Ruth Haines
Athens International Airport is open 24 hours a day, serving many flights and connections around the world. The airport is not known for having comfortable places to rest and is quite noisy, so it is advisable to carry a sleeping bag, blankets, an eye mask, and earplugs. While there are no transit hotels, there are several nearby hotels accessible by foot or airport shuttle, such as the Sofitel Athens Airport, located 50 meters from the airport's main terminal. The airport also offers several 24-hour dining options, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Athens International Airport |
| Airport Code | ATH |
| Location | Athens, Greece |
| Sleeping Facilities | Uncomfortable seating, constant noise, bright lights, and cold temperatures. Limited armrest-free benches. |
| Food Options | Camden Food Co., Eat Greek, Ergon, Everest, Gregory Holy Burger, Cinnabon, La Pasteria, Nescafe Bar, Plate' a, Puro Gusto, McDonald's, and more. |
| Stores | Mastika Shop, Wine Cave, Korres beauty product store, bookstores, travel item stores, and a mini-market. |
| Other Amenities | Luggage storage, charging stations, ATMs, currency exchange, porters, baby changing rooms, first aid clinic, a post office, and a nail salon. |
| Nearby Hotels | Sofitel Athens Airport, Oceanis in Glyfada, and other options accessible by foot or airport shuttle. |
| Lounges | First-class lounges accessible to economy-class passengers for a fee. VIP lounges for passengers with larger budgets, but these close at night. |
| Museum | A small museum with archaeological finds from the airport area is located in a darkened theater area upstairs. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping spots in the airport
Athens Airport is open 24 hours a day and has modern facilities. However, it is not known for having comfortable places to rest and can be noisy. If you are looking for a good night's sleep, it is advisable to stay in a hotel. However, if you are determined to sleep in the airport, there are a few spots that might be better than others.
Firstly, there are some armrest-free benches around Gate B22, although reviewers report that they are a little chilly. There are also benches inside Burger King (Terminal 1). If you head upstairs, you can find some private nooks to lie on the floor in the hallway just before the restaurants. Above the Arrivals area, there are a few more armrest-free benches.
One traveller reports:
> "There's also a great area in front of the pharmacy and opposite a florist that many travellers use to stretch across the open benches or their luggage carts to catch a few moments of rest while they wait out their connecting flight. Upstairs you can find a bonanza of sleeping areas—a darkened theatre area near a small museum of archaeological finds from the airport area."
Another traveller recommends the first floor near the chapel close to Burger King, where it is unlikely that anyone will disturb you.
If you are looking for more comfort, there are a few hotels near the airport. The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel is just 50 metres from the airport, but it can be quite expensive. The Holiday Inn Athens Airport offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport and has a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, fitness centre, business facilities and free Wi-Fi. The Pantheon Hotel Athens Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive from the airport, but it does not offer a shuttle service.
If you want to explore Athens, there are also some options in the city centre, such as the When In Athens Hostel, which has dorm room accommodation with shared facilities, air conditioning, a shared lounge and garden. The Nubian Hotel Athens is located in the downtown neighbourhood of Exarcheia.
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Nearby hotels
If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep near Athens Airport, there are a few nearby hotels that can be accessed on foot or by shuttle. Here are some options:
Sofitel Athens Airport
This hotel is located just 50 metres from the airport's main terminal, making it a convenient choice for travellers. It is the closest option and offers easy access to the airport's facilities and services.
Oceanis Hotel in Glyfada
The Oceanis Hotel is about an hour away from the airport via airport bus. While the commute may take up some rest time, it could be a more affordable option compared to the hotels closer to the airport.
Hotels in Rafina
Rafina is another option for accommodation near Athens Airport. There are hotels in this area, such as Avra, that offer a slightly further distance from the airport. However, consider the cost of transportation, as taxis to and from Rafina may negate any savings made by staying outside of Athens proper.
Athens Backpackers
Athens Backpackers is a budget-friendly option located in the city centre and is walkable from Syntagma Square, where the express bus X95 operates to and from the airport. This could be a good choice for those looking to save on accommodation costs.
When deciding where to stay, it is important to consider factors such as proximity to the airport, cost, and comfort. Additionally, keep in mind that some overnight layovers may be too short to justify the expense of a hotel, so planning based on your specific needs is essential.
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Food and drink options
Athens International Airport has a good variety of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to cater to a wide range of tastes and food preferences. Most food concessions are open 24 hours a day. Here are some 24-hour vendors: Camden Food Co., Eat Greek, Ergon, Everest, Gregory Holy Burger Cinnabon, La Pasteria, Nescafe Bar, Plate' a, and Puro Gusto.
