Lois Larson
Athens International Airport is Greece's largest and most modern airport. It offers various amenities, including 24-hour restaurants, art installations, a museum, and free Wi-Fi. While the airport has no dedicated sleep areas or sleeping pods, travellers have reported decent sleep spots, such as armrest-free benches and private nooks. Additionally, there are nearby hotels, like the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, located 50 metres from the airport, and the Aethon Airport Project Hotel, which offers a free shuttle service. However, sleeping in the public terminal areas of the airport is prohibited, and travellers seeking comfort during long layovers may prefer to explore historic Athens or utilise airport lounges, which can be accessed for a fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in the airport | Prohibited, but possible in practice |
| Sleeping spots | Around Gate B22, benches inside Burger King, private nooks upstairs in the hallway before the restaurants, small area above the Arrivals area |
| Sleeping in the departure lounge | Comfortable, padded chairs |
| Sleeping in the public area | Less comfortable |
| Hotels in the airport | Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel |
| Nearby hotels | Aethon Airport Project Hotel, Holiday Inn Athens Airport, Pantheon Hotel Athens Airport |
| Lounges | Aegean Business Lounge, first-class lounges that economy-class passengers can pay to access |
| Other amenities | Restaurants, art installations, a museum, WiFi, charging stations, playground for children, shops, a mini-market |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in public areas is prohibited, but there are some discreet spots
Sleeping in public areas of Athens Airport is prohibited, but travellers have reported some discreet spots where you can get some rest.
Sleeping spots inside the airport include benches inside Burger King (Terminal 1), armrest-free benches around Gate B22, and the hallway just before the restaurants upstairs from the landside area, where there are private nooks to lie on the floor. If you're travelling without checked luggage, you may be able to remain in the departure area and use the padded chairs there.
If you're looking for more comfort, you can book a room at the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, located just 50 metres from the airport's exit doors. The hotel offers premium dining and drinking options, as well as spa treatments. Alternatively, you can purchase a pass for one of the airport's business lounges, some of which may have shower facilities.
If you don't mind leaving the airport, there are several nearby hotels accessible by foot or airport shuttle. The Aethon Airport Project Hotel, for example, is approximately €125, offers a free shuttle to and from the airport, and has friendly staff. The Holiday Inn Athens Airport is another option, located just a 10-minute drive from the airport and offering a free 24-hour airport shuttle service.
Athens International Airport also offers various cultural options, such as the Acropolis Exhibition, a museum area near Entrance 3 of the second airport level, and periodical art collections and cultural exhibitions. Additionally, the airport has restaurants, fast food options, shopping, and free Wi-Fi to keep you entertained during your layover.
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There are nearby hotels accessible by foot or shuttle
If you're looking for a good night's sleep near Athens Airport, there are a few nearby hotels accessible by foot or shuttle. Sleeping in the airport is prohibited, and while there are some benches and seats, it's unlikely you'll get a comfortable night's rest.
The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel is a popular choice, located just 50 metres from the airport's exit doors. It offers premium dining and drinking options, as well as spa treatments. However, it may be expensive compared to other options.
The Aethon Airport Project Hotel is another option, with a free shuttle to and from the airport. It's approximately €125, super clean, and has friendly staff. There's also a good restaurant across the street.
The Holiday Inn Athens Airport is a 10-minute drive from the airport and offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle service. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, fitness centre, and business facilities.
The Pantheon Hotel Athens Airport is a 15-minute drive away in Markopoulo. While it doesn't offer an airport shuttle, the staff can arrange a taxi for you. The hotel has a 24-hour reception, café, bar, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for something cheaper, there's the Zed Smart Property Airport by Airstay, located 3 km from the airport.
So, while you may not get a restful sleep at Athens Airport, there are definitely some convenient and comfortable hotel options nearby.
