How to Get to Athens from the Airport + Map

Updated: 6 November, 2024

All the alternatives on how to get to Athens from the Airport – quick and budget-friendly options with prices, schedules, and tips.

If you're planning a trip to Greece, chances are you'll be landing at Athens Airport, officially known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. It's the country's largest airport, serving direct flights from major European cities and other continents, with several low-cost airlines in operation.

The distance from Athens Airport to the city center is approximately 33 km, and it is well connected to downtown.

In this article, I'll guide you through various transportation options to reach Athens, allowing you to pick the one that suits you best. Additionally, a handy map with marked locations awaits you at the end of the article. Let the planning commence!

Athens Airport to the City - and vice versa

1. Metro (M3)

The most efficient way to get from Athens Airport to the city center is by metro M3 (blue line), which typically takes around 45 minutes.

In Athens, you can get off at Syntagma Square or Monastiraki. Alternatively, you have the option to switch to other metro lines or use different modes of transportation (more details below).

You can view the Athens metro stops on the map below, and for the complete map, you can check this link.

The Athens Airport Metro operates from the city (Monastiraki stop) between 5:49 am and 11:14 pm. From the airport, it runs from 6:10 am to 11:34 pm, with trains departing every 30 minutes.

Below, you'll find the full schedule list; the photo is from March 2024. 😉

Metro Station at Athens Airport

When you arrive at Athens Airport, simply follow the signs that say "Trains" as the tracks are shared by both the suburban train and the metro.

The train station is conveniently located right next to the airport, so you won't have to walk far.

Once you're on the platform, you'll notice that one track is for the suburban train, and the other is for the metro, with each clearly marked with a sign.

Athens Airport metro cost

A single one-way ticket for the metro from Athens Airport costs 9 euros (10 USD) and is valid for 90 minutes.

These 90 minutes start counting from the moment you validate the ticket to access the metro and can be used for other modes of transportation when you arrive in Athens to reach your final destination.

You can use this ticket to transfer between metro lines, take the suburban train to the port of Piraeus, or use the bus, trolley-bus, or tram, all within a 90-minute period.

👉 Another option is the round-trip metro ticket to the airport, which costs 16 euros (17.50 USD), with a validity of 30 days for each journey between the airport.

👉 There's also a very convenient option for tourists, a 3-day ticket that includes round-trip airport journeys, as well as unlimited travel within Athens, costing 20 euros (22 USD).

Regardless of the ticket you purchase, you need to validate it before boarding, depending on the mode of transportation. For the metro and train, it's at the gate to let you through and then when exiting. For the bus, tram, and trolley-bus, validation is done when boarding at the machine near the door.

Where to buy the ticket and how to pay?

At the metro stations, you'll find machines where you can choose the language and the type of ticket you need. You can pay with cash in euros or use your credit/debit card.

Return to the airport

When heading from Athens to the airport by metro, on the platform, you'll notice small screens displaying the destination and the time remaining, switching between Greek and English.

Make sure to board the correct metro, as not all of them go to the airport.

Additionally, the metro in front has a sign indicating AIRPORT or in Greek, ΑΕΡΟΔΡΟΜΙΟ (Aerodromio).

2. Airport Shuttle Bus (X-95)

The Athens Airport bus X-95 is the most cost-effective choice, priced at 5.50 euros (6 USD) for a single journey, taking approximately 60 minutes to reach its destination, though it may take longer during peak hours.

This shuttle bus operates between Syntagma Square and Athens Airport, making no additional stops.

One notable advantage of this bus is its 24/7/365 operation. Down here, you can review the bus schedule from Syntagma.

Where is the bus stop at Athens Airport? Where can I buy the ticket?

You will find the X-95 bus stop at the airport upon exiting the arrivals terminal.

To purchase the ticket, there is a stall between gates 4 and 5.

Where is the airport shuttle bus stop at Syntagma?

If you're at Syntagma Square facing the Parliament, the bus stop is on the street on the right side and next to it there is a small office where you can buy the ticket.

You can check the exact location on the map at the end of the article.

Some Tips

• The airport bus ticket is only valid for this specific journey, as it operates independently of other transportation.
• Don't forget to validate your bus ticket using the machine when you board. 😉

3. Airport Transfer

The most convenient way to travel from the airport to the city of Athens, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are with a group, is by opting for a private transfer.

This way, you won't have to worry about a thing—once you arrive, the driver will be there waiting for you with a sign bearing your name.

I highly recommend this Athens airport transfer; they're reliable, reasonably priced, and provide top-notch service.

4. Taxi

As in any airport, you'll find the taxi stand next to the arrivals terminal at Athens Airport.

The journey takes at least 45 minutes between the airport and Athens, depending on the city's bustling traffic.

Price for a Taxi from the Airport to Athens

One great thing about taxis in Greece is that they have a fixed price for popular routes set by the government.

Specifically, traveling from Athens Airport costs at least 40 euros (44 USD) during the day, depending on the downtown area you're heading to, and starts from 55 euros (60 USD) between midnight and 5 in the morning

👍 Friend's tip: Before getting into the taxi, confirm the price with the driver to avoid any misunderstandings

How do I pay for the taxi in Athens?

Taxis in Athens and Greece as a general rule are paid in cash in euros. It's very rare for a taxi driver to accept payment by credit/debit card.

I live in Greece, and so far, I don't recall being able to pay with a card in a taxi.

According to a conversation I had with a taxi driver, they mentioned it's a government-related issue that prevents them from accepting card payments. It seemed a bit peculiar to me, and I'm unsure if it's accurate.

What I do know is that credit cards impose substantial fees on businesses, so I can completely understand why taxi drivers prefer cash payments.

Therefore, if you're planning to take a taxi from Athens Airport and pay by card, ask the driver before hopping in. If not, it's more convenient to withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange currency at the airport.

5. Driving a Car

This is the worst alternative to get from Athens airport to downtown and not the best way to navigate within the city either.

I wouldn't suggest this option unless you're familiar with driving in somewhat chaotic traffic where traffic rules are not strictly followed.

Within the city, it's better to rely on public transportation, and a car becomes a good alternative for exploring places near Athens.

If you're considering renting a car in Athens, this is the search engine I use, where I've found cars in Athens for less than 8 euros (9 USD) per day, depending on the season.

Moreover, it includes insurance, asks for a reasonable deposit, and doesn't come with any unexpected issues, unlike some other Greek car rental companies.

Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

These are all the alternatives for quickly, affordably, and comfortably traveling from Athens Airport to the city center

In this travel guide to greece You can read the rest of my articles about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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