Athens Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Athens, the historic capital of Greece, is primarily served by one major international airport. As the country’s main aviation gateway and a key entry point for tourism in Southern Europe, it connects Greece to destinations across the globe. This guide explains the airport’s layout, the excellent public transport connections, and essential tips for travellers visiting this ancient city.

Athens International Airport (ATH) – Eleftherios Venizelos

Overview: Athens International Airport (IATA: ATH), commonly named after the statesman Eleftherios Venizelos, is the primary airport for Greece. Located approximately 35 km (22 miles) east of downtown Athens (Syntagma Square), it is a modern, efficient facility that replaced the old Hellenikon Airport in 2001. It serves as a major hub for Aegean Airlines (Star Alliance) and a focus city for Olympic Air, handling a vast volume of seasonal tourist traffic.

Terminals:

• Single, Integrated Main Terminal: The airport operates from one large main terminal building, split into two halls:
  • Main Terminal Hall A: Handles intra-Schengen and domestic flights.

  Main Terminal Hall B: Handles non-Schengen international flights.

Key Feature: The two halls are seamlessly connected under one roof. The airport is easy to navigate with clear signage in Greek and English. All arrivals are on the ground level, and departures are on the upper level.

Getting to and from Athens City Centre (Syntagma, Plaka, etc.):

• Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line) – Best Overall Option:
  The Airport Metro Station is located directly adjacent to the terminal. Line 3 (Aghia Marina – Airport) provides a direct, air-conditioned connection to the city centre. The journey to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes, 24/7 (reduced frequency at night). A one-way ticket to the city costs €10 (as of 2024). This is the most reliable and popular method for avoiding road traffic.
• Suburban Rail (Proastiakos):
  The Suburban Rail service also stops at the airport station. It is useful if your destination is along its route (e.g., Piraeus port, or the northern suburbs). The journey time to Piraeus is about 1 hour. Integrated tickets are available with the metro.
• Express Bus Services (X93, X95, X96, X97) – Excellent Budget Option:
  Four 24/7 express bus lines connect the airport to key hubs:
  • X95: To Syntagma Square (city centre) – approx. 60 mins, €5.50.
  • X96: To Piraeus Port (for ferries) – approx. 90 mins, €5.50.
  • X93: To Kifissos (KTEL) Long-Distance Bus Station.
  • X97: To Elliniko Metro Station (near the coast).

  Buses are cheaper than the metro but subject to Athens’ infamous traffic, especially during rush hours.

• Taxi:
  Official airport taxis (yellow) are available at the designated rank outside Exits 2 and 3 of the arrivals level. The fare to the city centre is a fixed rate (daytime 5am-midnight: €40, nighttime midnight-5am: €55). This price includes all tolls and baggage. The journey takes 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Ensure the meter is set to the correct fixed tariff (Tariff 1).
• Ride-Hailing (Uber & Beat):
  Uber (operating as Uber Taxi) and the Greek app Beat are available. They will pick you up at the designated taxi rank area. The fare should be similar to the fixed taxi rate.
• Car Rental:
  All major international and Greek car rental companies have desks on the arrivals level. Renting a car is generally not recommended for staying in central Athens due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and restricted zones. It is an excellent idea, however, for immediately beginning a road trip to the Peloponnese, Delphi, or other parts of mainland Greece.

Best for: All international and domestic travellers visiting Athens or connecting to the Greek islands via ferry or domestic flight.

Other Airports (Not for Athens City)

Note on “Athens” Ryanair flights: The low-cost carrier Ryanair markets flights to “Athens” that actually land at Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL) near Volos, or Alexandroupolis Airport (AXD). These are 3-5 hours by bus from Athens. Always double-check the airport code on your ticket: ATH is the true Athens airport.

Transiting Through Athens International Airport

ATH is a significant transit point for flights to the Greek islands and other European destinations.

For International to Domestic (Island) Transits: If you arrive from a non-Schengen country and are connecting to a domestic flight (e.g., to Santorini), you must clear Schengen immigration in Athens, collect baggage, clear customs, and then re-check in for your domestic flight in the departures hall. Allow a minimum of 3 hours between flights.

For Schengen to Non-Schengen Transits (or vice versa): You will need to pass through passport control but not customs. Follow the “Flight Connections” signs.

Facilities During Layovers: The airport offers a good range of shops (including duty-free), cafes, and restaurants. There is a small museum of archaeological finds from the airport’s construction. Free WiFi is available for 45 minutes. Multiple lounges are accessible (Aegean Airlines Lounge, Goldair Handling Lounge, etc.).

Essential Information for Travellers

EU Schengen Area: Greece is part of the Schengen Area. If you are arriving from outside Schengen, you will clear EU immigration (passport control) at ATH. This can have queues in peak season.

Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). ATMs and exchange bureaus are plentiful. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted.

Arrival Process (Non-Schengen International):

1. Disembark and follow signs to “Arrivals” and “Passport Control”.
2. Clear EU immigration (have passport and documents ready).
3. Collect baggage.
4. Proceed through customs (green channel/nothing to declare).
5. Exit into the public arrivals hall, where you find transport options directly ahead.

Departure Tip: For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before departure, especially during the peak summer season (June-September). Security queues can be long. For Schengen flights, 2 hours is usually sufficient.

Connection to Piraeus Port: If you are heading directly to the Greek islands, take the X96 express bus (approx. 90 mins) or a combination of Metro Line 3 to Monastiraki and then Line 1 to Piraeus (approx. 70 mins). Allow ample time before your ferry departure.

Bottom line: For most travellers, the Metro is the perfect balance of speed, price, and reliability. If you have heavy luggage or are a group, a taxi at the fixed rate is a good value. Always verify your airport code is ATH to avoid a multi-hour surprise bus journey from a regional airport.