Athens · Airport Transfer

How to Get from Athens Airport to the City Centre

Athens International Airport is located around 20 kilometres from the city centre. It is well organised and offers several reliable transport options, making it easy to reach central Athens. The airport is connected by metro, bus, taxi, and private transfer. Most travellers can reach the centre within 30 to 60 minutes depending on the option chosen.

Quick Transport Options

Fastest option: Taxi
Best overall option: Metro
Best budget option: Airport Bus
Most convenient option: Taxi or Private Transfer
Best for late arrivals: Airport Bus or Taxi

Transport Options in Detail

Metro (Line 3)

Best for: Balance of speed and convenience.

The Athens Metro Line 3 connects the airport directly to the city centre, including stops at Syntagma and Monastiraki. Trains run every 30 minutes.

€9 to €10 Around 40 minutes

Airport Bus

Best for: Cheapest option with 24-hour service.

Airport buses run 24 hours a day and connect the airport to key locations such as Syntagma Square and Piraeus. Direct and reliable service.

€5 to €6 Around 60 to 75 minutes

Taxi

Best for: Door-to-door convenience.

Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. There are fixed fares and the journey is direct to your accommodation.

€40 (day) / €55 (night) Around 25 to 40 minutes

Private Transfers

Best for: Smooth and pre-booked arrival.

Private transfers can be arranged in advance with a driver waiting at arrivals. Comfortable and convenient option.

€45 to €70 Around 25 to 40 minutes

Suburban Railway

Best for: Alternative train option.

The suburban railway connects the airport with other parts of Athens. Similar to the metro but less commonly used by tourists.

Similar to metro Similar to metro

Car Hire

Best for: Exploring beyond Athens.

Car hire is available at the airport and useful if you plan to travel outside the city. Driving in central Athens can be challenging.

€40 to €80+ per day Flexible

Local Tips for Airport Transfers in Athens

Metro: Best overall option for most travellers due to its direct route and reasonable price.
Airport Bus: Cheapest and runs all night, ideal for budget travellers and late arrivals.
Taxi: Most convenient, especially with luggage or for late-night arrivals.
Private Transfer: Most comfortable and convenient for those who prefer not to navigate transport.
Car Hire: Useful if you plan to explore outside Athens, but challenging in central city.
Keep small change or a card ready for metro and bus tickets.
Metro services are less frequent than in some European cities. Check the schedule.
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours (8 to 10am and 4 to 7pm), especially on weekdays.
Use official taxis from the taxi rank outside arrivals to avoid overcharging.
Private transfers should be pre-booked for guaranteed availability.
Airport buses have regular schedules posted at the airport and online.
Consider the time of day, options vary in availability and journey time.
Daytime arrivals have the most frequent transport options, metro, bus, and taxis all available.
Late-night arrivals are best suited to buses (24-hour service) or taxis.
Peak hours: allow extra time due to traffic (8 to 10am and 4 to 7pm).
Summer season: more crowded and traffic heavier, plan ahead.
Pre-book private transfers to avoid delays and ensure availability.