Samos Airport

Samos Airport ‘Aristarchos’ (IATA code: SMI) is located in the south-eastern part of the island, about 3 km from the town of Pythagorio and 14 km from the capital Vathy (or Samos Town).

Samos Airport serves mainly seasonal traffic, with a significant peak during the summer (May-October), when numerous scheduled flights connect the island with Athens and several European cities.

The airport’s privileged location, a short distance from Pythagorio – a UNESCO heritage site comprising the ancient city of Samos and the Heraion – makes it an ideal arrival point for visitors interested in both the island’s history and culture and its natural beauty.

Despite its small size, Samos Airport offers all essential services for travellers, including shops, cafés and ATMs. The runway, located a short distance from the coast, offers arriving passengers a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and the island’s mountains.

At Samos airport, public transport is lacking, the airport being connected to the rest of the island mainly by taxis and private transfers. The best way to get around is by hire car.

How to get around

Bus

The bus service between the airport and the main resorts on the island is limited and operates mainly during the tourist season to coincide with the arrival of international and domestic flights. The bus stop is located outside the arrivals terminal.

The journey to Pythagorio, the closest town to the airport, takes about 10 minutes, while it takes about 30-35 minutes to reach the capital Vathy.

It is important to note that the frequency of trips is limited, especially in the low season, and the timetables are generally synchronised with the arrival of main flights. For this reason, it is advisable to check timetables in advance or consider alternative means of transport, especially if travelling with heavy luggage or in large groups.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient and relatively inexpensive option, considering the short distances on the island. They are generally available outside the arrivals terminal, especially when flights arrive.

The fare to Pythagorio is about €10 during the day and €15 during the night, with a journey time of just 5-7 minutes. To reach Vathy, the cost is around 30€ (35-40€ at night), with a journey time of about 25 minutes. For other popular destinations such as Kokkari (20 km) or Karlovassi (35 km), fares are around €35 and €50 respectively.

Given the small size of the island, travel times are generally short, even to locations further away from the airport.

By Rental Car

Renting a car is in our opinion the best way to visit Samos, considering the island’s mountainous terrain, the distribution of villages and attractions, and the limited availability of public transport. The airport hosts offices of several car rental companies, both international and local, located in or near the terminal.

It is always recommended to book in advance during the summer to ensure availability and more competitive prices.

To rent a car in Samos 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.

The roads on Samos are generally in good condition on the main routes, while they can be more winding and narrow on inland and mountain routes. The road connecting the airport with Pythagorio and Vathy is well maintained and signposted, making the journey easy.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Samos Airport.