Getting to Paros
Flights to Paros
Can you fly direct to Paros from the UK? Short answer: no. Here is how flying to Paros actually works, and when it beats the ferry.
Last updated July 2026 · By Routey Editorial
Quick Answer
- No direct international flights: Paros National Airport (PAS) handles domestic routes only, mainly to/from Athens.
- From Athens: ~40-minute flight on Olympic Air, Aegean, or SKY express.
- From the UK or US: fly to Athens (or Mykonos/Santorini) first, then connect by domestic flight or ferry.
- Airport location: near Aliki, southwest Paros, roughly 10km from Parikia.
"Flights to Paros" is one of the most common searches from travelers planning a Greek island trip, and the honest answer disappoints a lot of people: there is no direct flight to Paros from outside Greece. What exists is a small domestic airport with routes mainly to Athens, and the real skill in planning a flight-based trip to Paros is choosing the right connection.
Paros National Airport (PAS)
Paros National Airport sits near the village of Aliki in the southwest of the island, roughly 10km from Parikia. It is small, a single terminal, no jet bridges, the kind of regional airport where you walk across the tarmac to board. Do not expect lounges or extensive dining, it is functional rather than a destination in itself.
Domestic flights connect Paros primarily to Athens, operated by Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and SKY express, with flight time of roughly 40 minutes in the air. Frequency is highest in the summer season and thins out considerably in winter, when some routes may run just a few times a week.
Getting from the airport to town: a local bus service connects the airport to Parikia around flight times in summer, but it is not guaranteed to align with every arrival, taxis are the more reliable option and generally run in a predictable price range for the short distance. Confirm current bus timing and taxi rates locally, as availability changes by season.
No Direct International Flights, Here Is What to Do Instead
Paros is not large enough to support scheduled long-haul or international charter service, its airport's runway and terminal are sized for domestic turboprop and regional jet traffic. If you are traveling from the UK, elsewhere in Europe, or the US, you need one connection. The three realistic patterns:
Fly to Athens, then domestic flight to Paros
Fastest total option if your international flight lands with enough connection time. The domestic hop is roughly 40 minutes in the air on Olympic Air, Aegean, or SKY express. Factor in Athens airport transfer time between terminals/check-in and the fact that domestic and international flights are not always in the same terminal.
Fly to Athens, then ferry to Paros
Slower but often more relaxed and cheaper, especially if you are not in a rush. Ferries leave from Piraeus or Rafina; Rafina is closer to Athens airport. Crossing time is roughly 2.5–5.5 hours depending on the vessel. See our Athens to Paros ferry guide for the full breakdown.
Fly to Mykonos or Santorini, then ferry to Paros
Both islands have more direct summer charter and low-cost connections from UK and European airports than some regional routes into Athens. If your home airport has a direct summer route to Mykonos or Santorini, this can shave a connection off your total journey. From either island it is a short ferry (roughly 35 minutes to a few hours) over to Paros.
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Flight vs Ferry From Athens
| Flight | Ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Time in transit | ~40 min flight, plus airport time both ends | ~2.5–5.5 hrs depending on vessel |
| Typical price | Roughly €50–€150+, rises closer to travel date | Roughly €35–€75 depending on vessel type |
| Luggage | Standard airline baggage limits and fees | Generally more generous, bags travel with you |
| Views | Aerial views of the Cyclades on a clear day | Open-deck sea views, arriving by water into Parikia |
| Weather risk | Can be delayed or cancelled in high winds | High-speed ferries also affected by strong meltemi winds; larger conventional ferries less so |
Neither option is universally better. If your trip is short, the flight saves you time. If you have a day or more of slack, the ferry is usually cheaper and more relaxed, and arriving into Parikia harbor by sea is genuinely part of the experience. Read the full getting-to-Paros comparison for every route side by side.
Booking for July–August
- Domestic Athens–Paros flights sell out and get expensive close to peak dates. Book as early as your itinerary allows.
- If flying into Athens from abroad, build in a buffer before your domestic connection or ferry, international delays are common in summer and a tight connection can cost you a full extra day.
- Compare total door-to-door cost and time, not just the ticket price, airport transfers on both ends add up.
- Always check current schedules and prices on the airlines' own sites or a flight comparison tool before booking, routes and frequency shift year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fly direct to Paros from the UK?
No. There are currently no direct flights from any UK airport to Paros National Airport (PAS). The standard approach is to fly into Athens and continue by domestic flight or ferry, or fly into Mykonos or Santorini (which have more direct UK summer routes) and take a short ferry over to Paros.
Are there flights to Paros from the US?
No direct US–Paros flights exist. Fly into Athens (which has more transatlantic connections than any other Greek airport), then take a domestic flight or ferry onward to Paros. This is almost always the simplest routing from North America.
How long is the flight from Athens to Paros?
Around 40 minutes in the air. Total door-to-door time is longer once you add check-in, security, and the transfer from Paros airport to your accommodation, often close to the time a fast ferry takes once everything is added up.
Where is Paros airport located?
Paros National Airport (PAS) is in the southwest of the island, near the village of Aliki, roughly 10km from Parikia, the main port town. It is a small regional airport with a single terminal building.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the ferry to Paros?
Ferries are usually cheaper, especially the conventional (non-high-speed) sailings from Piraeus. Flight prices vary a lot by how far ahead you book, last-minute summer fares can be expensive. If cost matters more than speed, the ferry is generally the better value.
Which airlines fly to Paros?
Domestic routes to Paros are operated by Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and SKY express, mainly connecting from Athens. Always check current schedules directly with the airlines or a flight comparison site before booking, as frequency drops significantly outside the summer season.
More Ways to Reach Paros
How to Get to Paros
Every route compared
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The shortest Cycladic crossing
Getting Around Paros
Once you've arrived, transport on the island
Plan Your Trip