Getting from Athens Airport to the City
Athens International Airport (ATH), officially Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, is located around 35 kilometres east of central Athens and is the main gateway for visitors arriving in Greece. Whether you’re heading to the historic centre, catching a ferry from Piraeus, relaxing on the Athens Riviera, or travelling onwards by train, there are several straightforward ways to reach your destination.
For most visitors staying in the city centre, the Metro offers the best balance of speed, convenience and cost. Direct trains connect the airport with Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Piraeus and many other parts of the city without needing to change. If you’re arriving very early or late, a network of 24-hour Airport Express buses ensures public transport remains available even when the Metro has stopped running.
Travellers with lots of luggage, young children or those arriving after a long international flight may prefer a taxi or private airport transfer, both of which provide direct door-to-door transport. If you’re planning to explore mainland Greece beyond Athens, car hire is also widely available at the airport.
Whichever option you choose, Athens Airport is well organised and clearly signposted, making onward travel surprisingly straightforward even for first-time visitors.
Athens Airport Transfers at a Glance
Before deciding how to travel, here’s a quick comparison of the main transfer options from Athens Airport.
| Transfer Option | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (Line 3) | 40 to 55 minutes | Most visitors staying in central Athens |
| Airport Express Bus | 45 to 75 minutes | Budget travellers and overnight arrivals |
| Taxi | 35 to 50 minutes | Families, luggage and door-to-door travel |
| Private Airport Transfer | 35 to 50 minutes | Stress-free arrivals and fixed prices |
| Car Hire | Varies | Road trips and exploring mainland Greece |
Your choice will largely depend on where you’re staying, how much luggage you’re carrying, and what time your flight arrives. Fortunately, every option is well established, reliable and easy to find once you leave the arrivals hall.
Taking the Athens Metro from the Airport
For many visitors, the Athens Metro is the quickest, easiest and best-value way to travel from the airport to the city centre. Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs directly from Athens International Airport to many of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods, avoiding the heavy traffic that can build up on the roads, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.
The airport station is connected directly to the terminal building by a covered pedestrian walkway, with clear signs in both Greek and English leading from the arrivals hall. Ticket machines, staffed ticket offices and ticket barriers are all located before the platforms, making it easy to begin your journey.
Trains are modern, air-conditioned and designed with airport passengers in mind, offering dedicated luggage space as well as clear onboard announcements in both Greek and English. If you’re staying near Syntagma, Monastiraki or Piraeus, you can usually reach your accommodation without changing trains.
| Destination | Approximate Journey Time |
|---|---|
| Syntagma Square | 40 minutes |
| Monastiraki | 43 minutes |
| Piraeus Port | 55 minutes |
A single airport Metro ticket costs €9.00 and is valid for one journey between Athens Airport and the city. If you’re travelling as a couple or family, it’s worth checking the latest group ticket options, as these can sometimes offer better value.
Unlike journeys within central Athens, the airport route is not covered by the standard €1.20 public transport ticket, 24-hour ticket, or 5-day ticket. If you’re planning to use public transport throughout your stay, the 3-day Tourist Ticket (€20.00) can represent excellent value, as it includes unlimited travel for 72 hours plus one return journey between the airport and the city by either Metro or Airport Express bus.
Athens also supports Tap2Ride, allowing you to pay using a contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you choose this option, the airport Metro fare of €9.00 is charged automatically. Just remember to use the same payment card or device throughout your journey.
If you’re staying close to one of the Metro stations, travelling by train is usually the fastest and most convenient way to reach central Athens. For a complete guide to the Metro network, ticket types, Tap2Ride and travelling around the city once you’ve arrived, see our Athens Public Transport Guide.
Athens Airport Express Buses
If your flight arrives outside Metro operating hours, or you’re staying somewhere that’s easier to reach by bus, the Athens Airport Express Bus network provides an excellent alternative. Operated by OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organisation), these modern coaches connect Athens International Airport with key transport hubs across the city and operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
All Airport Express buses depart from the designated bus terminal immediately outside the Arrivals Hall. Simply follow the clearly marked “Buses” signs after leaving the terminal building. Luggage can be stored in the racks inside the coach or, on some vehicles, in the luggage compartment beneath the bus.
