Arriving Early At Athens Airport: How Early Is Too Early?

Athens International Airport is a busy airport, and it's recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight is due to depart. Official advice from the airport states that international passengers should arrive three hours before departure, European passengers should arrive two hours before, and domestic passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight. Security wait times are usually around 10-20 minutes, but it's always better to be safe than sorry and arrive early.

Check-in times for international, European and domestic flights

Athens International Airport advises that passengers on international flights should arrive at the airport three hours before departure. For European flights, check-in opens two and a half hours before departure, and passengers can check in two hours before departure. For domestic flights, passengers must be at the airport no less than one and a half hours before departure.

Security wait times at Athens Airport are usually around 10-20 minutes. However, it is recommended that passengers unfamiliar with the airport or travelling during high season allow extra time. One source recommends arriving at the airport 90 minutes before departure for a domestic flight, while another suggests that passengers with bags to check for a 7.05 am flight should aim to arrive at the airport no later than 5.30 am.

The cheapest way to get to the airport from central Athens is by metro, but services do not start until 5.30 am. A taxi is the next best option, but it will be more expensive the earlier in the morning it is.

Security wait times

Athens International Airport security wait times are usually around 10-20 minutes. However, it is always best to allow extra time, especially if you are unfamiliar with the airport and its procedures.

If you are taking a domestic flight, you must arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure. This will give you enough time to check in your luggage, go through security, and reach your gate. For European flights, check-in opens 2.5 hours before departure, and passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. International flight passengers should arrive 3 hours before their scheduled departure time.

If you have an early morning flight, keep in mind that the cheapest way to get to the airport from central Athens is by metro, but the service doesn't start until 5:30 am. Taxis are available at all hours, but they can be expensive, especially during the early morning.

Transport to the airport

Athens International Airport advises passengers to arrive three hours before departure for international flights, two hours for European flights, and one and a half hours for domestic flights. Security wait times are usually 10-20 minutes.

If you're travelling from the centre of Athens, the cheapest way to get to the airport is by metro, but services don't start until 5:30 am. The next best option is a taxi, which will cost around 40-50 euros, depending on the time of day. The earlier you travel, the more expensive it will be.

If you're travelling during peak season, it's recommended that you arrive at the airport no later than 5:30 am if you have bags to check in.

Luggage check-in

It is recommended that you arrive at Athens Airport 3 hours before an international flight, 2 hours before a European flight, and 1.5 hours before a domestic flight. However, if you have luggage to check in, it is advised that you arrive even earlier. One source recommends arriving at the airport 90 minutes before your flight to allow for check-in and security. Another source suggests that you should aim to get to the airport no later than 5:30 am if you have bags to check.

When travelling with checked luggage, it is important to allow extra time for check-in and baggage drop-off. Although online check-in is available for some flights, you will still need to drop off your luggage at the airport. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to allow for this process.

If you are travelling during peak times, such as early morning or high season, it is advisable to allow even more time. The airport can be extremely busy during these periods, which may result in longer check-in and security wait times.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, it is best to familiarise yourself with the check-in process and baggage allowance restrictions before arriving at the airport. This includes knowing the weight and size limits for checked luggage, as well as any prohibited items that cannot be included in your baggage.

Once you have checked in your luggage, you can proceed through security and make your way to the departure gate. It is recommended that you allow at least 10-20 minutes for security, depending on the time of day and the number of passengers travelling.

By allowing ample time for luggage check-in and security, you can ensure that you have a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience when departing from Athens Airport.

Boarding gate information

Athens International Airport advises that international flight passengers should arrive at the airport three hours before departure. For European flights, check-in opens two and a half hours before departure, and for domestic flights, passengers must be at the airport no less than one and a half hours ahead of departure.

If you are unfamiliar with Athens Airport, it is recommended that you allow extra time to get through check-in and security. One source suggests allowing 90 minutes minimum, to avoid unexpected delays and the stress of wondering if you will miss your flight.

Security wait times at Athens Airport are usually around 10-20 minutes. However, if you are travelling during high season, the airport will be extremely busy, so you should aim to get there earlier to allow for longer wait times.

To find out which gate you are boarding at, you can check your boarding pass, the live departures board, or the information screens in the airport.

Frequently asked questions