Kalamata Airport

The Kalamata International Airport ‘Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos’ (IATA code: KLX), also known by the name of the localities it serves, Pylos – Kalamata – Sparta, is located along the southern part of the Peloponnese, 223 km from Athens, 215 km from Patras and 715 km from Thessaloniki. The airport is located 8 kilometres from Kalamata, a small town overlooking the Ionian Sea in the south-west, a tourist destination that has been developing greatly in recent years.

Kalamata Airport has experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic in recent years due to the growing popularity of the region and is one of the main airports connecting mainland Greece with Crete and the beautiful island of Cerigo where mythology has it that Aphrodite was born.

During the tourist season, the airport is connected to many European cities through direct scheduled and charter flights, while domestic connections to Athens and Thessaloniki, operated mainly by Olympic Air and Sky Express, are available throughout the year with a frequency of 3-4 flights per week.

How to reach Kalamata city centre

Bus

The public bus service connects the airport with the centre of Kalamata via the urban line operated by the local company K.T.E.L. Messinia. Buses operate mainly to coincide with the arrival and departure of flights, especially during the summer season, with the frequency varying according to the time of year.

The journey to the city centre and the central bus station in Kalamata takes approximately 25-30 minutes, passing through the outskirts of the city and offering a first glimpse of the surrounding landscape.

It is important to note that the frequency of the service is limited, especially out of season, and may not be synchronised with all arrivals. It is therefore advisable to check timetables in advance on the official K.T.E.L. Messinia website or contact the company prior to arrival, especially if travelling in the non-summer months.

Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient and flexible option for reaching the centre of Kalamata and other destinations in the region. They are available at the arrivals terminal exit, although in limited numbers compared to large airports, so during peak periods you may have to wait.

The fare to central Kalamata is around 20-25€ during the day and 30-35€ during the night (00:00-5:00), with a journey time of just 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions. For other popular destinations such as the Costa Navarino (45 km), the cost is around 60-70€.

It is always advisable to agree on the price before departure or make sure the taximeter is running. Local taxi drivers generally accept payment in cash, while the use of credit cards is not always guaranteed.

Due to the limited availability of taxis, especially during the tourist season or in the case of evening arrivals, it is highly advisable to book a private transfer service in advance, which is particularly convenient for groups or families.

Renting a car

Renting a car is the ideal option for exploring Messinia and the Peloponnese independently, given the predominantly rural nature of the region and the distribution of points of interest. Kalamata Airport hosts several car rental offices of the major international and local companies, located in or close to the terminal.

To rent a car in Greece 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.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Kalamata Airport.