Skip to content

Features Compare Pricing

All airports

Airportist Score

Arrive

Security

Fastest

Cheapest

Lounges

On time

Guide

Traveler reviews

What travelers say

Alternatives

Nearby airports

HonestAirport

Directory Features Compare Pricing Miles TSA tips Terms Privacy

Airportist Scores and guides are editorial content. Always verify live rules, terminals, and operational alerts with official airport and airline sources.

All airports

SMILGSM

Samos International Airport

Samos, GR

Airportist Score

Arrive

Security

Fastest

Cheapest

Lounges

On time

SMIGuide

Traveler reviews

What travelers say

Alternatives

Nearby airports

SMILGSMNormal

Samos International Airport "Aristarchos of Samos"

Samos, Greece · Europe

A small island airport run by Fraport Greece, within 5 km of Pythagorio. It handled 496,417 passengers in 2025, 285,728 of them international, and 488,133 from January to September 2026 (+12.2%). International flights run in summer only, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, Belgium and Czechia. In winter almost every flight goes to Athens. There is one terminal with Schengen and non-Schengen gate areas, small cafés, Hellenic Duty Free and free Wi-Fi. There is no lounge, and the terminal closes at night.

Airportist Score

5.1/ 10

Rough

Ease of use7.5
Comfort & amenities4.5
Food & retail3.0
Ground access5.5
Reliability6.5
Lounges1.0

How the score works

An editorial 0–10 score. The overall is exactly the weighted sum of six traveler categories — not a Google rating and not a poll.

25%Ease of use — Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
20%Comfort & amenities — Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
15%Food & retail — Food and retail quality and variety.
15%Ground access — Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
15%Reliability — Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
10%Lounges — Worth-it density and access quality.

Compare SMI with another airport

Arrive

Security

Fastest

Cheapest

Lounges

On time

Flying from Samos?

Enter your flight for a door-to-door plan: when to leave, security, the lounge you can use and your gate. No account needed.

Flight numberDate (optional)

SMIGuide

Traveler reviews

What travelers say

Alternatives

Nearby airports

All airports Official site

SMILGSMNormal

Samos International Airport "Aristarchos of Samos"

Samos, Greece · Europe

A small island airport run by Fraport Greece, within 5 km of Pythagorio. It handled 496,417 passengers in 2025, 285,728 of them international, and 488,133 from January to September 2026 (+12.2%). International flights run in summer only, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, Belgium and Czechia. In winter almost every flight goes to Athens. There is one terminal with Schengen and non-Schengen gate areas, small cafés, Hellenic Duty Free and free Wi-Fi. There is no lounge, and the terminal closes at night.

Airportist Score

5.1/ 10

Rough

Ease of use7.5
Comfort & amenities4.5
Food & retail3.0
Ground access5.5
Reliability6.5
Lounges1.0

How the score works

An editorial 0–10 score. The overall is exactly the weighted sum of six traveler categories — not a Google rating and not a poll.

25%Ease of use — Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
20%Comfort & amenities — Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
15%Food & retail — Food and retail quality and variety.
15%Ground access — Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
15%Reliability — Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
10%Lounges — Worth-it density and access quality.

Compare SMI with another airport

Typical security
10 min
editorial average, not live
Fastest to city
About 20–25 min to Vathy (estimate)
Taxi rank
Cheapest to city
KTEL public bus
Ticket from the driver (fare not verified) · About 15–30 min to Vathy (estimate)
On time
85%
of departures
Terminals
1
(Fraport Greece-expanded terminal, with Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas)
Passengers / year
496,417 (2025, per Fraport Greece)

SMI security wait times

5 photos

SMIGuide

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

The airport closes at night

Not open 24 hours, and you need a boarding pass to reach security.

Samos only opens for its scheduled flights and shuts in the evening. You can't sleep in the terminal or arrive the night before. To get through security you have to show your boarding pass, so check in or have your mobile boarding pass ready first.

Terminal

One terminal, two departure areas

One terminal, with separate Schengen and non-Schengen gate areas.

Check-in, security and the gates are all in one small building. After security, flights to other Schengen countries (including Athens) leave from the Schengen area. Flights to the UK and other non-Schengen countries leave from a separate area after passport control.

