How to get there

International Entry Points

Flying to Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens is your main gateway to reach Greece and then Amorgos. Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos sits about 45 kilometers southeast of the city center and handles thousands of passengers daily from all over the world.​

Flight Durations from Key Markets:

• From London: 3 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes (direct)​
• From USA (East Coast): approximately 11 to 12 hours with connections
• From USA (West Coast): approximately 14 to 16 hours with connections
• From Canada: approximately 12 to 14 hours with connections
• From Paris: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
• From Amsterdam: approximately 2 hours 50 minutes
• From Frankfurt: approximately 2 hours 25 minutes

Major Airlines Serving Athens:
Ryanair, easyJet, Aegean Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Alitalia all operate routes to Athens. You will find hundreds of flight options especially from major European cities.​

Best Booking Times:
Book your flights 6 to 8 weeks in advance for the best prices. October is traditionally the cheapest month to fly to Athens. If you fly directly from London, expect to pay anywhere from £28 (very early booking or off-season) to around £150 to £250 for a return flight during peak season. The average return price from London sits at around £95 to £120 if you book a few weeks ahead.​

Airport Facilities:
The airport has everything you might need including restaurants, cafes, shops, currency exchange, and car rental desks. From the airport, you can reach the city center and port of Piraeus via metro (takes about 40 minutes), bus (approximately 1 hour), or taxi (about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic).

Direct International Flights to Nearby Islands

While Amorgos has no airport, you can fly directly to nearby islands and then take a short ferry to Amorgos. This sometimes saves time and offers a nice island experience.

Santorini (JTR):
Direct seasonal flights operate from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, and other European cities during summer months (May through September). These flights typically take about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes from London. From Santorini airport, you then take a fast ferry to Amorgos Katapola port, which takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes.​

Naxos:
Daily flights arrive from Athens (about 40 minutes), and you then take a ferry from Naxos to Amorgos (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes). This route feels less touristy than going through Santorini.​

Mykonos:
If you enjoy busy tourist islands, you can fly to Mykonos and ferry to Amorgos, though this adds extra time and cost.​

Alternative Entry: Crete to Amorgos

Crete is another option if you find a good flight deal there.

Flight Option: Fly into Crete’s Heraklion Airport, then take a flight to Naxos or Santorini, then ferry to Amorgos. This route is longer and not usually recommended unless you plan to spend time in Crete first.

Ferry Option: From Heraklion Port in Crete, ferries run to various Cyclades islands including connections toward Amorgos. This is a longer journey (8 to 10 hours), so it is better as part of a multi-island trip rather than a direct route.

Main Transportation Methods

Flying from Athens to Nearby Islands (Then Ferry to Amorgos)

Since Amorgos itself has no airport, many visitors choose to fly to a nearby island then take a quick ferry.​

Flights from Athens to Naxos:

• Duration: approximately 40 minutes​
• Cost: €40 to €180 depending on season and how far in advance you book​
• Frequency: multiple flights daily​
• Airlines: Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair​
• Best booking platforms: Skyscanner, Kayak, official airline websites
• Schedule: year-round daily service, with more flights in summer

Flights from Athens to Santorini:

• Duration: approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour​
• Cost: €30 to €170 depending on season​
• Frequency: multiple flights daily​
• Airlines: Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Volotea, Sky Express​
• Best booking platforms: same as above
• Schedule: year-round service, increased frequency May to September

Connection Time Needed:
Allow at least 2 hours between landing at Athens International Airport and departing on a domestic flight. You will need to collect any luggage, pass through security again, and find your gate. During summer peak season, allow 2.5 hours as the airports get busier.

