Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is Greece's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 33 km east of Athens city center near the town of Spata. Opened in 2001, it serves as the primary hub for Aegean Airlines and its subsidiary Olympic Air, handling over 25 million passengers annually and serving as the main gateway to Greece and the Greek islands.

The airport has a single Main Terminal Building with a connected Satellite Terminal:

• Main Terminal Building: All check-in, arrivals, and departures are processed here. The building has two levels: departures (upper level) and arrivals (lower level). Gates A1-A9 and B1-B21 are in the main building.
• Satellite Terminal: Connected to the main terminal via an underground walkway. Houses gates A10-A26. Primarily used for non-Schengen international flights and some Schengen departures during peak times.

Layout note: The airport is relatively compact compared to other major European hubs. The main terminal is a single, linear building, making navigation straightforward. The satellite terminal adds capacity for international flights but requires a 5-10 minute underground walk.

Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air dominate operations here, with Star Alliance partners and major European carriers also well-represented.

ATH is located 33 km (20 miles) east of Athens city center. Multiple transport options connect the airport to the city:

Method	Time to Syntagma Square	Cost
Metro Line 3	40-45 min	€10
Suburban Rail	45-55 min to Monastiraki	€10
Express Bus X95	60-90 min	€5.50
Taxi	40-60 min	€40 flat rate
BEAT / Private transfer	40-60 min	€35-50

Traffic between ATH and Athens can be heavy, especially during rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM) and summer weekends. The Metro is the most reliable option for timing.

Important: Uber does not operate reliably in Greece due to regulatory restrictions. The primary rideshare alternative is BEAT, which works similarly to Uber and is widely used by locals.

Taxis

Official yellow taxis use flat-rate pricing for Athens city center:

Flat rate to Athens city center: €40 (daytime) / €55 (midnight to 5 AM)

Destination	Daytime Fare	Night Fare	Notes
Syntagma Square	€40	€55	Flat rate
Monastiraki	€40	€55	Flat rate
Piraeus Port	€50	€65	Flat rate
Acropolis area	€40	€55	Flat rate
Glyfada	€30	€40	Closer to airport
Kifisia	€45	€60	Northern suburbs
Rafina Port	€25	€35	Closest port

Important taxi tips:

• Only use official yellow taxis from the designated taxi rank outside arrivals
• Flat rates are per taxi, not per person (up to 4 passengers)
• Confirm the flat rate before departure
• Night rates apply from midnight to 5:00 AM
• Licensed taxis have meters, but flat rates apply for city center
• Beware of unlicensed drivers inside the terminal offering rides
• Taxis can be paid in cash or card (confirm card acceptance beforehand)

BEAT (Recommended Rideshare)

BEAT is the dominant rideshare app in Greece and the best alternative to taxis.

• How it works: Download the BEAT app, enter pickup location and destination, see fare estimate, book ride
• Pickup: Standard pickup at arrivals, same as taxis
• Fare to city center: €35-45 depending on traffic and exact destination
• Payment: Through app (card) or cash
• Availability: Good, generally reliable 24/7

Tip: Download BEAT before arrival and add a payment method. It often undercuts taxi fares and offers transparent pricing.

Alternative Services

• Welcome Pickups: Pre-booked transfers with meet-and-greet service, fixed prices
• Blacklane: Premium sedan service for business travelers
• Hotel shuttles: Many Athens hotels offer airport transfer services (arrange in advance)

Metro Line 3 (Recommended)

The Athens Metro Line 3 (blue line) connects ATH directly to central Athens.

Fare: €10 one-way (€18 round-trip if used within 7 days)

Journey time: 40-45 minutes to Syntagma

Key stops:

• Syntagma: 40 min (city center, Parliament, Plaka)
• Monastiraki: 43 min (Acropolis, flea market, Plaka)
• Omonia: 45 min (central Athens)
• Piraeus extension: Transfer at Monastiraki for Piraeus port

Frequency: Every 30 minutes (every 36 minutes on weekends)

Operating hours: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM

How to take the Metro from ATH:

1. Follow signs to "Metro/Train" from arrivals (ground level)
2. Purchase tickets at machines or ticket office (cards accepted)
3. Validate ticket at turnstiles before entering platform
4. Board any train - all go toward Athens
5. Exit at Syntagma (most central) or Monastiraki (Acropolis, Plaka)

Tips:

• Tickets must be validated before boarding
• Airport fare (€10) is higher than regular metro fare - buy the specific airport ticket
• Group tickets available: 2 people €18, 3 people €24 (significant savings)
• Keep your ticket until you exit - inspectors check on trains
• Trains can be crowded during rush hour with luggage

Suburban Rail (Proastiakos)

The Suburban Rail connects ATH to Athens central stations and northern suburbs.

