Flights to Corfu from Israel — What You Need to Know

Corfu is one of the most popular summer destinations for Israeli travelers, and for good reason — this picturesque island combines stunning beaches, authentic Greek cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. So how do you get to Corfu in the most convenient and affordable way? Let's start with the basics: the flight.

Which Airlines Fly to Corfu?

Flights to Corfu from Israel are available mainly during the summer season, when tourist demand is at its highest. Airlines operating direct and connecting routes include:

Israir — operates direct flights to Corfu during the summer season; service is significantly reduced from November through March.
Wizz Air and Ryanair — low-cost carriers operating connecting flights, usually via Athens, Bucharest, or Budapest.
Aegean Airlines (Greek domestic carrier) — connects Athens to Corfu for onward travel.
Olympic Air — another option for a domestic flight from Athens to Corfu, useful when connecting from an international flight.

Good to know: during peak season (June–August), direct flights are generally available, while during the rest of the year you may need to make a connection.

Flight Duration and Travel Seasons

A direct flight from Israel to Corfu takes just one and a half to two hours — one of the shortest trips to any Greek island. That's a huge advantage for families with kids and for anyone who prefers not to spend hours in transit.

Corfu's active tourist season runs from April through October, peaking between June and August. September and October still offer wonderful weather, smaller crowds, and significantly lower prices.

Tips for Finding the Best Ticket Prices

Book at least 3–4 months in advance for peak-season flights.
Compare different days of the week — Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often cheaper than weekend departures.
Set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner.
Consider a connecting flight through Athens with a day or two stopover in the city — it can sometimes save money and adds a worthwhile experience.

Corfu Airport — What to Expect When You Land

Location of Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport

Corfu's airport is called Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (IATA code: CFU), and it's located just about 2 kilometers from the center of Corfu Town. It's one of the closest airports to a city center anywhere in Greece — a significant advantage for travelers who want to reach their hotel quickly.

The airport's runway is famous for its dramatic photography: planes land directly over the sea and a road below, so from the nearby Kanoni viewpoint you can often watch aircraft flying at very low altitude — a spectacle that draws aviation enthusiasts all on its own.

Getting from the Airport to the City

Once you land, getting to Corfu Town from the airport is relatively straightforward. You have several options:

Transportation	Travel Time	Estimated Cost
Taxi	10–15 minutes	€15–25
Public bus (Line 15)	~20 minutes	€1.70
Car rental	Immediate (pick up at airport)	Depends on company
Hotel shuttle / organized transfer	15–30 minutes	€20–40 per vehicle

Taxis, Buses, and Car Rentals from the Airport

Taxis are available at a dedicated stand outside the terminal. Make sure the meter is running — that's your legal right. A ride to Corfu Town takes about 10 minutes and costs between €15 and €25, depending on the time of day and the amount of luggage.

Public bus — KTEL Line 15 departs from the airport and goes to the central bus station in Corfu Town. The ticket costs just €1.70 — the cheapest option available.

Car rental at the airport: Major companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, along with local agencies, operate desks inside the terminal or in the adjacent parking area. If you're planning to explore the island, picking up your car right at the airport saves you an unnecessary extra trip.

Car Rental in Corfu — The Best Decision You'll Make for Your Vacation

Is It Worth Renting a Car in Corfu?

In short — absolutely yes. Corfu is a mid-sized island (about 585 km²), with beaches, villages, and hills scattered all across it. Getting around Corfu without a private car means depending on buses that don't always reach everywhere, and taxis that add up to a significant cost over time.

With a rental car you can:

Reach remote beaches that buses don't serve
Travel on your own schedule, not according to a timetable
Save money on taxis across multiple trips

Average Prices and What to Check Before You Rent

Average car rental prices in Corfu during the summer season:

Category	Estimated Daily Price
Small car (e.g., Fiat 500)	€30–50
Mid-size car (e.g., VW Polo)	€45–70
SUV / 4×4	€65–100
50cc scooter	€15–25

Before signing the contract — check:

Does the insurance include full roof and undercarriage coverage (full CDW)?
What is the fuel policy — do you return it full and receive it full?
Is there an additional charge for a second driver?
What are the cancellation terms if your plans change?