Unlike many airport bus services across Europe, there’s no need to book in advance. Simply purchase a ticket before boarding or pay using Tap2Ride with a supported contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Four express routes connect the airport with different parts of Athens.
| Route | Destination | Approx. Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| X93 | Kifisos Intercity Bus Station | 60–70 mins | Long-distance coaches to mainland Greece |
| X95 | Syntagma Square | 50–60 mins | Plaka, Acropolis, Monastiraki, central Athens |
| X96 | Piraeus Port | 75–90 mins | Greek island ferries |
| X97 | Elliniko Metro Station | 45–55 mins | Athens Riviera, Glyfada, Metro Line 2 |
Journey times vary depending on traffic, particularly during weekday rush hours.
An Airport Express Bus ticket costs €5.50 per person.
You can purchase tickets from:
- Ticket machines at the airport bus stop
- Airport ticket offices
- Using Tap2Ride with a supported contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay
The 3-Day Tourist Ticket (€20.00) also includes return travel between Athens Airport and the city using either the Airport Express buses or the Metro, making it excellent value if you’re planning several days of sightseeing.
X95 is the route used by most visitors. It terminates at Syntagma Square, placing you within walking distance of many hotels in Plaka, Monastiraki, Ermou Street and the Acropolis.
If you’re catching a ferry to the Greek islands, X96 is the best choice. It travels directly to Piraeus Port, making it particularly useful for passengers arriving late at night when the Metro is less frequent.
Travellers continuing elsewhere in Greece should look at X93, which serves Kifisos Intercity Bus Station, the departure point for many long-distance coach services.
If you’re staying along the Athens Riviera, Glyfada or near Elliniko, X97 provides the quickest public transport connection before you continue your journey by Metro, tram or taxi.
Journey planning is available through Google Maps, which provides accurate live directions for Airport Express buses. For real-time arrival information, delays and service updates, you can also use the official OASA Telematics app, which covers buses, trolleybuses and trams across Athens.
Although the Airport Express buses are generally slower than the Metro during the day, they remain one of the most convenient ways to reach Athens outside Metro operating hours and provide a reliable 24-hour connection between the airport and the city.
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Taxis from Athens Airport
If you prefer to travel directly to your accommodation without changing trains or carrying luggage through Metro stations, official Athens Airport taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service. The taxi rank is located immediately outside the arrivals hall and is clearly signposted, with licensed yellow taxis available around the clock.
One of the biggest advantages of taking a taxi from the airport is the fixed fare for journeys to central Athens. Rather than relying on the meter, official airport taxis charge a set price to destinations within the city centre, making it easy to know the approximate cost before you travel. Night-time fares are slightly higher than daytime fares, reflecting the different tariff that applies overnight.
The journey typically takes 35 to 50 minutes, although this can increase considerably during the morning and evening rush hours. If you’re travelling with several people, heavy luggage or young children, a taxi can often work out to be surprisingly good value compared with buying multiple public transport tickets.
Most taxis accept credit and debit cards, but it’s always sensible to confirm with the driver before starting your journey. If you’re travelling to destinations outside central Athens, such as Glyfada, Vouliagmeni or Cape Sounion, the fare will normally be calculated using the meter rather than the fixed airport tariff.
To avoid problems, always use the official airport taxi rank rather than accepting offers from individuals inside the terminal. Licensed taxis display their identification clearly, helping ensure a safe and straightforward start to your visit.
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Booking a Private Airport Transfer
If you’d prefer someone to be waiting for you when your flight lands, a private airport transfer offers the most convenient arrival experience. After clearing customs, your driver will normally meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name board before escorting you directly to your vehicle.
Unlike standard taxis, private transfers are booked in advance, so you’ll know the exact price before you travel. This makes them particularly popular with families, larger groups and visitors arriving after a long international flight who simply want to reach their hotel as quickly as possible.
Private transfers are also ideal if you’re travelling to destinations beyond central Athens, including Piraeus Port, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni or other parts of the Athens Riviera, where public transport may involve several changes.
