How to Get to Ikaria. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Ikaria

Airport & Flight Routes

Ikaria Island National Airport (JIK) is the island's only airport, near Agios Kirykos. No direct international flights operate to Ikaria.

Connecting to Ikaria

All international travelers arrive via Athens International Airport (ATH) or another major Greek city.
Connect to Ikaria via a domestic flight from Athens.
Flight duration from Athens to Ikaria is approximately 50 minutes.

Airlines & Seasonal Changes

Olympic Air/Aegean Airlines and Sky Express are the dominant carriers. Flight frequency changes seasonally.

Availability & Pricing

Flight frequency significantly increases during high season (July-August).
Prices are highest during peak summer months; book well in advance.
Ikaria Airport is small with basic facilities (car rental, small cafe, restrooms).

Airport Taxis

Taxis wait outside the terminal. Agree on fare beforehand for longer distances.

Rental Cars

Pick up pre-booked rental car at the airport for maximum island exploration freedom.

Public Bus

Limited public bus service connects the airport to Agios Kirykos; confirm schedules.

Finding Flight Deals

Flight Deal Services

Dollar Flight Club offers flight deals and alerts.
Skyscanner provides comprehensive flight search across airlines.
Remember to search for flights to Athens (ATH) and then a domestic connection to Ikaria (JIK).
Book domestic Ikaria flights well in advance, especially for summer.

Car Rental Booking

DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates for car rentals.
Remember your International Driving Permit if your license is non-EU.
A small car is practical for Ikaria's narrow roads.
Pre-booking your rental car is highly recommended.

Land Transportation Notes

Border Crossings

Not applicable for Ikaria. All arrivals are via air or sea from withwithin Greece or the Schengen Area.

Train Services

Ikaria does not have any train services.

Long-Distance Buses

No long-distance inter-city bus companies operate on Ikaria. The island has a local public bus system for local transport.

Self-Driving on Ikaria

Driving Requirements

Renting a car offers great flexibility on Ikaria. Have your documents ready.

Necessary Documents

A valid national driver's license.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required in Greece for non-EU licenses.
A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads on Ikaria can be narrow, winding, and steep. Drive defensively and cautiously.

Driving Safely

Main roads are paved and generally well-maintained but often winding.
Some roads to remote villages or beaches might be unpaved, gravel, or very narrow.
Be aware of free-ranging goats, especially in rural areas.

Sea Arrivals: Ferry Services

Ferries offer a popular and scenic way to reach Ikaria from Athens and other islands.

Major Ports & Routes

Ikaria has two main ferry ports: Agios Kirykos (southeast) and Evdilos (north).
Major operators: Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.
Regular connections from Piraeus (Athens) to both Ikarian ports (6-8 hours).

Ferry Connections & Procedures

Ikaria connects to nearby islands like Samos, Fourni, and Patmos. Ferry frequencies change seasonally.

Immigration & Transfers

For domestic ferry travel within Greece, no border control occur.
Taxis are available at ports. Local buses also operate near ports.
Car hire companies are often near both ports for immediate vehicle pickup.

Departure Information

Greece does not impose specific exit fees or taxes.
For domestic flights from Ikaria Airport, arrive 60-90 minutes before departure.
For travel by ferry, arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Check for ferry delays, especially during strong winds.
Ikaria Airport and ferry docks have minimal facilities; plan to bring snacks/entertainment.
Have your ticket ready for boarding for both air and ferry.

Getting Around Ikaria

Public Bus System

Ikaria mainly depends on a public bus network managed by KTEL Ikarias. It is useful for basic travel between main towns but has limitations.

Routes & Fares

Main bus routes connect Agios Kirykos, Evdilos, and Christos Raches.
Purchase tickets directly from the driver; fares vary by distance (€1.80-€3.00).
Service is limited and infrequent, especially outside peak season (July-August).

Accessibility & Tips

Public buses may not be fully accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. The island's terrain has general accessibility challenges.

Navigating the Bus System

Always check check schedules beforehand, as they can change.
Bus stops are not always clearly marked; ask the driver.
Combine bus travel with perambulation for shorter distances or specific spots.

Taxis on Ikaria

Taxis offer direct travel. Look for silver/white cars with a "TAXI" sign. Hailing on street is less common; call a taxi stand.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Widely available and popular for agile exploration. Helmets are mandatory by Greek law.

Bicycle Rentals

No formal sharing programs. Some shops offer rentals. Ikaria's hilly terrain makes cycling challenging.

Driving & Parking

Car Rental Tips

Pre-booking a car, especially in high season, is highly recommended for availability and better rates.

Vehicle Choice & Requirements

Small cars are most practical for narrow, winding roads.
Valid national driver'a driving license and International Driving Permit (if non-EU).
Minimum age for rentals is usually 21 or 23, with possible surcharges for under 25.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits apply.

Navigating Ikaria's Roads

Roads can be different significantly. Main roads are paved however steep.
Drive slowly and cautiously on unpaved roads and blind corners.
Parking can be challenging in busy town centers; look for designated areas.

Walking & Cycling Routes

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Town hubs such as Agios Kirykos, Evdilos, and Armenistis are walkable. Traditional villages are best explored on foot.

Walking Tour Options

Ikaria offers an extensive network of marked hiking trails ("Ikaria Trails"). Guided tours can be arranged locally.

Bicycle Safety

Limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling on main roads can be hazardous due to narrowness. Recommended for experienced cyclists only. Always wear a Helmet.

Travel Flexibility

Ikaria's varied terrain means different transport modes suit different exploration styles. Walking is wonderful for village charm and walking paths.

How to Get to Ikaria