Location: Athens International Airport is around 33 km from central Athens.
Best transport options: Metro Line 3, the 24-hour X95 airport bus, official taxis and pre-booked private transfers.
For Piraeus: Use Metro Line 3, the suburban railway or the 24-hour X96 bus.
Before departure: The airport currently advises passengers to arrive at least 2.5 hours before their scheduled flight.
Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, is the main international gateway to Athens, Attica and many domestic destinations across Greece.
The airport consists of a Main Terminal and a Satellite Terminal. Signs are available in Greek and English, and the transport station, taxi rank and airport bus stops are all located close to the terminal buildings.
At a Glance
Official name: Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”
Airport code: ATH
Distance from central Athens: Approximately 33 km
Terminals: Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Arrivals and Departures
Arriving Passengers
After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for Arrivals. Passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area pass through passport control before proceeding to baggage reclaim. After collecting your luggage and completing customs formalities where required, you will enter the public Arrivals Hall.
Departing Passengers
Check-in desks and baggage-drop counters are located on the Departures Level of the Main Terminal. After check-in, follow the signs for security screening and passport control where applicable. Athens Airport currently advises passengers to arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure to allow time for check-in, security and border procedures. Always follow your airline’s instructions if it recommends arriving earlier.
Athens Airport Map
Athens Airport has a relatively straightforward layout built around the Main Terminal, with additional gates in the Satellite Terminal.
Main Terminal
The Main Terminal contains:
Satellite Terminal
The Satellite Terminal is connected to the Main Terminal by an underground passage with moving walkways. Some flights use gates in this building, so check your boarding pass and airport screens carefully.
Transport Station
The airport railway station is located opposite the terminal and is reached via a covered pedestrian bridge. Both Metro Line 3 and suburban railway services depart from this station.
Bus Stops and Taxi Rank
Airport express buses and official taxis depart from designated areas outside the Arrivals Level. Follow the signs inside the terminal rather than accepting unsolicited transport offers.
Car Rental and Parking
Car rental desks are located in the Arrivals area. Official short-term, long-term and economy parking options are available around the airport, with some remote parking areas connected by shuttle service.
How to Get from Athens Airport to the City Centre
Athens Airport Metro
Airport Bus
Taxi
Private Transfer
Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
Athens Airport is connected with Piraeus by several public transport options.
Metro Line 3
Metro Line 3 provides a direct connection between the airport and the Piraeus area. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on the exact station and service.
Suburban Railway
The suburban railway also connects Athens Airport with Piraeus. The journey takes roughly 65 minutes, although schedules are less frequent than ordinary urban metro services.
X96 Airport Bus
The X96 bus operates between the airport and Piraeus Port throughout the day and night. The journey often takes around 90 minutes but may be longer when traffic is heavy.
Allow extra time before a ferry departure, particularly during summer and peak-hour traffic.
Airport Terminals
Main Terminal
The Main Terminal handles most arriving and departing flights. Its departure areas are broadly divided between Schengen and non-Schengen operations.
Your boarding pass and the airport information screens will show the correct check-in area, security route and gate.
Satellite Terminal
The Satellite Terminal provides additional Schengen and non-Schengen gates and is used according to operational needs rather than by one fixed group of airlines.
It is reached through an underground connection from the Main Terminal. Allow at least an additional 10–15 minutes to reach more distant gates.
Athens Airport Lounges
Athens Airport has business lounges in both the Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas.
Non-Schengen Area A
The official airport list currently includes:
Schengen Area B
The official airport list currently includes:
Access policies vary by lounge, airline, cabin class, membership programme and availability. The airport recommends checking access rules, operating hours and any applicable fees directly with your airline or lounge provider before travelling.
Airport Facilities
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Athens International Airport is approximately 33 km from central Athens. Travel time is usually around 40 minutes by metro and approximately 35–50 minutes by road outside heavy traffic.
The X95 airport bus is generally the lowest-cost direct option to central Athens.
The metro offers the most predictable journey time. A taxi or private transfer may be faster when road traffic is light and your destination is not close to a metro station.