Here you will find comprehensive, concise, up-to-date instructions and information on how to get from the airport of Athens to the city center. Check out additional resources if you instead want to get from Athens Airport directly to Piraeus Port.
The Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, the only international airport of the Greek capital city, is situated about 35 km east of Athens. It is straightforward and relatively quick (30–60 minutes) to get from it to the city center by either bus, train, taxi, or private transfer. Buses are the cheapest option and, running more frequently and around the clock, overall a better choice than trains in most cases. Taxis and private transfers are obviously the fastest and most comfortable option. Further below are detailed information and tips for all methods.
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From Athens Airport to the city center by taxi or private transfer
Taxis charge a standard fare from the airport to anywhere within the municipality of Athens. In January 2024, this is €40 during the daytime (05:00-00:00) and €55 during the nighttime (00:00-05:00). You may check the official price list here in case it’s been recently updated. Make sure to confirm the price with the driver before boarding as rip-offs against tourists are not uncommon. Taxis are stationed in front of exit 3 of the arrival hall. They are always yellow and bear taxi signs. The trip should last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the specific destination and time of the day.
A taxi is obviously your most expensive but quickest and most comfortable option. You should be more inclined to choose it if you are a group of 3–4 people, in which case the cost won’t be significantly higher than public transport. It would also be a smart choice if your final destination is situated a considerable distance away from a metro station or bus stop.
For additional comfort, enhanced cleaning, onboard WiFi, guaranteed English-speaking driver, and meet-and-greet with a nameplate, especially if you are a group of more than four, you may consider booking a private transfer service from a site such as this or this one.
From Athens Airport to the city center by train
Athens Airport is connected to the center of Athens by one railway line (blue line). Trains depart from the airport every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 23:30. The trip to Monastiraki Station (the touristic heart of Athens) takes 50 minutes. This blue line, the green line (change at Monastiraki), and the red line (change at Syntagma) will bring you to a station within walking distance from most places you are likely to stay.
The full one-way train ticket from Athens Airport costs €10, regardless of where you get off. Half-price (€5) tickets are available for minors (6–18), students younger than 25, and seniors (65+). Children under 6 ride for free. A return ticket (valid for 48 hours) costs €18. A 3-day tourist ticket, including a two-way trip to the airport and unlimited urban travel in all modes of public transport, costs €20. Additional long-term tickets including unlimited trips to and from the airport are available for periods from 30 days to a year. You can purchase all forms of tickets at either the counters or the automatic vending machines in the airport’s train station hall. The train station is located just across the street from the arrivals hall. Ubiquitous signs will direct you.
The above ticket prices and departure times were valid in January 2024. You can always check the official, up-to-date information here.
Be aware of pickpockets while on the train and in the train stations, especially in the central, crowded stations. At the quiet suburban stations closer to the airport, too, watch your luggage. It is a common practice of thieves to snatch unattended stuff off the luggage racks when the doors open and vanish before you know anything.
A train should be your best option if you want a cheap ride to the city and your destination isn’t near a bus stop.
From Athens Airport to the city center by bus
Buses are the cheapest way to get to the city center from Athens Airport and come with the additional benefit of running 24/7. The full one-way ticket costs €6, regardless of where you get off. Half-price (€3) tickets are available for minors (6–18), students younger than 25, and seniors (65+). Children under 6 ride for free. The €20 3-day tourist ticket and the additional long-term tickets are valid for the airport bus just like the airport train. These prices were valid in January 2024. You can always check the official up-to-date prices here.
Tickets can be purchased by either card or cash from the booth at the bus stop or onboard in cash only. The bus stop is located in front of the arrivals hall, between exits 4 and 5.
The right route to the center of Athens is bus X95, terminating at Syntagma Square (X93, terminating at Kifissos Interurban Bus Station, might also be convenient if you are going to some northern neighborhoods like Patissia). X95 runs every 15–20 minutes all day and night and takes approximately 40 minutes to its terminal. Here are the exact summer and winter timetables, as well as the route map and stops list.
The shuttle bus is almost always a better option than the train since it’s cheaper, quicker, more frequent, less crowded, and operates round the clock. The only downside is that it won’t take you to many locations around the city. Still, taking the bus to Syntagma Square and catching the subway from there to wherever you might wanna go is cheaper and generally faster than taking the train directly.