Food

A few cafés, open around flights

Small cafés landside and airside, and duty free in both areas.

There is a café-snack bar landside and a café or grab-and-go counter in each departure area. They open according to the flight schedule. Hellenic Duty Free has shops in both the Schengen and non-Schengen areas.

Status

No lounge at Samos

No lounge; use your lounge access at Athens.

The airport lists no lounge, and Priority Pass has no lounge at Samos. Aegean or Star Alliance status won't get you into one here. Use your lounge access at Athens when you connect.

Live conditions

Right now at SMI

Security waits and operational status from official feeds, where the airport publishes them.

Honest verdict

Who this airport works for

Best for

Summer holiday flights from northern and central Europe straight to the island
Quick, short walks through a small terminal
Hotels in Pythagorio just a few minutes away

Watch out for

Terminal closes at night, so no overnight stays
No lounge
Few public buses, and fewer in winter
Winter is almost all Athens flights; international routes are summer-only

Airportist Score

Why this score

Overall is the published weighted sum of six categories. No holistic fudge on top.

Ease of use · 25%

Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.

7.5

Comfort & amenities · 20%

Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.

4.5

Food & retail · 15%

Food and retail quality and variety.

3.0

Ground access · 15%

Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.

5.5

Reliability · 15%

Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.

6.5

Lounges · 10%

Worth-it density and access quality.

1.0

Key stats

Editorial reference figures, not live readings.

Annual passengers

496,417 (2025, per Fraport Greece)

Terminals

1 (Fraport Greece-expanded terminal, with Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas)

On-time departures

85%

Typical security

10 min

Guide quick facts

From the editorial guide for SMI.

Updated Oct 31, 2026

Samos International Airport "Aristarchos of Samos" (IATA SMI, ICAO LGSM) is on the south coast of Samos, within 5 km of Pythagorio. Fraport Greece runs it.
It handled 496,417 passengers in 2025, 285,728 of them on international flights. From January to September 2026 it handled 488,133 passengers, 12.2% more than a year earlier.
International flights only run in summer, roughly April to October. In 2025 the biggest markets were the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Denmark, Belgium and Czechia.
In winter almost every flight goes to Athens, on Aegean/Olympic Air and Sky Express. The flight takes about an hour.
There is one small terminal. Fraport Greece enlarged it by 1,550 m², raising the number of check-in desks from 10 to 14, with 25% more gates and 50% more security lanes.
The terminal is not open 24 hours. Departures are split into a Schengen area and a non-Schengen area.

30 official sources

https://www.smi-airport.gr/en
https://www.fraport-greece.com/en/airport-profiles/samos.html
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/smi/air-traffic-statistics
https://www.smi-airport.gr/uploads/sys_nodelng/2/2887/Samos_12_Traffic_2025vs2024.pdf
https://www.smi-airport.gr/uploads/sys_nodelng/2/2887/Samos_09_Traffic_2026vs2025.pdf
https://www.smi-airport.gr/uploads/sys_nodelng/2/2887/SMI%20Traffic%20by%20Country%202025.pdf
https://www.fraport-greece.com/en/expertise/aviation/traffic-figures.html
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/flights--more/flights--destinations
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/at-the-airport/shop--dine
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/at-the-airport/airport-services
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-346/nd_id-1124
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-784/nd_id-1125
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-785/nd_id-1125
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-595/nd_id-1104
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-347/nd_id-1123
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-334/nd_id-1125
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-737/nd_id-1776
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-805/nd_id-1125
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-339/nd_id-1125
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-331/nd_id-1127
https://www.smi-airport.gr/uploads/sys_categories_recordslng/0/627/timeschedule_smi_EN.pdf
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-332/nd_id-1127
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-329/nd_id-1126
https://www.smi-airport.gr/en/category-detailed/ctg_id-348/nd_id-1127
https://ktelbusesgreece.com/samos/samos-town-to-samos-airport-bus/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samos_International_Airport
https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/samos-airport-guide.htm
https://www.prioritypass.com/en-GB/airports/greece
https://www.olympicair.com/el/flights-from-athens-to-samos
https://www.skyexpress.gr/en/flights-to-samos

Full guide

Explore the SMI guide

Each section answers one trip question in depth.

