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The nearest airport to Athens city centre is Athens International Airport (ATH), located about 33 kilometers east of downtown. This airport serves as Greece’s main international hub. It connects Athens with many cities across Europe and other continents. The airport sees a rise in travelers during the summer months when tourism peaks.
Athens mixes history with daily life. The city centre has famous spots like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Nearby, the Ancient Agora was once a meeting place. The Plaka area has narrow streets with small shops and traditional restaurants. The city has many museums, including the National Archaeological Museum. Squares like Syntagma and Monastiraki have street performers and markets. The National Garden provides a quiet green space in the city.
About the Airport
Official Name: Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
Location: About 20 kilometers east of Athens city centre, Greece
Airport Facilities: Athens International Airport has one main terminal and a satellite terminal. It handles domestic and international flights. Inside, travelers will find shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, currency exchange desks, and ATMs. Free Wi-Fi is available across the terminal. Car rental companies are located in the arrivals area.
How do you get from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre? You can can reach the Athens city centre from Athens Airport by metro, train, bus, taxi, or private transfer. You can also use Uber, Bolt and Free Now services but fare often rise sharply during busy hours, bad weather, or special events, causing users to pay more than private transfers. The fastest and easiest way is Athens Airport taxi option from Athens Airport, as it takes you straight to your door.
Image by Julian Venter from Pixabay
Bus from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre
Journey Time: The bus from Athens Airport (ATH) to the city centre takes about 60 minutes.
Key Point: You can take the X95 Express Bus from the airport to Syntagma Square in downtown Athens. This bus runs all day and all night, every day, even on public holidays. Buses usually arrive every 15 to 25 minutes.
During rush hours (7:30–10:00 and 16:00–20:00), the trip can take longer—up to 90 minutes—especially if traffic is heavy. The bus can get full fast in summer, so you might have to wait for the next one. Other express lines also go from the airport to different parts of Athens.
Bus Fare from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre
The bus ticket from Athens Airport to the city centre costs €5.50 per person.
Train from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre
Journey Time: The train ride from Athens Airport (ATH) to the city centre takes around 40 minutes.
Key Point: You can take Metro Line 3 (the blue line) from the airport to downtown Athens. It runs from the airport all the way to ‘Dimotiko Theatro’ in Piraeus. Two main stops in the city centre are ‘Syntagma’ (16 stops from the airport) and ‘Monastiraki’ (17 stops). If you're staying somewhere else in the city, you can switch to the red line at Syntagma or to the green line at Monastiraki.
Trains can get very crowded in summer, especially during rush hours. Keep your bags and valuables close, especially near the centre.
Train Fare from Athens Airport to City Centre
The metro ticket from Athens Airport to the city centre costs €9 per person.
Taxi from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre
Journey Time: The taxi ride from Athens Airport (ATH) to the city centre takes about 25 minutes.
Key Point: You’ll find taxis outside the airport arrivals area. All taxis use meters, but there is a set day price of €75 for rides between 05:00 and 00:00. If you arrive at your final stop between 00:00 and 05:00, the night rate of €85 applies. In summer (June to August), the airport gets very busy, so you may have to wait in line for a taxi.
If you prefer a quicker option, you can pre-book a private Athens airport transfer instead of waiting.
Taxi Fare from Athens Airport to City Centre
The taxi ride from Athens Airport to the city centre costs €75 during the day and €85 at night.
Bolt, Uber, and Free Now are widely used ride-hailing apps for trips from Athens International Airport to the city center. These platforms let passengers book a car through their phones and provide an estimated fare before the ride. Yet, high demand and surge pricing often make the final cost close to that of regular local taxis. Prices can rise sharply during peak traffic times or bad weather.
Private Chauffeur Service for Athens Airport Transfers
Private Airport Transfers from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre
Distance: Athens International Airport (ATH) is about 20 kilometers from the city centre. A private transfer from the airport to central Athens usually takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
You can get from Athens Airport to the city centre with a private transfer. AirportTransfer.com works with trusted local drivers and companies across Greece. Athens Airport transfers provide 100% refund and free cancellation up to the last 48 hours.
An English-speaking driver will wait for you at the Arrivals area, help with your luggage, and take you straight to your hotel or any spot in Athens. You won’t need to buy metro tickets or wait in lines. You can book through their website or app on Google Play Store for airport transfers and Airport Transfer App Store, and many drivers also share tips about the city during the ride.
Athens Airport Bus Rental
Group Bus Transfers from Athens Airport to City Centre
Athens bus hire offers direct trips from Athens International Airport to the city centre. The bus picks up passengers from a designated spot at the airport and heads straight to your hotel or meeting point in Athens. Private bus hire works well for groups or travelers looking for a lower-cost way to reach the city. Fares are fixed so there are no surprises. There is no need to deal with public buses or pay extra for large luggage.
Group bus transfers are a smart choice for travelers who plan to visit Athens and explore its historical places together. Sites like the Acropolis, Plaka, or Syntagma Square are easier to reach when your group stays together in one vehicle.
You can contact us to arrange your private bus service from Athens Airport to the city centre.
Athens Hotel Transfers
Athens Hotel Transfers
AirportTransfer.com offers hotel transfers from Athens International Airport to your hotel, or from your hotel to the airport or any part of the city. A driver meets you at the terminal and drives you straight to your destination in a clean car or van with air conditioning. This is a private ride, with no stops or shared seats.
Athens Hotel Transfers help travelers reach their hotel faster and skip public transport or long lines. This option is good for those carrying heavy luggage or arriving late at night. It also gives peace of mind after a long flight.
Hotels in Athens City Centre
Electra Palace Athens, Coco-Mat Athens BC, Herodion Hotel, Plaka Hotel, Athens Gate Hotel, Royal Olympic Hotel, NJV Athens Plaza, A for Athens, Fresh Hotel, and Grand Hyatt Athens.
Hotels Near Athens Airport
Holiday Inn Athens Airport, Sofitel Athens Airport, Dolce by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera, Avra Hotel Rafina, and Seasabelle Hotel.
Please note that AirportTransfer.com is not affiliated with the hotels mentioned above; these names are shared for informational purposes only. Still, if your travels take you to one of these well-known addresses in Athens’ historic center or near Syntagma Square, we are ready to make sure you reach your destination safely, comfortably, and on time with a transfer service designed around your needs.
The best Athens Airport transfer reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!