If you’ve started planning your trip to Ios and opened Google Maps expecting to see an airport symbol — surprise! Ios doesn’t actually have its own airport. But don’t worry — getting there is still easy, fun, and part of the island-hopping adventure that makes Greece so special. Here’s everything you need to know about the Ios Airport situation, and how to reach the island smoothly from wherever you’re coming from.
✈️ The Short Answer: No Airport on Ios
Ios is one of the most famous islands in the Cyclades, but it’s also one of the few without a commercial airport. The island’s small size and rugged landscape make it ideal for beaches and nightlife — not runways.
So, if you’re searching for “Ios Airport,” what you’ll actually want to look for are the nearest airports on neighbouring islands or mainland Greece that connect easily by ferry.
🏝️ Closest Airports to Ios
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Santorini Airport (JTR) – Best option
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Flights from Athens (45 mins) and direct from major European cities in summer.
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Only 35–60 minutes by ferry to Ios.
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Ideal for travellers looking for the fastest route.
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Mykonos Airport (JMK) – Scenic alternative
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Direct flights from Ireland, the UK, and across Europe.
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Ferries to Ios take 2–3 hours in summer.
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Athens International Airport (ATH) – Best for budget travellers
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Frequent daily flights from all over Europe.
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Connect to Ios via Piraeus Port (4–6 hour ferry).
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🚢 How to Get to Ios After Flying
Once you’ve landed, you’ll need to catch a ferry to reach Ios. Ferries are frequent during summer and can be booked in advance through FerryHopper or DirectFerries.
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From Santorini to Ios: 40–60 minutes
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From Mykonos to Ios: 2–3 hours
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From Athens (Piraeus) to Ios: 4–6 hours
💡 Pro tip: If you’re flying into Santorini, schedule your ferry for at least 2 hours after your flight arrival to allow time to get from the airport to Athinios Port.
🌅 Why Ios is Worth the Extra Journey
The lack of an airport keeps Ios a little more exclusive — and that’s part of its charm. The island remains authentic, lively, and unspoiled, with its incredible Mylopotas Beach, Chora nightlife, and epic bar crawls drawing travellers from all over the world.
You might have to fly and ferry your way there, but that’s what makes arriving in Ios feel like you’ve truly earned paradise.