Transiting through Athens International Airport
Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ (ATH) is the main transport hub in Athens, connecting millions of passengers each year to destinations across mainland Greece and its famed nearby islands.
Located approximately 35 kilometers from the city center, the airport features one main terminal and a smaller satellite terminal connected via a walkway.
The airport features all the amenities of a modern-day traveler, with restaurants, shops, and museum exhibits to help pass the time during your Athens Airport layover. For passengers with enough time to explore beyond the airport, private and public transport options are available 24/7.
Visa Required: Certain nationalities may require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) or a short-stay Schengen visa.
Average Flight Connection Time: Allow 30 minutes for flights within the Main or Satellite Terminal with bags checked through, or at least 2 hours if you need to collect your luggage and check in again.
Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 7-8 hours
Flight Connections
If you’ve booked a connecting flight with an Athens Airport layover, you may or may not need to collect your bags before boarding your final flight. For flights booked under one ticket, it’s standard for luggage to be checked all the way through to your final destination, and to receive each boarding pass at the time of check-in.
If you fall under this category, when you disembark at Athens Airport, confirm your new gate number on the flight information monitors before following the signs to your boarding area. If you don’t have your boarding pass, don’t worry, you can request one at the Transfer desk. Gates A1-A23 and Gates B1-B31 are located in the Main Terminal Building, but if you’re departing from Gates C15-C40 in the Satellite Terminal Building, be prepared for a 15-20 minute walk.
When your journey has been booked as two separate flights—and in most cases with different airlines—you’ll need to collect your luggage and follow regular Athens Airport Departures proceedings, including checking in again on Level 1 and clearing Immigration and Security. To be on the safe side, you should allow at least 2 hours in between flights.
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a transit visa in Athens Airport?”, in most cases the answer is no, but depending on your nationality, an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) may be required. Similarly, a Schengen visa may be needed for certain passengers transiting to regional Greek airports, where you may be asked to collect your luggage and check in again.
Athens Airport Transit Hotels and Lounges
For those with a long layover at Athens Airport, knowing that you can get some proper rest before your next flight can be a huge relief. There isn’t an Athens Airport Transit Hotel on site; however, the Sofitel at Athens Airport is located within walking distance, just opposite the terminals, or you can use the free shuttle bus to the Holiday Inn, Aethon Airport Project, and Comfort Stay Hotels.
If you don’t have time to leave the airport but would still benefit from a few hours of shut-eye, your best bet is to use one of the paid business lounges. While none of the lounges offer sleep pods, you’re more likely to find a quiet space with a comfortable lounge that you can relax on, and in some cases, a hot shower.
Keep in mind that the Departures area is divided into Schengen and non-Schengen zones, so not all lounges will be accessible. Depending on where you are flying to, available lounges include Goldair Handling, Swissport, and Aegean Business; for a full list of lounges and their respective location, check out our Athens Airport Guide.
Things to Do at Athens Airport
If you’re passing through Athens Airport on a transit flight, regardless of whether you’re flying to or from a Schengen country, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained while you wait to board your next flight.
Browse countless boutique stores as well as high-end brands such as Michael Kors and Montblanc, or pick up some duty-free items like perfume or spirits. If you’d rather sit and relax while you wait, you can choose between fast food outlets like Burger King and Cinnabon, or comfortable bars, cafes, and restaurants, serving up Greek and international dishes.
To pass the time with something a little more cultural, visit the museum exhibition on the second floor, which has hundreds of archaeological artefacts on display. Afterwards, head to the viewing deck to watch the planes taking off, or treat yourself with a manicure at Fairynails salon.
Layover in Athens: What to Do During Your Stopover
If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch an event or exhibition right next door at the Metropolitan Expo, which can easily be reached with the free airport shuttle bus. A bit further along is the Airport Retail Park, a huge shopping outlet, which can be reached in 10 minutes via express bus lines departing the airport.
If you have at least 7 hours between flights, you might like to travel into the city center to check out some of Athens’ most famous sights, including the Panathenaic Stadium, the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, and some nearby markets. An Athens Airport taxi or a pre-booked Athens Airport transfer is ideal for reaching the city quickly and easily, allowing you to maximise your time spent exploring, taking just 25 minutes.
If you’re on a budget, it’s also possible to take the metro or the airport express bus. However, keep in mind that the bus can take up to 90 minutes one way, so it is best to stick to the metro as the journey is closer to 40 minutes.
If you can’t decide what to do during your long layover in Athens, you can choose from one of many carefully curated Welcome Pickups tours. Tours vary from 2 to 14 hours, covering popular sights such as the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus, as well as hard-to-reach and awe-inspiring destinations like Meteora.
Tips for a Short Layover at Athens Airport
- Get a taste of Greece at local restaurants with dishes like moussaka and spanakopita.
- Organise your onward travel arrangements using the free WiFi, and exchange any currency as needed.
- Discover the ancient artefacts on display in your terminal at the on-site museum.
Tips for a Long Layover in Athens
- If you don’t quite have enough time to leave the airport, consider splashing out on a lounge pass so you can relax and unwind in comfort and peace.
- If you’d like to visit attractions in the city center, plan your trip out in advance to make the most of your limited time. For stress-free travel around some of Athens’ most famous sights, you can also book sightseeing rides for 1-4 people with Welcome Pickups.
- For a quiet place to nap, seek out the seating area next to the airport chapel.
