Athens International Airport - 2023 Guide

Athens El. Venizelos Airport, located near Spata, approximately 33 km southeast of Athens city center, boasts modern infrastructure and top-notch facilities. Developed through a public-private partnership, Greece holds a majority stake of 55% in this airport. While it is considered one of the pricier airports in Europe due to high taxes, it justifies the cost with its excellent amenities, including a wide range of dining options, cafes, shops, and more. Serving as a global hub, this airport welcomes flights from destinations across the globe.

Transports from Athens airport

Athens International Airport is located 33 km from Athens center. It is easily accessible by car via Attiki Odos, a major motorway that forms the Athens City Ring Road. Its proximity to the port of Rafina, which serves numerous ferries to the Greek islands, adds to its convenience. The distance from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port is 42 km ( 26 miles), while the distance to Rafina Port is 26 Km ( 16.5 miles).

Efficient public transport options are readily available for air passengers traveling to Athens. These include the metro, railway, and express airport buses, providing seamless connections to the city center and the port of Piraeus. Discover the convenient ways to reach the ports of Athens from the airport and explore key tourist attractions along the way.

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Private transfers

The optimal approach is to utilize an online pre-booked transfer service, offering a range of transportation options such as taxis, minibuses, or private VIP cars, enabling you to arrange a convenient airport pickup. Book your private transfer at Welcome Pickups. 

Car rental

Experience the convenience of renting a car in Athens with the added bonus of picking it up directly from the airport. Explore the captivating city of Athens and uncover its hidden gems, or embark on a journey to breathtaking mainland destinations such as Meteora, Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and more. Check prices and availability at DiscoverCars. 

Public transfers

The bus station is situated outside the arrivals/departures building of Athens Airport. Buses run approximately every 15-20 minutes, providing convenient transportation for visitors. Additionally, a metro station can be found just outside the airport, offering another convenient mode of travel.

Athens Airport to Athens Centre

Getting to Athens Centre

• Visitors can easily reach Athens Centre by taking the metro. Just outside the airport, there is a metro station. You can hop on the blue line and get off at Syntagma station.
• Bus X95 offers a direct route from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square. You can check the official bus timetables for more information.

Getting to Piraeus Port from Athens Airport

• Just outside the airport, there is a metro station. You can take the blue line and then transfer at “Monastiraki” station to the green line, which has its terminal just outside the port of Piraeus.
• The Proastiakos (Athens Suburban Railway) operates a direct service from Athens airport to Piraeus and vice versa.
•  Bus X96 offers a direct route from Athens airport to Piraeus port. You can check the official bus timetables for more information.

Getting to Rafina Port from Athens Airport

• The public bus network (KTEL) runs between Athens city center and Rafina port.

Expert’s Tip: If you decide to use public transportation, keep in mind that the bus might not make stops everywhere unless you inform the driver. If you don’t know where your bus stop is, simply let the driver know your destination, and they will make a stop for you.