Passing through Ioannina Airport? A layover in Ioannina is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 35 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of IOA:
- Can you legally enter Greece? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 35-minute journey each way by Local Bus (Line 15) / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Ioannina, two standouts are:
- Ioannina Castle & Itz Kale — A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
- Lake Pamvotida Promenade — No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at IOA, check out Airport Caffe Bar & Seating or Airport Souvenir Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Ioannina Layover
In Ioannina
If you make it into town, Seirios Taverna is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Litharitsia.
Inside IOA
If you’re staying in the terminal, Caffe Bar IOA is your main option. Airport Snack Point works too if you want something quick.
Getting from IOA to Ioannina
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus (Line 15) / Taxi | ~35 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~55 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Local Bus (Line 15) / Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Ioannina might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$17 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$36 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Ioannina.
Luggage Storage at IOA
Dedicated luggage storage at IOA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Ioannina’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at IOA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Ioannina itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Greece that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at IOA
Long overnight layover? Your options at IOA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Greece also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Ioannina count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave IOA. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.