Athens International
Airport:
Eleftherios Venizelos
Athens International Airport (code: ATH; website: www.aia.gr) is named after Eleftherios Venizelos, the Greek revolutionary fighter who became the Prime Minister of Greece.
Athens International Airport: Location
Athens airport is about 12 miles (19kms) east of the city center, but about 19 miles (30kms) by road because of the hilly terrain.
Ground Transport: Metro and Train
Athens International Airport has its own Metro station, on Line 3 of the Athens Metro. Trains run every 30 minutes from 5.30am-11.30pm and take about 40-45 minutes to central Athens. The airport Metro station is at the eastern end of Line 3. If you're going to Piraeus you can change at Monastiraki. Be sure to check current information on times and fares at the Athens Urban Rail Transport website.
The station at the airport is shared by the suburban train service, although this goes to the Larisis train station in Athens which is not as convenient for the city centre. The suburban trains do run slightly later, though, if you miss the last Metro, and some services go all the way to Piraeus.
Ground Transport: Buses
Buses are cheaper than the Metro but are slower, especially if the traffic is busy – and it often is, in Athens. However, they do run all night if you have a late arrival or early departure, and of course then the traffic is lighter. The X95 bus service goes from the airport to Syntagma Square, and the X96 service links the airport with Piraeus. There are other services to the centre and to other parts of the city.
Ground Transport: Taxis
Athenian taxi drivers are unfortunately notorious for over-charging visitors to the city. A trip into the centre should take up to about an hour, and at the time of writing cost no more than about €30. There are legitimate add-ons to the bill, by way of an airport surcharge, a toll if using the toll road, and for luggage. Make sure the meter is switched on, as a 'broken meter' usually means you will be ripped off. If you feel you may have been overcharged, ask your hotel to help you, or if there is no-one to help insist on ringing the police (Tel: 100).
Athens Airport Car Hire
See our Athens Airport Car Rental page.
Athens Airport Hotels
See our Athens Airport Hotels page.
Don't miss this visual tour of Athens with photos by Donna Dailey of Greece Travel Secrets.
Other Athens pages
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Athens to Santorini
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Ten Best Museums in Athens
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Athens: Travel Information and Advice about Athens, Greece
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Where to Eat in Athens and Piraeus
If you're wondering where to eat in Athens and Piraeus we have a few suggestions including some favorites around the Acropolis, Omonia Square, and Syntagma.
Athens Events and Public Holidays
If visiting Athens it helps to know when major events and public holidays take place, as some shops and attractions may be closed, but to be there at times like Easter can make for a magical trip.
The Pnyx
The Pnyx hill near the Acropolis is one of Athens' true hidden gems, a place to wander freely away from the crowds and discover ancient places and mysteries.
The Best Hotels in Athens
Greece Travel Secrets gives its choice of the best hotels in Athens from budget and moderate options through to 5-star luxury choices.
Athens in the Rain
Athens in the rain isn’t something you’re likely to experience but here are suggestions for things to do in the rain in Athens including museums and shopping
A Walk around Kolonáki
This walk around the Kolonaki neighbourhood of Athens starts and ends in Syntagma Square and takes you to several museums, Kolonaki Square and Mount Lykabettos.
My Athens: a Portrait by Travel Writer Mike Gerrard
In My Athens on Greece Travel Secrets travel writer Mike Gerrard describes what he loves about Athens including the Acropolis and eating!
The Best Things to Do in Athens
The best things to do in Athens, Greece, include top archaeological sites like the Acropolis and must-see attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum
Amusing Children in Athens
Amusing children in Athens is easy as there is lots to do including a children’s museum, planetarium, beaches, and easy excursions to the nearest islands.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square or Constitution Square is the main square in Athens and has a metro station, the Greek Parliament building, hotels, cafes, and a post office.
Changing of the Guard in Athens
The Changing of the Guard in Athens takes place outside the Parliament building at the top of Syntagma Square and is a must-see for visitors.
Athens National Historical Museum
The Athens National Historical Museum is in the former Greek Parliament building and houses an archive of historical artefacts and documents.
Athens War Museum
The Athens War Museum is a fascinating look at Greek history through the lens of warfare from ancient battles to the Greek War of Independence and World War II.
Best Views in Athens
The best views in Athens include views from the Acropolis and of the Acropolis from the top of some of the city’s several hills and from hotels and restaurants.
Ten Fun Things to Do in Athens
Ten Fun Things to Do in Athens include eating in the Central Market, watching the sun set over the Acropolis and seeing one of the world's oldest theatres.
Athens Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Athens Byzantine and Christian Museum is housed in a beautiful villa with an underground wing and lovely gardens too.
Mount Lykabettos
Mount Lykabettos is the highest hill in Athens and provides some of the best views of the city, with a funicular cable car the easiest way to get to the top.
Cape Sounion and the East Coast
The beach resorts of Athens are easily reached from the city and also close are Cape Sounion with the Temple of Poseidon, ancient Marathon and Rafina's port.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Greece Travel Secrets visits the Monastiraki Flea Market, followed by Sunday lunch at Sigalas on Monastiraki Square
Athens Agora
The Athens Agora or ancient market is a must-see site and one of the best things to do in Athens with its restored arcade building, the Stoa, and its museum.
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Athens Airport: New Curbside Pick-up Rules Take Effect June 7
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