Whether you arrive by plane, cruise ship, ferry, train or intercity bus, the easiest way to start your stay is to understand your onward transport options before you reach Athens.
This guide gives you the essential information for each arrival point, then directs you to the relevant detailed guide, ticket or transfer option.
Athens Airport to City Center: Metro, Bus, Taxi & Transfers
Athens International Airport is well connected with central Athens. Your best option depends on your arrival time, luggage, budget and final destination.
Metro
Metro Line 3 connects Athens Airport with central stops including Syntagma and Monastiraki.
It is a convenient choice if you want to avoid road traffic and are comfortable travelling with your luggage on public transport.
Airport journeys require the appropriate airport ticket rather than a standard city ticket.
Airport Express Bus
Athens Airport is served by four Airport Express bus routes, including X95 to Syntagma Square.
Airport Express buses operate 24 hours a day, making them particularly useful when the Metro is not running.
Journey times vary depending on traffic.
Taxi
Official Athens Airport taxis operate 24/7 from the taxi rank at the Arrivals Level.
A regulated fixed-fare system applies between Athens Airport and the central Athens inner-ring area, with different daytime and nighttime fares.
For current prices and practical advice, see our Athens Taxi Guide.
Private Transfer
A pre-booked Athens airport transfer can be useful for families, groups, travelers carrying substantial luggage or visitors who simply prefer to arrange their pickup before landing.
The exact pickup arrangements, vehicle type and fare depend on the transfer product you book.
For detailed airport transport information, see our Athens Airport Guide and Athens Public Transport Guide.
Need an Athens Airport Transfer?
If you prefer a pre-arranged pickup, compare the available Athens airport transfer options below. These can be especially convenient if you want direct transport from the airport to your hotel without navigating public transport after your flight.
Athens Cruise Port & Piraeus Port to Athens
Most cruise passengers arriving in Athens use the port of Piraeus, located southwest of central Athens.
Piraeus is connected with Athens by Metro, taxi and private transfer options. Cruise passengers should check which cruise terminal their ship uses because the distance between the terminal and public transport can vary.
Metro
- Metro Lines 1 and 3 serve Piraeus.
- Line 3 provides a direct connection towards central Athens and Athens Airport, while Line 1 connects Piraeus with areas including Monastiraki.
Taxi or Private Transfer
- A taxi or pre-booked Piraeus port transfer can be more convenient if you are travelling with luggage or have limited time ashore.
Seasonal X80 Express Bus
- The X80 Piraeus–Acropolis–Syntagma Express operates seasonally and is designed to connect the cruise-port area with central visitor locations.
- Check the current OASA timetable before relying on this service.
For more detailed information, see our Athens Cruise Port Guide and Piraeus Guide.
Athens Train Station: Arriving by Rail
The main passenger railway station in Athens is Athens Railway Station, commonly known as Larissa Station or Stathmos Larissis.
The station is served directly by Metro Line 2, providing an easy connection towards Omonia, Syntagma and other central areas.
Taxis are also available around the station and may be more convenient if your hotel is not close to a Metro stop or you are carrying substantial luggage.
Rail schedules and operating arrangements can change, so check current services with Hellenic Train before travelling.
Athens Bus Station: Arriving by KTEL Intercity Bus
Athens does not have one single terminal for every KTEL intercity bus.
Two of the main stations are:
Kifissos Bus Station
Kifissos serves a range of regional and long-distance routes. Local bus connections include services linking the terminal with parts of central Athens and the Metro network.
Liosion Bus Station
- Liosion serves a different group of regional KTEL routes.
- Because route assignments depend on the operator and destination, always confirm your exact arrival or departure station before travelling.
- Neither station is directly located on a Metro line, so your onward journey may involve a local bus, Metro connection or taxi.
- For current station and route information, see our Athens Bus Guide.
Getting from Your Arrival Point to Your Hotel
The best onward transport depends mainly on your budget, luggage and how much convenience you want after arriving in Athens.
For current fares, ticket types and transport options, see our Athens Public Transport Guide →
Which Athens Arrival Option Is Best for You?
Athens Arrival FAQs
It depends on your priorities. Metro Line 3 avoids road traffic, Airport Express buses are available 24 hours a day, taxis provide direct door-to-door transport, and private transfers offer a pre-arranged pickup.
The Metro is usually more suitable if you want to avoid traffic and are comfortable carrying your luggage. A taxi is more convenient for direct hotel transport, families, groups or travelers with substantial luggage.
You can use Metro Line 3, an Airport Express bus, an official taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. The most practical choice depends on where your hotel is located and how much luggage you have.