Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (international code: ATH) was named after the Greek politician and diplomat Eleftherios Ven izelos for his contribution to the development of the country’s civil aviation. There is his museum in the terminal building, which can be visited free of charge. There is also an archaeological museum on the airport grounds, which contains exhibits discovered during the construction of the airport.
This is one of the most modern and technologically advanced airports in the world. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire territory, and there are many stores, cafes and comfortable lounges.
Athens Airport has two terminals, the main terminal and the secondary terminal, which is mainly used by low-cost carriers. The Arrivals area is located on the first floor and the Departures area on the first floor.
Two Greek airlines are assigned to the airport: Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. Aeroflot and Russia also fly here.
The airport is located 17 km from the center of Athens and can be reached quickly and conveniently.
Airport bus to Athens
The most budget-friendly option to get to the city center. There are 4 bus routes from the airport to different parts of Athens.
- X93 to Kifisos Intercity bus station (ΚΤΕΛ ΑΡΓΟΛΙΔΑΣ ΑΣ Α. Ε.). Travel time is 1 hour.
- X95 to Syntagma Square (Πλατεία Συντάγματος). This is the most popular route — it goes directly to the center of Athens. It runs 24 hours a day and takes 1 hour.
- X96 — to the port of Piraeus (Λιμάνι Πειραιά). It is useful for those who are passing through Athens and plan to take the ferry to the islands. The journey takes 1.5 hours.
- X97 — to the Elliniko neighborhood (Ελληνικό). The journey takes 1.5 hours.
The bus stop is located in the Arrivals area between Gates 4 and 5. Buses run quite frequently, with an interval of 10 — 60 minutes depending on the route and time of day.
The fare is 6 €. You can buy a ticket at the ticket office or from the driver. Children under 6 years old are free of charge, from 6 to 18 years old and elderly people from 65 years old — 50% discount.
Subway from the airport to Athens
The exit to the metro station is opposite Gate 2 in the Arrivals area. You need to exit the airport building, cross the road and follow the signs marked «To trains». The metro is open from 6:30 to 23:30.
The subway is slightly more expensive than buses: tickets cost 10 € one-way and 18 € round trip. You can buy a group ticket for 2 or 3 people for 18 and 24 € respectively. The ticket has to be valid for 90 minutes and must be validated at a special yellow machine.
The airport is connected to the city by the blue metro line. The trains run along the route: Airport (Αεροδρόμιο) — Doukissis Plakentios (Δουκίσσης Πλακεντίας) — Chalandri (Χαλάνδρι) — Ethniki Amyna (Εθννική Άμυνα) — Katehaki (Κατεχάκη) — Evangelismos (Ευαγγελισμός) — Syntagma (Σύνταγμα) — Monastiraki (Μοναστηράκι). Travel time between the end stations is 1 hour.
Electric train from the airport to Athens
A suburban train will take you to Athens Central Station. The trip takes 40 minutes and costs €10. You can buy a ticket at the metro ticket office and the train leaves from the same platform. To find the departure point of the electric train, follow the same signs as for the metro.
Electric trains run from 05:30 to 21:00 with intervals of 15—30 minutes along the route: Airport (Αεροδρόμιο) — Koropi (Κορωπίον ή Κορωπί) — Kantza (Καντζα) — Kifisias (Kifisias) — Iraklio (Ηράκλειο) — Larisa Station (Σιδηροδρομικός σταθμός Λάρισας).
Cab from the airport to Athens
For those for whom comfort and time are more important than money, and when there is no desire to understand the intricacies of public transport, an individual transfer or a cab will do. Cab parking is located at Gate 3 of the arrival area.
If you book a transfer in advance, the driver will meet you at the exit of the arrival area with a sign with your name on it. The trip to the city center takes approximately 35 minutes and costs from 35 € depending on the class of car and the destination.
Rent a car at Athens Airport
As in any modern airport, Athens has car rental companies. To rent a car, you need an international license. The average rental price is 30 € per day and includes insurance, tolls and airport taxes.
- Where to rent: Economybookings, Myrentacar.
How to get from Athens to the airport at night
You can get to and from Athens Airport by public transportation at any time of the day — which is not the case with all airports. The X95 bus route operates around the clock, only at night the intervals are longer, so it is worth checking the official website in advance for the current schedule.
