Flights between Athens and Syros island, Greece - Explore Syros and the Cyclades

A complete guide on Athens to Syros flights (or the other way around)

Let’s be honest: getting to a Greek island is half the fun! And one of the quickest and quirkiest ways to get to or leave from the beautiful island of Syros is flying. Wait, there’s an airport on Syros?! Yes, there is. And no, you don’t need to blink too long while flying, because if you do, you might already be landing.

We usually take the ferry from Athens to Syros or back, and actually love it. However, during our last trip, we took the flight between Syros and Athens for the first time, and have to say, it was a fantastic experience!

Now, let me manage your expectations: we’re not talking about a big plane here. This is a tiny propeller plane that looks like it came straight out of an aviation-themed indie film. It gets you fast from Athens to Syros or the other way around. In fact, the flight is so short you’ll barely have time to settle into your seat before the captain’s already announcing your descent.

So if you’re weighing your options between taking the ferry or flying, and want to know everything about the Athens-Syros flights, this article is for you.

Why fly when there’s a ferry from Athens to Syros?

You might be wondering, “Why would I fly when I could enjoy a scenic ferry ride through the Aegean?” And you’d be right, the ferry is usually lovely (except when Poseidon is not in a good mood) and cheaper than flying. I also think it is an experience you can’t miss, especially when island-hopping between the Greek islands.

However, there are a couple of great reasons to book a flight from Athens to Syros or the other way around:

You’re in a rush: the flight only takes 30 minutes, whereas the ferry between Athens and Syros can take between 2,5 and 4 hours.

You get seasick just looking at a boat: depending on the weather and the time you are coming to Syros, the sea can be a bit rough. Although the ferries are big ships, it might not be great if you easily get seasick. A lot of the time, it is very smooth sailing, though!

You’re in for the experience: maybe you just love flying, and in this case, the thrill of takeoff quickly followed by landing. Also, the views from up high over Syros and the Cycladic islands are fantastic!

Everything you need to know about the flight between Athens and Syros (based on our experience)

You’ll fly with Sky Express (the only airline that operates this route at the time of writing), usually in a small twin-propeller aircraft that holds 70-80 passengers. We actually loved this plane, and the kids found it really cool that it has propellers (makes you feel a bit of an adventurer).

For your luggage, you can usually take a carry-on (up to 8 kilos) and one piece of checked luggage, depending on the fare and baggage allowance you choose (up to 15, 23, or 32 kilos).

Read more: What to pack for Syros

There’s no in-flight entertainment, unless you count the view. And trust me, the view is worth it. Being able to see the Cycladic islands and the crystal clear waters surrounding them from high above was worth the flight alone for us.

If you wonder how long it takes to fly from Athens to Syros, as mentioned before, it is really short! It’s around 30 minutes from runway to runway. That includes taxiing, a safety demo, and the small snack you probably won’t have time to open.

Flight Athens Syros Island Greece From Above

Leaving from Athens Airport for your Athens to Syros flight

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos to be correct) is where your journey begins. It is located east of the city center. The cheapest way to get to the airport is by taking the bus.

However, we would advise the metro or train, which is only 45 minutes and 9 EUR one way, a traffic-free way to get to the airport. If you want a bit more comfort, you can also take a taxi, but be aware that you can end up in traffic jams during rush hours.

As this is a big airport and gets really busy in summer, show up early enough, especially in high season. Even short flights mean security checks, boarding passes, and queues. But don’t stress: the airport has decent coffee, air conditioning, and plenty of people to watch while you wait.

Because the plane to Syros is so small, you will usually have to get on a bus from the gate that takes you to the plane.

Leaving from Syros Airport for your Syros to Athens flight

Now let’s talk about Syros Airport (Dimitrios Vikelas), which is a national airport. This means you can only fly in from Athens, but not from another country.

It’s possibly one of the chillest airports in the world. No frills, no fuss. You check your bag (if you have one), walk to the plane, and that’s it. No waiting lines, no running to gates.

You also don’t have to come early. The airport might even be closed if you show up more than two hours before your plane leaves. I am not joking, some of our friends ended up waiting for a while in front of a closed door. After all, there usually is only one flight a day.

The airport is located very close to the center of Ermoupoli. With a taxi, you easily get there within 10 or 15 minutes. This also means, if you arrive here from Athens, in less than 30 minutes, you can be dipping your toes in the Aegean or sipping a delicious coffee in Ermoupoli. It’s that close.

Read more: Best things to do in Ermoupoli, Syros

A few more tips that might be helpful

Just to make sure you have the perfect flight experience, here are a couple more tips:

Book in advance, especially in the high season. Flights are limited and fill up quickly.

Always check the flight schedule ahead of time. In winter, there are only a few flights a week. In high season, there is usually one a day.

If possible, travel carry-on. Your ticket will be cheaper, and it makes it even easier and quicker to ly between Athens and Syros.

Always try to have a window seat. Trust me, the views are amazing!

Don’t be late! The plane will leave without you, and it’s not like there’s another one coming in an hour.

Final thoughts on our experience flying between Athens and Syros

We’re usually a big fan of taking the transport that is the most affordable and has less impact on the climate. Which is why we have been taking the ferry between Athens and Syros for all of our visits to Syros.

However, when we did go by plane last time, I have to say it was a great experience. Besides the fact that it is super efficient, convenient, and quick, it’s also a tiny adventure in a tiny plane. And the views are memorable to say the least.

So if you’re the kind of traveler who thinks short but sweet is the perfect vibe for transportation, or you are just in for the experience, go ahead and book that flight!