You can travel from Athens airport to the city centre using three different means of transport; metro, bus and taxi. The cheapest transportation option is the public bus, at only 6€ per person for a one-way ticket. The fastest option is an Athens airport taxi, which comes at a cost of 38€ per ride. Another means of transportation is the metro, which leaves every 30 minutes and costs 10€ one-way. 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.
How to get from Athens airport to the city centre by taxi
Getting an Athens airport taxi to the city centre is definitely the fastest and most convenient transport option. Taxis are readily available outside of the arrivals terminal, and only take 25 minutes to reach the city centre. During the day a taxi will cost you 38€ and at night 54€.
Please be aware that there are both yellow and black cars waiting outside of Athens airport. The black cars are actually 'private hire' and can cost up to twice as much as the standard yellow taxis.
Taxi fare from Athens airport to the city centre
There is a flat fee for routes going from Athens airport to the city centre ring. During the day (05:00 - 24:00) the price is 38€ and at night (01.00 - 04:59) it is 54€. If your final destination is outside of the city ring, you will be asked to pay what is on the taximeter.
*It is recommended to book your Athens airport transport in advance in order to save time and to ensure that there are no communication issues with the drivers.
Simply jumping in the back of a comfortable taxi is what everyone wants after a day of traveling. You have someone to load your bags in the trunk, drive you directly to your destination, and help you with your luggage at the other end. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy your ride.
Editor’s Note
Yes, taxis are reliable and more comfortable than the metro or bus. However, you still must wait in a queue for your taxi and ask the driver if he knows the address of your hotel. This can be a problem as not all taxi drivers in Athens speak English.
Useful Tips
Ask for the estimated fare before getting in a taxi, and mention that you are aware of the flat fee to the city centre
Most taxis in Athens, even the ones at the airport, have no way of accepting credit cards
Please be aware that the nighttime prices are approximately 30% higher
According to Greek law a taxi can carry a maximum of four people at a time, including children.
How to get from Athens airport to the city centre by metro
The metro line departs from Athens airport every 30 minutes (05′ and 35′), and costs 10€ one way or 18€ for a round-trip. The journey takes around 50 minutes, but there are no trains after 23:35. Although the Metro is one of the cheaper options, it isn't the most reliable ride.
How much is the metro from Athens airport to the city centre?
A one-way ticket from Athens airport to the city centre costs 10€ and a round-trip ticket costs 18€. Children under 6 years old can use the metro for free.
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Metro at Athens International airport
Cost
10€
Trip Duration
50 minutes
There is an average waiting time of 30 minutes.
Convenience
Value
Safety
The Metro runs from 06:30 - 23:35
Where do I get it from?
The Athens airport metro station is just a 10-15 minute walk from the arrival gate. You will have to follow the signs to cross the street, ascend one level via either elevator or escalator, and cross over the pedestrian bridge.
Convenience
If you are arriving before 23:35, then the Metro is fairly convenient. You will still need to walk 15 minutes from the arrivals gate and wait around 30 minutes for your train, but it's a reasonably fast mode of transportation.
The Metro is fairly fast and modern, but you won't be able to see many views of the city while traveling. There is also a question of safety on the Metro when traveling in rush hour.
Useful Tips
The metro from the Athens airport starts at 6:35 and ends at 23:35
The metro departs from the airport every 30 minutes
Tickets can be bought from the ticket booth at the train station
Make sure that you validate your tickets at the designed validation machines
How to get from Athens airport to the city centre by bus
Taking a bus from Athens airport to the city centre is the cheapest but not necessarily the most convenient option. Tickets cost only 6€, but buses can take up to 60 minutes to leave the station. Buses run 24/7 including holidays, and will take around 55 minutes to reach the city centre.
How much are the buses from Athens airport to the city centre?
The cost for any bus transport is 6€ for adults, and 3€ for children or students aged 7-18 and seniors over 65. Children under 6 years old travel for free. Tickets must be purchased at the ticket kiosk in the bus departure area just outside the airport.
Photos (4)
Airport Bus X95
Cost
6€
Trip Duration
55 minutes
There is an average waiting time of 20 minutes
Convenience
Value
Safety
The bus line X95 run 24/7
Where do I get it from?
Buses can very easily be found at the bus stand, which is located between exits 4 and 5 of the arrivals terminal.
Convenience
Taking a bus from Athens airport to the city centre is by far the least convenient mode of transport. Due to the city’s old road network, you can expect substantial delays and lots of standing around in queues holding your luggage. However, the buses do run 24/7, so if you arrive after 23:35 and want a cheap mode of transportation, it may be a good option for you.
Haven’t we all travelled on a budget? Sleeping in hostels, backpacking, taking one bus after another. For many, me included, buses are sort of nostalgia... they remind us of our youth. But perhaps now, we would like a bit more comfort when discovering a new city?
Useful Tips
Be sure to check your route, several buses have detailed maps
Remember to get your ticket stamped before or when entering the bus
You can only pay for your ticket in cash, so be sure to have Euros to hand
Many buses have luggage rails, ask the driver for details
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Athens. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
How long does it take to get from the Athens airport to city center?
Athens airport is reasonably close to the city centre. The journey is around 35km long, so it shouldn’t take longer than 25 minutes by car or taxi. This is assuming there is little to no traffic.
How much is taxi from Athens airport to city?
Taxis at Athens airport are charged at a flat rate. It will cost 38€ to take a taxi in the daytime and 54€ at night. However, if you are traveling outside of the central ring, the taxi will be charged by a taximeter that calculates the fee depending on distance.
How far is Athens airport from the city?
Athens airport is fairly close to the city centre, only 35 km. If you are travelling by car or taxi, it shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to reach your destination.
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