Getting to Zakynthos! Depending where you’re heading from, there’s a few options for you. Let us walk you through how to get to Zante, our most favorite of all greek islands.
We alternate between driving and flying to the island. Really it depends on our flight options and what time our inbound flight arrives in Athens. We love both, and both have their own pros and cons.
Flying or by car, bus and boat. All are great options. What type of ride are you looking for?
If you are flying direct to the island via your tour operator than read no more, but if you’re like the rest of us searching for options, here they are.
Let’s Fly!
There’s a handful of options leaving #Athens. Most flights will connect through Athens if you happen to already be in Greece. There’s usually around 4 or 5 flights leaving daily. https://www.olympicair.com , https://en.aegeanair.com , and https://www.skyexpress.gr/en are airlines you can use for flights direct to the island. Not all these flights will show up on travel search engines, even the big ones, so it’s worth a trip directly to the actual airline website. Google flights https://www.google.com/travel/flights shows most options and then directs you to the individual airline for booking.
Travel Zante tip: Sometimes it works better for your iternirary to book one way tickets. We often find a departure flight we love and then need to book on a different airline for a return trip that better suits our plans. The times we find the most convenient don’t always match up.
I’d try to land on the island before 7pm. It gives you plenty of time to settle in and then head out for a nice dinner. If you’re renting a car straight for the airport, make sure to know if your car rental agency is located in the airport terminal or off site. There’s only two agencies in the terminal (Avis/Budget, Hertz/Thrifty).
If you happen to have a long layover in Athens, #SofitelAthens directly across the street offers day rates. You can use the room for a few hours to freshen up, take a nap, and then head back to the airport for your flight. You’ll need to book the room directly through the hotel by phone +30 21 0354 4000. Your confirmation will be sent by email. You’ll only have to pay for the room once you arrive. They will warn you that rooms are based on availabilities but there are always availabilities during the day.
Travel Zante tip: Flights are around 55 minutes to the island. Pack/buy a snack, there are almost always small delays, air traffic is bananas in the busy summer months.
Let’s Drive! And Then Sail.
Let’s say you choose to drive to #Zante. Exit the luggage area and head right. The car rental counters are 100 meters down the way at the Athens airport. Once you take care of business you’ll continue on and exit the airport. The car rental parking lot is about 200 meters from that point.
Travel Zante tip: Across from the car rental counter there is a shop. Buy water, and any refreshing drinks of choice. It’s hot out there.
It’s about a 3 hour drive to the port of #Kilini. It’s a smooth and easy drive, with most of it on new highways. There’s a few coffee stops right along the highway if you need a snack/break but keep in mind what time the ferry boat leaves Kilini. Enjoy the hour long ferry ride across the water. The boats are so comfortable and approaching the island is always a pleasure to take in. You can purchase your ferry tickets online or directly at the port. We prefer to print in case we are short on time.
Travel By Bus
If you opt to make the trip by bus then you’ll need to make your way from the airport to the central KTEL station. Bus number X93 takes you direct from the airport terminal to the KTEL station. The bus operates 24 hours / 7 days per week and the service runs about every 30 minutes. The route lasts about one hour. A single ticket cost is 5 €.
They have a pretty decent schedule and the trips usually take about 5 hours with that including the ferry.
Check the schedule and plan right.
Private Transfer
There are few great options for private car or mini bus services that will take you to the port of Kilini or for a bit extra bring you right across on the ferry to your hotel or car rental office.
No matter what option best suits you, you won’t regret making the trip. Let us know which way worked for you. And always, happy to help if you have any questions.
#zante, #zakynthos #travelzante #greece #ionianislands #greekisland #island #shipwreck #howtogettozakynthos #zakynthosisland #shipreck