Athens International Airport Transport Overview
Athens International Airport (ATH), also known as "Eleftherios Venizelos," is located approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of the Athens city center. As the primary gateway for foreign nationals moving to Greece, the airport is well-connected to the capital via a multi-modal transport network including heavy rail, metro, bus, and road services. Connectivity operates 24 hours a day, though frequencies vary significantly between daytime and late-night hours.
For individuals relocating with significant luggage, the choice of transport often depends on the final destination within the Attica region. The city center (Syntagma Square) and the Port of Piraeus are the two primary hubs served by direct lines. It is important to note that specific "Airport" tickets are required for rail travel, as standard city transit fares do not cover the airport zone.
Rail Transport: Metro and Suburban Railway
The airport railway station is located directly opposite the main terminal building, accessible via an elevated walkway from the Departures level. This station serves two distinct rail systems.
Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)
The Metro Line 3 connects the airport to central Athens (Syntagma and Monastiraki) and extends to the Port of Piraeus. Trains typically run every 36 minutes from 06:10 to 23:30. The journey to Syntagma Square takes approximately 40 minutes.
- One-way Ticket: 9 EUR ($9.72 USD, Jan 2026).
- Round-trip Ticket (within 48 hours): 16 EUR ($17.28 USD, Jan 2026).
- Reduced Fare (Students/Seniors): 4.50 EUR ($4.86 USD, Jan 2026).
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)
The Suburban Railway connects the airport to the Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station) and the Port of Piraeus, as well as destinations further afield like Corinth and Kiato. This is often the preferred route for those moving to the northern suburbs or traveling to mainland Greece via the national rail network operated by Hellenic Train.
- Frequency: Trains to Piraeus and Larissis Station run approximately every hour.
- Pricing: Standard airport rail fares apply for trips within the urban zone.
Express Bus Services
The OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization) operates four 24-hour express bus lines connecting the airport to different parts of the city. The bus stops are located at the Arrivals level, between Exit 4 and Exit 5.
- X93: To Kifisios and Liosion Intercity Bus Stations (KTEL).
- X95: To Syntagma Square (City Center).
- X96: To the Port of Piraeus.
- X97: To Elliniko Metro Station (Southern Suburbs).
Bus tickets must be purchased from the kiosk located next to the bus stop or via the "Athena Card" mobile application. Tickets must be validated upon boarding the bus.
- One-way Ticket: 5.50 EUR ($5.94 USD, Jan 2026).
- Reduced Fare: 2.70 EUR ($2.92 USD, Jan 2026).
Taxi and Private Transfer Options
Taxis are available at the designated taxi rank located at Exit 3 of the Arrivals level. In Greece, airport taxis to the Athens City Center (within the inner ring) operate on a fixed-rate system. This rate includes all tolls, luggage fees, and VAT.
Fixed Rate Pricing
- Daytime Rate (05:00 - 00:00): 40 EUR ($43.20 USD, Jan 2026).
- Nighttime Rate (00:00 - 05:00): 55 EUR ($59.40 USD, Jan 2026).
For destinations outside the central Athens zone, the fare is determined by the taximeter. Ride-sharing applications such as Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow operate in Athens, but they primarily connect users with licensed taxi drivers rather than private individuals. Users should expect to pay the regulated taxi rates or slightly higher for pre-booked premium services.
Ticketing and Validation Systems
Athens utilizes the "Athena Ticket" and "Athena Card" electronic ticketing system. For foreign nationals moving to Greece, the following rules apply:
- Paper Tickets (Athena Ticket): These are rechargeable and can be bought at all metro stations and the airport bus kiosk.
- Personalized Cards (Athena Card): Recommended for long-term residents. These require a Greek AMKA (social security number) or a passport for identification and allow for monthly or annual passes.
- Validation: Passengers must tap their ticket or card at the electronic gates (for metro/rail) or on the validators (for buses). Failure to validate a ticket results in a fine 60 times the value of the ticket.
Direct contactless payment using credit or debit cards at the turnstiles is available for airport express lines as of 2025, facilitating easier transit for new arrivals without immediate access to local currency or transport cards.