Karpathos Airport

Karpathos Airport (IATA code: AOK) is the only air terminal on the island, the pearl of the Dodecanese archipelago. Located in the southern part of the island, about 15 km from the capital Pigadia (or Karpathos Town), Karpathos Airport serves mainly heavy seasonal traffic, with a significant peak during the summer, when numerous charter and scheduled flights connect the island with Athens and many European cities.

The only airline that flies to Karpathos in winter is Olympic Air, a regional subsidiary of Greece’s national airline Aegean Airlines, which flies to Karpathos from Athens, Kasos, Rhodes and Sitia to ensure territorial continuity. The airport’s unique location, built on a plateau overlooking the sea, offers arriving passengers a spectacular panoramic view of the island’s east coast and the Aegean Sea.

Despite its small size, Karpathos Airport provides all essential services for travellers in an environment that reflects the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere of the island. The recently renovated facility handles traffic of around 100,000 passengers per year, mainly during the period from May to October, when Karpathos comes alive with tourists attracted by its beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and traditional villages perched on mountains, such as the famous Olympos, where time seems to stand still.

Connections with the centre of Pigadia

Bus

The public bus service connecting the airport with Pigadia, the island’s capital, is limited and operates mainly to coincide with the arrival of scheduled flights from Athens during the summer season. The buses, which are generally small and of the intercity type, depart from the bus stop located outside the arrivals terminal and take about 25-30 minutes to reach the centre of Pigadia.

It is important to note that the frequency of journeys is extremely low, with generally 1-2 journeys per day in the high season and almost non-existent service in the low season. For this reason, it is highly advisable to check the availability of the service in advance or consider alternative means of transport.

Taxi

Taxis are usually available outside the arrivals terminal. The fare to Pigadia is about €25-30 during the day and €35-40 during the night, with a journey time of about 20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. For other popular destinations such as Amoopi (20 km) or Arkasa (5 km), the costs are around 35€ and 15€ respectively.

Due to the limited availability of taxis on the island, especially during the high season when demand is high, it is highly advisable to book the transfer in advance, especially if arriving by evening flights or wishing to reach more remote locations on the island. Many hotels and accommodations offer a transfer service on request, often at cheaper rates than standard taxis.

Renting a car

Renting a car is the best option for exploring Karpathos, considering the mountainous nature of the island, the distribution of villages and beaches, and the limited availability of public transport. The airport is home to several car rental agencies, both local and international, with offices located within or in close proximity to the terminal.

Prices vary significantly between high and low season, so it is highly recommended to book early during the summer to ensure availability and the best rates, especially considering the limited number of vehicles available on the island.

To rent a car in Karpathos we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Connections with other islands

Karpathos Airport, in addition to flights to Athens, offers seasonal connections to Rhodes and Kassos. For those wishing to explore other islands of the Dodecanese or the Cyclades, ferries depart regularly from the port of Pigadia during the summer season, connecting Karpathos with Rhodes, Crete, Kassos and occasionally with other islands such as Halki and Kasos.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Karpathos Airport.