Last updated: 6 days ago

How to Get from Athens Airport (ATH) to the City Center - Full Guide for 2025

Wondering how to get from Athens Airport to central Athens quickly and affordably? Whether you're landing for a city break or starting a longer Greek adventure, this detailed guide covers all transport options from Athens International Airport (ATH) to downtown. We’ll look at express buses, the Athens Airport metro, suburban trains, and taxis - with all ticket prices, travel times, and practical tips included.

And if you're not rushing to get into the city right away... there’s a little coastal secret near the airport that might tempt you.

Athens International Airport - What You Should Know

Full name: Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"
IATA code: ATH
Location: Spata - Artemida, about 35 km east of downtown Athens
Opened: 2001
Annual passengers: Over 32 million (2024)
Terminals: Main and satellite (connected by an underground passage)

Most international flights arrive at the main terminal, which consists of three levels: Arrivals, Departures, and a shopping/food area.

The airport is clean, modern, and well-organized, making navigation straightforward - even after a long flight.

Option 1: Express Bus X95 - Direct and Budget-Friendly

The X95 express bus is the cheapest way to get from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square, the central square in downtown Athens.

Route: Athens Airport to Syntagma Square (and vice versa)
Journey time: 40 - 70 minutes, depending on traffic
Frequency: Every 15 - 40 minutes, 24/7
Ticket prices:
- Regular: €5.50
- Reduced: €2.70
- Free for children under 6
Where to board: Outside Exit 5 from the Arrivals hall
Return stop: Othonos Street (south side of Syntagma Square)

Where to buy tickets:

At the ticket booth between Exits 4 and 5
At automated machines (accept cash and card)

Important: Airport express buses require a special ticket - regular city transport tickets won’t work. Always validate your ticket as soon as you board.

Travel tip: If you’ll be in Athens for 3 days or more, get the 72-hour tourist ticket (€20). It includes airport transfers and unlimited metro, bus, and tram travel.

Other airport express buses:

X96 - to Piraeus Port
X93 - to intercity bus stations (Kifissos & Liosion)
X97 - to Elliniko metro station

Option 2: Athens Airport Metro

If you value speed and comfort, the Athens Airport Metro (Line 3 - Blue Line) is likely your best choice. It runs directly from the airport to the city center, stopping at key stations like Syntagma and Monastiraki.

Travel time: ~35 minutes
Frequency: Every 36 minutes
Operating hours: ~6:00 AM to ~11:30 PM
Ticket prices:
- One-way: €9
- Round-trip: €16 (valid for 30 days)
- Reduced: €4.50
- Free for children under 6

Station access: The metro station is located above the Arrivals area on the Departures level. It’s a 5-10 minute walk, assisted by moving walkways.

Once validated, metro airport tickets are valid for 90 minutes and allow transfers to other public transport.

Tip: The 3-day tourist ticket (€20) also covers the metro to and from the airport, plus unlimited rides on all Athens public transport lines.

Option 3: Proastiakos Suburban Railway - Best for North Athens or Train Transfers

The suburban railway (Proastiakos) is a good option if you’re heading to:

Northern Athens suburbs
Larisa Railway Station (Athens’ central train station)
Kiato or other regional destinations
Ticket price: ~€9
Station: Same as the metro (Departures level)
Ticket validity: 90 minutes with transfer possibilities

Check full timetables and station lists on the Hellenic Train website.

Option 4: Taxi from Athens Airport

For a door-to-door transfer with luggage convenience, taxis are a reliable choice.

Location: Taxi rank is to the left as you exit the Arrivals hall
Fixed fare to/from city center:
- Daytime (05:00 - 24:00): €40
- Nighttime (00:00 - 05:00): €55

Always confirm that your destination is considered within the "city center" flat-fare zone, and clarify the price before departure if traveling beyond.

A Peaceful Pause Before the City - Discovering Artemida Beach

Here’s a bonus idea, especially if you arrive early and don’t have to rush into Athens: Why not visit the beach first?

Just 10 km (15 minutes by taxi) from the airport lies Artemida (Loutsa), a seaside town known for its wide sandy beaches, relaxed cafés, and coastal promenade. It’s a popular weekend getaway for locals and a perfect first stop to stretch your legs, sip Greek coffee by the sea, or even dip your toes in the Aegean before heading into the city.