Getting from the airport into Athens

Arriving at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is the start of your Greek adventure, but first you need to get into the city. Here’s a guide to onward travel by metro, bus or taxi, with up-to-date information for July 2025.

Using the Metro

The Athens Metro is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get from the airport to the city centre. It’s clean, air-conditioned, and avoids the city’s notorious traffic.

Which line?

You’ll need Metro Line 3 (the Blue Line), which runs directly from the airport to the city centre.

Where to catch it:

The airport metro station is connected to the main terminal by a covered walkway. Just follow the signs for “Trains” or “Metro” after you exit arrivals.

Operating times:

First train from the airport: 06:10
Last train from the airport: 23:34
Trains depart every 30 minutes.

Key stops on the route:

Doukissis Plakentias (where some trains terminate; make sure you’re on a train marked “Athens/Aghia Marina” or “Dimotiko Theatro” for the city centre)
Syntagma (central Athens, main square, change here for Metro Lines 2 and 1)
Monastiraki (historic centre, close to Plaka, Psyrri and the Acropolis, change here for Metro Line 1)
Evangelismos (Kolonaki area, close to museums and upmarket hotels)
Kerameikos (Gazi nightlife district)
End destination: Dimotiko Theatro (Piraeus port), but most visitors get off at Syntagma or Monastiraki

Journey time:

About 40 minutes to Syntagma, plus extra for waiting.

Ticket cost (as of August 2025):

Standard airport metro ticket: €9 one way
Return ticket (valid for 48 hours): €16
Reduced fare (students, seniors, children): €4.50

How to buy tickets:

You can buy tickets from machines or the ticket office at the airport station. Contactless payment with debit/credit cards is also available – just tap in and out at the barriers.

Taking the Bus

If you’re arriving late, have lots of luggage, or want a direct route to a specific area, the airport express buses are a great option. They run 24/7, are reliable, and are a budget-friendly way to reach the city. Just remember to allow extra time during rush hour or if you’re travelling on a Friday or Sunday evening.

Which bus?

The most popular route for central Athens is the X95.

Where to catch it:

Buses depart from the arrivals level, just outside Exit 5 of the main terminal. Look for the blue and white signs for “Express Buses.”

X95: Airport – Syntagma Square

Runs every 15 – 30 minutes, 24 hours a day
Journey time: 45 – 70 minutes, depending on traffic
End destination: Syntagma Square (central Athens, close to many hotels and metro connections)
Major stops: Nomismatokopio, Ethniki Amyna, Megaro Moussikis, Evangelismos, Syntagma

Other express buses:

X93: To Kifisos and Liosion intercity bus stations
X96: To Piraeus port (for ferries to the islands)
X97: To Elliniko metro station (southern suburbs)

Ticket cost (as of August 2025):

€5.50 one way (flat fare, no reduced rate for airport buses)

How to buy tickets:

Purchase tickets at the kiosk next to the bus stop or from the ticket machines. You must validate your ticket on board.

Getting a Taxi

If you want door-to-door convenience, a taxi is the easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel or apartment. Taxis are available 24/7 from the official rank just outside Exit 3 of the arrivals level.

Standard airport taxi:

Flat fare to central Athens (within the city ring): roughly around €40 during the day (05:00–24:00), €55 at night (00:01–04:59)
The fare includes all tolls, luggage, VAT and airport surcharge
Journey time: 35 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic

Uber and FreeNow:

Uber in Athens operates as UberTaxi, meaning you’ll be matched with a licensed yellow taxi, not a private car.
FreeNow is a popular local app for booking taxis, with similar pricing to Uber.
Both apps allow you to pay by card or cash, track your ride, and see the fare in advance.
UberTaxi and FreeNow are similarly priced to standard taxis, but you reduce the risk of being overcharged if you use apps. There are designated Uber and FreeNow pick-up points outside the airport opposite the main taxi rank.
You don’t have to tip, but leaving an extra few euros is very much appreciated.

How to book:

For Uber or FreeNow, download the app and request a ride as you exit arrivals. The app will direct you to the correct pick-up point.
For a regular taxi, join the official queue at Exit 3.

Tips:

Avoid unofficial taxis or touts inside the terminal.
If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or a group, you can request a larger vehicle via the apps.
Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so ALWAYS allow extra time if you’re catching a ferry or have a tight schedule – I’ve seen many tourists underestimate the traffic and end up missing their ferry to the islands.