FAQs about Traveling to Athens from the Airport

Arriving in a new city comes with plenty of questions, especially when it comes to navigating transport. Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is well-connected to the city, but knowing the best way to reach your destination can save time, money, and stress. Here’s what you need to know before choosing between the Athens Airport Express Bus, Metro Line 3, taxis, or rideshares like Uber.

Where is Athens Airport Located? What’s the Area Like Around Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH)?

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is situated in Spata-Artemida, about 33 km southeast of Athens city center. This area may be an airport hub, but it has a local charm of its own. Spata is known for its vineyards, traditional tavernas, and quiet residential neighborhoods, while nearby Artemida offers a relaxed coastal vibe with beautiful beaches along the Aegean Sea.

If you have a long layover, consider venturing out for some authentic Greek food. Artemida is famous for its seafood tavernas, where you can enjoy freshly grilled fish and local meze just a short drive from the airport. Shopping lovers can also visit McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens, a top spot for discounts on international brands, located just 15 minutes away.

Can you sleep in Athens Airport? Where can you sleep in Athens Airport?

While Athens International Airport operates 24/7, it’s not particularly accommodating for overnight stays. Comfortable seating is scarce, and some travelers have reported that airport staff discourage sleeping in public areas. If you must stay overnight, the airside (past security) tends to offer more options than the landside. However, be aware that some areas may have signs prohibiting sleeping.

Are there any hotels near the airport?

The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel is the most convenient option, located directly across from the terminal. If you have an early flight or a late arrival, it’s a hassle-free place to stay, at just a two-minute walk from the airport. For more budget-friendly options, consider hotels in Artemida or Markopoulo, both within a short drive from the airport. When it comes to accommodation, there are over 200 hotels, apartments, and guesthouses within a few kilometers of the airport, ranging from budget stays to more comfortable hotels with airport shuttles.

How far is Athens Airport from the city center?

Athens International Airport is 33 kilometers southeast of downtown Athens. Travel time varies depending on your transport choice and traffic conditions. A taxi or Uber can take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes, while the metro from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes.

Can I use a regular public transport ticket for airport routes?

No, airport routes require a special airport ticket due to the extended distance. A metro ticket from Athens Airport costs €9 one way, while the Athens Airport Express Bus ticket is €6. If you’re planning multiple trips, consider a 3-day tourist pass (€20), which includes one round trip to the airport and unlimited rides on buses, trams, and metro lines.

Is it safe to take public transport at night?

Yes, both the Athens Airport Express Bus and metro to Athens city center operate at night and are generally safe. However, pickpocketing can be an issue, especially in crowded metro stations like Monastiraki and Syntagma.

I personally saw a failed attempt in the subway. They made someone’s wallet fall when they were getting off, and my dad put his foot on it, stopping them from stealing it. So if you’re arriving late and carrying valuables, a taxi or Uber from Athens Airport to Athens city center might be a more comfortable option.

Does Uber operate from Athens Airport?

Yes, but Uber in Athens only offers UberTAXI, meaning you’ll still get a licensed taxi, just booked through the app. While the fixed fare for an airport taxi to Athens city center is €40 during the day and €55 at night, Uber fares can fluctuate. If you’re heading to Piraeus Port for a ferry, an Uber from Athens Airport to Piraeus will cost around €50-60, depending on traffic.

Which Athens Airport do EasyJet and Ryanair fly to?

Both EasyJet and Ryanair operate flights to and from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). This is the only commercial airport serving Athens, so whether you’re flying with a budget airline or a premium carrier, ATH is your arrival and departure point.

How to get from Athens Airport to Acropolis Metro Station

The easiest way to get from Athens Airport to the Acropolis Station is by taking Metro Line 3 (Blue Line). Board the metro at the airport station, and after about 40 minutes, get off at Syntagma Square. From there, switch to Metro Line 2 (Red Line) and travel one stop to Acropoli Station.

If you prefer a direct ride, taxis are available outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals level. The journey takes around 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic, with a flat fare of €40 during the day and €55 at night.

How to get from Athens Airport to Plaka

Plaka, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, is located right below the Acropolis. The most efficient way to reach it from Athens Airport is by Metro Line 3 to Syntagma Square, followed by a 10-minute walk downhill. If you have luggage, a taxi might be a more convenient choice, taking 35-45 minutes.

If you’re arriving at night and prefer not to navigate public transport, the X95 Airport Bus to Syntagma Square is a budget-friendly alternative. From there, Plaka is just a short walk away.

How to get from Athens Airport to Monastiraki Square

To arrive at the historic Monastiraki Square, take the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport straight to Monastiraki Station. The journey is approximately 42 minutes long, with trains departing every 30 minutes. Tickets are priced at €9 for all metro rides to and from Athens Airport. This direct route is ideal for those looking to explore the city’s ancient sites upon arrival.

How to get from Athens Airport to Koukaki

To reach the vibrant neighborhood of Koukaki, take the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport to Syntagma Station. From there, transfer to Line 2 (Red Line) heading towards Elliniko and disembark at Syngrou-Fix Station. The total journey lasts approximately 46 minutes and costs around €11. Alternatively, the X95 express bus connects the airport to Syntagma Square, where you can switch to a local bus or taxi to Koukaki. This option takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes.

How to get from Athens Airport to Kolonaki

For the upscale district of Kolonaki, board the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) directly from the airport and alight at Evangelismos Station. The trip takes roughly 40 minutes and costs €9. From Evangelismos, it’s a short walk into the heart of Kolonaki. This route is both convenient and efficient, especially during peak traffic hours.

How to get from Athens Airport to Omonia Square

Reaching Omonia Square involves taking the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport to Monastiraki Station. At Monastiraki, transfer to Line 1 (Green Line) heading towards Kifisia and get off at Omonia Station. The total travel time is about 45 minutes, and the ticket costs €9. Alternatively, the X95 express bus runs from the airport to Syntagma Square. From Syntagma, you can take a short taxi ride or transfer to the metro for one stop to reach Omonia. This bus option is available 24/7 and costs €6.

How to get from Athens Airport to Glyfada

Glyfada is part of Athens’ Riviera, known for its beaches, shopping, and lively nightlife. While there’s no direct metro connection, you can take Metro Line 3 to Syntagma, then transfer to the Tram (T6 or T7) towards Glyfada. As an alternative, you can use the X96 Airport Express Bus, which runs 24/7 and takes about 60 minutes to reach Glyfada, or you can take a taxi or Uber (around 30 minutes, depending on traffic).

👉 If you’re heading straight to the beach, ask the taxi driver to take you to Asteras Beach or Kavouri, two of the most popular seaside spots.

How to Get from Athens Airport to Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni is home to some of Greece’s best beaches, including the famous Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal spa. To get there from the airport by bus and tram: Take the X96 Airport Bus to Elliniko, then switch to the Tram T7 towards Vouliagmeni. However, the most convenient and fastest option is by taxi, taking about 30-35 minutes.

👉 If you have time, make a stop at Limanakia, a hidden rocky cove between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, known for its crystal-clear waters and natural swimming pools.

Whether you’re heading to the Acropolis, staying in Plaka, or escaping to Athens’ coastal suburbs, this guide helps you choose the best transport option from Athens Airport. If you have any questions or need local tips, drop a comment below!