About Athens
Athens, the enchanting capital of Greece and one of the most important centers of the ancient world, is a city adorned with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Every year, visitors from all over the world are captivated by this city, and you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation experience by purchasing a plane ticket to Athens.
Athens is easily accessible from many major cities around the world. Thanks to various airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and Aegean Airlines, you can fly to this wonderful city comfortably and securely. In particular, Turkish Airlines and Aegean Airlines offer direct flights to Athens, saving time for holidaymakers.
As for when to visit Athens, we recommend opting for the spring and autumn months. May, September, and October are the most ideal times due to favorable weather conditions and lower tourist density.
The first stop that comes to mind when mentioning places to visit in Athens is undoubtedly the Acropolis, located in the heart of the city and where history is felt in every corner. Here, you can visit the world-famous Parthenon Temple and witness one of the most beautiful views of Athens. Plaka, situated at the foot of the Acropolis, is one of the city's most charming neighborhoods with its narrow streets and colorful shops. Here, you can savor authentic Greek dishes while immersing yourself in a historical atmosphere.
Syntagma Square, located in the city center, is one of Athens' most important squares. At this square, you can visit the Greek Parliament Building and the Syntagma Metro Station, which gives the square its name. Additionally, you can see significant artifacts of ancient Greek civilization at the nearby National Archaeological Museum.
Located to the south of the city, Piraeus Port is one of Athens' liveliest areas. From here, you can take ferries to the islands in the Aegean Sea and experience an unforgettable vacation in Greece's azure waters. Moreover, you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes in the Mikrolimano area near the port and spend a pleasant evening.
For those who want to explore Athens' natural beauty, Lycabettus Hill and Filopappou Hill are excellent options. Both hills offer panoramic views of the city and are ideal for watching the sunset. You can also visit the small church on Lycabettus Hill and experience the city's religious life.
For shopping in Athens, Ermou Street and the Kolonaki district are the most popular choices. On Ermou Street, you can find stores of world-famous brands and enjoy a delightful shopping day. Kolonaki is an elegant district filled with luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants, where you can experience Athens' high-society life.
Athens' nightlife is also quite colorful and offers visitors various entertainment options. In the Gazi and Psiri districts, you can feel Athens' energy at venues with live music and lively bars. Additionally, traditional taverns in Monastiraki and Plaka offer visitors enjoyable evenings accompanied by authentic Greek music.
In conclusion, Athens is a unique city that caters to all types of vacationers with its historical and cultural richness, natural beauty, and vibrant social life. It is worth exploring this magical city with plane tickets and comfortable transportation options offered by Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and other airlines. Whether you're interested in history and culture or a nature and sea enthusiast, Athens awaits you!
Transportation from City Center to Athens Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
There are various options for traveling from Athens city center to Athens International Airport. Public transport options such as the metro, train, and buses are commonly used. The Line 3 blue metro route offers direct services to the airport and takes about 40 minutes. Additionally, suburban trains heading towards Kiato also provide access to the airport from the city center.
Taxis or private transfer services offer a quick and comfortable journey from the city center to the airport. These methods are particularly suitable for passengers with heavy luggage or those who prefer not to depend on public transport schedules. Most taxi and transfer services offer fixed-rate fares.
To reach Athens International Airport from the city center, there are four main bus lines. The most frequently used is the X95, which offers a direct service from Syntagma Square to the airport, taking about an hour, and costs 6 Euros. The other lines include:
- X93: Kifisos KTEL Station – Airport
- X96: Piraeus – Airport
- X97: Eliniko Metro Station – Airport
These buses specifically cater to airport travelers and operate at frequencies ranging from every 15 minutes to 1 hour. Departure points in the city center may vary, so checking the specific terminal information for routes and timings is advised. Additionally, KTEL express bus lines to destinations outside the city, such as Markopoulo and Rafina, are also available for airport travel.
Traveling from Athens city center to Athens International Airport is most convenient and fast using the metro. The blue line 3 directly connects the city center to the airport. Metro services run daily from 06:30 to 23:30, every 30 minutes, with an approximate journey time of 40 minutes.
Suburban railway is also an option for airport access. Trains depart hourly from Athens Central Railway Station (Larissa Station). Additionally, from Doukissis Plakentias station, suburban railway trains depart every 15-25 minutes to the airport.
