Athens Airport: City Maps Availability And Accessibility

Athens International Airport, officially named El. Venizelos, is located 33km (20.5 miles) away from Athens city centre. It is the biggest and most widely-known airport in Greece, serving as the main gateway to the country and beyond. With millions of travellers passing through its terminals each year, the airport offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of its diverse passenger base. In addition to its functional role, the airport also showcases cultural attractions, such as the Acropolis Exhibition, a small museum featuring artefacts found during the airport's construction, and an exhibition dedicated to the airport's namesake, Greek politician and prime minister, Eleftherios Venizelos. With its dynamic mix of cultural offerings and efficient transportation options, Athens International Airport stands as a pivotal gateway to the historic city of Athens.

Athens Airport Terminal Maps

Athens International Airport, also known as Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, is located near the town of Spata, about 35 km (22 mi) east of Athens. The airport has two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal.

The Main Terminal is the hub for all intra-Schengen flights and some non-Schengen flights. It has three levels: the arrivals level, the departures level, and a food court level offering a view of the eastern runway. The main terminal is equipped with 144 check-in desks, 14 jet bridges, and 11 luggage belt conveyors. It is divided into two halls: Hall A for non-Schengen and non-European flights, and Hall B for intra-Schengen and domestic flights.

The Satellite Terminal is accessible via an underground link with moving walkways. It has two levels for arrivals and departures and can handle up to six million passengers annually. This terminal has 10 jet bridges and is primarily used by low-cost carriers and airlines for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.

Athens International Airport provides clear signage and moving walkways to help travellers navigate between the terminals and within the main terminal. Key areas such as check-in desks, security checkpoints, and boarding gates are well-marked. Additionally, colour-coded signs differentiate between Schengen and non-Schengen zones, making it easier for passengers to find their way. The airport also offers interactive kiosks and information desks to assist travellers with directions and flight information.

Athens International Airport has a range of amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Both terminals offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving local and international cuisine. You can also find duty-free shops, convenience stores, currency exchange services, ATMs, and luggage storage facilities. The airport's website provides interactive terminal maps to help you navigate and locate specific gates, restaurants, lounges, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas.

Transport to and from Athens Airport

Athens International Airport (ATH) is located 33km southeast of Athens and is easily accessible via the Athens ring road (Attiki Odos). The drive from downtown Athens takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Metro

The Athens airport subway is the best choice for public transport. It is fast, frequent, and affordable. The airport train station building is located at the Departures level, a 5-minute walk from the terminal, and is connected via an elevated passageway. Elevators are also available. One-way tickets cost €9, and the journey to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes.

By Bus

The cheapest option is the Athens airport bus, which costs €5.50 for a one-way ticket. The X95 bus will get you to Syntagma Square in downtown Athens in about 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses run every 40 minutes.

There are also four express bus routes from the airport:

• Χ93: Airport - Kifissos Station (65 minutes)
• X95: Airport - Syntagma Square (60 minutes)
• Χ96: Airport - Piraeus port (90 minutes)
• Χ97: Airport - Elliniko (45 minutes)

By Taxi

Athens airport taxis are the most expensive but the most convenient way to reach the city centre. The fare is a flat rate of €40 during the daytime (5 am–midnight) and €55 at night (midnight–5 am). The total journey time is 35–40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

By Car

There are plenty of car rental companies operating at Athens Airport. The journey from the airport to downtown Athens takes approximately 35–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Athens Airport Facilities

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, located near the town of Spata, offers a wide range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. The airport has been recognised as one of the finest in Europe, handling over 21 million passengers annually.

Basic Amenities and Services:

The airport provides essential amenities such as ATMs, banks (Alpha Bank), a pharmacy, baby rooms, and first aid service that operates 24/7. Additionally, there is a small market or minimarket, a hair salon, and a sports betting centre. For passengers seeking a quick bite or a meal, there are numerous cafes and restaurants, including Buondi Café, Flocafé, Gregorys, and Heineken Star Bar.

Shopping:

Athens International Airport boasts an impressive shopping centre with over 50 shops and 14 dining options. Among these shops are well-known brands such as Porsche Design, Armani Jeans, and Massimo Duty. The shopping centre is renowned for its tempting prices and superb quality, ensuring a satisfying experience for even the most discerning shoppers.

Business and Conference Facilities:

The airport is well-equipped to meet business needs with the IT&T Business Centre, which offers offices, desktop PCs, internet access, telephones, printing and fax machines, and a conference room. Additionally, there are meeting rooms available for hire through the airport facility and administration department.