Ferry Options from Piraeus Port, Athens

The port of Piraeus sits about 15 kilometers south of Athens city center and approximately 45 kilometers from Athens International Airport. Getting to Piraeus is straightforward via metro, bus, taxi, or car.​

Standard Ferry Details (Conventional Ferry):

• Duration: approximately 7 to 9.5 hours​
• Cost: €40 to €90 per person depending on season and ferry type​
• Comfort features: restaurants, snack bars, outdoor decks, inside seating, TV lounges
• Ferry companies: Blue Star Ferries (most reliable and frequent), Hellenic Seaways, Seajets, Minoan Lines
• Frequency: daily service from May to October, reduced winter schedules

High-Speed Ferry Details:

• Duration: approximately 4 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes​
• Cost: premium pricing, generally €50 to €100 per person
• Comfort level: faster, modern vessels, less cabin space but quicker journey
• When available: seasonal service May through October, less frequent in winter
• Ferry companies: Seajets operates most high-speed services

Ferry Companies Operating This Route:

Blue Star Ferries: The most popular choice. Operates daily from May through October on a Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday schedule. Departure from Piraeus at 06:45 arriving Katapola at 15:10 (8 hours 25 minutes). Reliable, comfortable, with decent amenities. Tickets start around €40 to €50 for basic deck seating.​

Seajets: High-speed catamarans that cut journey time significantly. More expensive but quicker. Summer seasonal service only. Tickets typically €60 to €90.

Hellenic Seaways: Another major operator with reasonable pricing and good service.

Ferry Port Details:
Port of Piraeus is located approximately 15 kilometers south of Athens city center. The port has multiple terminals, restaurants, ticket offices, and shops. Allow at least 45 minutes to arrive, check in, and board your ferry.​

Inter-Island Ferry Connections

Once you reach a nearby island like Naxos or Santorini, ferry connections to Amorgos are frequent and convenient.

Ferry from Naxos to Amorgos:

• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes​
• Cost: €10.50 to €49.70 depending on ferry type​
• Frequency: multiple ferries daily in summer, reduced in winter​
• Ferry type: conventional and high-speed options available​
• Companies: Blue Star Ferries, Seajets
• Schedule: year-round service​

Ferry from Santorini to Amorgos (Katapola Port):

• Duration: fast ferry 1 hour 15 minutes, conventional ferry up to 5 hours​
• Cost: €12 to €77.70 depending on ferry type​
• Frequency: daily May through September, 1 to 2 times weekly in other months​
• Ferry companies: Seajets (fast), Blue Star Ferries (conventional)
• Best for: if you want to spend time in Santorini first or found a good flight deal

Ferry Connections to Other Cyclades Islands:
Amorgos connects to Mykonos (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by fast ferry, €89.70), Paros, and Ios. These routes are seasonal and depend on ferry schedules. Most connections run May through September.​

Inter-Island Speedboat/Fast Ferry Options:
High-speed ferries operated by Seajets cut journey times in half but cost more. They are best for travelers with limited time or those wanting to island hop quickly.

Seasonal Schedule Variations:
May to September sees daily or near-daily service. October through April, expect reduced schedules with some routes operating only 1 to 2 times weekly. Winter weather can occasionally cause cancellations, especially for high-speed ferries.

Cruise Ship Arrivals

Amorgos welcomes cruise ships at Katapola port on the southwestern coast. The port is small compared to other Greek islands, so cruise infrastructure is limited but adequate.​

Cruise Port Details:
Cruise ships typically dock at the Katapola port. Katapola is the working port (unlike Aegiali which is smaller). The port has basic facilities, shops, restaurants, and tourist services. Cruise passengers have approximately 8 to 12 hours in port, which is enough time to explore the town, visit the famous Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, or enjoy a quiet beach.​

Tender Boat Process:
If the ship is too large to dock directly, tenders (small boats) will ferry passengers ashore. This adds 15 to 20 minutes to the shore time, so plan accordingly.

Time Constraints for Cruise Passengers:
Your ship departure time is fixed. Plan activities to return with 30 to 45 minutes before all-aboard time. The port is small enough that everything is walkable or a quick taxi ride away.

