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How to get from Athens Airport to City Centre

Justine Mellor

September 27, 2024

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is located approximately 35 km from the city centre, taking approximately 25-30 minutes depending on traffic levels. You can travel from Athens Airport to the city using four different means of transport: taxi, Athens Airport transfer, metro, or bus.

The quickest and most convenient option is an Athens Airport taxi or airport transfer, as these services are door-to-door. If you want to use public transport to save some money, the fastest option is the metro, getting you to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes. Alternatively, the cheapest transportation option is the X95 Express Bus, which takes around an hour to get to the centre.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Athens at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€40	25min	24/7
Metro	€18	40min	06:10–23:34
Airport Express Bus	€11	60min	24/7
Welcome Airport Transfer	€43	25min	24/7

How to get from Athens Airport to the city by taxi

Getting a taxi from Athens Airport to the city centre is one of the fastest and most convenient transport options. Official taxis are yellow with a “Taxi” sign on the roof and they are available 24/7 from the airport taxi ranks.

All you need to do is exit Arrivals and jump into the queue at the taxi rank. The journey to Syntagma Square in central Athens takes around 25 minutes in usual traffic conditions.

Cost of a taxi from Athens Airport to the city centre

Taxis in Athens charge using a taximeter, which means the final fare is based on the distance travelled. However, there is a fixed fare for routes from Athens Airport to the city. The price during the day is €40 and a ride at night (00:00-05:00) will cost you €55.

*The day or night tariff is applied based on the time you arrive at your final destination.

Photos (4)

Taxis at Athens International Airport

Cost

€40

Trip Duration

25 Min

Rates vary depending on the time of day.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH).

Where do I get it from?

Athens Airport’s taxi rank is located just outside arrivals, close to Exit 3. You’ll see official taxis lined up right in front of you upon exiting the terminal building. Simply join the queue and wait for an available taxi.

*It’s best to notify the driver that you are aware of the fixed fare to the centre.

Convenience

Getting an official airport taxi at Athens Airport is a reliable choice as they take you straight to your hotel. On top of that, fares are fixed and you’ll find taxis lined up in the ranks 24 hours a day.

The only downside is that the airport gets very busy during peak season (June-August), so you may end up standing in line waiting for an available taxi.

Editor’s Note

Some taxi drivers may not speak fluent English. We recommend writing down the address of your hotel or accommodation to avoid any miscommunication.

Useful Tips

Always mention that you are aware of the flat fee to the city centre and double-check the amount with the driver.

Keep in mind that fixed fares from Athens Airport to Athens are decided by a taxi syndicate, so they are subject to inflation during the high season.

According to Greek law a taxi can carry a maximum of four people at a time, including children.

Airport taxis in Athens may accept card payments but many drivers will not. We suggest checking with your driver before starting the ride.

If you need a wheelchair-accessible taxi, you must book a taxi from Athens Airport in advance to ensure you secure a properly equipped vehicle.

You can also pre-book a taxi from the airport. For more information, you can contact the Taxi Union Association (SATA).

Limousines are available upon request, between Exits 3 and 4 on the Arrivals Level.

How to get from Athens Airport to the city by metro

When it comes to using Athens public transportation, the metro is the best choice. Line 3 (blue line) connects the airport and “Dimotiko Theatro” in Piraeus, via the city centre.

The train from Athens Airport to the city centre takes around 40 minutes. The main stops in the central area are “Syntagma” which takes 16 stops and “Monastiraki”, which is 17 stops from the airport.

Suppose your hotel or final destination is located in other areas of the centre. In that case, you can change onto the red line at Syntagma or onto the green line (suburban rail) at Monastiraki.

*We recommend checking which stop is closest to your final destination on Google Maps.

How much is the metro from Athens Airport to Athens?

A one-way metro ticket from Athens Airport to the Athens costs €9 and a round-trip ticket costs €16. Make sure you purchase the “Airport Metro ticket”, as standard 90-minute tickets are not valid for trips to and from the airport.

If you plan on using Athens public transportation throughout your stay, you can purchase a ‘3-day tourist Ath.ena ticket’ for €20. It’s valid on buses, trams, the metro, and the suburban railway, and it also includes a return trip from the airport via bus or metro.

Tickets can be purchased from ticket booths in the metro station or the self-service machines.

*You’ll need to validate your ticket at the turnstiles upon entering and exiting the subway.