Athens Airport ticket prices are as follows:
- Regular Express Bus Ticket: 6 Euro
- Discounted Express Bus Ticket: 3 Euro
- Regular Athens Metro Airport Ticket: 10 Euro
- Discounted Athens Metro Airport Ticket: 5 Euro
- Two-way Athens Metro Airport Ticket: 18 Euro
- 3-day Tourist Ticket for all public transport (including one two-way airport ticket): 20 Euro
Using hotel shuttle services from the city center of Athens to the airport is a convenient and comfortable option. If your hotel offers an airport transfer service, it's important to reserve this service in advance. This ensures that on the day of your departure, the vehicle provided by the hotel will pick you up and directly transport you to the Athens Airport.
Such services usually require prior planning and are adjusted according to your flight schedules. You can inquire about the details of the transfer service and make your reservation by contacting your hotel's reception or customer service. While some hotels offer this service free of charge, others may require a certain fee.
Traveling from Athens city center to the Athens International Airport with a rental car is an ideal option, especially for those who wish to explore the city and its surroundings. You can visit historical and natural attractions in Athens at your own pace. For instance, you could explore the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the historical neighborhood of Plaka, followed by a trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Additionally, you can discover picturesque coastal areas like Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
When it comes to choosing a rental car, customers typically select from various options based on their budget and needs. At Athens Airport, popular international car rental companies such as Hertz, Sixt, Budget, and Avis are available, along with local firms. Most of these companies offer the convenience of online reservations, allowing customers to save time.
Traveling from Athens city center to the airport by private vehicle is a quick and convenient option. Road signs prominently display directions to Spata, where Athens Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is located. The journey can be made via Mesogeion Avenue and Attiki Odos (from the Pallini overpass towards Spata), or through the Ymittos Ring Road, via Katehaki Avenue. The drive usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
The toll fee for Attiki Odos is €2.80. Near the airport, P1 and P2 parking areas cater to short-term parking needs, while P3 offers long-term parking. P1 and P2 are a short walk from the terminal, with a total of 1,360 spots. P3 is located across Attiki Odos, a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal. A free shuttle bus also connects P3 with the airport terminal in about 8 minutes.
From Athens city center to the Athens International Airport, private transfer services offer a comfortable and stress-free transportation option. This service is particularly ideal for those with a lot of luggage or who wish to get to the airport swiftly. Private transfers usually require advance reservations and directly pick passengers up from a specified location to the airport.
In Athens, some example companies providing such services include Welcome Pickups, Athens Airport Taxi, GoTransfers, and Keytours. These companies offer a range of vehicle sizes and service options to cater to the needs of their customers. They generally have fixed pricing and most offer the convenience of online booking, making travel planning easier.
Traveling from Athens city center to Athens International Airport by taxi is a convenient option, especially for those who are short on time or prefer a comfortable journey. Easily accessible taxis in the city center provide fast and direct transportation to the airport. The taxi fare structure is fixed, with different rates for day and night.
Taxi fares from the city center to the airport are as follows:
- Daytime flat rate: 40 Euro (05:00-00:00)
- Night-time flat rate: 55 Euro (00:00-05:00)
These prices include all additional charges such as VAT, meter start, luggage fee, Attiki Odos toll, and airport charge. Taxis generally offer a reliable and comfortable option, but it is advised to agree on the price with the driver before starting your journey.
Transportation from Athens Airport to City Center
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", located approximately 30 kilometers east of the city center of Athens, offers a variety of transportation options to the city. Options such as metro, train, bus, taxi, and car rental provide convenient access to the city center.
Buses offer an economical option with regular services to the main points of the city, while metro and train services provide faster transportation. The 3rd metro line and the Kiato suburban train offer direct access to the city center and Piraeus Port.
24-hour taxis, private transfer services, and car rental options are also available. These alternatives are ideal for those wishing to explore Athens and its surroundings. The preferred method of transportation from the airport to the city center can vary depending on your budget and comfort expectations.
Various bus lines operate from Athens International Airport to the city center and surrounding areas. The most popular lines are X95, X96, and X93.
X95 Line: This line runs from the airport to Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens. The travel time is approximately 1 hour, and the ticket price for adults is 6 Euros.
Route: Airport → Teloneio → Ktirio Dioikisis → Attikes Diadromes → Sea → Pyrgos → Panagitsa → Platia Agias Paraskevis → Stathmos Nomismatokopio → 7. Cholargoy → Stathmo Ethn. Amynas → Scholi Astynomias → Zagora → Galaxias → Pl. Mavili → Ilisa → Hilton Hotel → Vyzantino Moussio-Rigilli → Syntagma Square.