Map
Samos International Airport and the Samos city center
City center
View Map
Getting There
3 ways into the city, compared on time, cost, and luggage.
Fastest: Taxi rankCheapest: KTEL public bus
View Getting There
Lounges
Lounges: there are none. The airport lists no lounge and Priority Pass has no lounge at Samos.
View Lounges
Traveler Tips
The terminal opens only for scheduled flights and closes at night. Don't plan an overnight stay; book a hotel in Pythagorio instead.
8 tips & hacks
View Traveler Tips
Amenities
5 rated amenities — food, Wi-Fi, quiet spots, family, and sleep.
Free Wi-FiHellenic Duty Free
View Amenities
Reviews
Editorial and traveler reviews — what people actually complain about.
View Reviews

Samos International Airport and the Samos city center

This airport SMI
City center Samos

Terminal navigation guide

Terminal-change and gate-area notes pulled from the markdown guide.

From Terminals & Navigation

There is one terminal for both arrivals and departures.
Fraport Greece enlarged it by 1,550 m² and refurbished it: check-in desks went from 10 to 14, with 25% more gates, 50% more security lanes and a new baggage system.
After security, Schengen flights (including all domestic flights) leave from the intra-Schengen area. Non-Schengen flights leave from a separate area after passport control.
Car rental desks (Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Hertz/Thrifty) are in the arrivals area.

Ground transport guide

City-transfer, rideshare, train, and parking guidance from the markdown guide.

From Ground Transport & Parking

Bus: KTEL public buses stop in front of the terminal. They run to Samos town (Vathy) via Pythagorio, or via Mytilinioi, and you buy tickets from the driver. There are only a few departures a day and fewer in winter, so check the current timetable.
Taxi: the rank is just outside the terminal. Fares are metered, and HonestAirport couldn't verify current prices.
Parking: a limited number of free public spaces opposite the terminal.
Car rental: Avis/Budget, Enterprise and Hertz/Thrifty have desks in arrivals.
For sat-nav, use 37.691392, 26.914567 (Samos Airport, Pythagorio 831 03).

Ride to Samos

Pickup at SMI. Where the app supports it, dropoff is set to Samos city center for a live price.

To city center

Samos

~0.3 km

Typical fare

See app

Live quotes open in the ride app

On-demand apps

Uber → city Bolt

Fixed-price transfers

GetTransfer quotes Kiwitaxi quotes

Compare prepaid private transfers to Samos — useful overnight, with luggage, or when you want a locked-in fare before you land.

Cheapest

KTEL public bus

Public bus from in front of the terminal to Samos town (Vathy) via Pythagorio, or via Mytilinioi.

Time to city

About 15–30 min to Vathy (estimate)

Cost

Ticket from the driver (fare not verified)

Tip: There are only a few departures a day. Check the current KTEL timetable before you rely on it.

FastestBest for luggage

Taxi rank

The rank is just outside the terminal.

Time to city

About 20–25 min to Vathy (estimate)

Cost

Metered (fare not verified)

Tip: Pythagorio is only a few minutes away by taxi.

Free public parking

A limited number of free public spaces opposite the terminal.

Time to city

About 20 min drive to Vathy (estimate)

Cost

Free

Tip: It fills up on summer charter days, so allow time to find a space.

Lounge & amenity notes

Lounge, food, and quiet-spot picks pulled from the markdown guide.

From Lounges, Food & Amenities

Lounges: there are none. The airport lists no lounge and Priority Pass has no lounge at Samos.
Food: a café-snack bar landside on the ground floor of departures, and a café or grab-and-go counter in each of the Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas. They open according to the flight schedule, not 24 hours.
Shopping: Hellenic Duty Free has shops in both departure areas.
Wi-Fi: free. Connect to the "Fraport-Free" network and open the welcome page in your browser.
Money: a Eurobank ATM in the public area, and Euronet ATMs airside and landside in arrivals.
Other services: a first-aid point and airport information counters.

good

Free Wi-Fi

Fast WiFi

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal: connect to "Fraport-Free" and open the welcome page.

basic

Hellenic Duty Free

Shopping

Duty-free shops in both the Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas.

basic

Cafés

Food

A café-snack bar landside, and a café or grab-and-go counter in each departure area. They open according to the flight schedule.

good

Charging stations

Accessibility

Free charging stations with wireless pads, USB ports and sockets in the check-in hall and the gate area.

basic

Public bus stop

Easy Transport

KTEL buses to Samos town via Pythagorio stop in front of the terminal; buy your ticket from the driver.

