Guide to Syros Airport

Syros Airport “Dimitrios Vikelas” (JSY) is one of the smallest airports in Greece: a single short runway and a one-room terminal on the flat land 3 km south of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. Only small turboprops can use it. Olympic Air flies from Athens once or twice a day all year, and there are no international or jet flights.

Syros is a working island with a year-round town, and the airport serves its administration, university and hospital more than its tourists, most of whom come by the frequent ferries from Piraeus, Mykonos and Tinos. The flight is 35 minutes and the aircraft carries a few dozen people.

Transport

Ermoupoli and the port are 3 km away, about 10 minutes and €10 by taxi; the beach villages of the south and west are 15–20 minutes and about €15. The island bus passes on the main road but not at the terminal.

Parking

A small car park in front of the terminal, from about €2 an hour or €5 a day, and usually space to spare: the aircraft carries a few dozen passengers and Ermoupoli is ten minutes away.

Car rental

Syros rental firms deliver to the airport on request; there are no permanent desks. Ermoupoli is walkable and the bus reaches the southern beaches, so a car is optional for a short stay and useful for the northern half of the island, which has no bus at all.

The aircraft is tiny and so is the timetable: one or two flights a day, sold out well ahead in summer and around holidays. Book early or take the ferry, which is frequent and only two hours by fast boat.
Small aircraft, small allowances: check the cabin bag limit and expect trolley cases to go in the hold at the steps.
Wind delays the small turboprops more than the big ones; on a strong meltemi day check the live board before leaving town, and remember the ferry runs regardless.
Forty-five minutes before departure is enough; the terminal is one room and check-in is a table.

Guide to Syros Airport

Transport

Parking

Car rental

Local tips

See also