Athens Airport Guide

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) is Athens' main airport and the hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. All check-in is in the Main Terminal, but your departure gate may be in the connected Satellite Terminal.

• Main Terminal: gates A1–A27 and B1–B31.
• Satellite Terminal: gates C15–C40, reached through the signed underground link.

Older guides often label the satellite gates A10–A26; that is no longer the current layout. Check the flight monitors before you stop for food, because the satellite walk and any passport or security step need to fit before boarding.

If you already have the onward boarding pass, check the live gate and follow the airport's connection signs. If you do not have it, use the nearest staffed transfer desk; if that desk is closed, the airport directs passengers to a self-service option or the Main Terminal check-in hall.

Bags and customs

Confirm that the baggage tag shows the final destination. Athens warns that passengers continuing to some regional Greek airports may have to collect bags and clear customs at ATH even when the bag is tagged through, so ask the airline at origin. If the bag is not checked through, go to baggage reclaim, clear customs and check in again on Departures Level 1.

Schengen, security and the satellite

Crossing the Schengen external border requires passport control. Security and passport steps depend on the arriving and departing route, so do not assume every connection stays in one uninterrupted secure zone. The Satellite Terminal uses gates C15–C40 and is reached by the signed underground link; gates can change.

The airport's published minimum connection times apply only to through reservations with bags checked to the final destination. For separate tickets or a baggage recheck, build backward from the next airline's check-in cut-off and allow additional time for arrivals processing.

Take Metro Line 3 for central Athens and Piraeus, the X95 when you need a 24-hour bus to Syntagma, or Suburban Railway for Larissis Station and its wider rail connections. Taxis and Uber provide door-to-door travel, but road times vary with traffic.

Athens International Airport provides a designated Uber pick-up point on the Arrivals level opposite exit 4. Use the app's live instructions and meet only at the signed area.

Taxis

Official taxis queue at the designated area at Arrivals exit 3. Pre-booked taxis use a separate waiting area near Short Term 1. Fares and tariff periods can change, so check the airport's current taxi information and confirm the applicable tariff before departure rather than relying on an old flat-fare table.

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 links the airport with Syntagma, Monastiraki, central Athens and onward to Piraeus/Dimotiko Theatro. The full-fare airport ticket is currently €9 one way or €16 return, but confirm current products with OASA before purchase.

The rail station is opposite the Main Terminal, reached from Departures Level 1 near entrance 2. Buy or validate the correct airport fare before boarding and check the live timetable; not every Line 3 train in the city runs through to the airport.

Suburban Rail (Proastiakos)

The Suburban Railway connects the airport with Ano Liosia, Piraeus, Athens/Larissis Station and other suburban or regional routes. Hellenic Train introduced a new timetable in November 2025, so use its current schedule rather than the old 15–30 minute frequency table.

Express Bus X95 (Budget Option)

The X95 runs between the airport and Syntagma and is the useful overnight fallback when rail is not operating. The current full fare is €5.50. OASA supports contactless bank-card payment for the full-fare single journey; validate once when boarding.

Other Express Bus Routes:

• X96: Piraeus
• X93: Kifissos and Liossion intercity bus stations
• X97: Elliniko Metro station, with Dafni used during night hours

All four Airport Express lines run around the clock, but traffic affects journey times. Check OASA's live timetable and stop information.

When to use buses:

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

Night Transport

When rail service has ended, use the 24-hour Airport Express bus network, the official taxi rank or the designated Uber pick-up. Check the last train for your date rather than assuming a fixed 23:30 closure.

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	60-90 min	X96 bus or direct Line 3 service; check the live timetable
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 or Uber 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

• Check OASA's current ticket products before buying; ordinary city tickets do not include the airport section of Metro Line 3
• 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