How to Get from Athens Airport to the City Center: Your Complete 2025 Guide
Your complete guide from a traveller who’s been there, done that – and maybe missed the metro once! But she was definitely wondering how to get from Athens Airport to the city center.
So you’ve just landed at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) – tired from your flight, probably craving Greek food already, and wondering: “How do I get into the city?” I’ve been in your shoes more than once. Whether you’re staying in buzzing Monastiraki, elegant Kolonaki, or the charming Plaka, getting to central Athens from the airport is easier than it looks – once you know your options.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every single way to get from the airport to the city, including buses, metro, taxis, private transfers, and even rental cars. I’ll also share some local tips, what I’d personally recommend depending on your situation, and what to do if you need to stay overnight at the airport (yes, there’s a great hotel right across the terminal).
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Taking the Metro from Athens Airport to the city
If you ask me, the metro is hands-down the easiest way to get from the airport to central Athens – as long as you arrive during operating hours. The Blue Line (Line 3) goes straight from the airport into the city, stopping at all the major stations like Syntagma, Monastiraki, and eventually Piraeus Port (super handy if you’re heading to the islands).
✅ Need-to-know:
- Hours: 6:10 am to 11:30 pm
- Frequency: Every 36 minutes – you can check the timetable here
- Travel time: Around 40 minutes to Syntagma
- Price: €9 one way / €16 round trip (valid for 48 hours) – If you’re staying in Athens for a few days, it’s worth buying a 3-day ticket, which costs 20€, but includes a return trip to the airport.
- Where to buy tickets: At the station right in the airport terminal – there’s a staffed booth and machines.
My tip: If you’re heading to Plaka or near the Acropolis, get off at Monastiraki – it drops you right in the heart of the old town. Just be ready for a few stairs! Alternatively, you can change to the Red Line (Line 2) and get off at Acropoli Station, which is located literally a few steps from the Acropolis of Athens.
🧳 Best for: solo travellers, couples, and budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind carrying their luggage through metro stations.
The Express Bus: Budget-Friendly and 24/7
If you’re landing late (hello, 1:30 AM Ryanair flights 👋) or simply want to save money, the X95 Express Bus is a solid choice.
✅ Details:
- Route: X95 runs from the airport to Syntagma Square, right in the city centre.
- Price: €5 – As mentioned before, if you are staying for a few days, I recommend buying a 3-day ticket for 20€, as this includes travel to and from the airport.
- Travel time: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic
- Runs: 24/7 (yes, even at 3 AM!)
- Where to find it: Exit 4 or 5 of the arrivals level – follow the signs.
There are also other routes like:
- X96 to Piraeus Port
- X93 to Kifisos Bus Station
- X97 to Dafni Metro Station
My experience: I took the X95 bus from Athens to the airport, as I had a morning flight and the metro was not an option. While it’s not luxurious, it’s safe and reliable. Just don’t expect lots of space if it’s busy. Be prepared for the fact that this is a city bus, which has no luggage space and you will need to carry your luggage, and space is quite limited.
🧳 Best for: budget travellers, late-night arrivals, and anyone staying near Syntagma or connected by metro.
Athens Airport Taxi: Easy, But a Bit Pricey
If convenience is your top priority (or you’ve got heavy luggage/kids/a tight schedule), a taxi is the stress-free choice. Just walk outside to the taxi stand and go.
✅ Key info:
- Fixed rate to the city:
- €40 (daytime: 5 am–midnight)
- €55 (night: midnight–5 am)
- Time: 25–45 minutes depending on traffic
- No surprises: The flat fare includes luggage and tolls.
Where to find it: Walk to Exit 3 of the arrivals level – you’ll see the yellow taxis waiting.
My advice: If you’re arriving during rush hour, it might take longer than expected. But if you have a super early flight out of Athens, taking a taxi can save you a lot of stress.
🧳 Best for: Families, travellers with lots of luggage, or anyone arriving at odd hours and craving comfort.
Private Airport Transfers: Stress-Free & Smooth
Private transfers are a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it if you want a driver waiting for you with a sign, helping with bags, and taking you straight to your door.
✅ Details:
- Cost: From €65–80 depending on your destination and company
- Book in advance: Use services like Welcome Pickups or GetYourGuide
Why I love it: After a long-haul flight, there’s something magical about being greeted at the airport, not having to figure out machines or traffic. If you’re arriving with a group or planning a special trip, it’s a nice upgrade.
🧳 Best for: First-timers in Athens, families, groups, and anyone who wants the smoothest start to their trip.
Renting a car at Athens Airport
Planning a road trip through Greece? (I highly recommend the Peloponnese, by the way.) You can rent a car right at the airport and head out on your own schedule.
✅ What to know:
- Companies: Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and more
- Requirements: EU driving licence or International Driving Permit
- Parking in Athens: A bit of a challenge! Most central hotels don’t offer parking, and city traffic is hectic. And when I say hectic, I mean it.
My take: I only rent a car if I’m heading straight out of the city. Driving in central Athens? Not for the faint-hearted.
🧳 Best for: Day trips, island-hopping with a ferry, or longer Greek road adventures.
Where to stay near Athens Airport
If you’ve got a super early departure or a late-night arrival, sometimes it just makes sense to stay near the airport and head into the city fresh the next morning. Here are the best options:
✨ Sofitel Athens Airport
- Literally across the street from the arrivals terminal – takes 2 minutes on foot.
- 5-star hotel with soundproof rooms, comfy beds, and surprisingly good food.
- Prices aren’t really affordable for a budget or mid-range traveler, but the convenience is unbeatable.
Why I love it: After an exhausting day of travel, Sofitel is a godsend. The beds are so comfy, and being able to walk to check-in is a dream.
🌿 Varaba Country House
- Just 10 minutes from the airport – peaceful, charming, and surrounded by olive trees.
- Free shuttle service and more of a local guesthouse vibe.
- Perfect if you want something quiet and affordable.
So… what’s the best option?
Here’s my personal breakdown:
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Solo, light packer, daytime arrival | Metro |
| Budget-conscious or arriving at night | X95 Bus |
| Group or comfort-seeker | Private Transfer |
| You’ve got lots of luggage or kids | Taxi |
| Early/late flight | Sofitel Airport Hotel |
| Road-tripping around Greece | Car rental |
Final Tips Before You Go
- 💳 Buy metro/bus tickets at the airport – machines accept cards and cash.
- 🧾 Keep your ticket until the end of your ride – inspections happen.
- 📱 Download offline maps for Athens – it’s super helpful for metro stops.
- 🛬 Try to time your arrival for before midnight if you want to avoid taxis.
Getting from Athens Airport to the city doesn’t have to be overwhelming — once you know your options, it’s actually pretty smooth. I hope I have helped you with information on how to get from Athens Airport to the city centre. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, catching a budget-friendly bus, or treating yourself to a comfy hotel across the terminal, you’ve got choices that fit every type of traveler.
I flew to Athens with Aegean Airlines and was very happy with them. I first flew with them to Cyprus and then to Greece, and I really have to say that every flight with them so far has been really enjoyable.
If this post helped you plan your arrival in Athens, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Did you take the metro or go for the late-night X95? Maybe you stayed at the Sofitel and had the best night’s sleep ever (been there, done that!).
✨ Here’s how you can stay connected:
- Leave a comment below with your experience – your tips might help a fellow traveler!
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Thanks for reading, and if you’re heading into Athens – καλώς ήρθατε! I hope you fall in love with the history, the food, the sunshine, and the soul of this incredible city.
Safe travels,
Jasmina
