How to Travel from Athens Airport to the City Centre in 2026

Last updated March 2026.

If you’re flying into Athens, your first interaction with Greece will unfortunately not be the Acropolis, but rather the Eleftherios Venizelos international Airport.

And whether your first impression of the country is calm and efficient, or chaotic and overpriced, depends almost entirely on what you do in the first 60 minutes after landing.

As a local who has used the airport hundreds of times, I’m going to be straight with you. Athens airport is great. But it’s also full of overpriced nonsense, bad advice, and transport options that will happily drain your wallet or your patience if you don’t know better.

This guide is here to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

If you’re visiting during a layover, you might want to follow my one day in Athens itinerary, which focuses on the most walkable parts of the historic center.

Just so you know: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

The Athens airport

Let’s start this guide with some practical information. Athens International Airport, officially called Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), is Greece’s largest airport and the one you’ll certainly use if you’re flying into Athens.

It’s located about 20 km (12.4 miles) east of the city centre, in the Spata area.

The airport operates 24/7 and handles both domestic and international flights, including long routes to the US, Canada, and the Middle East.

The airport has one main terminal and one satellite terminal.

• The Main Terminal handles most flights (Schengen and non-Schengen) throughout the year.
• The Satellite Terminal is only used during peak season and is connected to the main building by an underground walkway.

In practice, 90% of travelers will only use the main terminal.

How to get from Athens Airport to the city centre

Getting from Athens airport to the city center or the port of Piraeus is one of the most common reasons of frustration and, if I’m gonna be completely honest, scams.

Don’t worry, though. As an Athens local who has used it more than a hundred times, I am here to help you.

I will give you all the available options, as well as the most common problems with each, so you can make up your mind and avoid any surprises.

Having mobile data can also make navigating transport much easier after landing. This guide to SIM cards in Athens explains the different options.

Option 1: The Metro

If you ask me, the easiest way to get from Athens Airport to the city center is the metro.

Metro Line 3 connects the airport directly with central Athens and runs roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day. The ride to Syntagma Square, the most central part of the city, takes about 35-40 minutes. If you’re heading to Piraeus Port, the journey usually takes around 60-70 minutes.

The airport metro ticket costs €9 ($10.55) for a single ride. A return ticket costs €16 ($18.76), and there is also a 3-day tourist ticket for €20 ($21) that includes unlimited public transport in the city plus one return trip to and from the airport.

Tickets can be purchased at the airport metro station from ticket machines or counters. You can also use contactless payment by tapping a credit or debit card directly on the validator. One thing to keep in mind is that American Express cards are not always accepted in Greece, so Visa or Mastercard tend to work more reliably.

If you are staying near the historic centre, the metro offers the best balance between price, convenience, and travel time.

Option 2: The Bus

Airport buses are another convenient and budget-friendly way to reach the city center from Athens Airport.

That said, they are not the most comfortable option. The buses aren’t particularly spacious, and they can get quite crowded, especially during busy travel hours. I’ve personally been stuck like a sardine in a can more than once.

Four airport bus lines operate 24 hours a day and connect the airport with different parts of the city:

• X95 – Airport to Syntagma Square (city center)
• X96 – Airport to Piraeus Port
• X93 – Airport to Kifissos Bus Station (long-distance buses)
• X97 – Airport to Elliniko Metro Station

In my opinion, X95 is the most useful line, since it goes directly to Syntagma.

A one-way ticket costs €5.50 ($6.45). Tickets can be purchased from the automated machines near the bus stop, and contactless payment is also available on board with a debit or credit card.

The ride to the city centre takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Option 3: The train (Proastiakos)

Another option from Athens Airport is the suburban railway (Proastiakos). In theory, it connects the airport with many stations around Athens and beyond.

In practice, I don’t recommend it for heading into the city centre. The trains are older, the service can be slower, and delays due to technical issues are not uncommon. In recent years there has also been quite a bit of discussion among locals about the overall condition of the Greek railway system.

On top of that, tickets from the airport cost the same as the metro, which makes the suburban railway hard to justify for most travelers.

Unless you are specifically heading toward stations outside central Athens, the metro is the easier and more reliable option.

Option 4: Taxi

I’ll be honest here: taking a taxi from Athens Airport to the city center is not something I recommend, and that’s probably the main takeaway from this section.

