Transport
Pythagoreio is 3 km away, about €10 by taxi or a walk; Vathy is 14 km and about €25. The KTEL stops on the main road a 10-minute walk from the terminal; Kokkari and Karlovasi are 30–50 minutes by taxi or transfer.
Read more: TransportGuide to Samos Airport
Samos Airport “Aristarchos of Samos” (SMI) lies on the coastal plain by Pythagoreio, 3 km from that harbour town and 14 km from the capital, Vathy (Samos Town). The Turkish coast is a few kilometres across the strait, close enough that the approach is flown with Mykale mountain filling the window. Around 600,000 passengers a year use it, mostly Dutch, German, Scandinavian, British and Polish holidaymakers between May and October, plus the Athens flights that run all year.
Fraport Greece renewed the terminal in 2021: one hall, arrivals and departures together, the taxi rank and car park outside. Pythagoreio, with its harbour, tavernas and the Eupalinos tunnel, is close enough to walk to; everything else on this large, mountainous island is a drive.
Parking
An open-air car park beside the terminal, from about €3 an hour or €10 a day, used mostly by islanders flying to Athens; there is nearly always space.
Read more: ParkingCar rental
Rental desks are in the terminal with the cars beside it. Samos is big, green and mountainous, with beaches and villages an hour apart and a thin bus network, so most independent visitors rent for the whole stay. Book early for July and August.
Read more: Car rentalLocal tips
- Pythagoreio harbour is a walk or a €10 taxi away: a delayed departure is better spent by the water there than in the hall.
- The KTEL stop is on the main road, not at the terminal. If you are counting on the bus, know the 10-minute walk first.
- Sit on the right landing from the east: the approach comes in over the strait with the Turkish coast and Mount Mykale close alongside.
- Day trips to Kusadasi and Ephesus leave from Vathy in the morning; a late arrival cannot make the next day’s boat without a very early taxi.
See also
Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.