Athens Airport: Where It Is and How to Get Into Town

Athens has one airport, Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH). It is the largest in Greece and the country's main international gateway. It sits in Spata, about 20.5 miles (33 km) from the city center, and most travelers reach downtown in 35 to 50 minutes by metro, taxi or car. Settle on your ride before you land and the arrival goes smoothly.

Which airport do you fly into for Athens?

Airlines range from Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air to British Airways, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport opened in 2001, built ahead of the 2004 Olympics, and it is Aegean's home base.

The layout is easy to learn. A main terminal does most of the work. A satellite terminal takes the overflow during the busy season and serves mostly low-cost carriers. The two terminals are joined by an underground passageway with moving walkways, so you can easily make the trip between them on foot. The main terminal has three levels: arrivals, departures, and a floor of food and shops. Gates A and B are in the main terminal and Gates C are in the satellite. If your connection leaves from a C gate, allow extra walking time.

How do you get from the airport to central Athens?

Before you walk out of the baggage reclaim area, take a moment to check that you have collected all your bags and belongings, since you cannot go back in once you leave. Once you walk out, you can't go back in.

Metro Line 3 (the Blue Line) is the easy default. It reaches Syntagma Square and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes. The rail station sits right next to the terminal, and an elevated walkway leads to it from the Departures level. The suburban train (Proastiakos) leaves from the same station and runs to Athens Central Station.

The X95 express runs to Syntagma Square and suits you if your hotel is within a few blocks of it. The X95 express bus runs from the airport to Syntagma Square, and the X80 express bus links Piraeus Port, the Acropolis and Syntagma Square.

Taxis queue at the official rank outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals level, and fares start at the airport. Count on 35 to 40 minutes in normal traffic, and longer when the roads are busy. Uber also works in Athens.

Should you book a private transfer?

A private transfer is worth it if you land tired, with kids or with a lot of luggage. A driver meets you at the airport and takes you door to door.

2026 prices: rides into the city start from about $37 to $46 for a car, $41 for a van or minibus, and $61 for a private taxi for up to three people. A transfer between Piraeus port and the city center or the airport takes 30 to 45 minutes and starts from $25. Many transfers are priced per group, for example up to 3, 6 or 8 people. Extras such as a city highlights tour raise the rate. These are "from" prices, so confirm the total when you book.

Is renting a car a good idea?

A car can be handy if you plan to explore beyond the city. Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Sixt and other companies have desks on the Arrivals level. A rental gives you the freedom to explore well beyond the center. Central Athens itself is heavy with traffic and short on parking, though. Reserve ahead so you get the vehicle you want and keep pickup quick once you land.

Where do you go to leave Athens by ferry?

Ferries leave from Piraeus, Greece's largest port, and you can get there straight from the airport. Metro Line 3 runs through to Piraeus, and the suburban train connects there too. The X96 bus is the simplest door-to-dock option, because it runs from the airport directly to the port.

What is it like inside?

The terminals are modern, with free Wi-Fi throughout. The shopping area is laid out like a classical Greek town. Open agoras lead to arcades (stoas) and on to communal squares (platies) where you can slow down. You'll find Greek designers and a well-stocked Greek deli section with olive oil, honey, cheeses and ouzo. Practical services include charging points, ATMs, currency exchange, a pharmacy, a post office and luggage storage.

The second-floor observation deck is open to all visitors. Families get baby care rooms and a children's play area. If you aren't flying business, several lounges let you in for a fee.

The airport stays open around the clock, so a very early or very late flight is easy to manage. Sleeping is easier after security, where you'll find recliners and cushioned benches. You need a valid boarding pass to stay airside overnight. Some Schengen areas may close for a few hours in the small hours.

How early should you arrive for your flight?

For domestic flights, arrive 1 to 2 hours ahead. For international flights, plan on about three hours, since those procedures take longer. Summer is peak season and security lines can grow long, so lean toward the earlier end. If you qualify for a VAT refund, have customs stamp your tax-free form before you check your bags.

Self-service kiosks at the airport let you print your boarding pass, and depending on the airline, even drop off your luggage. Airline rules on online check-in vary, so look up yours before you go. Gates can change without notice, so keep an eye on the screens until you board.