Athens International Airport – Eleftherios Venizelos is located approximately 33 kilometres from the city centre. Despite the distance, getting into the city is straightforward, thanks to an efficient transport network that connects the airport to Athens around the clock. You can choose between the metro, direct bus services, taxis, and private transfer services, each with its own advantages in terms of cost, journey time, and convenience.
Most visitors head to the central accommodation areas of Athens such as Plaka, Koukaki, Syntagma, or Monastiraki, and almost every transport option from the airport will get you reasonably close to these areas.
Couples arriving in Athens for a short break will generally want a quick, hassle-free solution. The metro is a particularly convenient choice, as it runs directly into the city centre without any traffic delays, and the Syntagma stop sits right in the heart of the tourist district. For couples arriving late at night or with a lot of luggage, a taxi can be the simplest and most comfortable option.
Families with children tend to weigh up the taxi against the metro. The metro is cheaper and easy to use, but when travelling with prams and multiple suitcases, a taxi is often the more practical choice.
Small groups of friends travelling together can save money by sharing a single taxi or private transfer. When four people split the cost of a taxi, the per-person fare often works out very close to the price of a metro ticket.
Independent travellers and backpackers will generally prefer the airport bus services. They are significantly cheaper than the metro and operate through the night, meaning you can get into the city centre at any hour.
History and Character of the Airport
Athens International Airport opened in 2001, replacing the city’s former airport. It was built as part of the preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympics and remains Greece’s largest and busiest airport to this day.
The airport is situated in the region of Attica. Despite its distance from the centre, transport connectivity was a core part of the original project, so metro, suburban rail, and direct bus links to the city were all in place from the very first day of operations.
The journey from the airport to central Athens is more than just a transfer — it passes through various parts of Attica, some suburban and some more urban in character. Travelling by metro, the line calls at key stations including Doukissis Plakentias, Ambelokipi, and Syntagma, making it easy to connect to the rest of the city’s metro network.
The bus journey offers the chance to take in a little more of the city and its suburbs. The X95 line, for example, travels through various parts of south-eastern Athens before arriving at Syntagma Square. For first-time visitors, this can serve as an engaging first introduction to the local atmosphere.
Those who opt for a taxi will typically travel via the Attiki Odos motorway, one of the most modern roads in Greece. This route is relatively fast and allows you to reach the city centre in good time, especially outside of peak traffic hours.
Transport Options
The metro is the most popular way to travel from the airport to the city centre. You’ll want Line 3 of the Athens Metro — one of the network’s main lines, serving key stops including Syntagma and Monastiraki. The average journey time to the city centre is around 40 minutes. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes. The metro station is located just outside the terminal and is connected to it via a covered walkway.
Athens operates several express bus lines from the airport that run 24 hours a day. The most popular route for visitors is the X95, which goes directly to Syntagma Square. Journey times vary depending on traffic and typically range from 50 to 70 minutes. The main advantages are the low fare and the round-the-clock service.
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall around the clock. Fares to the city centre are fixed by zone: approximately €40 during the day and around €55 at night. Journey times vary with traffic and typically run between 30 and 45 minutes. The main advantage is door-to-door comfort, taking you directly to your hotel.
Private Transfers
Those who prefer to arrange everything in advance can book a private transfer from the airport to their hotel. The driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign and will escort passengers directly to the vehicle. The cost is higher than a standard taxi, but this option is particularly well-suited to families or small groups travelling with a lot of luggage.
Suburban Rail
The Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) also connects the airport to the city’s main railway station and to other destinations such as Piraeus. It is less commonly used by tourists but can be a useful option for those continuing on to other parts of Greece.
Essential Tips
The metro is generally the fastest and most convenient option during the day, particularly for those heading to the Syntagma, Monastiraki, or Koukaki areas. During peak traffic hours the roads into the city can become congested, making the metro quicker than a taxi. Travellers arriving on a late-night flight can use the X95 bus, which runs 24 hours a day — a cheap and reliable solution when the metro is no longer running.
If you’re arriving with a lot of luggage or with young children, a taxi or private transfer will usually be the most straightforward option. The fixed fare means no surprises. In summer, bear in mind that public transport can be significantly busier due to higher tourist volumes, especially in July and August.
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