Most companies monitor incoming flights, meaning your driver will normally adjust the pickup time automatically if your flight is delayed. Many vehicles also provide complimentary bottled water, air conditioning and plenty of luggage space, helping you start your holiday in comfort.
If convenience is your priority, a pre-booked private transfer is often the least stressful way to begin your stay in Athens.
Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance
Arriving in a new destination can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Welcome Pickups lets you pre-book a private airport transfer, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, and travellers who want a smooth, reliable start to their trip. Instead of searching for taxis or navigating public transport, you can head straight to your accommodation.
Should You Hire a Car at Athens Airport?
Although car hire is readily available at Athens Airport, most visitors staying in central Athens won’t need a car immediately.
The city centre is well served by the Metro, buses and trams, while many of Athens’ biggest attractions are located within walking distance of one another. Traffic can be busy, parking is often limited, and navigating unfamiliar streets isn’t always the most relaxing way to begin your holiday.
Hiring a car becomes much more worthwhile if you’re planning to explore mainland Greece after spending time in Athens. Popular destinations such as Delphi, the Peloponnese, Meteora or the Greek mainland beaches are all much easier to reach with your own vehicle.
A popular strategy is to spend two or three days exploring Athens using public transport, then collect a hire car when you’re ready to leave the city. This avoids the challenges of city driving while still giving you complete freedom to explore the rest of Greece.
If your plans include only Athens and the nearby islands, you’ll almost certainly find that public transport, taxis and ferries are all you need throughout your trip.
Which Airport Transfer is Best?
The best transfer option depends on where you’re staying, when you arrive and how much luggage you’re carrying.
| Destination | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Syntagma Square | Metro Line 3 |
| Monastiraki | Metro Line 3 |
| Plaka | Metro to Acropoli or Monastiraki, then walk |
| Acropolis Area | Metro Line 3, changing to Line 2 if required |
| Piraeus Port | Metro Line 3 or X96 Airport Express Bus |
| Glyfada | Metro to Elliniko, then tram or taxi |
| Athens Riviera | Metro plus tram, or taxi |
| Late-night arrivals | X95 Airport Express Bus or taxi |
| Families with lots of luggage | Taxi or private transfer |
For the majority of visitors staying in central Athens, the Metro offers the best combination of speed, price and convenience. If you’re travelling overnight, catching a ferry from Piraeus, or simply want a direct door-to-door journey, the Airport Express buses, taxis and private transfers all provide excellent alternatives.
Travelling Directly to Piraeus Port
Many visitors arriving at Athens Airport are heading straight for a ferry rather than staying in the city. Fortunately, Piraeus Port is well connected to the airport, making it easy to continue your journey to the Greek islands.
The simplest public transport option is Metro Line 3, which provides a direct service between Athens Airport and Piraeus without the need to change trains. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes, with trains arriving beside the port entrance. Depending on your ferry company, you should allow an additional 10 to 20 minutes to walk from the Metro station to your departure gate, as Piraeus is one of Europe’s largest passenger ports.
The X96 Airport Express Bus is another popular choice, particularly for travellers arriving late at night when Metro services are less frequent. The bus runs 24 hours a day and stops close to the ferry terminals, although journey times can vary depending on traffic.
If you’re travelling with heavy luggage, children or have a tight ferry connection, a taxi or private transfer offers the greatest convenience by taking you directly to your departure gate.
If you’re continuing your journey by sea, our Athens Ferry Routes Guide explains the different ferry terminals, operators and the destinations served from Piraeus.
Airport Facilities
Athens International Airport is a modern, well-equipped airport with everything most travellers need before continuing their journey into the city or onwards around Greece.
Throughout both the arrivals and departures areas you’ll find a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores, making it easy to grab a meal or stock up on snacks before travelling onwards.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, while numerous ATMs and currency exchange desks are located in both the public and secure areas. If you’re arriving from outside the EU, you’ll also find SIM card retailers and mobile phone shops, although many visitors now choose to activate a Greece eSIM before travelling to avoid queuing after landing.
