Car Hire Skiathos International Airport

Car Hire

Operating since the 1970s, Skiathos Airport is the main gateway into Skiathos Island, a shimmering tourist hot-spot within Greece’s Sporades Islands. This small international airport serves more than 230,000 passengers over a calendar year, mostly from European and British destinations. The island itself is relatively small, with car rental at Skiathos Airport the most convenient way for tourists to explore.

Who to Book With
Several renowned companies provide car rental facilities at Skiathos Airport. Both Avis and Budget operate on site, while other agencies, such as Europcar, have booking stations at the terminal. Car rental in Skiathos Airport is a highly sought-after service, so tourists are advised to book online via our comparator site before reaching the island.

Need to Know Essentials
Visitors to the airport need to provide several documents before they are able to rent vehicles here:

- An International Driving Permit and a national driving licence
- A passport
- A valid credit card
- A copy of the booking confirmation

Read our FAQs for more details.

Driving
Like other Greek islands, Skiathos requires motorists to drive on the right. The largest settlement, Skiathos Town, can get congested in its centre. However, roads outside of the largest city rarely get busy, even in the peak tourist season. There is one main highway which travels from Skiathos Town to Koukounaries, but it is relatively straight and in great condition. Most of the smaller roads across the island are covered in gravel rather than bitumen, which may create control issues if motorists drive fast. Lighting is limited, so driving at night along these gravel roads can be challenging.

See our Guide on Greece for more driving information.

Transport

Car rental is the most effective way to get to your Skiathos destination from the airport. However, there are bus and taxi services too, although car hire provides more flexibility than public transport options. The island of Skiathos does not offer rail transportation of any kind.

Buses
The Skiathos Bus service connects the airport to the centre of Skiathos Town. However, tourists will have to change buses in the town centre if they want to take the public bus network across the island. Tickets can be purchased on the buses themselves, which pick passengers up from just outside the airport terminal. The journey from Skiathos Airport to the island’s main town takes only a few minutes and tickets are cheap. During the peak tourism season, buses depart from the airport more frequently.

Taxis
If tourists aren't comfortable driving, then taking a taxi is the next best option. There is a small taxi rank outside the terminal but booking a taxi prior to flying into Skiathos is also possible. Most taxis do not use meters therefore visitors need to negotiate a price before setting off. Skiathos Taxis offers a range of vehicles which are available 24 hours.

Facilities

Terminals
The airport is home to one terminal, although it has been extended and refurbished in recent times, making it a modern facility. The airport is busiest during the peak tourism season, as most flights to Skiathos Airport are seasonal. Due to the short runway, large planes have to take-off on low fuel. Therefore flights usually re-fuel in Thessaloniki before completing their journey.

Parking
There is one parking lot at Skiathos Airport, which is located just to the right of the terminal. Parking is free of charge. From the car park, patrons can walk to the terminal building in less than two minutes.

Wi-Fi
Skiathos Airport provides free wireless internet for passengers with connection devices.

Information Services
Travellers can find airport assistance at both the information booths and the check-in counters.

Useful Numbers
Airport Information: +302-702-9100
Airport Manager: +302-702-9101

Accessibility
Airline staff within Skiathos Airport are fully trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility. At the time of booking, it is essential that passengers inform their airline that they are in need of assistant.

Restaurants and Bars
There are several restaurants in the public area and the secured zone at the airport.

VIP Lounges
There are no VIP lounges at the airport. Instead, there is a single waiting area by the gates, which provide seating and access to shopping and dining facilities.

Money and ATMs
No information available

Shopping
Skiathos Airport is an international facility. Therefore passengers can find a duty-free store in the secure area. Here, travellers can purchase all sorts of interesting goods at decent prices, including perfumes, souvenirs and confectionery.