Flights from Athens to Corfu: Fares and Flight Information

Flights from Athens to Corfu can cost around €40–100 one way and €80–200 return during periods of lower demand. In summer, at Easter and close to departure, you should often budget for more. Direct flights take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, with services operated by AEGEAN/Olympic Air and SKY express. Cheaper options are usually available outside public holidays, in winter and on less popular dates in spring or autumn.

The amounts below are indicative ranges for planning your trip, not live offers or guaranteed fares. They are for one adult travelling in economy on a basic fare, including mandatory taxes, but checked baggage should not be assumed to be included. The actual price depends on availability, dates and what is included.

At a glance

• Route: Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), to Corfu, Ioannis Kapodistrias (CFU).
• Flight time: approximately 60–75 minutes for a direct flight, based on the scheduled duration.
• Airlines: AEGEAN/Olympic Air and SKY express. Frequencies and departure times vary by season.
• Indicative fares: around €40–100 one way during lower-demand periods, and around €80–180 when demand is higher.
• Return fares: around €80–200 during quieter periods and €160–360 at peak times; these are not upper limits.
• Best value: outside Easter, long weekends and peak summer, with flexible travel dates.
• Distance from town: approximately 2–3 kilometres, depending on your destination.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Corfu?

The route is served by AEGEAN/Olympic Air and SKY express, with direct flights throughout the year. An AEGEAN booking may list Olympic Air as the operating airline. Check this detail, along with the schedule and ticket conditions, before completing your purchase.

There is no fixed number of departures that applies every day and in every season. Summer schedules may differ from winter schedules, and flight times can change. This means old lists of specific morning or afternoon departures are not a reliable guide.

Direct or connecting flight?

For this route, a direct flight is usually the most practical option. Flight search engines may show routes via another airport where the current schedule allows. Compare the total journey time, layover and final cost, rather than just the first fare you see.

If your connection involves separate tickets, do not assume you will be protected in the event of a delay or that your baggage will be transferred automatically. An airline operating seasonal international flights to Corfu does not necessarily also fly there from Athens. For any additional airline, check the current schedule.

How much do flights cost by season?

Corfu is busy in summer, but demand is also particularly high at Orthodox Easter. A general rule such as “spring is cheap” is therefore not enough. For an initial budget, use the following indicative ranges, which do not cover every possible fare:

• Winter, outside festive periods and public holidays: around €40–90 one way and €80–180 return.
• Spring and autumn, outside peak periods: around €45–110 one way and €90–220 return.
• Summer, particularly July and August: around €70–180 one way and €140–360 return.
• Easter, popular long weekends or periods of limited availability: around €90–220 one way and €180–440 return, with fares potentially exceeding these ranges.

You may find offers below these ranges, as well as more expensive tickets. The two directions do not necessarily cost the same: a cheap outbound flight may come with an expensive return, particularly on a Sunday or at the end of a public holiday.

For a fair comparison, make sure the same extras are included. A fare with checked baggage, seat selection and more flexible change conditions cannot be compared directly with a basic fare. When booking for a family, check the final total for all passengers together.

When to book for a cheaper fare

Start monitoring fares around 1–3 months ahead for a typical trip. For Easter and summer holidays, it is worth looking earlier, as soon as your dates are confirmed. These are practical search windows, not a formula that guarantees the lowest price.

• Compare outbound and return flights one or two days either side of your preferred dates.
• Check different departure times on the same day, factoring in transport to the airport.
• Set up a price alert if your flight search service offers one.
• Check whether using different airlines for the outbound and return flights works out cheaper.
• Calculate flights and accommodation together, especially when moving your trip to popular dates.

There is no reliable general rule that booking on a particular day of the week is always cheaper. Your travel dates and seat availability matter more. Our guide to tips for finding cheap flights offers more ways to make meaningful comparisons.

Waiting until the last minute is risky on a popular island route. The opportunities described in our guide to last-minute flights usually require flexibility, rather than a need to depart at a specific time.

How long is the flight, and which airports does it use?

The Athens–Corfu flight has a scheduled duration of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. This includes the aircraft’s ground movements and is not the same as time spent in the air. Weather and air traffic can affect your actual arrival time.

You depart from Eleftherios Venizelos, ATH, and land at Ioannis Kapodistrias, CFU. For a relaxed start, generally aim to arrive at Athens Airport around two hours before departure, always following your airline’s guidance. Online check-in does not remove baggage drop-off and boarding deadlines.

When calculating your total journey time, add the trip to Spata, airport checks and baggage collection in Corfu. A short flight does not mean you can arrange a meeting in the town centre immediately after your scheduled landing.

Getting from Corfu Airport to the town centre

The airport is close to town, but traffic and access to your accommodation affect the total transfer time. The costs below are indicative budgeting figures, not confirmed tariffs.

• Local bus: a service connects the airport with town. Allow around 10–20 minutes for the journey, excluding waiting time, and roughly €2–4 per person. Check the stop, timetable and current fare for your arrival date.
• Taxi: around 10–15 minutes to central locations in normal traffic. Budget approximately €15–25, and confirm the fare for your specific destination and any surcharges.
• Pre-booked transfer: a practical option for groups or families, with an indicative budget of around €20–40 to town in a small vehicle. You will need a specific quote.
• Hire car: useful if you are heading straight to another part of the island. Allow extra time for collection, inspecting the car and signing the rental agreement.