Other facilities include left luggage services, baby changing facilities, accessible toilets, pharmacies, airport lounges, charging points, and a large selection of car hire companies located close to the terminal.
If you’re collecting a hire car, the rental desks are clearly signposted within the arrivals hall, with vehicles collected from nearby parking areas just a short walk away.
Helpful Tips for Arriving at Athens Airport
Your arrival in Athens will usually be straightforward, but a little preparation can make the journey even smoother.
If you’re planning to use the Metro, buy or validate your ticket before heading through the barriers and keep it with you until you’ve completed your journey. If you’re using Tap2Ride, remember to use the same contactless bank card or mobile device throughout the day so the system correctly calculates your fares.
If you’re arriving during the busy summer season, allow extra time for travelling by road. Traffic around Athens can become particularly heavy during weekday mornings and late afternoons, meaning the Metro is often the quickest option for reaching the city centre.
Before leaving the airport, it’s also worth downloading offline maps or ensuring your mobile data is working, especially if you’re planning to continue your journey using public transport. Having Google Maps available makes changing between the Metro, buses and trams considerably easier.
Finally, if you’re catching a ferry from Piraeus, avoid leaving the airport at the last minute. Ferry companies generally recommend arriving at least one hour before departure, and some of the larger ships use gates that are a considerable walk from the Metro station or bus stop.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Flying into Athens? These tips will help you get from the airport to your destination with the minimum amount of stress:
- Use the Metro for central Athens: If you’re staying near Syntagma, Monastiraki or the Acropolis, the Metro is usually the quickest and most reliable option.
- Heading for a ferry? Allow plenty of time when travelling to Piraeus, as some ferry gates are a 10 to 20-minute walk from the Metro station.
- Travelling late at night: The Airport Express buses operate 24 hours a day, making them the best public transport option outside Metro operating hours.
- Stay connected: Download your maps or activate your Greece eSIM before leaving the airport so you’re ready to navigate the city as soon as you arrive.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Athens Airport from the city centre?
Athens International Airport is approximately 35 kilometres east of central Athens. Depending on your destination and chosen method of transport, the journey usually takes between 35 and 60 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Athens Airport to Athens?
The Metro and Airport Express buses are generally the most affordable options. The Metro is usually faster during the day, while the buses operate throughout the night.
Does the Athens Metro go directly to the airport?
Yes. Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs directly between Athens International Airport and stations including Syntagma, Monastiraki and Piraeus.
Can I get to Piraeus Port directly from the airport?
Yes. You can travel directly by Metro Line 3, the X96 Airport Express Bus, taxi or private transfer, making it easy to connect with ferries to the Greek islands.
Are taxis available 24 hours a day?
Yes. Official taxis operate around the clock from the rank immediately outside the arrivals hall.
Can I pay for public transport using my bank card?
Yes. Athens now supports Tap2Ride, allowing you to pay for most Metro, bus and tram journeys using a contactless Visa or Mastercard, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Should I hire a car at Athens Airport?
If you’re staying in central Athens, probably not. Public transport is excellent, and many attractions are within walking distance. Car hire is most useful if you’re planning to explore mainland Greece after visiting the city.
Further Reading
Once you’ve arrived in Athens, getting around the city is straightforward thanks to its excellent public transport network. Our Athens Public Transport Guide explains the Metro, buses, trams, ticket options and the new Tap2Ride contactless payment system in much more detail, helping you travel confidently throughout your stay.
If you’re planning to explore the city’s famous historic sites, our guides to the Acropolis of Athens, Best Things to Do in Athens, and Athens Travel Passes will help you decide which attractions to visit and whether a sightseeing pass could save you money.
Many visitors continue beyond Athens during their holiday. Our Athens Ferry Routes Guide explains how to travel from Piraeus to the Greek islands, while our Day Trips from Athens guide highlights some of the best destinations that can be reached in a single day using organised tours or public transport.
Finally, don’t forget to read our Best eSIMs guide before you travel. Staying connected makes navigating Athens much easier, whether you’re checking Metro routes, booking taxis or finding your way around the city. Supporting your trip with the right mobile data plan can save both time and money.
Last Updated
July 2026
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