Fare: €10 one-way (same as Metro)

Key stops:

• Doukissis Plakentias: 20 min (transfer to Metro Line 3)
• Neratziotissa: 30 min (transfer to Metro Line 1, northern suburbs)
• Larissa Station: 45 min (Athens main train station for mainland Greece)

Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes

Operating hours: 5:50 AM to 11:50 PM

When to use Suburban Rail:

• Traveling to northern Athens suburbs
• Connecting to national rail services at Larissa Station
• Continuing to Kiato/Corinth

Express Bus X95 (Budget Option)

The X95 Express Bus runs 24 hours between ATH and Syntagma Square.

Fare: €5.50 one-way

Journey time: 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent)

Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes (more frequent during day)

Operating hours: 24 hours

Route: Direct service to Syntagma Square via Ethniki Amyna and Megaro Moussikis

How to take the X95:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to buses
2. Bus stop is outside arrivals, to the right
3. Purchase ticket at the booth or kiosk before boarding
4. Board the X95 to Syntagma

Other Express Bus Routes:

• X96: To Piraeus Port (€5.50, 60-90 min) - for ferries to Greek islands
• X93: To Kifissos Bus Station (€5.50, 50-70 min) - for intercity buses
• X97: To Dafni Metro Station (€5.50, 45-60 min)

When to use buses:

• Budget travel
• 24-hour availability (when Metro stops)
• Traveling directly to Piraeus port for ferries

Night Transport

The Metro stops running at approximately 11:30 PM. After midnight:

• X95 Express Bus: Runs 24 hours to Syntagma (€5.50)
• X96 Express Bus: Runs 24 hours to Piraeus (€5.50)
• Taxi: €55 flat rate to city center (night rate)
• BEAT: Available 24/7, similar to night taxi rates

ATH offers multiple parking options with varying price points.

Airport Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 (Short Stay)	Adjacent to terminal	€36/day	2-min walk, covered
P2 (Short Stay)	Adjacent to terminal	€36/day	2-min walk, covered
P3 (Long Stay)	3-min shuttle ride	€15/day	Free shuttle, 24/7
P4 (Business)	Near terminal	€25/day	Premium location

Tips

• Book online at aia.gr for discounts (up to 40% off)
• P3 Long Stay offers the best value for trips over 2 days
• P1/P2 are most convenient for short trips and pickups
• First 20 minutes free in P1/P2 for drop-offs
• Electric vehicle charging available
• Compare with off-airport parking (Holiday Extras, Park & Fly) for longer stays

ATH offers diverse dining options spread across the terminal, with good variety for a single-terminal airport.

Main Terminal (Landside - Before Security)

• Coffee Island: Greek coffee chain, excellent freddo espresso and cappuccino
• Goody's: Popular Greek fast-food chain (burgers, club sandwiches)
• Everest: Greek bakery chain with sandwiches, pastries, and coffee
• Starbucks: Standard Starbucks offerings

Main Terminal (Airside - After Security)

• Acropolis Museum Shop Cafe: Light meals and Greek pastries
• Heineken Bar: Drinks and international bar food
• Food Village: Food court with multiple options including Greek and international cuisine
• Made in Greece: Greek products and light meals
• Hard Rock Cafe: American-style burgers and drinks

Satellite Terminal (Airside)

• Caffè Ritazza: Coffee and light snacks
• Upper Deck: Bar and restaurant
• Limited but adequate options

Best Bets

• For Greek food: Food Village or Goody's for an authentic local fast-food experience
• For coffee: Coffee Island serves excellent Greek-style iced coffee (freddo)
• For sit-down meal: Hard Rock Cafe or Upper Deck

Tips:

• Prices are elevated (expect 50-70% more than city prices)
• Grab a spinach pie (spanakopita) or cheese pie (tyropita) from Everest for an authentic Greek snack
• Water is expensive post-security - fill a bottle at fountains if available

Free WiFi is available throughout ATH.

Network name: "AIA Free WiFi"

How to connect:

1. Select "AIA Free WiFi"
2. Open browser - redirect to Athens International Airport portal
3. Register with email or connect via social media
4. Accept terms and connect

Details:

• Free duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and video calls; streaming may buffer
• Coverage: Good throughout main terminal and satellite

Tips:

• Connection quality degrades during peak summer travel periods
• Use a VPN for security on public networks
• Lounge WiFi offers faster, more reliable speeds

SIM cards are available at the airport, with major Greek carriers represented.

