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How to Get to Samos

How to Get to Samos

Samos Northeastern Aegean Islands, Greece Travel Guide

Air Travel

Samos International Airport SMI

Samos has its own airport, Samos International Airport "Aristarchos" (SMI). It sits approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) southwest of Pythagoreio and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) southwest of Samos Town (Vathy).

Facilities at SMI

  • Amenities: A few cafes for refreshments and duty-free shops.
  • Car Rentals: Car rental desks available upon arrival.
  • Basic Services: The airport has necessary services without being overly large or complex.

Airlines & Routes

Several airlines serve Samos, connecting it to mainland Greece and other European cities.

Connecting to Samos

  • Domestic Flights: Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air offer daily flights from Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG).
  • International Flights: European charter airlines (May-Oct) connect Samos with cities like London, Amsterdam, and Prague.
  • Beyond Europe: Travelers connect through Athens (ATH) or a major European hub (e.g., Frankfurt, London).

Seasonal Availability

Flight frequency and direct international connections reduce significantly in the off-season (November to April).

Peak Season Pricing

Prices are highest in July and August, coinciding with peak tourist demand.

Advance Booking

Booking flights several months in advance for peak season secures better rates and availability. Flexibility with travel dates can also lead to savings.

Airport Transfers

Taxi Services

  • Readily available outside the terminal building.
  • Fares are typically fixed for common destinations.
  • Approximate fare to Pythagoreio: €15-€20.
  • Approximate fare to Samos Town: €25-€30.

Bus & Pre-booked Options

  • Public KTEL buses operate between the airport and Samos Town (Vathy), including a stop in Pythagoreio.
  • Bus schedules are less frequent on weekends and during the off-season.
  • Many hotels on Samos offer or can arrange transfers for their guests.
  • Pre-booked transfers present a convenient and often pre-paid option.

No Land Transportation

Geographical Reality

As Samos is an island, land transportation for getting to and from the island is not applicable.

Access Routes

All arrivals and departures from outside the island occur via air or sea.

Travel Planning

Plan your journey considering flights or ferry connections for island access.

Sea/River Arrivals

Samos Island Ports

Samos connects to other Greek islands and Turkey via its ferry services. The island has two main ports for ferry services:

Gateway to the Aegean

  • Vathy (Samos Town): The main port, serving larger ferries from Piraeus (Athens) and other major islands.
  • Karlovasi: On the northwest coast, serving ferries to Ikaria, Fourni, and some connections to Piraeus.
  • Pythagoreio: A smaller port on the south coast, with connections to nearby Dodecanese islands and daily excursions to Kuşadası, Turkey.

Ferry Operators

Several ferry companies operate routes to and from Samos:

Connect to the Islands

  • Blue Star Ferries: Connects Samos (Vathy and Karlovasi ports) to Piraeus and other islands.
  • Hellenic Seaways: Operates high-speed ferries on some routes, offering faster connections at a higher price.
  • Dodekanisos Seaways: Primarily connects Pythagoreio to the Dodecanese islands.

Immigration Procedures

Standard passport control is conducted by the Port Police for all arrivals, specifically for international routes, like Turkey.

Required Documents for Entry

  • Be ready to present your passport.
  • Any required visa documentation.
  • For international routes (e.g., Turkey), expect border control.

Port Transfers

Upon arrival at any of the major ports, taxis and local KTEL buses are available to connect you to other parts of the island.

Getting to Your Destination

  • Taxis are readily available at port areas.
  • Local KTEL buses connect ports to various towns and villages.
  • Reach your accommodation or continue your journey conveniently.

Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing from Samos or Greece.
  • The price of your flight or ferry ticket includes all necessary taxes.
  • For domestic flights, arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.
  • For international flights, 2 to 3 hours before is recommended, especially in peak season.
  • For ferry departures, arrive at the port 30 to 60 minutes before scheduled time.
  • Samos Airport and ferry ports have basic amenities like cafes and waiting areas.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

Ensure timely arrival at the airport or port to facilitate a smooth departure process. Consider potential queues during peak tourist season.

Check-in Guidelines

  • Domestic flights: Arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before.
  • International flights: Arrive 2 to 3 hours before.
  • Ferry departures: Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before.

Amenities & Documents

Samos Airport and ferry ports provide basic amenities for departing travelers, including cafes and waiting areas.

Pre-Departure Readiness

  • Airport Amenities: Cafes and duty-free shops available.
  • Port Comfort: Ferry ports also have cafes and waiting areas.
  • Document Check: Confirm gate or pier information on your boarding pass or ticket.

Efficient Departure

Proper timing and document readiness contribute to a smooth departure from the island.

Peak Season Advisory

Expect potential queues at check-in and security during the busy peak summer months.

Document Readiness

Have all your travel documents prepared for presentation at both airport and ferry departure points.

Final Departure Advice

Confirm Your Journey

Always confirm your departure details with your airline or ferry company shortly before your travel date. This avoids last-minute surprises.

Pre-Check Reminders

  • Verify flight or ferry schedules.
  • Check for any operational changes or delays.
  • Be aware of recommended arrival times for check-in and boarding.

Document Accessibility

Ensure all your critical travel documents are easily accessible and ready for presentation.

Easy Access for Security

  • Keep passports, visas, and boarding passes in an easily reachable location.
  • Consider a travel wallet or document organizer for efficiency.
  • Have digital copies on your phone as a backup.

Car Rental Return

Fuel Policy

Return the car with the agreed-upon fuel level (e.g., full to full).

Inspection

Allow time for the rental agency to inspect the vehicle upon return.

Documentation

Keep your rental agreement and final receipt for your records.

Final Packing Tip

Reconfirm all your travel details and ensure you have all necessary documents.