For authentic sit-down Greek food, head to Eat Greek for chicken gyros or lamb kleftikon, or Bistrot Attica Athens for loukoumades (Greek doughnuts). Ergon at the Non-Schengen serves contemporary twists on traditional dishes. Barbadimos serves Smyrnean cuisine, a type of Greek cuisine from the All Users area food court. For sweet and savoury takes on the classic Greek koulouri snack (sesame bread rings), head to Mon Kooloor or Koulourades at the Arrivals Level.
If you're craving Italian, Amore is perfect for a sit-down lunch. Burger cravings can be satisfied at Burger King on the second floor in the Departures Free Access Area. La Pasteria, on the same floor, has a decent wine list. For sushi, tacos, or instant-made pasta, try Koi Sushi Bar, Ancho Mexican Grill, and Levito in the All Users Area. Everest Exclusive, at the Arrivals Level, serves pizza slices and peinirlis (boat-shaped open pies) with vegan and vegetarian options.
For traditional Greek pastries, head to the Schengen Departures Level to visit Kostarelos, a family-run eclectic deli and Greek dairy haven. Here, you’ll find barrel-aged feta cheese, Greek gruyères, strained yoghurt, cream puddings, and ice cream, all made with local ingredients and following traditional recipes. A Piece of Greece (Non-Schengen) offers a fine selection of organic Greek products like honey, tea, herbs, and nuts.
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Other amenities
Athens International Airport is not known for its comfort or quiet. However, there are a few other amenities available to travellers spending the night there.
Food and drink
Several restaurants are open 24 hours a day, including Camden Food Co., Eat Greek, Ergon, Everest, Gregory Holy Burger Cinnabon, La Pasteria, Nescafe Bar, Plate' a, and Puro Gusto. The Food Court is also usually open late, with sandwiches, fresh pizza, sushi, and staples like McDonald's and other international fast-food chains.
Shopping
The airport minimarket AB Vassilopoulos is open 24 hours a day, selling fresh produce, baked goods, cleaning supplies, and general groceries. There are also several general stores that remain open at night, selling books, travel items, toothpaste, wine, beauty products, and souvenirs.
Relaxation
There are five-minute massage chairs and a private relaxation area outside the gates. Upstairs, there is a darkened theatre area near the small museum of archaeological finds from the airport area.
Other services
Athens Airport provides unlimited free Wi-Fi access for 60-minute sessions throughout the terminal area. There are also ATMs, currency exchange bureaus, porters, baby-changing rooms, and a first-aid clinic. Luggage storage is available at the Care4Bag service on the Arrivals Level, Landside, for €5-10 per item/day. Charging stations are available on the airside.
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What to bring
Athens International Airport is open 24 hours a day and has modern facilities, but it is not known for having comfortable places to rest and can be noisy. Therefore, it is advisable to come prepared with a few items to ensure you get a good night's sleep.
First and foremost, bring a sleeping bag and blankets to keep yourself warm and cosy. The area around Gate B22 has some armrest-free benches, but travellers have reported that they can be a little chilly. To block out the bright lights and constant movement of the airport, an eye mask is a must-have item. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones will also help to drown out the noise of security announcements and people coming and going. If you want to rest during the day, consider bringing a travel pillow to support your neck while sitting upright.
There are a few other items that could make your stay more comfortable. If you have access to a lounge, you may want to bring adapters to take advantage of the charging stations. To freshen up before your flight, bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, which you can purchase at the Mastica Shop. You can also treat yourself to a coffee or a meal at one of the many 24-hour food vendors, including Camden Food Co., Eat Greek, and Gregory Holy Burger.
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Frequently asked questions
Athens Airport is not known for having comfortable places to rest, so it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag, blankets, an eye mask, and earplugs. Some decent spots to sleep include the area around Gate B22, which has some armless chairs, the airport museum, and the area in front of the pharmacy opposite a florist.
Yes, there are several hotels near Athens Airport. The Sofitel Athens Airport is located just 50 metres from the airport's main terminal. There are also hotels accessible by the airport shuttle service or within an hour via airport bus, such as the Oceanis in Glyfada.
Yes, there are several hotels in Athens that are accessible by public transport. For example, there are hotels in Rafina, such as Avra, that are a short taxi ride from the airport. There are also cheap hotels and budget check-ins in the city centre.
