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Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) opened in 2001 and replaced Ellinikon as the Greek capital's main gateway. It sits near Spata-Artemida, about 20 km east of central Athens, and serves as a hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. The airport is known for its modern main terminal complex and direct metro and suburban rail links to the city.
💡 Local Tip
Buy the special airport metro ticket from the station machines before boarding, as standard Athens transport passes do not cover the airport segment; frequent visitors often keep a reloadable Ath.ena card to save time.
🚖 Getting There
Take Metro Line 3 or the suburban railway from the airport station for direct access to central Athens; trains run frequently but check the last departure if arriving late. Airport express buses X93, X95, X96, and X97 connect to Kifissos, Syntagma, Piraeus, and Elliniko, and taxis operate on a fixed fare to central Athens. Allow extra time during rush hour, strikes, or summer peak, as road traffic on Attiki Odos can be heavy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Athens Airport from the city center?
A: It is about 20 km (12 miles) east of central Athens, and the metro or suburban rail journey to Syntagma or Monastiraki typically takes 40–50 minutes.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get from ATH to central Athens?
A: The metro Line 3 and suburban railway are usually the cheapest and most reliable options; airport buses like X95 to Syntagma are also affordable and run 24/7.
Q: Which airlines use Athens Airport?
A: ATH is the main hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, and it hosts many international carriers serving Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, with seasonal long-haul routes.
Q: Are there luggage storage and lounges at Athens Airport?
A: Yes, the airport offers baggage storage, several lounges, free Wi-Fi, and a range of dining and shopping options in the main terminal.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash