โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia operates from a single terminal building that has undergone significant expansion and modernization to handle Greece's second-largest airport. The terminal efficiently separates Schengen and non-Schengen operations, with clearly marked zones and multilingual signage in Greek, English, and German to assist international travelers.
The terminal layout features check-in on the ground floor with departures accessed via escalators and elevators to the upper level. Security screening is centralized with multiple lanes, typically processing passengers within 10-20 minutes, though summer charter season can create longer waits of up to 30 minutes during peak evening departures. The security checkpoint leads to a common departure area that then splits into Schengen and non-Schengen zones.
Walking distances are moderate for a regional hub - most Schengen gates are 5-8 minutes from security, while non-Schengen gates require passing through passport control and can take up to 12 minutes to reach. EU passport holders can use automated e-gates for faster processing, while other nationalities queue at staffed booths. Immigration for international arrivals is handled before baggage claim in dedicated booths.
Amenities include duty-free shops featuring Greek products (olive oil, wine, local spirits), souvenir stores with Macedonian and Greek crafts, several cafes and restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, and a VIP lounge near Gate 3 that accepts various lounge programs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, with charging stations near gate seating areas.
The airport serves as a gateway to northern Greece and the Halkidiki region, with excellent accessibility features including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and elevator access to all levels. Family facilities include baby changing rooms and a small children's area in the central waiting zone. Ground transportation includes regular bus service.
๐ Connection Tips
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) is the main aviation hub for northern Greece and the primary point of entry for travelers heading to the city of Thessaloniki and the world-famous beaches of the Halkidiki peninsula. Inside the terminal, the modern T2 extension has significantly improved the connection experience, offering a wider range of dining and duty-free shopping options. Tickets cost approximately โฌ2 and can be purchased at the kiosk outside the arrival hall or from ticket machines on the bus (note that machines on the bus do not give change). The 01X bus operates during the day, while the 01N bus takes over at night, with departures roughly every 30 minutes. While the Thessaloniki Metro is currently under construction, travelers can take Bus 02X to the 'Nea Elvetia' station to connect with early phases of the city's new rail network as they become operational.
These buses provide a direct link to the Thessaloniki city center, the main railway station, and the KTEL Macedonia intercity bus station. Overall, SKG offers a much more relaxed alternative to the larger Athens International Airport for those exploring northern Greece. Be aware that a night tariff applies between 00:00 and 05:00, which can increase the fare to โฌ40 or more. For those preferring a more direct transfer, taxis are available 24/7 at the designated stand outside the terminal.
A ride to the city center typically takes 25 to 30 minutes and costs between โฌ25 and โฌ30 during the day. Connecting from the airport to the city center is efficient thanks to a 24/7 express bus service. During the busy summer charter season, security and check-in queues can be longer, so arriving at least 2 hours before your flight is highly recommended. Travelers heading to the Halkidiki resorts should consider pre-booking a private shuttle or renting a car, as the intercity bus connection requires a transfer at the KTEL Chalkidiki station, located about 10 kilometers from the airport.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Corfu International Airport (CFU), officially known as Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, is the primary aviation gateway to the island of Corfu and the surrounding Ionian Islands in Greece. Named after the first Governor of Greece, the airport is the third busiest in the country, experiencing massive surges in traffic during the peak summer season from April to October. The facility is situated just 3 kilometers south of Corfu Town and is world-famous for its spectacular approach, where aircraft fly low over the Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) and the Vlacherna Monastery before touching down on a relatively short runway.
The airport operates through a single, compact passenger terminal building that manages both domestic and international traffic. The terminal is organized on a single level, with the departure hall located on the left side of the building and the arrivals area on the right. During the height of the summer holiday season, the terminal can become significantly crowded due to the high frequency of charter flights from across Europe. The facility underwent major renovations by Fraport Greece to improve passenger flow and modernize the check-in and security screening areas, though seating can still be limited during peak afternoon departure windows.
Amenities at Corfu International are comprehensive, particularly during the busy summer months. Passengers have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and can utilize the Goldair Handling Lounge in the Extra-Schengen departures area for a more comfortable wait. The terminal features a variety of dining options, including a 24-hour restaurant during the summer and several cafes serving Greek coffee and pastries. Shopping is well-represented with a large duty-free zone offering local Corfiot products like Kumquat liqueur and olive oil, alongside international brands. Essential services such as currency exchange, ATMs, a post office, and first-aid facilities are all available on-site.
CFU provides extensive connectivity, serving as a major focus city for Aegean Airlines and Ryanair, while hosting dozens of other carriers such as easyJet, Jet2, and TUI. It offers non-stop flights to over 100 destinations across Europe and the Middle East, as well as frequent domestic links to Athens (ATH). A unique operational aspect of CFU is the lack of a dedicated airside transit zone; all connecting passengers must exit the arrivals hall, re-check in if necessary, and pass through security again. Ground transportation is well-developed, with local buses (Line 15) and a 24-hour taxi rank providing quick access to Corfu Town and the island's many coastal resorts.
๐ Connection Tips
Corfu International Airport (CFU) is one of those Mediterranean airports where the compact layout is deceptive. The building is not huge, but summer passenger volume can be intense, and the airport's role as a major seasonal gateway means queues for security and border control can expand quickly. If your itinerary involves a non-Schengen sector such as the UK, or a self-connection between unrelated tickets, the correct assumption is that the terminal will be much less forgiving than it looks.
That is why the key planning distinction at CFU is not walking distance but process. If you are not on a through-ticket with protected baggage handling, treat the connection like a new departure after arrival. Reclaim, re-check, and security can all consume more time than the physical size of the airport suggests. During peak season, that matters a lot.
For travelers actually ending the trip in Corfu, the airport is valuable because it sits close to town and the island's transport network. For onward ferry or island connections, though, the road leg to port or hotel should still be budgeted properly rather than assumed to be trivial. CFU works best when you remember that seasonal volume matters more than terminal dimensions. In shoulder season it may feel easy. In summer, especially on separate tickets, conservative timing is what keeps Corfu from becoming an avoidable missed connection story.
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