Driving in Corfu — Roads, Parking, and Traffic Rules

Driving in Corfu requires a bit of mental preparation. Roads in certain parts of the island — especially in the north and in the mountains — are very narrow, sometimes single-lane with room for only one car at a time. Don't be shy about driving slowly and yielding to oncoming traffic.

Side of the road: Right (same as Israel) ✓
Israeli driver's license: Valid in Greece ✓
Minimum rental age: Usually 21+, sometimes 23+ for certain vehicle categories
Parking in Corfu Town: Challenging — it's best to use designated parking areas outside the Old Town

Buses in Corfu — The KTEL Network

How Does the Public Bus System Work?

Corfu's public bus network is operated by KTEL Kerkyras, and it's the cheapest way to travel between different points on the island. Buses in Corfu fall into two categories:

Urban lines (blue) — serve Corfu Town and its immediate surroundings.
Intercity lines (green) — connect Corfu Town to villages and towns across the island.

Main Routes and the Central Bus Station in Corfu Town

The KTEL central bus station is located on Avramiou Avenue in Corfu Town — easy to find and centrally situated. From there, buses depart to most of the popular destinations:

Destination	Approximate Frequency	Travel Time	Estimated Price
Glyfada	5–6 times/day	45 minutes	€2–3
Ipsos	Several times/day	30 minutes	~€2
Benitses	3–4 times/day	40 minutes	~€2.50
Kassiopi	3–4 times/day	75 minutes	~€4
Airport (Line 15)	Frequent	20 minutes	€1.70

Limitations — Where Buses Don't Reach

The truth is that the KTEL network does not cover the entire island. Destinations like Paleokastritsa have limited service — typically just 3–4 departures per day, with almost nothing on Saturdays. More remote spots in the north, smaller beaches, and many of the mountain villages simply aren't connected to the public network.

For anyone who wants to explore the island in depth without a rental car, organized tours are the ideal solution.

Getting Around Corfu Town — On Foot, by Scooter, and by Taxi

The Old Town — Narrow Streets Made for Walking

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) is a UNESCO-listed city, and its Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys and stone stairways with no room for cars — and that's precisely its charm. Exploring on foot isn't just possible; it's highly recommended: that's how you discover hidden corners, tucked-away cafés, and breathtaking Venetian architecture.

The best way to get to know the Old Town is simply to get lost in it — the worst that can happen is that you'll stumble upon a wonderful café with a sea view.

Scooters and Electric Bikes for Rent

For short trips outside the Old Town, a scooter is an extremely popular way to get around. You can rent a 50cc scooter without a special license (a standard Class B license is sufficient), for €15–25 per day.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are another increasingly popular option, letting you explore the broader neighborhoods of Corfu Town without breaking a sweat. Rental cost: approximately €20–35 per day.

Important: always wear a helmet — it's a legal requirement in Greece, and beyond that, roads outside the city can be hectic.

Taxi Apps and Standard Fares

Corfu doesn't yet have a strong Uber presence. Local taxis are the main option, and you can hail one:

Directly on the street — dedicated taxi stands exist at several central locations
By phone — local directory listings
Through your hotel's front desk — usually the easiest approach

Standard fares within the city: €5–10 for a short ride. To destinations outside the city: €15–35, depending on where you're headed.

Getting to Remote Attractions — Paleokastritsa, Achilleion, and More

Can You Get There by Public Transport?

Sites like Paleokastritsa (the stunning blue bay on the northwest of the island) and the Achilleion Palace are theoretically reachable by bus — but with a limited and restrictive schedule. A handful of buses run to Paleokastritsa each day from Corfu Town, but the last return bus typically leaves in the early afternoon, cutting your visit noticeably short.

The Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria in the 19th century, sits on a hill south of Corfu Town — about 10 kilometers from the center. You can reach it by taxi, rental car, or organized tour.

The Advantage of Organized Tours for Out-of-Town Sites

One of the smartest ways to visit remote attractions is joining an organized tour. You get flexibility, local expertise, and no need to worry about parking, narrow roads, or public bus timetables.

For example, a private tour to Paleokastritsa lets you reach this magnificent bay in complete comfort, with a guide who knows every corner — including the romantic monastery that most tourists walk right past. And if you'd like to combine a special day of nature and gastronomy, a tasting tour + boat trip is an experience you'll remember for years.

Final Practical Tips Before You Hit the Road

Before we wrap up this guide to getting around Corfu, here are a few field-tested tips worth keeping in mind:

Book your rental car in advance — cars sell out fast in summer, and arriving without a reservation could leave you stranded.
Make sure you have an offline maps app (such as Maps.me or Google Maps offline) — cell coverage can be spotty in mountainous areas.
Buy bus tickets at the station, not on the bus — there's sometimes a small price difference.
In the Old Town — walk, don't drive. There's no parking, streets are closed to traffic, and the atmosphere on foot is simply incomparable.
Check what your credit card's insurance covers before adding extra coverage at the car rental counter — some cards include basic CDW.
Peak season = long taxi queue at the airport. If you're arriving on a late-night flight, consider arranging a transfer in advance.
For spontaneous trips to Mouse Island — it's worth checking out Mouse Island ahead of time to understand what the boat ride from Kanoni includes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Israel to Corfu?

A direct flight from Israel to Corfu takes approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on the departure point and flight conditions. During the summer season, direct flights operate from several Israeli airports, including Ben Gurion. It's one of the shortest flights to any Greek island — a clear advantage for families and anyone who finds long flights difficult.

Can you get by in Corfu without renting a car?

If you're staying in Corfu Town itself — absolutely yes, since the Old Town is very walkable. But if you want to explore beaches and attractions outside the city, such as Paleokastritsa, renting a car or joining an organized tour will save you a lot of time and frustration. Public buses exist, but are limited in both frequency and coverage.

How much does a taxi from the airport to Corfu Town cost?

A taxi from the airport to Corfu Town typically costs between €15 and €25, depending on the time of day and the amount of luggage. The ride takes only about 10–15 minutes, since the airport is very close to the city — just about 2 kilometers away.

Do public buses in Corfu reach the beaches?

The KTEL bus network covers some of the popular destinations, such as Glyfada and Ipsos, but not all of them. For more remote beaches or attractions like Paleokastritsa, a rental car or organized tour is the way to go. Additionally, buses don't always run with sufficient frequency on weekends.

Can you drive in Corfu with an Israeli driver's license?

Yes, an Israeli driver's license is valid in Greece with no need for an international driving permit. This is because Israel is a signatory to the relevant international convention. Just make sure your license is current and that you have appropriate travel insurance before picking up your rental.

What's the easiest way to get to Mouse Island?

Mouse Island is one of the most photogenic spots in Corfu, and you can reach it by small boat from the nearby Kanoni shoreline — less than a kilometer from the airport. The easiest way is to join an organized boat tour that includes a stop at the island, which also gives you the chance to capture the iconic shot of planes landing over the sea.

In Closing — Your Corfu Mobility Adventure Starts Here

Now that you have a clear picture of how to get to Corfu and how to get around once you're there, it's time to start planning. Whether you choose a rental car, the public bus, a leisurely stroll through the ancient alleyways of the Old Town, or an organized tour that handles all the logistics for you — Corfu is waiting with scenery, flavors, and moments you won't forget.

Want us to take care of all your transfers and the best experiences on the island? Browse our full range of tours at Click in Corfu — from private excursions to unforgettable boat trips. We'd love to help you plan the perfect vacation.