Alyssa & Thomas
Travel
Travel Note
But First..
Thomas and I are profoundly grateful to those considering traveling such a distance to join us on our special day. Hosting our wedding in this dream location means the world to us, and we fully acknowledge the time, expense, and dedication involved. We sincerely appreciate the effort and journey such a celebration demands and hold no expectations, only heartfelt gratitude. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we look forward to celebrating this beautiful chapter with you, whether you’re near or afar!
Flight
Santorini (Thira) International Airport
JTR - Santorini (Thira) International Airport is the main airport you’ll fly into for the wedding. It’s a small but busy airport that serves the entire island and is located just 15–20 minutes by taxi from most of the island’s towns, including Fira, Oia, Akrotiri, Megalochori, etc. There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Santorini, so you’ll need to connect through a larger international hub in Europe. Some of the most common and convenient cities to connect through are Athens, London, Rome, and Paris. Here’s a simple example of how your travel might look: • Fly from your home city to a European hub (like JFK → Paris or LAX → Rome). • Take a connecting flight from that city to Santorini (most major European airlines offer 1–2 hour flights to the island). • Common airlines that operate flights from these hubs to Santorini include: Aegean Airlines, British Airways, EasyJet, Vueling, and Ryanair. Alternatively, you can fly into Athens, spend a day or two exploring the city if you’d like, and then take a short flight (about 45 minutes) or ferry to Santorini. Once you land in Santorini, it’s very easy to get around: • Taxis are available at the airport and can take you directly to your hotel or rental. • Many hotels also offer private transfers or shuttles — it’s worth checking in advance. We're here to help if you need guidance while booking your flights or planning your route. Your adventure starts the moment you board your plane, and we can’t wait to welcome you to this beautiful island!
Flight
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)
ATH – Athens International Airport is the most common and direct international hub for travelers heading to Santorini. As our journey originates in the United States, this will be the fastest and most convenient route—connecting in Athens before taking a short 45-minute flight to Santorini island, with multiple departures daily. Guests may also choose to enjoy a layover in Athens for a night or two before continuing on to Santorini—it’s a beautiful way to ease into the Greek experience! Airlines offering direct flights from Athens to Santorini include: Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Ryanair, and Olympic Air.
Travel Note
Ferry: Athens to Santorini (Optional adventure)
For guests looking to enjoy a more scenic journey, high-speed ferries from Athens to Santorini offer a beautiful way to take in the Aegean Sea. Ferries depart from Piraeus Port, located about an hour from Athens International Airport by taxi or metro, and typically take 4.5 to 5 hours. This can be a lovely option for those planning to spend time in Athens before heading to the island, though it requires a bit more coordination than flying. At a glance: • Departure Port: Piraeus (Athens) • Travel Time: 4.5 to 5 hours (high-speed ferries) • Cost: Approximately €30–€80 per person • Booking: FerryHopper • Note: Slower ferries are available but take longer and are best suited for more relaxed itineraries. A ferry ride is scenic, but we only recommend it if you plan to spend a few nights in Athens or prefer a more relaxed journey. It’s not ideal for tight travel schedules or late arrivals.
Travel Note
Traveling From U.S. to Europe
Helpful Tips for U.S. Travelers: Departure Cities: Most major U.S. airports (including Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles) offer nonstop flights to European hubs where you can connect to Santorini. If you’re flying out of a smaller airport without direct international flights, you’ll likely connect through a larger U.S. hub before heading to Europe. Timing Your Flights: Most flights from the U.S. to Europe leave in the evening, so think dinner-time or later. You’ll fly overnight, sleep on the plane overnight (cue movies, snacks, and hopefully some sleep), and then land in Europe the next morning. From there, you’ll catch a shorter flight to Santorini (typically about 45 minutes if flying from Athens, or 1–2 hours if connecting through another city), usually arriving that same afternoon or evening. So if you leave the U.S. on a Monday night, you’ll likely get to Santorini sometime on Tuesday. Booking Tips: • Book international flights 6–9 months in advance for better prices and availability. • Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices. • Consider TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for faster screening • Consider booking one ticket all the way to Santorini so your bags transfer automatically. • Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international departure • If booking separately (e.g., U.S. to Athens, then Athens to Santorini), allow a few hours between flights. Heading Home (What to Expect): Flights back to the U.S. usually leave Europe in the late morning or early afternoon, and thanks to the time difference, you’ll land the same day — just several hours later. Airlines to Look At: Delta, American, United, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and Aegean Airlines all offer routes with smooth connections.
Travel Note
Travel Requirements & Tips: U.S. to Europe (May 2026)
Passport Requirements: • All travelers must have a valid U.S. passport. • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date from Europe. • If your passport expires before November 2026, renew it as soon as possible. • Passport processing can take 8–12 weeks (or longer during peak travel times), so please plan early. ETIAS Travel Authorization (Expected 2026): • The European Union is introducing ETIAS, a new travel authorization for U.S. citizens visiting most European countries (including Greece). • It’s a quick online security check form, not a visa—expected to cost €7 (approx. $8 USD). • The system is anticipated to go into effect in 2026, though updates are still being finalized. • We’ll keep everyone informed if this becomes required before the wedding Currency, Phones & Power: • Greece uses the Euro (€). Bring cash or plan for ATM access. • Notify your bank of international travel. • Use WhatsApp for free messaging and calls over Wi-Fi. • Bring a Type C/F adapter for charging devices.