If you're coming from the UK or Northern Europe, there's genuinely good news: getting to Kefalonia in summer 2026 is easier than it has ever been. Direct flights connect the island to more British airports than ever before — and for Scandinavians, TUI Nordic has added Kefalonia to its programme for the first time this year.
Here's what's flying, from where, and how to make the most of it.
Direct Flights from the UK — Who's Flying Where
Kefalonia Airport (EFL) is 9km from Argostoli, a 15-minute taxi ride from the capital. In summer 2026, direct flights operate from the following UK airports:
London is the most connected hub by far, with 21 direct flights per week as of April 2026. easyJet and Jet2 fly from London Gatwick (LGW); Jet2, TUI and Ryanair operate from London Stansted (STN); and — a notable addition — British Airways runs a seasonal route from London Heathrow (LHR), running May through September. Flight time from London is around 3 hours 30 minutes.
Manchester is served by easyJet, Jet2 and TUI, with up to 9 flights per week. Flight time is approximately 3 hours 50 minutes.
Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Newcastle are all served by Jet2, with TUI also operating from Newcastle and select others. Edinburgh is new for 2026 — Jet2 added the route this season. Flight times from the Midlands and north run to about 4 hours, and Glasgow to 4 hours 15 minutes.
Season: most routes run May through October, with some extending into November from London Gatwick. The cheapest fares from London tend to appear in May; July and August peak prices can climb considerably.
Booking tip: Direct EFL flights from UK airports fill up quickly — particularly July and August departures. For those months, routes often sell out by February or March. Book early, and if travelling with a family or group, secure seats as soon as schedules open.
Northern Europe — Amsterdam, Scandinavia & Beyond
Beyond the UK, Kefalonia is increasingly well connected to the rest of Northern Europe:
Amsterdam is served by Transavia and TUI Fly with direct seasonal flights.
Scandinavia is the headline story for 2026: TUI Nordic has added Kefalonia as a brand new destination, with direct flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Copenhagen — the first time the island has appeared in a major Scandinavian tour operator's programme. Flight time is approximately 3 hours.
Germany has connections from Frankfurt and Munich, operated by Condor and Discover Airlines, both running May through October.
Paris (Orly) is served by Transavia seasonally in summer.
Option B — Via Athens (For Shoulder Season & More Flexibility)
Outside the summer season — or if you can't get a direct EFL flight that suits your dates — the via-Athens route is reliable year-round. Fly to Athens (AIA) with any major carrier, then connect on Olympic Air or Sky Express to Kefalonia in about 45 minutes. Tickets for the Athens–EFL leg start from around €40–60 if booked in advance.
This route works particularly well for April and October/November travel, when direct UK–EFL flights are sparse or stopped, and Athens is an attractive stopover in its own right.
Practical Things to Know
Car rental: EFL airport has all major rental companies on site. Pre-book in summer — availability gets thin in peak weeks, and prices rise sharply if you wait.
Visa: No visa required for UK, EU or Schengen-area travellers. Post-Brexit UK passport holders can visit Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period — no ETIAS required until 2027.
Best months from the UK: May and June offer warm weather, open beaches and significantly lower prices than July and August. September is arguably the sweet spot — sea temperature peaks, crowds thin out, and fares drop. October is still warm enough for swimming and hiking.
Package holidays: TUI and Jet2 both offer flight + hotel packages to Kefalonia, often providing better value than booking separately in peak season — and ATOL protection for UK travellers.
Planning your trip from the UK or Northern Europe? Ask Memas — our AI island guide can help you work out the best time to visit, what to do on the island, and how to get around once you land.
Planning your trip to Kefalonia? Ask Memas — our AI island guide →