How to Get to Athens Center from Airport

Discover the best ways to get from Athens International Airport to the city center. Explore options like buses, trains, the metro, and taxis with detailed information on routes, costs, and travel times. Start your Athens adventure smoothly!
Athens, the historic capital of Greece, offers a vibrant mix of ancient history and modern culture. For travelers arriving at Athens International Airport, there are several convenient options to reach the city center. This guide will provide detailed information on various transportation methods, helping you choose the best way to start your Athens adventure.
plane landing at athens airport

Where is Athens International Airport

Athens International Airport, officially named Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (IATA: ATH), is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Athens city center. The airport’s address is:

Athens International Airport S.A.
Attiki Odos,
Spata Artemida 190 04,
Greece

Opened in 2001, this modern airport is the main gateway to Athens and serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights. It features two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal, connected by an underground walkway.

How to Get from Athens International Airport to the City Center

Travelers have several options to reach Athens city center from the airport, each with its own advantages. The main transportation methods include buses, trains, the metro, and taxis. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each option to help you decide the best way to travel.

How to Get from Athens International Airport to the City Center by Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and reliable option for getting to the city center. The Athens Airport Express buses operate 24/7, providing direct routes to various parts of the city.

Bus Options

  • X95 (Syntagma Square): This bus route takes you directly to Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens, making it ideal for tourists staying in central Athens. The journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • X93 (Kifissos Intercity Bus Station): This route is useful if you need to connect to intercity buses traveling to other parts of Greece. The travel time is around 65 minutes.
  • X96 (Piraeus Port): If you’re catching a ferry to the islands, this bus will take you to the main port of Piraeus in about 90 minutes.
  • X97 (Elliniko Metro Station): This route connects to the southern suburbs and the Elliniko metro station, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes.

Ticketing and Costs
Tickets for the airport express buses cost €5.50 and can be purchased from the ticket kiosks at the airport bus station or directly from the driver. Buses depart from the designated bus area located between Exits 4 and 5 at the arrivals level.

How to Get from Athens International Airport to the City Center by Train

Taking the train from Athens International Airport to the city center is a comfortable and scenic option, particularly if you’re staying near the railway stations.

Proastiakos Suburban Railway
The Proastiakos (Suburban Railway) connects the airport with Athens’ main railway station, Larissis Station. From there, you can take further trains to other parts of Greece.

  1. Airport to Athens Central Station (Larissis Station): The journey takes about 40 minutes, with trains running every 15-25 minutes from 5:52 AM to 10:22 PM.
  2. Airport to Kiato: This route is convenient for travelers heading to the Peloponnese region.


Ticketing and Costs
Tickets for the Proastiakos train cost €10 for a one-way trip to Athens Central Station. You can purchase tickets from the ticket machines or the ticket counters at the airport’s railway station, which is located adjacent to the main terminal building.

How to Get from Athens International Airport to the City Center by Metro

The metro is one of the most popular and efficient ways to reach the city center. Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport directly with central Athens, offering a quick and convenient journey.

Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)

  1. Airport to Syntagma Square: This public transport in Athens ride from the airport to Syntagma Square takes around 40 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
  2. Major Stops: Other significant stops along the route include Monastiraki (for the famous flea market), Kerameikos, and Panormou.


Ticketing and Costs
A one-way ticket for the metro costs €9. Reduced fares are available for students, seniors, and children. Tickets can be purchased from the automatic machines or ticket offices at the airport metro station, located within the main terminal.

How to Get from Athens International Airport to the City Center by Taxi

Taxis provide a comfortable and direct way to reach your destination, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group.

Taxi Services
Taxis are available 24/7 from the designated taxi rank located outside Exit 3 of the arrivals level. The journey to the city center typically takes around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Costs

  • Daytime Rate (5:00 AM to midnight): The flat fare to the city center is approximately €38.
  • Night Rate (midnight to 5:00 AM): The fare increases to around €54.

These rates include all applicable fees, such as tolls and luggage charges. It’s advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Conclusion on best ways to get to Athens from Airport

Getting from Athens International Airport to the city center is straightforward, with multiple transportation options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you choose the affordability of buses, the comfort of trains, the efficiency of the metro, or the convenience of taxis, you’ll find a suitable method to begin your exploration of Athens. Each option provides a unique glimpse of the city, ensuring that your journey from the airport is just the start of your Athenian adventure.