Transfer Options from Cruise Port:
Cruise lines usually arrange organized shore excursions. Alternatively, you can arrange private transfers or simply walk and explore on foot since the port town is compact.

Getting from Airport/Port to Your Destination

From Airport (Athens) to Port (Piraeus)

Before you can take a ferry to Amorgos, you need to get from Athens International Airport to the port of Piraeus.

Metro (Most Popular):
The metro connects directly from the airport to Piraeus port in about 1 hour. Cost is approximately €10 per person. Take the blue line toward Agia Marina and change at Monastiraki to the green line toward Piraeus. Trains run every 30 minutes. This is the cheapest and most reliable option. You will see signs for the metro (called Metro or Metropolitain) throughout the airport.

Bus:
Express bus service operates from the airport to Piraeus (takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic). Cost is around €6. Less comfortable than metro but more direct.

Taxi:
A taxi from Athens airport to Piraeus port costs approximately €30 to €50 depending on traffic and time of day. Night surcharges apply after midnight. Taxis are convenient but slower than metro, especially during rush hour. Ride-sharing apps work in Athens as well.

Rental Car:
Not recommended for getting to the port as parking is difficult. If you rent a car, do it for exploring the island after you arrive.

From Port (Piraeus) to Town/Hotel in Athens (If Overnight Needed)

If you have time before your ferry or arrive late, you might need accommodation near the port.

Metro: Same system as above, €10 per person to city center
Taxi: €20 to €35 to city center hotels
Bus: €6 express bus option
Hotel Pickup Service: Most hotels can arrange pickup for a fee (€15 to €25)

From Ferry Port (Amorgos) to Town/Hotel

Amorgos has two ports: Katapola (southwestern) and Aegiali (northwestern). Your ferry destination depends on which route you book. The two towns are about 30 kilometers apart, so choose your accommodation accordingly.​

Taxi:
Available at both ports 24 hours a day. Cost within the same port town: €5 to €10. From Katapola to Aegiali or vice versa: €40 to €50. Pre-booking is recommended for night arrivals as taxis can be scarce. Lyviakis Taxi is a reliable local company.​

Bus Service:
Local buses operate from both port areas. Cost is very budget friendly (around €1 to €2 per journey). Schedules vary by season, with more frequent service May through September. Buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. Main hub is in Chora (the main town). From Katapola, buses serve Chora, Aegiali, and popular beaches. Check the Ktel Amorgos website or ask at the port for current schedules.​

Hotel Shuttle Service:
Most accommodations offer pickup service (sometimes free, sometimes €10 to €20). Pre-booking this service at the time of reservation is highly recommended, especially for late arrivals or if you cannot speak Greek.

Airport Transfer Services:
While Amorgos has no airport, some local travel companies offer shared minivan transfers from nearby islands. Cost typically €20 to €40 per person. Private transfers cost €60 to €100. These must be pre-booked in advance.

Scooter/Moped Rental:
Popular option for exploring the island. Rental companies operate at both ports. Cost: approximately €20 to €35 per day. Only rent a scooter if you are comfortable riding one on narrow roads. Amorgos roads are good but winding.​

Car Rental:
Several companies rent cars at both Katapola and Aegiali ports, including Rent and Go (in Katapola, available 24 hours a day), Thomas Rentals, and Hermes. Cost: approximately €35 to €60 per day depending on car size and season. You need a valid International Driving Permit or UK license. Petrol is available on the island but more expensive than mainland prices.​

Walking:
If your hotel is within the port town, walking is perfectly fine. Katapola and Aegiali are small, walkable communities. The walk from Katapola port to the main village area takes about 15 to 20 minutes.​

Water Taxi (Aegiali Only):
From Aegiali port, water taxis run every half hour from 10 AM offering transport to nearby beaches and coves. Return ticket costs approximately €3.50. This is unique to Aegiali and offers a fun way to explore.​

Choosing Between the Two Ports

Katapola: More central location on the island, better transport connections, more restaurants and shops, main commercial port. Better for those wanting easier connections to other areas of the island. Ferries arriving here offer good road access to Chora and other villages.​

Aegiali: Smaller, more peaceful, fewer but growing amenities, main hub for northern island activities. Better if you prefer quieter vacation experience or plan to stay in the north. Slightly less convenient for exploring the whole island.