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Lounges can be accessed by purchasing a pass
The airport's website provides information on which lounges can be accessed with a pass and which are exclusive to airline members. Lounges offer comfortable seats, a quiet and cosy environment, and food and drink options. Some may also have shower facilities.
If you are looking for a more comfortable option, the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel is located just 50 metres from the airport. The hotel offers premium dining and drinking services, as well as spa treatments. However, staying at the hotel or accessing lounges may be costly, and there are alternative options for those on a budget.
The airside area of the airport offers more sleeping options than the landside area. There are some armrest-free benches around Gate B22, although these can be chilly. There are also benches inside the Burger King restaurant in Terminal 1, where you may be able to sleep before staff wake you up. Additionally, there are reclined seats in the B area that some travellers have found comfortable for sleeping.
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24-hour food vendors are available
Athens International Airport is Greece's largest and most modern airport. While sleeping in the airport is prohibited, there are several 24-hour food vendors available to keep you entertained and well-fed throughout your stay.
- Camden Food Co.
- Eat Greek
- Ergon
- Everest
- Gregory Holy Burger Cinnabon
- La Pasteria
- Nescafe Bar
- Plate' a
- Puro Gusto
In addition to these vendors, there is also an airport minimarket called AB Vassilopoulos, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, cleaning supplies, and general groceries. This option is perfect if you need to pick up some snacks or meals during your layover.
If you're looking for a place to rest, there are some armrest-free benches in the airside area near Gate B22 and above the Arrivals section. The benches inside restaurants like Burger King could also provide a more private spot to relax. However, keep in mind that staff may wake you up if they notice you sleeping.
For added comfort, you can consider purchasing a lounge pass or accessing lounges through a membership program. The Aegean Business Lounge in Terminal 1, Airside, offers access to non-Schengen passengers near Gate A15 from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, subject to flight schedules.
If you prefer a proper hotel room, the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel is located just 50 meters from the airport's main terminal. Alternatively, the Aethon Airport Project Hotel, approximately 3 kilometers away, offers a free shuttle service and is praised for its cleanliness and friendly staff. Another option is the Holiday Inn Athens Airport, which is a 10-minute drive from the airport and provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle service.
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Athens International Airport offers cultural activities
Athens International Airport (AIA) is not only Greece's largest airport but also a cultural hub. The airport's philosophy revolves around showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Greece. To that end, it collaborates with Greek and international institutions to organise exhibitions and cultural activities, providing a unique experience to visitors.
The airport offers a permanent mini-museum with ancient relics unearthed during the airport's construction, an exhibition dedicated to Eleftherios Venizelos, the airport's namesake, and various art installations. The airport also hosts temporary exhibitions from the city's cultural centres.
For those interested in shopping, the airport has a wide range of stores, including Greek fashion brands and international labels. The Airport Agora, inspired by classical Greece, offers a unique shopping experience with open agoras leading to shopping stoas (arcades) and communal squares.
Athens International Airport also provides guided tours for students to explore the facilities and learn about airport operations, including a visit to the airport's museum and cultural exhibitions.
While the airport does not explicitly encourage sleeping within the premises, it offers several amenities and 24-hour restaurants for travellers spending the night.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping at Athens Airport is not comfortable. While there are some armrest-free benches and padded chairs, most people report not being able to get a proper sleep in the public terminal areas.
There is no transit hotel at the airport, but there are several nearby hotels accessible by foot or airport shuttle. The closest hotel is the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, which is just 50 metres from the airport.
Sleeping at the airport is prohibited, but if you go to the first floor near the chapel and Burger King, it is unlikely that anyone will disturb you. There are also benches inside Burger King where you may be able to sleep before staff wake you up.
Yes, there are some cheaper options near the airport, such as the Aethon Airport Project Hotel, which is approximately €125 and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport.
Athens Airport offers various amenities and cultural options to keep you entertained during your layover. There are several restaurants, art installations, a museum, and a playground for children. You can also take advantage of the airport's free Wi-Fi to get some work done or stay connected.
