiting areas.

Ferry Departure Tips

During high season, ferries can fill up quickly. Strong winds can sometimes cause delays or cancellations. Always check for announcements on windy days.

Checklist

Book boat tickets in advance.
Confirm ferry requirements with your chosen operator.
Monitor weather forecasts for Meltemi winds.

Mainland Connections

Train connections to ferry docks serving Alonnisos are not direct, but the Greek rail network (OSE) connects Athens to Volos. The bus system is generally more direct for reaching specific ferry terminals from Athens. KTEL provides reliable intercity bus services.

Driving Information

If driving from Athens to a mainland port, roads are generally well-maintained highways.
The journey offers scenic views of the Greek countryside.

Border & Train Notes

No land border crossings when traveling to or from Alonnisos itself.
No direct train services connect to the ferry ports serving Alonnisos.
The bus system is generally more convenient for reaching specific ferry terminals.

If arriving in Greece from outside Schengen by sea, standard entry procedures apply.
Seasonal flight availability significantly reduces outside tourist season (Nov-Apr).
Non-stop flights to Skiathos are rare or non-existent in winter.

Sea Travel Logistics

Ferry Services

Patitiri, Alonnisos, serves as the hub for all ferry operations. Regular ferry and high-speed catamaran services connect Alonnisos with several other destinations including mainland ports (Volos and Agios Konstantinos) and other Sporades Islands (Skiathos and Skopelos).

Operators

Blue Star Ferries (operating Hellenic Seaways vessels).
Seajets (known for high-speed catamarans).
Aegean Flying Dolphins.

Immigration & Connections

If you arrive in Greece from outside the Schengen Area by sea, you will undergo standard Schengen Area entry procedures. For domestic travel within Greece, no formal immigration checks take place at island ports. Upon arrival at Patitiri Port, taxis and the local bus station are readily available.

Port Amenities

The port area offers various services, including cafes, restaurants, and rental agencies.
Several car and scooter rental agencies are within easy walking distance.
Patitiri Port is the the chief means of transportationation hub on Alonnisos.

Advance Booking

Strongly recommended for ferry tickets, especially during high season or with a vehicle.

Journey Times

Skiathos to Alonnisos: 1.5-3 hours. Mainland to Alonnisos: 3-5 hours (depending on port).

No River Travel

No river transit choices to or from Alonnisos.

Departure Logistics

Ferry Departure

If departing by ferry, aim to get to Patitiri port at least 30-45 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time. This is especially important if you are traveling with a vehicle. Foot passengers can arrive closer to departure, but allow enough time for ticketing (if physical ticket collection is needed) and boarding. Look for any announcements regarding delays, especially on windy days.

Check-in at Port

Ensure physical ticket collection if needed.
Allow ample time for vehicle boarding.
Listen for delay announcements.

Airport Departure from Skiathos

If your onward journey includes a flight from Skiathos International Airport (JSI), plan your ferry connection from Alonnisos to Skiathos carefully. Allow ample time for the ferry journey and transfer to the airport. For domestic flights from Skiathos, be at the be at the AIRPORT 2 hours before departure. For international flights, allow 2.5-3 hours.

Skiathos Airport Facilities

Skiathos airport is small, but queues can form during peak season.
The airport offers basic facilities: check-in counters, cafes, and a duty-free shop.
Seating areas are available for departing travelers.

Overall Departure Notes

Exit Fees

No particular exit fees or taxes are imposed upon departure from Greece for tourists; costs are commonly in airline tickets.

Port Facilities

Patitiri port offers cafes and waiting areas for relaxation before ferry departure, with small shops for snacks or souvenirs.

Ferryhopper for bookings

Check schedules, compare prices, and book tickets easily on Ferryhopper.com.

Ferry Visual

A Hellenic Seaways ferry arrives at Alonnisos, a common sight for island access.

How to Get to Alonnisos