Taxis can work if you’re arriving very late at night or carrying heavy luggage, but they are also one of the most common sources of frustration for visitors in Athens. Over the years, complaints about taxi drivers, from aggressive driving to pricing issues, have been fairly common.

Another issue is driving style. Some taxi drivers drive extremely fast, and the ride can feel quite uncomfortable, especially after a long flight.

Another problem involves pricing practices. While many drivers operate normally, there have been cases where taxis use tampered meters or quote inflated flat prices to tourists. By law, drivers are required to use the meter unless a fixed airport fare applies.

Payment can also sometimes become an issue. Greek regulations require taxis to accept card payments, and since 2025 taxis are obliged to display a sticker indicating that cards are accepted. Even so, some drivers still claim that the card machine is not working.

For reference, the official airport taxi fares are:

• €45 ($52.77) to the Athens city center
• €60 ($70.36) to Piraeus Port

Between 23:00 and 05:00, a night surcharge increases these prices by €10 ($11.73).

Any significantly different price should raise suspicion.

If you do decide to take a taxi, the safest option is to book one through an app such as FreeNow or Uber. This allows you to see the route, confirm the price in advance, and pay by card through the app.

If I were a tourist, I would avoid taxis whenever possible. If you do need one, the safest option is to use a taxi app, such as freenow or uber. It’s the best way to make sure that the price is fair, the driver is checked, and you can pay by card.

For a more detailed breakdown of how taxis work in the city, I’ve written a full Athens taxi guide.

Hiring a car at Athens airport

Yes, you can also rent a car directly at Athens International Airport. Offices for both Greek and international rental companies are located at the airport, making pickup fairly straightforward after arrival.

That said, Athens is one of the most visited destinations in Europe, especially during the warmer months. Because of that, rental cars can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is usually a good idea.

If you want to compare prices between different companies, I recommend checking DiscoverCars. The platform lists both local and international rental providers, which often gives you a wider range of options. They also offer 24/7 customer support and free cancellation on many bookings, which can be helpful if travel plans change.

For staying in central Athens, a car isn’t really necessary. But if you’re planning day trips outside the city, renting one at the airport can be convenient.

Buying a SIM card at the Athens Airport

One thing I would avoid doing at Athens Airport is buying a SIM card.

Airport SIM cards tend to be significantly more expensive than the same products in the city. As of 2026, for example, a Vodafone SIM card at the airport costs around €40 ($44).

For what it offers, that’s expensive, and Vodafone isn’t even the best network in Athens if you ask me.

A much better option is to simply take the metro to the city center and buy a SIM card from one of the many Germanos stores. These shops sell Cosmote Telekom SIM cards, which tend to provide better coverage in Greece. Once you have the SIM card, you can top up your balance and activate data packages directly through their app.

Another option is to skip physical SIM cards altogether and use an eSIM. If you don’t need a Greek phone number, eSIM plans are often simpler and cheaper. Saily offers packages starting from $4.99, and you can get 5% off by using the code NICK5.

For a detailed explanation of how mobile data works in the country, I’ve written a full guide on SIM cards in Athens.

Can I exchange money at the airport?

Yes, you can, but it’s not the best idea.

Most places in Athens accept card payments, including restaurants, cafés, shops, and even taxis. Because of that, you most likely won’t need large amounts of cash during your stay.

Currency exchange offices at the airport are easy to find, but they offer poor exchange rates, which means you end up paying more than necessary.

ATMs are also available, and most international cards work fine. However, fees can be very high. That’s why I’d not recommend withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Bank offices generally offer better rates, so find one in the city centre if you need cash.

In general, using a card with good international exchange rates, such as Revolut or similar services, is often the simplest option. It allows you to pay directly in euros without many of the extra fees that traditional bank cards sometimes add.

If you’re planning your overall trip budget, I’ve broken down all transport and daily costs here.

Hotels near Athens Airport

1. Hotels at Athens Airport

If you want something right at the airport (so you can walk out of arrivals and be checked-in in minutes), there’s really only one top option:

Sofitel Athens Airport – This 5-star hotel is directly across the road from Eleftherios Venizelos airport and next to the metro station, making it insanely convenient if you have an early flight or a long layover.

