Athens International Airport guide: Everything you need to know

Athens International Airport—Eleftherion Venizelos—is Greece’s largest and busiest airport, serving as the main gateway to the mainland and all Greek islands with airports. Whether your holiday starts in Athens, you are planning to visit other destinations like Santorini, Naxos, Paros, or Mykonos, or you are returning home, this guide will navigate you through Athens airport with ease.

General information about Athens International Airport

The airport is located in the Spata area, about 39.3 km (24.4 miles) from Athens city center. It began operations on 28 March 2001. The airport is the main base of Aegean Airlines and serves over 60 airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet, Volotea, and Ryanair.

Athens airport is modern and travel-friendly, serving over 25 million passengers every year. It has excellent flight connections both domestically and internationally.

This airport has two terminals connected by an underground passage:

• Main terminal: Handles all international and domestic flights. It serves Schengen and non-Schengen flights and domestic flights within the country.
• Satellite terminal: This terminal is much smaller and mainly used during peak season or for specific international flights.

Arrivals and departures

Flight information is available online on the airport’s website or via digital displays inside the airport. For a no-stress experience, it is better to arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before an international flight. Moreover, online check-in is recommended, especially during the busy summer months. Lastly, trolleys are available free of charge and the baggage claim areas are clearly marked and easy to find.

Getting to and from Athens Airport

Reaching Athens Airport from the city center or nearby destinations is very easy, thanks to several transportation options.

Buses to and from the airport

Express buses operate 24 hours a day and connect the airport with some of the city’s central points. If you want to reach Syntagma Square at the center of Athens, take bus X95. To get to the port of Piraeus, board bus X96. If you want the intercity bus from Kifissos, you need bus X93. Using the bus is considered a budget-friendly option as the ticket costs €5.50 for a one-way trip. All buses that go to the airport stop at the arrivals area, and buses leaving the airport depart from the departures area between exits 4 and 5.

Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

The suburban railway connects the airport with Athens’ central railway station, Larissa Station, and Piraeus Port. This route is perfect for travelers planning to take a ferry to the Greek islands. The ticket costs €9, and embarkation is from the same point as the metro station.

Metro

The Athens metro’s underground blue line (number 3) train connects the airport with the city center. You will need about 50 minutes for this option, and the ticket costs €9. Trains run every 30 minutes from 06:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. To find the station, you just need to follow the signs.

Taxis at Athens International Airport

The official taxis are available at the arrivals area, just outside gate 3. The taxi service from Athens airport is one of the easiest ways to reach the capital city or any other destination. There is a flat rate from the airport to Athens of €40 in the daytime and €55 at night. If you are going to a different destination, the driver will use the taxi meter for your ride.

Private transfers from Athens International Airport

For a stress-free ride, consider booking a private transfer in advance and avoid unexpected delays. By choosing a private transfer service like Cozy Pickups, you can be sure that your driver will be at the airport before your flight lands holding a sign with your name. These services are specifically designed for travelers who have long flights and who would like to enjoy a more personalized experience. Additionally, Athens Airport’s private transfers offer direct routes to your hotel or the ferry port with no delays.

The cost for a private transfer from Athens airport to the city center starts at €52 and you can pre-pay in advance to secure your spot, so on the day of your arrival you will not have to bargain with local taxi drivers or carry cash with you.

The booking process is extremely easy travelers of all ages. You just need to fill in your personal data, your drop-off point, and your flight number.

Airport facilities

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is large and welcomes millions of travelers every year, thus offering a wide range of things to do on its premises.

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals
• Duty-free shops, local boutiques, and international brands
• Restaurants, cafés, and fast-food options, including Greek specialties
• ATMs and currency exchange counters
• Luggage storage and wrapping services
• Pharmacy and medical center
• Car rental desks from all major companies
• Facilities for baby care
• Parking areas and car rentals: The airport offers short- and long-term parking, both covered and outside. Additionally, if you wish to explore Greece by car, you’ll find rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Enterprise in the arrivals area.

If you are a business traveler, you can use one of the several lounges, including Aegean Airlines’ and other independent options accessible with a priority pass.

Hotels near Athens International Airport

For those with early flights or layovers, there are several hotels very close to the airport. Three of the most visited hotels are the Sofitel Athens Airport, located opposite the terminal, Holiday Inn Athens Attica Venue, and Dolby by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera. All these hotels offer shuttle services from and to the airport, and you can reach them easily with a short drive.

Opening hours

Airport: 24 hours a day

Cafes and restaurants: 07:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Shops: 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday (expect for some duty-free shops)

Athens Airport contacts

General inquiries: (+30) 210 3530000 (available 24hrs)

Parking inquiries: (+30) 210 3534260 (available 24hrs)

Lost & found: (+30) 210 3530515

Airport code: ATH (IATA)

ICAO code: LGAV

Frequently asked questions about Athens Airport

How far is Athens International Airport from the city center?
Athens International Airport is approximately 39.3 km (24.4 miles) from downtown Athens. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

What transport options are available from Athens Airport to central Athens?
You can travel by metro (Line 3), suburban railway, express bus (X95), taxi, or private transfer. The metro is quick and affordable, while private transfers offer comfort and door-to-door service.

Are taxis available 24/7 at Athens International Airport?
Yes, official yellow taxis operate 24 hours a day from the taxi rank outside Exit 3 (Arrivals Level). Fixed fares apply of around €40 during the day and €55 at night (midnight to 5 a.m.).

Can I pre-book a private transfer from Athens Airport?
Absolutely. You can pre-book a private airport transfer with Cozy Pickups, a trusted service offering professional English-speaking drivers, fixed prices, and direct routes to your hotel or ferry port. It’s a convenient option for travelers arriving late or with luggage.

How can I find my Cozy Pickups driver at Athens Airport?
Your Cozy Pickups driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. You’ll also receive a confirmation email before arrival.

Does Athens International Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, the airport provides free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout both terminals. Simply connect to the “ATH Free Wi-Fi” network and follow the quick registration process.

Is Athens International Airport open 24 hours?
Yes, Athens International Airport (ATH) operates 24/7, including restaurants, shops, and transportation options such as buses and private transfers.

What’s the best way to reach Piraeus Port from Athens Airport?
For travelers heading to the Greek islands, the most comfortable option is a private transfer through Cozy Pickups, ensuring a smooth connection from the airport to the port without stress or delays.