Alexandroupolis Airport is the most easterly of Greece’s airports. It’s very close to the Turkish border and many people collect a hire car from Alexandroupolis Airport before driving along the E90 highway linking Istanbul with Thessaloniki.
If Turkey isn’t high on your agenda, there’s still a lot to do around Alexandroupolis with several little coastal resorts within a few minutes’ drive and the city’s huge lighthouse that dominates the skyline. You can also get a cheap ferry ticket from Alexandroupolis harbour to visit the nearby area of Samothrace.
Alexandroupolis Airport Mini Guide
For What Reason Would I fly Into Alexandroupolis?
The two main ones are that you’re going to take an idyllic holiday on the beautiful island of Samothrace or that you’re going to drive the E90 road across to the European part of Turkey. You may even be considering catching the train to Pythion and changing to Turkish Railways for a magical journey into Istanbul.
How do I get to Alexandroupolis Airport?
The only flights there are from Athens, Sitia or Larnaca in Cyprus so from the UK you’ll have to fly into Athens or Larnaca. Both airports receive flights from budget airlines so you just need to check which will be the cheapest option or have the best timing. From the airport it’s a short journey into the town for ferries to Samothrace or to the railway station for onward journeys.
What’s the Airport Like?
It was built in 1975 on the site of the old airport first built there at the end of the Second World War. It has received a number of facelifts since and is a modern comfortable airport with a small range of amenities.
What can I Expect When I get There?
A small airport with very limited facilities but staffed by personnel who are keen to make the airport experience as pain free as possible despite the lack of amenities. There isn’t an information desk so you are encouraged to ask the knowledgeable airport staff if you need assistance. This includes any assistance for travellers with reduced mobility or with sensory difficulties. If staff aren’t available to help, you should contact someone at the administration office inside the terminal. There are no banks or ATMs at the airport which helpfully suggests the use of the nearest bank in the town. Transport to your destination is well organised with a bus service to the town centre and railway station together with cheap local taxis. If you are hiring a car there, the desks are in the main arrivals hall. The airport is on the main E90 coast road with direct access into the town or along the coast towards Turkey.
And on my Return Journey?
Check in and security at the airport is quick and easy because of the small number of flights handled by the airport. Once that’s completed, there’s very little to do. There’s a buffet restaurant serving fairly nondescript food and a café/bar after security. An indication of the attractiveness of the food is seen in the airport recommending the cafes and restaurants of the town as your choice for eating. The only shopping at the airport is the small kiosk selling newspapers and magazines as well as a limited amount of confectionery and packaged snacks. There are no Wi-Fi facilities either so make sure you have brought a good book and something to entertain the children.
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