How to get from Athens Airport to the City Centre

Arriving in a new city can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t know the transport system, speak the language, or even have your bearings yet. Athens is no exception. The Greek capital is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, but your adventure really starts with figuring out the best way to get from the airport into the city.

Luckily, Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is well connected, and there are several easy options depending on your budget, comfort level, and how much luggage you’re carrying. I’ve tried them all over the years, and in this guide I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, so you can choose what’s best for you.

Watch My Video Guide
If you’d rather see what each option looks like, I’ve put together a video showing exactly how to get from Athens Airport to the city center. From buses and metro stations to taxis and transfers, you’ll get a clear idea of what to expect.

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4 Ways to get from Athens airport to the City Center

1. Athens Airport to the City Centre by Metro

The metro is one of the easiest ways to get into Athens. It’s clean, modern, and takes you straight to the heart of the city without having to worry about traffic.

When you exit the arrivals hall, just follow the “Train/Metro” signs. You’ll need to cross a road, then either take the stairs or elevator up to the pedestrian bridge. From there, cross over and you’ll find yourself at the airport metro station. The walk takes about 5–10 minutes, so keep that in mind if you’re carrying heavy bags or pushing a stroller.

The blue line (Line 3) runs directly to Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, both in the city center. It also continues all the way to Piraeus Port — handy if you’re catching a ferry.

• Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Tickets: €9 one way, Return ticket (within 30 days): €16.
• You can now simply tap your contactless bank card at the gates instead of buying a ticket.

If you’re traveling light, it’s a great option. But if you’re dragging multiple suitcases, climbing stairs and navigating the city’s metro with luggage can be a bit of a hassle.

2. Athens Airport to the City Centre by Bus

If you’re looking for the cheapest way into Athens, the bus is your best bet. At just €5.50 per person, it’s very budget-friendly and runs 24/7 — great if your flight lands late at night.

There are four main express routes:

• X95 – Airport → Syntagma Square (best for most city-center hotels).
• X96 – Airport → Piraeus Port (perfect if you’re heading to the islands).
• X93 – Airport → Kifissos Bus Station (for intercity buses).
• X97 – Airport → Elliniko Metro Station (less relevant for most visitors).

You can buy your ticket from the small blue kiosk just outside the arrivals hall (exit from the middle doors, turn right, and you’ll see it). But like the metro, you can now simply tap your contactless bank card when boarding the bus — no paper ticket needed. Don’t forget to validate if you do buy one.

The buses run every 15–40 minutes, depending on the line. The ride into the center takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

This is the most economical option, but if you’re carrying heavy bags or hate standing in packed spaces, it may not be the most comfortable.

However, it must be noted that you are not guaranteed to get a seat on one of these buses, so if you struggle with standing for long periods of time, or hate crowded places, this may not be the best option for you.

3. Athens Airport to the City Centre by Welcome Pickups Pre-Booked Taxi

If you want a completely stress-free arrival, booking a Welcome Pickups transfer is one of the best options. Instead of waiting in line for a taxi with your luggage, your driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name.

The drivers speak English, are friendly and professional, and many will happily share local tips for your stay. You can also pre-order extras like a Greek SIM card, so you’re connected from the moment you land.

This option is especially good for families, groups, or anyone with a lot of luggage — it’s a true door-to-door service straight to your hotel or Airbnb. The cost is higher than public transport, but for the comfort and convenience, many travelers find it worth it.

For more information and to book your private transfer check here.

4. Athens Airport to the City Centre by Taxi

Another great option is to get the regular yellow taxi. You’ll find the official taxi rank right outside the arrivals hall — just follow the signs and join the queue on the right-hand side.

The good news is that Athens airport taxis operate on a flat fare system for trips into the city center:

• Daytime (05:00–24:00): €40
• Night (00:00–05:00): €55

This includes all passengers and luggage, so if you’re a couple or a small group, it can be quite cost-effective compared to public transport.

The downside is that you may need to queue, especially during peak times, and drivers don’t always speak English. Still, it’s a reliable option if you want to get straight to your hotel without stops.

Local Tip: Always confirm the flat fare with the driver before starting the ride — and avoid anyone offering rides inside the terminal, as official taxis only wait at the designated rank.

No matter which option you choose, getting from Athens Airport to the city center is fairly straightforward once you know what to expect. The metro and bus are great budget-friendly choices, while taxis and pre-booked transfers offer comfort and convenience — especially if you’re tired after a long flight or carrying lots of luggage.

Personally, I’ve tried them all depending on the situation, and each has its time and place. The key is to pick the one that fits your travel style, so you can start enjoying Athens right away.

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