Editorial guide tricks

The markdown guide's highest-signal tactics before the data-backed tips below.

From Best Airport Tricks & Hacks

The terminal opens only for scheduled flights and closes at night. Don't plan an overnight stay; book a hotel in Pythagorio instead.
Free charging stations (wireless pads, USB and sockets) are in the check-in hall and in the gate area.
Baggage trolleys are free. They take a coin as a deposit, and you get it back when you return the trolley.
Winter flights to Thessaloniki and other Greek cities usually connect in Athens, so leave enough time to change planes there.

01

SecurityTraveler Tips & Hacks

Have your boarding pass ready

You scan your boarding pass, printed or on your phone, to get into security.

Standard EU liquids rules apply, and the airport hands out free plastic bags. The Fast Lane is only for passengers whose airline pays for it.

Pro

Short queues outside peak hours

Watch-out

Summer charter peaks can be busy

02

FoodTraveler Tips & Hacks

Don't count on much food

Small cafés landside and airside open around flight times.

There is a café-snack bar landside and a café or grab-and-go counter in each of the Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas. Hellenic Duty Free has shops on both sides.

Pro

Both departure areas have something

Watch-out

Little choice and nothing open 24 hours

03

TransportTraveler Tips & Hacks

Book a taxi or rent a car

Buses are few; the taxi rank and car rental desks are right at the terminal.

KTEL buses stop in front of the terminal and go to Samos town via Pythagorio. There are only a few a day, especially in winter. The taxi rank is just outside, and Avis/Budget, Enterprise and Hertz/Thrifty have desks in arrivals.

Pro

Pythagorio is very close

Watch-out

Buses are infrequent

04

NavigationTraveler Tips & Hacks

Schengen or non-Schengen?

After security, the gates are split into a Schengen area and a non-Schengen area.

Domestic and other Schengen flights board from the intra-Schengen area. UK and other non-Schengen flights board after passport control, where non-EU visitors are registered in the EES.

Pro

Short distances

Watch-out

Passport control queues on non-Schengen flights

Entry requirements

Greece (GR)

Sign in and add a passport to see the entry requirement for Greece.

Passports are saved in profile settings. Check the official site before you travel.

Published alerts

Editorial profile notes — not a live alert feed. Live operations are on Overview and in the panel below.

Published alerts

Typical operations snapshot — editorial, not live news. File dated Oct 31, 2026.

Normal

International flights are seasonal, roughly April to October. Winter 2026/27 flights are mainly to Athens on Aegean/Olympic Air and Sky Express.The terminal is not open 24 hours.On-time share, delays, cancellations and security wait are HonestAirport estimates; the airport publishes no punctuality figures.

Typical delay mix from the same editorial snapshot — not a live feed. Current operations are on Overview.

Typical departure delays12 min · 15%

Typical arrival delays12 min · 15%

Typical cancellations0 min · 1%

Live operations

Live operational signals from Flighty or FAA, plus checkpoint waits where airports publish them.

Traveler reviews

What travelers say

Write a review

Alternatives

Nearby airports

Passenger airports within about 150 km. Scored airports show their Airportist Score so you can weigh a switch.

JIKIkaria Island National Airport
Ikaria Island
50 km
LRSLeros Municipal Airport
Leros
57 km
ADBAdnan Menderes Airport
İzmir
70 km
JKLKalymnos Island National Airport
Kalymnos
81 km
BJVMilas-Bodrum Airport
Bodrum
82 km
CIIÇıldır Airport
Aydın
87 km

Compare SMI vs ADB

JIKIkaria Island National Airport
Ikaria Island
50 km
LRSLeros Municipal Airport
Leros
57 km
ADBAdnan Menderes Airport
İzmir
7.170 km
JKLKalymnos Island National Airport
Kalymnos
81 km
BJVMilas-Bodrum Airport
Bodrum
7.082 km
CIIÇıldır Airport
Aydın
87 km