Flying into Santorini for the first time is unforgettable. Those blue-tipped houses and the sparkling Mediterranean below signal you’ve arrived somewhere special, and Santorini International Airport (JTR) in Thira makes getting here straightforward. This small airport handles the gateway to your Greek island vacation with surprising efficiency.
JTR is remarkably small for the crowds it handles during peak season. The airport serves approximately 2.8 million passengers annually, and to accommodate this volume, the terminal was recently expanded to 15,640 square meters in a renovation that also increased check-in counters and security lanes. The entire airport operates from a single terminal, which means you’ll encounter congestion at times. That said, the compact layout actually works in your favor once you know what to expect.
So if you’re planning a trip to this slice of paradise, you’ve come to the right place. I’m laying out everything you need to know, plus my best insider tips for flying through Santorini’s airport like a pro.
Arriving at the airport
Your arrival experience at JTR depends entirely on where you’re flying from. EU travelers breeze through to baggage claim, while international arrivals from outside the European Union face customs and immigration. Either way, the compact airport means you’ll be on your way to the beach relatively quickly.
If you’re coming in from Athens, like I usually do, you just head to baggage claim to grab your stuff. It can get a bit backed up if a few domestic flights land at once, but I’ve always been out the door, bags in hand, relatively quickly.
Non-EU travelers go through customs before baggage claim, and here’s where the small size of JTR works against you. Immigration lines can build quickly.
I would recommend trying to select a seat near the front of the plane and avoiding taking any bathroom breaks before clearing customs, if possible.
Security lines at JTR
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: the lines at Santorini’s airport can be long. It’s a small airport with a single terminal handling all flights, so during peak season, “congested” is an understatement.
You might think you’ll be okay with the suggested 90-minute arrival time, and you really might be just fine, but I strongly suggest getting there at least 2 to 3 hours early, especially when checking bags. Airlines operating at Santorini Airport recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to ensure sufficient time for baggage and security procedures.
Because the airport is so compact, check-in can get congested. Airline policies for baggage drop opening times vary at Santorini Airport; for example, Wizz Air opens check-in and bag drop 2 hours before departure, while Jet2.com opens its desks 2.5 hours before scheduled departure. This timing can create long check-in lines. Get there early, or you’ll be sweating before you even get to security.
The good news is that once you’re past check-in, the security line itself usually moves pretty fast. Still, it’s always better to have extra time to grab a snack than to be sprinting to your gate.
Getting to and from JTR by public transportation
The KTEL intercity bus runs from the airport to Fira, Santorini’s capital. From there, you’ll need at least one transfer to reach your accommodation. Santorini’s small size means no subway or rail options exist, so this bus-and-transfer approach is your public transit choice.
It’s also worth noting that the bus schedule is subject to change without advanced warning. This means you could end up waiting a long time for the shuttle bus to show up, so be mentally prepared if you choose this route, pack a little patience along with your sunscreen. Check the current timetables with the KTEL operator.
On the plus side, the bus is a comfy, air-conditioned coach. If you’re looking to save some cash, it’s a solid choice, as long as you’re not in a major rush.
Getting to and from JTR by car
When I land in Santorini, I usually grab a taxi. For me, the extra cost is worth it to get to my hotel quickly. The drive to the popular town of Oia usually takes less than half an hour.
Taxis here are generally safe and reliable, and you’ll find the fares are often cheaper than in other European hotspots like Paris or Rome. Just be sure to use a reputable company (like Aegean Taxi) to avoid getting overcharged.
Uber is also an option if you prefer using a ridesharing app. But here’s a tip: in Santorini, Uber is almost always more expensive than a local taxi. Expect to pay at least 10 to 15% more, so it pays to go local.
Free Wi-Fi at Santorini International Airport
As a full-time travel writer and chronically online person, I really appreciate when an airport offers decent and easily accessible free Wi-Fi. Thankfully Santorini International Airport has free Wi-Fi all throughout the airport. Connect to the “Fraport-Free” network, and you’ll be directed to a browser welcome page, no password code required.
Souvenir shopping at the airport
The souvenir shopping at Santorini International Airport is limited. But unlike other airports, it actually offers some pretty decent locally-made items that can make for very good last-minute souvenirs. You’ll find the standard duty-free shop with fragrances, electronics and chocolate. Hellenic Duty Free Shops operate at the airport, though specific product availability varies. You’ll typically find fragrances, electronics and chocolate, but there’s also a gallery that sells products and art crafted from local Greek artists and designers.
While I like the local touch, you’ll get a much better deal on souvenirs in town. It’s great for a pinch, but expect to pay a bit of a markup for the convenience of airport shopping.
Lounges at the airport
Here’s the deal with lounges at JTR: there aren’t any. The airport doesn’t offer any business or airline lounges for commercial passengers. The small size of the airport and limited seating mean there are no VIP areas to escape the crowds, even if you’re flying business class or have airline status.
Some people opt to wait outside and enjoy the Greek sun for as long as possible before going through security and heading to their gate, but I personally wouldn’t recommend doing this just in case you miscalculate how long it will take. You might have to stand or find a spot on the floor by your gate, but it’s a small price to pay for a trip to paradise.
Service animal relief area at JTR
If you’re traveling with a service animal or pet, you’ll find Santorini is a very animal-friendly island. You shouldn’t have any trouble getting around with your four-legged friend.
That said, the airport doesn’t have a designated service animal relief area inside the terminal. You’ll need to take your pet outside before you go through security if they need a break.
At an airport this small, popping outside and coming back through security isn’t a huge ordeal. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of extra time so you don’t miss your boarding call.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
