Roberta Aguirre
The best time to arrive at Athens Airport depends on your flight. Official Athens Airport advice states that international flight passengers should arrive 3 hours before departure, European flight passengers can check in 2 hours before departure, and domestic flight passengers must be at the airport no less than 1.5 hours ahead of departure. However, some sources suggest that 2 hours is enough time to check in and go through security, with one source claiming that 1 hour and 15 minutes was plenty of time. It's worth noting that check-in opens 2 hours before your flight unless you're traveling to long-haul destinations, in which case, check-in counters open 3 hours before departure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early can you check in? | 2 hours before your flight for most destinations, 3 hours for the US, UK, and other faraway countries. |
| Online check-in | Up to 24 hours before your flight with specific airlines. |
| Check-in location | Check-in is located at Departures (Level 1) in the Main Terminal, including for passengers departing from the Satellite Terminal. |
| Security wait times | Typically around 10-20 minutes, but can extend to over an hour during peak season. |
| Transport options | Taxis, private transfers, Metro Line 3, or the X95 Express Bus. |
| Travel time from Athens city center | Approximately 45 minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Online check-in availability
Athens International Airport suggests checking with your airline for the best arrival time. However, there are some standard guidelines that can help you plan your arrival at the airport.
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between international, European, and domestic flights. Official Athens Airport advice states that international flight passengers should arrive 3 hours before departure. This is because check-in counters for such flights open 3 hours before departure. For European flights, the check-in process can be started 2 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, passengers must arrive at the airport no later than 1.5 hours before their scheduled departure time.
Online check-in is available for specific airlines and can be done up to 48 hours before departure until the minimum check-in closure time specific to your departure airport. This means that, in some cases, passengers can check in online 24 hours before their flight. It is worth noting that passengers are advised to be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure, with the gate closing strictly 15 minutes prior to departure.
The time taken to clear security at Athens Airport depends on the day and time of travel. Typically, security wait times are around 10-20 minutes, but during peak season, queues can result in waiting times of over an hour. It is recommended to arrive at the security checkpoint at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth process.
In addition to online check-in and security wait times, other factors can influence your arrival time at the airport. These include checking in luggage, peak hour travel, and familiarity with the airport and its processes. Considering these factors, it is generally recommended to arrive at Athens Airport at least 2 hours before your flight to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
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Check-in desk location
Athens International Airport has two terminals: the main terminal and the Satellite terminal. Check-in is located at Departures (Level 1) in the Main Terminal, including for passengers departing from the Satellite Terminal. To find your airline's check-in desk, check the monitors at the entrances.
If you are checking in online, specific airlines allow this up to 24 hours before your flight. However, online check-in closes at a minimum check-in time specific to your departure airport. Passengers are advised to be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure. At Athens International Airport, the gate closes 15 minutes prior to departure.
The best time to arrive at the airport depends on your flight. Official advice from Athens Airport states that international flight passengers should arrive 3 hours before departure, European flight passengers can check in 2 hours before departure, and domestic flight passengers must be at the airport no less than 1.5 hours ahead of departure. However, some sources suggest that 2 hours is enough time for an international flight, and 90 minutes is enough for a domestic flight.
The time it takes to clear security at Athens Airport depends on the day and time you're travelling. Typically, security wait times are around 10-20 minutes, but during peak season, queues can extend waiting times to over an hour.
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Security wait times
To ensure a smooth journey through security, it is recommended to prepare and follow the security guidelines. This includes having your travel documents readily available, reducing hand baggage to a minimum, and packing liquids, electronics, and other items according to the regulations.
For those who wish to expedite the security process, Athens Airport offers a Fast Lane service at the Main Terminal Building. This service is provided by airlines to eligible passengers as defined in their terms of service. However, even with the Fast Lane service, it is essential to allow sufficient time for check-in, security checks, and passport control procedures, especially if travelling during busy periods.
Some travellers recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure to account for potential delays and provide a comfortable buffer. This buffer time can be crucial, especially for those unfamiliar with the airport or travelling during peak hours.
Overall, by being prepared, utilising available services, and allowing ample time, passengers can effectively manage security wait times at Athens Airport and ensure a positive travel experience.
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Transport options
Athens International Airport is located 33 km southeast of Athens. It is easily accessible via the Athens ring road (Attiki Odos). The drive from downtown Athens takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. There are a few transport options available when travelling to and from the airport.
Taxis
Taxis and private transfers are the most comfortable and convenient transport option, as the service is quick and door-to-door. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs a flat rate of €40 from 5 am to midnight, and €55 from midnight to 5 am. The rate is determined by the time of arrival at the destination and includes all applicable surcharges. It is recommended to book your taxi, car or limo from one of the trusted pickup service providers at Athens airport, such as Amphitrion or Limotours.
Metro
The suburban railway (Proastiakos) connects Athens Airport with Larissis Station, the central Athens railway station, in approximately 45 minutes. Trains depart from Athens airport every 15-25 minutes to Doukissis Plakentias station, where you can transfer to the Athens Metro network, using the same ticket. Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre (Syntagma Square) in around 40 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. One-way tickets cost €9 (€4.50 for children, teenagers, and those over 65), while return tickets cost €16.
Bus
24-hour express buses connect Athens International Airport with the port of Piraeus and the Intercity Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifissos). These non-stop services operate daily, including public holidays. The X95 Express Bus takes around 1 hour to get to the city centre and costs €5.50 one way (€2.70 for children, teenagers, and those over 65). Bus tickets are sold at the ticket booth outside the Arrivals hall (between Exits 4 and 5).
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Bag check-in
When checking in at Athens International Airport, you can either check in online with specific airlines or at your airline's check-in desk in Athens Airport Departures. Check-in counters are usually open 2 hours before your flight unless you are travelling to the US, UK, or other faraway countries, in which case they open 3 hours before departure.
Online check-in with some airlines is available up to 48 hours before your flight and remains available until the minimum check-in closure time specific to your departure airport. You can also check in online up to 24 hours before your flight with some other airlines. If you are checking in at the airport, you can find your airline's check-in desk by checking the monitors at the entrances. Check-in is located at Departures (Level 1) in the Main Terminal, including for passengers departing from the Satellite Terminal.
Athens Airport security fast-track services are available through your airline if you want to avoid long waiting times. In usual conditions, Athens Airport security wait times are typically around 10-20 minutes, but the queues during peak season can extend waiting times to over an hour. It is recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours early for an international flight and 90 minutes early for a domestic flight. However, some sources suggest that 3 hours is the safest bet for international flights, especially if you have bags to check.
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Frequently asked questions
Athens Airport suggests checking in 3 hours before departure for international flights. However, some sources state that 2 hours is sufficient.
Athens Airport suggests checking in 2 hours before departure for European flights.
Athens Airport suggests checking in no later than 1.5 hours before departure for domestic flights. However, some sources suggest arriving at least 90 minutes early to be safe.
