For travelers with a layover in Kastoria, the proximity of KSO to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 40 minutes via Taxi, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Kastoria, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Greece vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Kastoria is roughly 40 minutes from KSO via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Kastoria
For a layover visit to Kastoria, we’d suggest Walk Along Lake Orestiada and Visit the Dragon’s Cave (Spileo tou Drakou). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside KSO — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- KSO Airport Waiting Area Relaxation
- Browse Local Kiosk (KSO)
The Best Way Into Kastoria from KSO
From KSO, the Taxi gets you to Kastoria in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Eating Well on a Kastoria Layover
In Kastoria
If you make it into town, To Limanaki is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Palio Tsifliki.
Inside KSO
If you’re staying in the terminal, KSO Airport Cafe & Bar is your main option. KSO Quick Bites Counter works too if you want something quick.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Kastoria, budget roughly $36 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $17 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Kastoria.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at KSO, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Kastoria 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.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at KSO may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Kastoria’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.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at KSO 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
A layover in Kastoria with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Kastoria may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.