The old town has pedestrian streets and areas with restricted access. Ask your accommodation where a vehicle can drop you off. If you are planning day trips, read our guide to car hire in Corfu, paying particular attention to insurance, deposits and parking.

Corfu: what to see and when to visit

Corfu is well suited both to a few days in town and to a longer holiday exploring beaches and villages. The UNESCO-listed old town is the best place to start. Its Venetian heritage is evident in the fortresses, building façades and layout of the historic centre. Leave time to wander through the narrow lanes, known as kantounia, rather than constantly getting in and out of the car. Many of the main sights are within easy walking distance of one another.

Start at Spianada Square and the Liston, then continue towards the Old Fortress. Visiting the fortress involves walking and stretches with little shade, so in summer go in the morning and take water. The Church of Saint Spyridon stands in the heart of the old town and remains an active place of worship. Plan your visit around services and be respectful, particularly on busy days.

For a break from outdoor sightseeing, the Museum of Asian Art in the Palace of Saints Michael and George adds a different dimension to your trip. Before visiting, check opening hours and which areas are open. On the southern side of town, Mon Repos combines a walk through leafy grounds with historic interest. Kanoni offers the classic view of Vlacherna and Pontikonisi, without requiring a full-day excursion.

For a day by the sea, your choice of coast matters. Paleokastritsa combines sheltered bays, rocky scenery and opportunities for boat trips when conditions allow. Glyfada and Agios Gordios offer sandy beaches on the west coast. Take care when the sea is rough, especially with children. Along the north-east coast, you will find smaller bays, often with pebble beaches, while a visit to Kassiopi can include a meal and a stroll around the harbour.

Do not underestimate driving distances just because the island looks easy to navigate on a map. Winding roads, routes through villages and summer traffic all add to journey times. On a four-day trip, it is better to spend one day in town, one on the west coast and one exploring a particular part of the north, rather than trying to see everything. Keep your final day more relaxed, especially if you have an afternoon flight and need to return a hire car.

May and June are good months for combining sightseeing with beach time, although sea temperatures and weather vary. September often offers swimming conditions with fewer crowds than at the August peak. October calls for more flexibility because of rain and seasonal opening hours. Easter is a special experience, but flights and accommodation need planning well in advance. Read more about Easter traditions in Corfu and other Greek islands.

For local food, try pastitsada, sofrito and bourdeto, asking about the ingredients and how strongly flavoured or spicy each dish is. Kumquat is another local speciality, particularly in liqueurs and sweets. If you would like more historical background before planning your stops, our guide to what Corfu is famous for brings together useful information about the island’s character.

Where to stay

For a short break without a car, town is a practical base, with restaurants, places to stroll and sights within walking distance. Check for stairs, ease of access with luggage and potential noise, particularly in older buildings or busy lanes.

For a holiday with daily swims, choose an area close to a coast that suits you, rather than simply the cheapest available room. Our guide to where to stay in Corfu helps you compare bases. If you are travelling as a family, also see the best areas of Corfu to stay with children. A long transfer can eat into the savings from a cheaper flight.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

The cheapest fare does not automatically include a checked bag. Read the separate allowances for a personal item, cabin baggage and checked baggage. Dimensions, weight and the number of items depend on the airline and fare category, so it is not safe to rely on a general rule.

Low-cost airlines at Corfu Airport also serve international routes, not necessarily the route from Athens. Seasonal services change and need to be confirmed. Rather than focusing on the “low-cost” label, compare the final price with the baggage and services you actually need.

If you plan to buy liqueur or other liquids, check the current security restrictions for cabin baggage. For a pushchair, sports equipment or a pet, read the relevant policy and notify the airline in good time.

Practical tips before booking

• Check your details: your full name must match your accepted travel document. For children, confirm the required documents well in advance.
• Read the change conditions: a waived change fee does not mean you will not have to pay a fare difference.
• Coordinate your arrival: let your accommodation know if you are arriving late, and check how you will collect the keys.
• Plan your return: allow time for traffic, refuelling and returning a hire car.
• Look at the total cost: flights, baggage, transfers and accommodation determine your budget, not just the initial fare.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a flight from Athens to Corfu?

As a guide, around €40–100 one way and €80–200 return during periods of lower demand. At peak times, budget approximately €80–220 and €160–440 respectively, with no guarantee of availability or an upper price limit.

How long is the flight from Athens to Corfu?

A direct flight usually has a scheduled duration of around 60–75 minutes. Allow additional time for travel to and from the airports, airport checks and baggage collection.

Which airlines fly direct from Athens to Corfu?

AEGEAN/Olympic Air and SKY express operate direct flights on this route. Check available departures for your specific dates, as schedules change.

Which airline is cheapest for Corfu?

No airline is consistently the cheapest. It depends on the date, departure time and fare. Compare the final price with the same baggage allowance and similar change conditions.

When can I find cheaper flights from Athens to Corfu?

Usually outside public holidays, in winter and on less popular dates in spring or autumn. For Easter and summer, searching early gives you more choice, but does not guarantee the lowest price.

How do I get from Corfu Airport to the town centre?

By local bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer. The journey usually takes around 10–20 minutes, excluding waiting time. As a guide, budget around €2–4 for the bus or €15–25 for a taxi, and confirm current fares.