The Athens Airport, named “Eleftherios Venizelos,” is the main airport and hub of Greece, serving as the arrival point for most travelers headed to the country’s capital. It sits about 35 kilometers from the city center. It is a modern, well-organized facility that offers a wide range of options to reach the capital comfortably, catering to every traveler’s needs and every budget.
But how can you get to Athens airport? Here are some ideas for anyone planning a trip to discover the historic beauty of Athens, and how to avoid stress and unnecessary time losses. A guide explaining which mode of transport is best to reach the destination.
Metro: reach the Athens airport quickly, efficiently and conveniently
For those who want to reach Athens Airport in a fast, efficient, and convenient way, the blue Line 3 of the metro is the right choice. A route that directly connects the airport to the heart of the city, with strategic stops such as Syntagma and Monastiraki. It is one of the preferred solutions for those seeking a good balance between speed and price.
The journey lasts about 40 minutes, and the hours during which Line 3 operates are from 6:30 in the morning to 23:30, with trains departing approximately every 30 minutes. The ticket price is €10, but it also allows using other transport for an additional 90 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the stations, at the automatic ticket machines, or at authorized outlets. It is an ideal solution if you travel light and want to immerse yourself in the city life right away.
Express Bus: service always available, even at night
For those who arrive late in the evening or need to depart at dawn, the express bus is the best solution. It is a 24/7 service that allows you to reach Athens airport at any time.
The most used line is the X95, which connects the airport to Syntagma Square, in the heart of Athens, with trips every 30 or 60 minutes. The ticket can be purchased at the kiosk near the stop or directly on board. It’s a simple, economical, and highly accessible option.
There are also other lines that go to the airport. For example, the X96 line, which runs from the Port of Piraeus to the airport and back, a journey of about 90 minutes, the ideal choice for those arriving by ferry from the Greek islands. The X93 line connects the Kifisou Intercity Bus Station to Athens Airport, for a journey of about 65 minutes, with departures roughly every 40 minutes. Finally, another option could be the X97 line, which links the airport with the Elliniko metro station, with departures every 40 or 60 minutes.
Taxi: maximum comfort to reach Athens airport
If you prefer to avoid transfers or waiting, the taxi remains a solid alternative. In this case, it’s a more comfortable option than the previous ones, but certainly more expensive. Indeed, fixed fares apply for this connection.
From the center of Athens to the airport, the daytime fixed fare is €40 during the day, from 5:00 to 24:00, while the nighttime fare is €56, from 24:00 to 5:00.
It is always advisable to confirm the price with the driver before boarding to avoid misunderstandings. A taxi can be convenient if you are traveling in a group or, in other cases, with a lot of luggage.
Other options: suburban trains, car rental and ride sharing
For those who decide to stay in less central areas or are looking for a different alternative to the metro, there is another solution. The Proastiakos suburban train offers a connection that allows reaching Athens Airport from various urban railway stations. The ticket price, in this case as well, is about €10.
On the other hand, for those seeking a customized solution and an alternative to the taxi, you can rely on ride-sharing services such as Uber or FreeNow Athens. The latter is a widely used app that allows, like the former, to book rides to the airport, even in advance.
