Ios Greece Airport: Travel Guide and Alternative Routes
If you’re dreaming of Greek island sunsets, golden beaches, and unforgettable nights out, Ios, Greece should be top of your list. But before you can dive into the Aegean or dance under the stars, you’ll need to figure out how to get there — especially since there’s no direct airport on Ios itself. This complete Ios Greece Airport travel guide explains your best flight and ferry options, alternative routes, and insider tips for a smooth arrival.
🛫 Wait… There’s No Airport on Ios?
That’s right — there’s no airport on Ios, but don’t let that stop you. Ios is part of the Cyclades island group, located between Santorini and Naxos, which means it’s incredibly well connected by sea. The good news is that several nearby islands (and the Greek mainland) make reaching Ios easy, fast, and affordable.
✈️ Closest Airports to Ios
Here are the three best airports to use when flying to Ios:
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Santorini (JTR) – Closest and Most Convenient
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Just 55 km from Ios
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Flights from Athens (45 mins) and across Europe
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Ferry to Ios: only 35–60 minutes
💡 Tip: Book an early flight to Santorini and catch a midday ferry for a same-day arrival in Ios.
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Mykonos (JMK) – Ideal for Island Hopping
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Direct summer flights from Ireland, the UK, Germany, and Italy
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Ferry to Ios: 2–3 hours
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Perfect if you plan to visit more than one island.
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Athens (ATH) – Best for Year-Round Access
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Dozens of daily flights from Europe
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Ferry from Piraeus Port to Ios: 4–6 hours
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Great for travellers arriving on a budget airline or outside summer season.
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🚢 Connecting Ferries: How to Reach Ios After Flying
Once you’ve landed, Ios is just a ferry ride away. High-speed and standard ferries operate daily from each of these airports’ nearby ports during summer.
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Santorini → Ios: Seajets & Golden Star Ferries (35–60 mins)
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Mykonos → Ios: Blue Star & Golden Star Ferries (2–3 hrs)
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Athens → Ios: Blue Star & Seajets (4–6 hrs)
Most ferries drop you at Gialos Port, minutes from Ios Town and Mylopotas Beach.
🏝️ Why the Journey Is Part of the Fun
Travelling to Ios isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the island-hopping journey that gets you there. Watching the Aegean pass beneath you, hopping from Santorini’s cliffs to Ios’ beaches — it’s the perfect way to start your Greek summer.
And once you arrive? Expect turquoise water, lively bars, and the kind of nightlife that’s made Ios world-famous.