Athens International Airport Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know about transfers from Athens International Airport. Meeting points, prices, transport options, and insider tips.
Terminal Information
Athens Airport has one main terminal building with a satellite terminal connected by an underground walkway. All arrivals come through the main terminal Arrivals Hall on the ground floor.
📍 Where to Meet Your Driver
Your driver will meet you at the Arrivals Hall exit, between Exits 2 and 3 where the car services and transfer companies have designated waiting areas. Look for your name sign.
Getting to Athens Center
Distance: 33 km • Drive time: 35-55 minutes
Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)
Modern, air-conditioned metro running every 30 minutes. Stops at Syntagma (city center) and Monastiraki. Runs 06:30-23:30.
X95 Express Bus
Runs 24/7, every 15-30 minutes. The only public option for late-night arrivals.
X96 Express Bus
Direct bus to Piraeus port — essential if catching an island ferry.
Suburban Rail (Proastiakos)
Train service connecting the airport to Piraeus port and northern suburbs.
🚕 Taxi Rank
Official yellow taxis outside the Arrivals exit. FLAT RATE: €40 daytime (05:00-00:00), €55 nighttime (00:00-05:00). These are set by law.
Airport Facilities
📶 WiFi
Free WiFi for 45 minutes. Connect to 'ATH Free WiFi'. Registration via email required.
🛋️ Lounges
Goldair Handling Lounge (Priority Pass), Aegean Business Lounge.
🏪 Facilities & Services
Small archaeological museum (free, airside), pharmacy, currency exchange, luggage storage.
Insider Tips
The €40/€55 flat taxi rate is the LAW. Don't let any driver charge more or claim supplements.
If you need to catch a ferry to the islands from Piraeus, the X96 bus goes directly — much cheaper than a taxi.
Athens Metro runs only until 23:30 — for late arrivals, the X95 bus runs 24/7 and is your best budget option.
Summer temperatures in Athens reach 38-42°C. An air-conditioned transfer is strongly recommended June-September.
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Introduction
Welcome to Athens International Airport (ATH), the primary gateway to the historic city of Athens and the beautiful country of Greece. This guide provides comprehensive information for a smooth and stress-free arrival experience, covering everything from terminal navigation and transportation options to essential airport services and insider tips for your journey into Athens.
Airport Overview
Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos, is the largest and busiest airport in Greece. It serves as a major hub for Aegean Airlines and other Greek airlines. The airport is located in Spata, approximately 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) east of Athens city center.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos |
| IATA Code | ATH |
| City | Athens |
| Country | Greece |
| Terminals | 2 (Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal) |
| Passenger Traffic | Over 22.7 million (2022) |
| Distance to City Center | 33 km (20.5 miles) |
Terminal Layout & Airlines
The airport consists of the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal, connected by an underground link. The Main Terminal is divided into two halls: Hall A handles flights to non-Schengen and non-European destinations, while Hall B serves domestic and intra-Schengen flights. The Satellite Terminal is used by several airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. A free shuttle bus connects the Main and Satellite terminals.
Arrivals & Meet Your Driver
Upon arrival, you will proceed to the Arrivals level of the Main Terminal. After clearing passport control and collecting your baggage, you will exit into the main arrivals hall. This is the designated meeting area for pre-booked transfers. Your driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name, typically near the exit from the baggage claim area. Look for exits B3 to B5 for international arrivals and A1 for domestic arrivals.
Taxi & Rideshare
A taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals hall, between exits 2 and 3. Taxis operate on a flat-rate basis to the city center. The daytime fare (05:00-24:00) is €40, and the nighttime fare (00:00-05:00) is €55. Rideshare services like Uber are also available and operate through the app, with pickups at the designated rideshare area.
Public Transport
Athens International Airport is well-connected to the city center by public transport.
| Transport | Price | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 3 | €9 | 40 minutes |
| Express Bus (X95) | €5.50 | 60-70 minutes |
| Suburban Railway | €9 | 40 minutes |
Car Rental
Car rental desks are located on the Arrivals level of the Main Terminal. Major international and local car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Budget, have a presence at the airport.
Airport Facilities
Athens International Airport offers a range of facilities for travelers, including free Wi-Fi, several lounges, currency exchange counters, luggage storage services, and mobile SIM card vendors.
Parking Information
The airport provides short-term and long-term parking options. Short-term parking is located directly opposite the Main Terminal, while long-term parking is a short shuttle bus ride away. Rates vary depending on the duration of your stay.
Top Destinations & Drive Times
| Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Athens City Center | 35-45 minutes |
| Piraeus Port | 45-60 minutes |
| Glyfada | 30-40 minutes |
| Cape Sounion | 40-50 minutes |
| Rafina Port | 20-30 minutes |
| Lavrio Port | 30-40 minutes |
Layover Tips
For passengers with a long layover, the airport offers several options. You can store your luggage and take a short trip to the nearby McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Attica Zoological Park. Alternatively, you can take the metro to the city center to explore the Acropolis and other historical sites.
Dining & Shopping
The airport has a wide variety of dining and shopping options, both before and after security. You can find everything from fast-food chains to sit-down restaurants, as well as duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and high-end boutiques.
Accessibility
Athens International Airport is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. The airport provides special assistance services, including wheelchairs and electric buggies. It is advisable to book these services in advance with your airline.
FAQs
1. How do I get from Athens Airport to the city center?
You can take the metro, the express bus, a taxi, or a pre-booked transfer.
2. Is there a train from Athens Airport to the city?
Yes, Metro Line 3 and the Suburban Railway connect the airport to the city center.
3. How much is a taxi from Athens Airport to the city center?
The flat rate is €40 during the day and €55 at night.
4. Is Uber available at Athens Airport?
Yes, Uber is available and can be booked through the app.
5. Can I buy a SIM card at Athens Airport?
Yes, there are several mobile provider kiosks in the arrivals hall.
6. Is there free Wi-Fi at Athens Airport?
Yes, the airport offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi access.
7. What are the luggage storage options at the airport?
Luggage storage is available at the arrivals level, operated by Care4Bag.
8. How early should I arrive at Athens Airport for my flight?
It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
9. Are there hotels inside Athens Airport?
Yes, the Sofitel Athens Airport is located directly opposite the main terminal.
10. What can I do on a long layover at Athens Airport?
You can visit the nearby outlet mall, the zoo, or take a trip to the city center to see the sights.
Last updated: March 2026
Popular Transfers from Athens International Airport
→ Monastiraki
→ Athens Bus Terminal
→ Athens Stadium
→ Athens Ferry Terminal
→ Athens University Area
→ Athens City Center
→ Plaka
→ Glyfada
→ Athens Downtown
→ Piraeus Port
→ Athens Business District
→ Syntagma
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