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At first glance the new Ryanair route between Stansted and Patras seems very attractive. Certainly the prices are..... starting at around £8.99, one way. However, I've tried very hard to find out how to get to Patras ( Araxos ) Airport by public transport from Lefkas and come up against an info black hole.
Buses from Lefkas to Patras are only twice a week.... on Fridays at 0915 and Sundays at 1715. One could, of course take a bus to somewhere with more frequent connections to Patras and do it in two hops.
Having managed to get to Patras you then have to get to the airport which lies approximately 40km south west of the city. Unlike Athens, which has a regular shuttle service to and from the airport, Patras does not and local bus information is difficult to obtain. Maybe, during the summer season there will be a shuttle service. A taxi from Patras centre to the airport is around €50.
Until someone from Lefkas has actually experienced these flights and can share the information it would seem to me that the only viable way of using them is for someone to drive you there. A journey time of three or more hours each way and the fuel cost plus the bridge tolls make it quite a big 'ask' of any friends (and don't forget that you need the same favour on your return).
If you're a boat dweller, you could sail down to Patras or Messalonghi and start the journey from there. What you might have to pay for leaving the boat safely in these places is an unknown.
So, until somebody comes up with accurate info detailing how to get to and from Patras Airport I will continue to get either a cheapish last minute seat on a charter flight using Preveza, or, not so ideally, use Easyjet through Corfu or Athens.