X96 Line: This line connects the airport to Piraeus Port, ideal for ferry transfers to the islands, and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Route: Airport → Teloneio → Kitiro Dioikisis → Diastavrosi Koropioy → Zinonos → Psilokoryfi → Sch. Evelpidon → Ekklisia → Dilofo → Pigadakia → Galini → Nosokomeio → A Plaz Voylas → Pikra → Asteria → Antonopoyloy → Pl. Glyfadas → 6. Glyfadas → 5. Glyfadas → 3. Glyfadas → 2. Glyfadas → Dikigorika → Kollegio → 4. Ellinikoy → 2. Ellinikoy → 1. Ag. Kosma → 5. Kalamakioy → 3. Kalamakioy → 1. Kalamakioy → Edem → Palmyra → Floisvos → Foros → Tzavella → Venizeloy → Ypoyrgeio → Pl. Terpsitheas → Ag. Spyridonas → Pl. Karaiskaki → Stathmos Isap → Ag. Dionysios → Piraeus Port (Gate 1).
X93 Line: This line offers a connection from the airport to Kifisos Intercity Bus Terminal, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes.
Route: Airport → Teloneiko → Ktirio Diokisis → Attikes Diadromes → Sea → Kifisias → Komvos Neas Filadelfeias → Stathmos İperastikon Leof → Rosiniol → Kolokynthoys → Kifisos Bus Terminal.
Tickets for these buses can be purchased at the airport's ticket offices or directly from the bus drivers.
Additionally, KTEL buses provide transportation from the airport to coastal areas like Rafina and Lavrio, as well as to intercity destinations. These buses are a preferred choice for passengers traveling to the islands.
For longer stays in Athens and frequent use of public transportation, the Athens Card offers affordable travel on buses, metros, and trams. This card can be obtained from ticket offices or automatic machines.
Transportation from Athens International Airport to the city center via metro and suburban train is a fast and comfortable alternative. The blue line, Line 3 of the metro, connects the airport with Syntagma Square and Aghia Marina. The metro departs every 30 minutes and reaches Syntagma Square in about 40 minutes. Various ticket types are available, with a one-way ticket costing 10 Euros and a round-trip at 18 Euros.
Suburban trains reach Larissis Train Station in the city center in similar times to the metro. The train station is located next to the airport terminal. Larissis Station provides access to city and international connections. Suburban trains serve areas like Piraeus Port, Kiato, and Halkida. Trains from the airport to Larissis Station, approximately a 45-minute journey, depart every 15 to 25 minutes.
Airport transfer services offered by some hotels in Athens provide a convenient alternative for transportation from Athens International Airport to the city center. These services offer guests a comfortable and secure transit from the airport directly to their hotel. While some hotels provide this service for free, others might charge a fee.
If your hotel offers such a service, it is important to communicate with them before your trip to express your interest in using the service. Once your reservation is made, sharing your flight details with the hotel allows them to arrange the transfer. This service is particularly ideal for those seeking a hassle-free transport option amidst the busy airport environment.
Renting a car from Athens International Airport is an ideal option for those planning to stay in Athens for a few days and who prefer not to rely on public transportation. With a rental car, you can explore the entire country or discover coastal cities with their scenic sea and nature views.
Athens Airport hosts several car rental agencies, including Alamo, National, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, and Europcar. Most of these companies offer 24-hour service, except for Hertz, which operates from 06:00 to 23:00. You can make reservations at the airport or in advance online. The distance from the airport to Sintagma Square in the city center is 33 kilometers, and the journey usually takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The use of the Attiki Odos highway is subject to a toll fee of 2.80 Euros.
Private transfer services from Athens International Airport to the city center offer a comfortable and stress-free transportation option. This service is ideal for those with a lot of luggage and who wish to reach their accommodation quickly without waiting for public transport. Private transfer companies provide more comfortable options compared to taxis and offer safe journeys with fixed fare rates. Reservations can be made online in advance, allowing passengers to be greeted by their driver upon arrival at the airport.
For private transfers from Athens Airport, you can choose from several companies, including Athens 4 Transfers, Key Tours, Tumlare – JTB Greece, Sunny Greece, Taxiplon, and Limo Tours.
Transportation from Athens International Airport to the city center or other areas by taxi is a convenient and fast option, but it's usually expensive. Official yellow taxis, offering 24-hour service, are located at the exit 3 of the arrivals hall. The fares are fixed but vary between day and night rates. It's advised to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey and to ensure that the taximeter is on.
Additionally, using apps like Uber or Beat Taxi can provide a safer travel experience. The taxi fare to the city center typically ranges from 35 to 45 Euros.
Popular Airlines Flying to Athens
Aegean Airlines
Ryanair
Sky Express
Volotea
Wizz Air Malta