Parking:

Athens International Airport provides 4,800 short and long-term parking spaces, conveniently located near the terminal building. The parking facilities are equipped with automated payment machines for quick and easy payment, and electronic message screens provide real-time information on parking availability.

Internet Access:

Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport for 45 minutes. Passengers can connect to the "ATH Free Wi-Fi" network and enjoy internet access on their laptops or mobile devices.

Mobile App:

Athens International Airport also offers a mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, providing users with easy access to all the necessary information about the airport and its services.

Lounges:

Athens International Airport is home to several lounges, including the Goldair CIP Lounge, Aegean Business Lounge, Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge, Goldair Handling CIP Lounge, Lufthansa Business Lounge, and the Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including premium food, snacks, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, and more.

Nearby Accommodations:

For passengers seeking overnight accommodations, the airport has a nearby 5-star hotel, the Sofitel Athens Airport, which offers day rooms from 12 pm to 6 pm. The hotel provides a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a gym, a pool, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa open to both guests and non-guests.

Athens City Centre Transport

Athens International Airport is located 33km southeast of Athens. The airport is easily accessible from Athens city centre via a number of transport options, including taxi, metro, bus, car rental, and private transfer.

Taxi

The most expensive but also the most convenient way to reach Athens city centre is by taxi. The yellow Athens airport taxis are found outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals level. The taxi fare is a flat rate of €40 during the daytime (5:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.) and €55 at night, and the journey to the city centre lasts 35–40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Metro

The Athens airport subway is the best choice for public transport. The airport train station building is located at the Departures level and is connected to the main terminal via an elevated passageway. A one-way ticket costs €9 (€4.50 for students and elders) and a return ticket is €16. Children under 6 years old travel for free. The train journey to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes, and the Metro departs every 30–36 minutes from 6:10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Bus

The cheapest transfer option from Athens Airport to the city centre is the bus. The X95 bus costs €5.50 one-way (€2.70 for under 18s or over 65s) and gets you to Syntagma Square in about 60 minutes, depending on the roads’ congestion. During peak hours, the journey can last 90 minutes. Buses run every 40 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket offices or on board. The bus stop is located at the Arrivals level, between Exits 4 and 5.

Car Rental

If you prefer to travel alone, you can rent a car at the airport. There are plenty of car rental companies to choose from, offering vehicles to suit your needs and preferences. The journey from the airport to the city centre takes approximately 35–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Private Transfer

Private airport transfers are ideal if you prioritise comfort and convenience. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of your gate and will drive you directly to your destination. The price for a private transfer is slightly higher than the ordinary taxi fare, but you may be able to book a private ride for the same fee as a taxi with thorough research.

Athens City Centre Attractions

Athens is a city with a rich history and a lot to see and do. Here is a list of attractions in Athens city centre:

Acropolis and Parthenon

The Acropolis is the most visited attraction in Athens and is located on a 156-metre-high hill in the middle of the city. It offers beautiful views of the city and is home to famous landmarks such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Erechtheion, and the Nike Temple. The Acropolis Museum at the foot of the mountain displays many artefacts excavated at the site.

Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora is located near the Acropolis and used to be the centre of the city, with important buildings, shops, and markets. It was also a gathering place for the people and the government. The Ancient Agora includes the Temple of Hephaistos, which has remained fairly intact, and the Stoa of Attalus, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.

Plaka District

The Plaka District is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Athens, with terraces and souvenir shops. It has an authentic atmosphere and colourful appearance, with narrow pedestrian streets and quaint bougainvillea-draped houses. There are several monuments to visit, including the Metamórfosis Church and the Church of Kapnikaréa.

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is a central and popular spot in Athens, located in the busy Monastiraki district. It has a cozy atmosphere with restaurants and cafes, and a flea market every Sunday. Nearby attractions include the Varvakeios market halls, the Athens Flea Market, and the Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Greek art and antiquities in Greece. The museum is housed in an impressive neoclassical building and displays five permanent collections with more than 11,000 exhibits.

Lycabettus Hill

For stunning views of the entire city and its landmarks, head to Lycabettus Hill, the highest hill in Athens at 277 meters. You can climb the hill or take the funicular. On top of the hill, you'll find a chapel, an open-air theatre, and a luxury restaurant.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is located in the modern part of Athens and is known for being a busy thoroughfare. It is home to the parliament building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by soldiers with a changing of the guard taking place every hour.

Athens city centre has a lot to offer, from ancient ruins and museums to lively markets and charming neighbourhoods. These attractions provide a mix of history, culture, and local experiences.

Frequently asked questions