Rooms are modern, service is top notch, and you’ll find things like an indoor pool and a rooftop restaurant here too. Being right at the airport comes at a premium price, but for convenience you can’t beat it.

Hotels near the Athens airport with free shuttle

If you don’t want to pay airport-hotel prices but still want an easy transfer, there are a few solid options just a short drive away that offer free shuttle service:

• Holiday Inn Athens – Airport by IHG – A very popular choice for a layover or early flight. It is owned by the international chain and offers a free airport shuttle 24/7 and good comfort for the price.
• Airscape Hotel Free Shuttle From Athens Airport – An elegant hotel with free shuttle service to/from the airport. Great balance of price, comfort, and location.
• Comfort Stay – Rooms are comfortable, and it’s ideal for a short overnight before or after a flight.

Tourist information at the Athens airport

There are 24/7 Airport Information Counters located both in Arrivals and Departures. Employees are knowledgeable and speak good English.

Storing luggage in Athens

Athens isn’t the friendliest city to move luggage around – Trust me, I know the struggle.

Pavements are small, sometimes damaged, and the city is not flat. Also, can you imagine carrying things in the scorching Summer heat? Therefore, it will be really hard to move around and do some sightseeing on your first or last day in the city while having your staff with you.

Bounce offers a list of places you can store your luggage, starting from just 1.95€ ($2). They also offer 24/7 support and a guarantee for up to $10.000, so you can rest assured that your belongings are always protected.

Athens Airport FAQs

1. Is Athens airport safe?

Yes. Athens International Airport is considered very safe. Security is present throughout the terminal, and the airport is modern, well-lit, and well organized. Like in any major airport, basic precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings are always a good idea.

2. Is Athens airport easy to navigate?

Yes, surprisingly so. Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is relatively compact compared to many large international hubs. Signage is clear and available in English, and the layout is straightforward even during busy periods.

3. What time does the Athens airport open?

Athens International Airport operates 24 hours a day, including shops, transport connections, and essential services.

4. Does Uber work in athens airport?

Yes, Uber operates in Athens, but it works differently than in many other countries. Instead of private drivers, Uber simply connects you with licensed taxis.

5. Parking at the Athens airport   

Athens airport has short term and long term parking. Prices at the official website start at 5€ ($5.86) per day.

There are also other, unofficial parking businesses that operate in the greater area and offer free shuttle service to the airport and vice versa.

6. How early to arrive at Athens airport for my flight?

Minimum 2-3 hours. Doesn’t matter if you travel domestically or internationally, arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight. The airport can get really crowded and long queues are quite common.

7. Does Athens airport have free wifi   

Yes. The airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and the connection is usually reliable.

8. Can you leave Athens airport during layover?   

No. Leaving the airport during a layover is strictly prohibited.

9. What restaurants does Athens airport have?

Yes. The airport has several cafés, restaurants, and fast-food options both before and after security, covering everything from quick snacks to full meals. You can find the complete list here.

10. Are there lounges at Athens Airport?

Yes, several lounges operate at the airport, including airline lounges and independent lounges that can be accessed with lounge memberships or day passes. This guide explains everything really well.

11. Does Athens airport have showers?

No. Unfortunately, only the Aegean lounge has showers.

12. What is the closest port to the athens airport? 

The closest major port is Piraeus, which serves most Greek island ferries. Travel time from the airport is usually around 60-70 minutes by metro or taxi.

13. Is Athens Airport Good or Bad?

Overall, yes. Athens Airport is modern, relatively efficient, and easy to navigate. It may not be as large or luxurious as some major international hubs, but it works well and generally provides a smooth travel experience.

Final Thoughts

Getting from Athens Airport to the city center is actually quite straightforward once you understand the options.

The metro is the best balance of price, speed, and convenience. It connects the airport directly with central Athens and avoids the traffic that can slow down road transport.

Airport buses are the cheapest option and run 24 hours a day, though they can get crowded and are more affected by traffic.

Taxis and private transfers are available, but they are the most expensive choice and not always the most pleasant experience.

In most cases, taking the metro or the airport bus will get you into the city easily and without unnecessary stress. Once you arrive in central Athens, the historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot.

If you’re planning the rest of your stay, you might also want to check my guides on where to stay in Athens, how to get around the city, and what to do during your visit.