How to get from Athens Airport to Athens city center: 2026 Full Guide

Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, is approximately 35 km east of the city center, but despite the distance, it’s well connected to the rest of the city. You can easily get from Athens Airport to the city by choosing between an Athens Airport transfer, a taxi, or public transportation.

By pre-booking your Athens Airport transfer, you get 24/7 door-to-door service at a prepaid price. That’s a major benefit if you want to set a specific budget for your trip beforehand. A private transfer will take you to your accommodation in about 45 minutes, and it’s the perfect choice for families with young children, business travelers, or larger groups.

Another door-to-door option is taking an Athens Airport taxi from the official airport taxi rank outside arrivals. It’s a popular option for travelers who prefer not to make any plans in advance, but that means long waiting times at the ranks during peak hours. The fare to the city center is fixed, but it’s higher if you’re traveling after midnight.

If you prefer to use public transport to reach the city center, you can choose between the bus and the metro. The X95 Express Bus will take you directly to Syntagma Square in about 1 hour, and it makes multiple stops along the way. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 3 (Blue Line), which also connects Athens Airport to Syntagma Square. It is a bit more expensive but takes only 40 minutes.

Booking a private airport transfer from Athens Airport to city center

You can quickly pre-book your Athens Airport transfer to the city online. It’s very easy and takes only a few clicks. You fill in the booking form, get a quote, and pay securely the chosen ride. Simple as that, and you’re all set.

As your trip approaches, you’ll receive your booking confirmation and your driver’s contact information and photo. That way, you’ll know who to expect on the day of your arrival.

Estimated prices for your trip are shown below.

• 1–4 passengers (sedan): €45
• 5–8 passengers (minivan): €85
• 9–12 passengers (minibus): €118

Where to meet your driver at Athens Airport arrival

All flights arriving at Athens Airport exit on the arrivals level (level 0) of the main passenger terminal. Hall A is for non-Schengen flights, and Hall B is for Schengen flights.

Your driver will have your flight information and will wait for you right in front of the exit, holding a sign with your name. After a warm meet-and-greet, your driver will help with your luggage and guide you to your private vehicle in the airport parking lot.

Don’t forget to keep the email with your driver’s information handy. That way, you can contact them via WhatsApp if you have trouble finding them or you want some extra time to reach the exit.

How to get from Athens Airport to the city center by taxi

Opting for an Athens Airport taxi is a convenient choice if door-to-door transportation sounds good, when you prefer to keep things flexible. When traveling from Athens International Airport (ATH) to the city center, choosing a taxi from Welcome Pickups app, offers the ultimate convenience of a taxi ride service. However, contrary to common belief, you don’t have to worry about fluctuating costs or hidden fees.

The advantage of Fixed & pre-paid fares

The most reliable way to secure your transportation is by booking a pre-paid Athens airport taxi transfer in advance. This option ensures a fixed price, so you won’t have to worry about hidden fees or unexpected surcharges. It also guarantees a smoother arrival experience, with a driver ready upon landing. Ideal for families, business travellers, or late-night arrivals, it helps you avoid queues and delays.

• Duration: About 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Where to find taxis: Arrivals level, right in front of exit 3.
• Baby seats: You must request a child seat in advance to ensure availability.
• Taxi from Athens Airport to the city center cost: €40 (05:00 to 00:00) / €55 (00:00 to 05:00).

Bus from Athens Airport to the city center

The main bus connecting Athens Airport to the city center is the X95 Express Bus. The trip to Syntagma Square takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day, and departures are scheduled every 15 to 30 minutes.

The Athens Airport bus price is €5.50 per passenger. You can purchase a ticket from the ticket office or the automatic machines next to the bus stop. Contactless payments are also accepted on the bus. The bus stop is located on your right through exit 5 on the arrivals level.

• Service: X95 Express Bus
• Duration: 60 mins
• Destination: Syntagma
• Athens Airport bus price: €5.50
• Availability: 24/7

Athens Airport metro to the city center

The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) directly connects the airport to the city center. With the Athens Airport metro the duration to Syntagma Square is only 40 minutes. Departures from the airport are scheduled every 30 minutes.

The cost of a single full-price ticket for the metro is €9. You can purchase your ticket from the ticket counters or the automatic machines before you descend to the platform. The metro station is on the departure level through exit 3. Follow the signs across the pedestrian bridge and down to the metro platform.

• Service: Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)
• Duration: 40 mins
• Destination: Syntagma
• Athens Airport metro price: €9
• Availability: Daily 06:10­-23:34

Athens Airport public options vs. private transfers

There are two Athens Airport to city center transport options, the X95 Express Bus or the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line). Don’t forget that although public transportation can be a budget choice, it usually takes more time and requires transfers or walking. If you’re a solo traveler carrying light luggage and have some time to spare, then public transportation can be a good alternative. 

However, if you’re looking for convenience and comfort, nothing beats the benefits of a private Athens Airport transfer. Whether you need a child seat, a spacious minivan for multiple luggage, or to be on time for a meeting, Welcome Pickups got your back.

Athens Airport transfers for families traveling with children

When you’re traveling with young chlildren, the last thing you want is to deal with overcrowded buses and trains. A private airport transfer with a baby seat is a much better alternative for astress-free arrival in Athens.

You can pre-book your ride in advance and request one or more child seats to ensure safe transportation for babies or children. Also, if you travel with multiple pieces of luggage and strollers, an airport transfer for families with a spacious minivan ensures extra comfort.

Instead of carrying your luggage around, your driver will greet you and your family upon arrival, help with your luggage, and guide you to your private vehicle. After that, you can unwind and enjoy the ride directly to your accommodation.

Seamless corporate airport transfer: Efficiency and safety for business travelers

A timely pickup right after landing that minimizes waiting times is one of the main benefits of an airport transfer vs. a standar taxi. That’s what makes a pre-booked airport transfer for business travelers a much more reliable choice, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

Your professional driver will help with any luggage and guide you directly to your spotless vehicle at the airport parking. While enjoying a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to the city, you can charge your electronic devices or use the free Wi-Fi, which is available in many vehicles. Alternatively, your driver can recommend a couple of restaurants near your hotel so you can make the most of your stay.