Airport Locations

Arrivals Hall:

• Cosmote: Greece's largest network (owned by Deutsche Telekom)
• Vodafone: Strong network, good coverage
• Wind: Competitive pricing

Major Greek Carriers

• Cosmote: Best coverage nationwide, especially on islands
• Vodafone: Strong network, good tourist plans
• Wind: Budget-friendly, decent coverage

Pricing

Prepaid tourist SIMs typically cost €15-25 for 10-20GB data. Airport prices may be slightly higher than city shops.

Typical packages:

• €15-20: 10GB data, some calls/SMS, valid 30 days
• €25-30: 20-30GB data, unlimited calls to Greece, valid 30 days

Required for purchase: Passport or ID

Tips:

• Cosmote generally has the best island coverage - important if visiting Greek islands
• Airport kiosks may have limited hours; shops in Syntagma/Monastiraki offer same options
• Consider eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly) for immediate connectivity
• EU roaming is included for travel within Europe

ATMs are located throughout the terminal, both landside and airside.

Major banks with ATMs at ATH:

• Eurobank
• National Bank of Greece
• Alpha Bank
• Piraeus Bank

Locations: Near arrivals exits, in the departures hall, and throughout airside areas

Currency: Euro (€)

Currency exchange: Bureaux de change are available but offer poor rates (avoid if possible). Use ATMs for better rates.

Tips:

• Greek ATMs may offer "dynamic currency conversion" - always decline and choose to be charged in euros for better rates
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in Athens and tourist areas
• Many Greek islands and smaller businesses prefer cash
• Carry €50-100 in cash for smaller purchases, tips, and island visits
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

ATH offers good shopping options, particularly for Greek products.

Duty-Free

Hellenic Duty Free operates the main duty-free stores:

• Located throughout airside areas in main terminal and satellite
• Greek wines (Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko)
• Greek spirits (ouzo, tsipouro, Metaxa)
• Greek olive oil and food products
• International perfumes and cosmetics

Notable Stores

Airside (Main Terminal):

• Folli Follie: Greek jewelry and accessories brand
• Korres: Greek natural cosmetics (excellent souvenirs)
• Mastiha Shop: Products from Chios mastiha (unique Greek specialty)
• Ileana Makri: High-end Greek jewelry
• Made in Greece: Curated Greek products

Best Greek Gifts:

• Mastiha products from Chios (liqueur, gum, skincare)
• Korres skincare and cosmetics
• Greek olive oil and olives
• Ouzo or tsipouro (Greek spirits)
• Feta cheese and honey (check customs rules)
• Evil eye jewelry (mati)

Tips:

• Korres and Mastiha Shop offer authentically Greek products not easily found elsewhere
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50
• Food products must comply with your destination's import rules

Priority Pass Lounges

Main Terminal (Airside):

• Goldair Handling CIP Lounge (Schengen, near gates A): Priority Pass accepted. Decent hot and cold buffet, Greek snacks, beverages including alcohol. Showers available. Can be crowded during peak periods. Quality is adequate but not exceptional.

• Goldair Handling CIP Lounge (Non-Schengen, near gates B): Similar to Schengen lounge. Priority Pass accepted. Useful for non-Schengen departures.

Satellite Terminal:

• Goldair Handling CIP Lounge (Satellite): Priority Pass accepted. Smaller lounge, basic amenities. Adequate for short waits.

Airline Lounges

Aegean Airlines Lounges:

• Aegean Business Lounge (Schengen): For Aegean/Olympic Business Class and Star Alliance Gold. Modern design, Greek food options, good coffee, views of runway. One of the better lounges at ATH.
• Aegean Business Lounge (Non-Schengen): Similar quality, for non-Schengen departures.

Star Alliance Lounge access: Via Aegean lounges for eligible Star Alliance members.

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: Goldair Handling lounges (included with many premium cards)
• LoungeKey: Similar access to Goldair lounges
• Amex Platinum: Check current access agreements; Priority Pass typically included

Pay-Per-Use

Day passes available at Goldair lounges (€35-45), bookable through LoungeBuddy or at the door.

At the Airport

• Sofitel Athens Airport: Connected to the terminal via covered walkway, 1-minute walk. The only hotel with direct terminal access. Full-service luxury hotel with excellent restaurant, pool, spa, and fitness center. Most convenient for early departures (~€180-280/night).

Near the Airport

• Holiday Inn Athens Airport: 5-minute shuttle from terminal. Modern hotel with restaurant and fitness center. Good value (~€100-150/night).

• Hyatt Regency Athens (coming soon): Under development near the old airport site in Hellinikon area.

Between Airport and City (Glyfada/Coast)

• Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso: Vouliagmeni coast, 20 minutes from airport. Beach resort with thalassotherapy spa. Good option for relaxed layover (~€200-300/night).