Cost Comparison Table: All Major Transportation Methods

Transport Route	Duration	Cost per Person	Season	Best For
London to Athens flight	3h 35m	£28-150	Year-round	Fast international travel
Athens airport to Piraeus metro	1 hour	€10	Year-round	Budget option, reliable
Piraeus to Amorgos ferry (conventional)	8-9.5 hours	€40-90	May-Oct	Budget conscious, flexible schedule
Piraeus to Amorgos ferry (high-speed)	4h 40m-6h 20m	€60-100	May-Oct	Time conscious, willing to pay
Athens to Naxos flight	40 minutes	€40-180	Year-round	Island hopping comfort
Naxos to Amorgos ferry	1h 10m	€10-50	Year-round	Quick connection
Santorini to Amorgos ferry (fast)	1h 15m	€12-78	May-Sep	Scenic island hopping
Katapola to hotel taxi	5-20 minutes	€5-10	Year-round	Convenience at arrival

Duration Planning: Total Journey Times from Major Markets

From London:

• Total time London to Amorgos (Katapola port): 8 to 11 hours
  • Flight to Athens: 3 hours 35 minutes​
  • Airport to Piraeus: 1 hour (metro)
  • Wait time at Piraeus: 1 to 2 hours (recommended early arrival)
  • Ferry to Amorgos: 4 hours 40 minutes (fast) to 8 hours 25 minutes (conventional)​
  • Fastest possible time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Realistic time with connections: 9 to 11 hours

From USA (East Coast):

• Flight to Athens: 11 to 12 hours (with connection usually)
• Rest of journey: add 8 to 11 hours
• Total: 19 to 23 hours

From USA (West Coast):

• Flight to Athens: 14 to 16 hours
• Rest of journey: add 8 to 11 hours
• Total: 22 to 27 hours

From Canada:

• Flight to Athens: 12 to 14 hours
• Rest of journey: add 8 to 11 hours
• Total: 20 to 25 hours

Jet Lag and Sleep Considerations:
Arriving from UK or Western Europe: expect 1 to 2 days adjustment. You might feel tired the first day, so plan relaxation activities. Arriving from North America: expect 2 to 3 days adjustment. Consider planning arrival on an evening to get a full night’s sleep on the ferry (if you book a cabin) or your first night in Amorgos.

Connection Time Buffers:
Always assume international connections need 2 to 3 hours minimum. Ferry departure times are firm; missing a ferry might mean waiting a full day for the next one. Arrive at ports 45 minutes before ferry departure.

Travel Documents and Requirements

Passport Validity:
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Greece. Officially, it should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, though EU citizens can often enter with less remaining validity. Check your specific country’s requirements.

Visa Requirements:

• UK Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 6 months
• US Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days (must enter under the Visa Waiver Program)
• Canadian Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 6 months
• Australian Citizens: Can obtain a visa on arrival or online
• EU Citizens: No visa required, only a valid ID card or passport

EU Citizen Specifics:
EU citizens can move freely within the Schengen zone. Bring your ID card or passport. No visa needed. Same rules apply for residency.

Travel Insurance Recommendations:
Strongly recommended. A good travel insurance policy covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and ferry cancellations. Cost typically €15 to €40 for 1 to 2 weeks coverage. Premium providers include World Nomads, Allianz, and AXA.

Pet Travel:
Pets can travel to Greece but require specific documentation including EU Pet Passport (for EU pets), vaccination records (especially rabies), and microchipping. Airlines charge pet fees (typically €50 to €100). Ferries allow pets but charge a fee. Greece has strict regulations, so arrange in advance with your veterinarian.