Travel to Ioannina from abroad

To assist you in planning your trip to Ioannina, we have outlined the most convenient travel options. Whether you prefer air travel with a direct connection or a combination of flights and land transport, the following options cater to various budgets and schedules.

Option 1: Flight to Athens with a Connecting Flight to Ioannina

The most convenient way to reach Ioannina is by booking a flight to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then taking a connecting domestic flight to Ioannina National Airport (IOA). Airlines such as Aegean Airlines and Sky Express frequently operate the domestic routes.

  • Advantages: This option is fast and hassle-free, with Ioannina’s airport located only about 10 minutes from the city center.
  • Tips: To secure the best deals, we recommend booking your tickets as early as possible. Early bookings often yield significant discounts.

Option 2: Flight to Thessaloniki and Coach to Ioannina

Another practical option is flying to Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) and then traveling to Ioannina by coach. The coach service between Thessaloniki and Ioannina is frequent, affordable, and comfortable.

  • Coach Details: Tickets cost approximately €30 per person, and the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
  • Advantages: This option may be more budget-friendly if flights to Thessaloniki are cheaper or if connecting flights to Ioannina have long layovers.
  • Tips: Coaches typically depart from the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station (KTEL), which is easily accessible from the airport via a short taxi ride or public transport.

Option 3: Flight to Aktion Airport (Preveza) and Coach to Ioannina

For those looking for alternative routes, flying to Aktion National Airport (PVK), also known as Preveza Airport, is another viable choice. From Preveza, you can take a coach or taxi to Ioannina.

  • Coach Details: The journey from Preveza to Ioannina takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Ticket prices are 11 euros.
  • Advantages: This route may work well if flights to Aktion Airport align better with your schedule or budget.
  • Tips: Check the coach schedules in advance to ensure smooth transitions upon arrival.

General Recommendations

  1. Booking Flights: Use flight comparison platforms such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to identify the best deals. Consider flexible travel dates for potential savings.
  2. Coach Tickets: Purchase coach tickets online or directly at the station for convenience. During peak travel periods, advance booking is advisable.
  3. Local Transport: Ioannina is a compact city, and taxis, as well as public buses, are readily available for local transport. Car rentals are also an option for those planning to explore nearby attractions.

Venue information

Location: The Symposium will be held at the University of Ioannina campus, Greece (map). 

Venue: International Centre of Hellenic Education “STAVROS NIARCHOS”, “Dimitrios Glaros” amphitheatre (map).

Address:

UNIVERSITY OF IOANNINA
Center of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
International Centre of Hellenic Education, Culture and Vocational Training
(DIKEPPEE – “Stavros Niarchos”)
University Campus
45 110 Ioannina, GREECE
Tel.: +30-26510-09141, 09131

How to reach DIKEPPEE “Stavros Niarchos”.

International Centre of Hellenic Education “STAVROS NIARCHOS” is situated just before the University campus of Ioannina next to the University Hospital and behind the Science Technology Park.

By car

On your way to the University (5km away from the city center) you have to turn right where the sign University Hospital is. In the middle of this road, on your right hand, there is a big blue sign “The University of Ioannina, International Center of Hellenic Education-Culture & Vocational Training “Stavros Niarchos”. You must turn right there. 100 meters further down there are two buildings with blue roofs. The first one is the Administration Building where courses/seminars/congresses are held.

By bus

You can take the city bus (number 16 and 17) every 10/15 minutes from the Central Square (city centre), opposite the Court House.

Stop: Farmakeio (Last bus stop before University Campus)

http://astiko-ioannina.gr/

In the middle of the road to the University Hospital, on your right hand, there is a big blue sign “The University of Ioannina, International Center of Hellenic Education-Culture & Vocational Training “Stavros Niarchos”. You must turn right there. 100 meters further down there are two buildings with blue roofs. The first one is the Administration Building where courses/seminars/congresses are held.

By taxi

Usually there are taxis waiting outside the Ioannina bus station and airport as well as many taxi stops within the city centre. In case that there are no taxis waiting, you may call the following phone no.: +30-26510 46777.

Accommodation and transportation information

We are pleased to announce that the University of Ioannina offers a limited number of discounted dormitory rooms on the University of Ioannina campus, right next to the symposium venue. Each room has two beds and costs 15 euros per person, per night.

We offer 9 double rooms (18 people total) to the first who will express their interest.

Other accommodation Options: Ioannina offers a variety of accommodation choices. The university campus is located outside the city centre. The few hotels nearby are not only expensive but also isolated, meaning you’d need a car to get around. Staying in the city centre is highly recommended for convenience and accessibility. This area, centred around Democracy Square (with the iconic clock tower), is lively and well-connected to public transport. 

The main streets to look for are Dodoni and Averof and the areas in their immediate vicinity. Ioannina is a compact city; therefore,  taxis and public buses are readily available for local transport. Alternatively, areas like Anatoli or Sismoplikta, slightly outside the city, offer quieter accommodation options but remain accessible through public transport or taxis.

Hotel King Pyrros, situated at the heart of the city, offers a special discount to the conference’s participants (subject to availability).

Transportation: Ioannina boasts a robust local transport system, including buses, taxis, and cycling paths:

Buses: Ioannina’s public bus system connects the city centre with the university campus (mainly services 16-17), running every 10-15 minutes. This is the most cost-effective way to commute, with tickets costing around €1.20 per ride. The ride takes roughly 15 minutes. For more details on how to reach the venue, see above.

Taxis: Readily available throughout the city, taxis provide a quicker but slightly more expensive way to travel. A ride from the city centre to the university campus costs approximately €10.

Walking and Cycling: The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within walking distance. For those preferring to bike, Ioannina has several bike-friendly routes, particularly around its scenic lakeside areas. The University is also connected to the city centre via bike route.

Car Rentals: Several rental agencies in the city offer competitive rates.

Excursion (presenters only)

We’re thrilled to announce a special excursion on April 5th to the archaeological sites of Dodoni (https://efaioa.gr/?page_id=1671&lang=en) and Nicopolis (https://actianicopolisarchaeopark.gr/en/). This exclusive opportunity has been generously provided by the Ioannina and Preveza Ephorate of Antiquities. Presenters will enjoy complimentary transportation, courtesy of the university’s coaches.