• Four Seasons Astir Palace: Vouliagmeni, 25 minutes from airport. Luxury beach resort. For premium layover stays (~€500+/night).

Budget Options

• Athens Center hotels: More options and better value than airport hotels. With a 3+ hour layover, staying in Athens center is viable.
• Airbnb: Widely available in Athens; good for longer layovers.

Tips:

• Sofitel is the only hotel with direct terminal access - worth the premium for very early flights
• For layovers over 6 hours, consider heading into Athens - the Metro makes it easy
• Beach resorts on the Athens Riviera offer a unique layover experience

Athens is one of the world's oldest cities, birthplace of democracy, and home to iconic ancient monuments. From ATH:

Getting to Key Attractions

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Route
Acropolis	50-60 min	Metro to Monastiraki + 10-min walk uphill
Plaka	45-50 min	Metro to Syntagma or Monastiraki + 5-min walk
National Archaeological Museum	55-65 min	Metro to Omonia + 10-min walk
Piraeus Port	70-90 min	X96 bus direct, or Metro + transfer
Temple of Poseidon (Sounion)	60-75 min by car	KTEL bus from Athens, or private transfer
Athens Riviera (Glyfada/Vouliagmeni)	30-40 min by car	Taxi/BEAT direct

Must-See Attractions

• Acropolis & Parthenon: The iconic ancient citadel. Book tickets online to skip lines. Best visited early morning or late afternoon.
• Acropolis Museum: World-class museum displaying Parthenon sculptures. Allow 2-3 hours.
• Plaka: Charming old neighborhood below the Acropolis with tavernas, shops, and Byzantine churches.
• Ancient Agora: The ancient marketplace where Socrates walked. Less crowded than Acropolis.
• National Archaeological Museum: Finest collection of Greek antiquities in the world.

Neighborhoods to Explore

• Plaka: Historic neighborhood, winding streets, traditional tavernas, souvenir shops
• Monastiraki: Flea market, street food, view of Acropolis, nightlife
• Psiri: Hip bars, restaurants, street art, Athenian nightlife hub
• Koukaki: Local vibe, excellent restaurants, near Acropolis
• Kolonaki: Upscale shopping, cafes, Mount Lycabettus access
• Exarcheia: Alternative, edgy neighborhood, student vibe, affordable dining

Day Trips from Athens

• Delphi: Ancient oracle sanctuary, 2.5 hours by bus/car. Full-day trip.
• Greek Islands: Ferries from Piraeus to Aegina (1 hour), Hydra (2 hours), Poros (2.5 hours)
• Nafplio: Charming Peloponnese town, 2 hours by bus/car
• Meteora: Dramatic monasteries on rock pillars, 4-5 hours by train/car (overnight recommended)
• Cape Sounion: Temple of Poseidon at sunset, 1.5 hours by bus/car

Transport Tips

• Purchase an Athens Transport Ticket for unlimited metro, bus, tram (€4.50/24 hours - does not include airport)
• Download the OASA Telematics app for real-time bus and tram arrivals
• Walking is the best way to explore Plaka, Monastiraki, and the city center
• The metro is efficient, cheap, and air-conditioned - a relief in summer heat
• For Greek islands, book ferry tickets in advance during summer via Ferryhopper

Food Essentials

• Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers in pita with tzatziki, tomato, onion - Athens' iconic street food
• Gyros: Similar to souvlaki but with meat carved from a vertical rotisserie
• Moussaka: Layered eggplant, minced meat, and bechamel - classic Greek comfort food
• Greek salad (Horiatiki): Tomato, cucumber, olives, feta, oregano, olive oil - no lettuce
• Spanakopita: Spinach and feta in flaky phyllo pastry
• Fresh fish: Best enjoyed at seaside tavernas in Piraeus or the Athens Riviera
• Ouzo and meze: Traditional Greek drinking culture - order small plates with your ouzo

Dining Tips

• Greeks eat late: lunch 2-4 PM, dinner 9-11 PM
• Tavernas in Plaka's main streets are touristy - venture to side streets or Psiri for better food
• "Cover charge" (kouvér) of €0.50-2 per person is standard
• Tipping: Round up or add 5-10% for good service
• Fresh fish is priced by the kilo - ask for the price before ordering
• Try freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino - Greece's iced coffee obsession

Summer Considerations

• Athens is hot from June-August (35-40°C / 95-104°F)
• Visit outdoor sites (Acropolis) early morning or after 5 PM
• The city empties in August as Greeks head to the islands
• Book island ferries and accommodation well in advance for summer
• Air conditioning is essential - most hotels and restaurants have it