Getting There by Air
Zakynthos International Airport “Dionysios Solomos” (ZTH) sits just 6 km from Zakynthos Town. It handles millions of passengers each summer, mostly on seasonal charter flights from Northern Europe.
Direct Flights
During peak season (May–October), direct charter flights operate from:
- Germany – Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg
- Netherlands – Amsterdam
- UK – London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham
- Poland – Warsaw, Kraków
- Italy – Milan, Rome
Budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air run scheduled services year-round from select hubs. Off-season, most travellers connect through Athens (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air.
From Athens
Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines fly Athens → Zakynthos in 45 minutes. Flights depart several times daily in summer. This is the most reliable year-round option.
Pro tip: If you book a connecting itinerary through Athens, allow at least 90 minutes for connection — security queues at ATH can be brutal in July.
Getting There by Ferry
Ferries are a romantic and often cheaper alternative if you’re already in mainland Greece.
Killini → Zakynthos
The most popular crossing. Departures from Killini (Peloponnese) run 5–10 times daily in summer, taking 1 hour 15 minutes. Operators: Levante Ferries and Ionion Ferries.
Practical info:
- Killini is 3.5 hours by car from Athens
- Book tickets at the port or via ferriesingreece.com
- Cost: ~€12 per person, ~€50 per car (varies by season)
Patras → Zakynthos (via Kyllini)
A longer scenic drive down from Patras brings you to Kyllini. This route is popular with travellers arriving from Italy via the Patras port.
Getting Around on the Island
Zakynthos has minimal public transport, so most visitors rent wheels.
Car Rental
The most convenient option. Dozens of agencies at the airport and in Zakynthos Town. Book online ahead to avoid July–August shortages. Expect €25–45/day for a small car.
Scooter & Quad Rental
Perfect for coastal roads. Available in Laganas, Argassi, and Tsilivi from €15/day. Always wear a helmet — island roads have unexpected tight bends.
Local Buses (KTEL)
KTEL buses connect Zakynthos Town with major resort areas (Laganas, Argassi, Tsilivi, Kalamaki). Infrequent — once or twice daily. Timetables at the bus station in Zakynthos Town centre.
Taxis
Available at the airport and in town. Agree on price before you go — meters are rare outside the capital. Expect €10–15 from airport to Zakynthos Town, €20–30 to Laganas.
The Airport Experience
ZTH is a small, pleasant airport. Arrivals is quick (20 minutes from touchdown to exit usually). The terminal has a small café and ATMs. Get cash here — many villages have no ATMs.
Important: Zakynthos is seasonal. The airport nearly shuts down November–March. If visiting off-season, always confirm your flight is still operating.
Our Recommendation
For most visitors from Central/Northern Europe: direct charter flight + rental car at the airport. Book both together via TUI, Jet2, or similar package holiday operators for the best value. Independent travellers should use Ryanair + a pre-booked rental.