If you are arriving by air, you will land on Eleftherios Venizelos Athens International Airport, 33 kilometers East of Athens.
To get to town, you can choose between the metro, suburban railway, bus, and car hire. Read this and learn the best way to get to Athens from the airport.
Options to get to Athens from the airport
Metro
The Airport is connected to the city of Athens by Metro Line 3, Agia Marina – Airport. One-way ticket costs €10.00, while a round-trip is €18.00.
Taking the metro is the fastest option to get to Athens from the airport.
Express bus
There are four express bus routes connecting the airport with the greater area of Athens, which are available non-stop. Depending on where you’re heading, you can choose between X93 – Kifissos and Liosion, X95 – Syntagma, X96 – Piraeus Port, and X97 – Elliniko. Full tickets cost €6.00, while the reduced ones cost €3.00.
Taking the express bus is the cheapest option to get to Athens from the airport.
Private transfer from the airport
I strongly recommend giving a call to Konstantinos Athiniotis, who handles private transfers. You can find him at +30 698 769 4118. He speaks English and he is full of useful information on what to see in Athens and all over Greece, in general. It costs around €50.00, but that is kind of the same price as a taxi, yet way better.
Booking private transfer from the airport is the most convenient option for groups.
Taxi
A taxi ride from the airport to the city center should be between €35.00 and €55.00, including the freeway toll and the luggage surcharge. The duration is between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Regional buses to travel in Greece
You can use a regional bus to get you to Port Rafina, Port of Lavrio, Kalyvia, Keratea, and Markopoulo.
FAQs when you get to Athens from the airport
Are there two airports in Athens?
No, there is only one airport in Athens, the Athens International Airport (AIA), which in Greece is called Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. The Athens domestic and international airports are the same. It’s very useful to know this when you try to get to Athens from the airport or the other way around.
How many terminals does Athens airport have?
Athens airport currently has two terminals: the main terminal and a satellite terminal. The latter can be reached from the main terminal by an underground connection. It is planned to be expanded over the following years in a modular approach to handle increases in air travel.
How long does it take from Athens airport to city center?
The airport in Athens is relatively close to the town center. The journey to get to Athens from the airport is about 35 km long. By car or taxi, it should take between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Does Uber work in Athens?
In 2014, Uber launched in Athens. While the ride-share company initially offered Uber X and Uber X Plus rides, the service is limited to the Greater Athens area as of this writing, with only UberTAXI available for trips from Athens to nearby locations and Athens International Airport.
What’s the area like near Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)?
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) is in Spata-Artemida, a friendly area known for its bar scene and dining options. You’ll also find 223 hotels and other accommodations a few miles away from the airport.
Can I sleep in Athens Airport?
Although there are many lounges at Athens Airport, none have dedicated sleeping rooms or rest areas. You should check out the airport’s lounges where you can pay to gain access if you want to sleep in a comfortable seat.
Alternatives to get to Athens
How to get to Athens from the port
How to get to Athens by train