How do you get to Paxos when the island has no airport? For most visitors, the journey is surprisingly simple: fly to Corfu, transfer to the port and take a ferry or hydrofoil across to Paxos.
It takes a little more planning than reaching some Greek islands, but the final journey by sea is part of the experience.
⛴️ How Do You Get To Paxos? The Short Answer
For most visitors, the easiest route is to fly into Corfu International Airport and then travel to Corfu Town for the ferry or hydrofoil to Paxos.
If you are travelling from the UK or elsewhere in Europe, this is almost certainly the route you will use.
The transfer sounds more complicated on paper than it is in practice. Once you reach Corfu, the final part of the journey to Paxos is by sea.
✈️ Why Paxos Doesn’t Have An Airport
Paxos has no airport, so however you reach the region, the final part of your journey will be by sea.
That might sound inconvenient, but it has helped Paxos retain much of its character. There are no large waves of passengers arriving throughout the day, and the island feels noticeably quieter than many better-connected Greek destinations.
Every Visitor Arrives By Sea
Whether you stay for a few days or several weeks, arriving by boat gives you your first proper glimpse of Paxos from the water.
The lack of an airport adds a little effort to the journey, but it is also part of what keeps the island feeling different.
🚤 The Easiest Way To Get To Paxos
For most travellers, the easiest way to get to Paxos is through Corfu. Fly into Corfu International Airport, transfer to the port in Corfu Town and continue to Paxos by ferry or hydrofoil.
Getting From Corfu Airport To The Port
The Number 15 Blue Bus connects the airport with Corfu Town and the port area. Taxis are also readily available and can be more convenient if you are travelling with luggage.
Ferry Or Hydrofoil?
The hydrofoil is faster, usually taking just over an hour, while a traditional ferry takes closer to 90 minutes.
For most visitors, I would choose whichever departure fits your flight arrival best rather than worrying too much about the difference between the two.
🎟️ Booking A Ferry To Paxos
Booking your ferry in advance is sensible, particularly if you are travelling during July or August when popular sailings can fill up.
Allow Enough Time After Your Flight
Avoid booking a ferry too close to your scheduled arrival in Corfu. You still need time to collect your luggage and travel from the airport to the port.
Check The Current Timetable
Ferry schedules change throughout the season, so check the latest departure times before travelling rather than relying on an old timetable.
If your travel dates are flexible, our guide to the best time to visit Paxos can help you avoid the busiest periods.
🌊 What The Ferry Crossing To Paxos Is Like
The crossing from Corfu is not simply a transfer to endure. It is a pleasant part of the journey and your first chance to experience Paxos from the sea.
The Hydrofoil Experience
The hydrofoil crossing is comfortable and relatively quick. As Corfu disappears behind you, the Ionian Sea opens up and Paxos gradually appears on the horizon.
Approaching Gaios By Sea
The final approach is particularly memorable. Green hills and olive groves rise from the coastline before Gaios harbour gradually comes into view.
It is a much more atmospheric arrival than simply stepping off a plane.
🚗 How Do You Get To Paxos From Mainland Greece?
If you are already travelling through mainland Greece, you do not need to go via Corfu. Ferries operate from Igoumenitsa to Paxos during the season, with the crossing typically taking around 90 minutes.
Bringing A Car To Paxos
The mainland route is particularly useful if you are driving, as ferries from the mainland can carry vehicles.
We travelled this way in late October and found the process straightforward, making it a good option for anyone combining Paxos with a wider Greek road trip.
If you are considering taking a vehicle, read our guide to whether you need a car in Paxos.
🛥️ Can You Visit Paxos As A Day Trip?
Yes. Day trips to Paxos operate regularly from Corfu during the tourist season, usually arriving in the morning and returning later in the afternoon.
Is A Paxos Day Trip Worth It?
A day trip gives you a good introduction to the island, with enough time to see Gaios and some of the coastline.
However, Paxos deserves longer if your itinerary allows it. A day lets you see the island, but staying for several nights gives you time to explore beyond Gaios and experience its much slower pace.
⚓ Arriving In Gaios By Ferry
Arriving in Gaios is a memorable introduction to Paxos. The town sits on the island’s eastern coast within a natural harbour protected by small offshore islands.
First Impressions
There is no huge ferry terminal waiting for you. Instead, the arrival feels surprisingly intimate and you find yourself almost immediately immersed in island life.
If you are staying elsewhere on Paxos, you can continue from Gaios by taxi, bus or your own transport.
👍 Is Getting To Paxos Difficult?
Not at all. Getting to Paxos simply involves one extra step compared with Greek islands that have their own airports.
For most visitors, the journey means flying into Corfu, transferring to the port and boarding a ferry to Paxos on the same day.
Once you understand the route, the process is straightforward and certainly should not put you off visiting the island.
🌿 Why The Journey To Paxos Is Worth It
The extra ferry journey is part of what makes arriving in Paxos feel special. Rather than landing directly on the island, you approach slowly across the Ionian Sea before entering Gaios harbour.
That extra step also helps Paxos remain quieter and less developed than many Greek islands with airports.
By the time you arrive, the journey already feels like part of the holiday.
🧭 So, What’s The Best Way To Get To Paxos?
For most visitors, the best way to get to Paxos is to fly to Corfu, transfer from the airport to the port and take a ferry or hydrofoil to Gaios.
If you are already travelling through mainland Greece, taking the ferry from Igoumenitsa can be a better option, particularly if you are bringing a car.
Whichever route you choose, getting to Paxos is easier than it first appears.
❓ FAQs
How Do You Get To Paxos From The UK?
For most UK visitors, the simplest route is to fly directly to Corfu and then take a ferry or hydrofoil from Corfu to Paxos.
How Long Is The Ferry From Corfu To Paxos?
A hydrofoil usually takes just over an hour, while conventional ferry services can take around 90 minutes.
Can You Fly Directly To Paxos?
No. Paxos does not have an airport. The nearest airport is on Corfu, with the final journey to Paxos made by sea.
Where Do Ferries Arrive In Paxos?
Passenger ferries generally arrive in Gaios, the main town and principal port on Paxos.
Can You Take A Car To Paxos?
Yes. Vehicle ferries operate from mainland Greece, making this a useful option if Paxos forms part of a longer Greek road trip.
