# How to Get from Athens Airport (ATH) to the City Center - Full Guide for 2025 ![How to Get from Athens Airport (ATH) to the City Center - Full Guide for 2025](https://myartemida.gr/post-images/3518804578460648865_o.jpg) **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"](https://www.aia.gr/en) * **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](https://telematics.oasa.gr/en/#lineDetails_1025_%CE%A795%20:%20SYNTAGMA%20-%20AEROL.%20ATHINON%20(EXPRESS)_249-81)** 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.](https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en)** **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. Related: https://myartemida.gr/en/article/where-to-catch-an-uber-at-athens-airport-a-travelers-guide.md ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related: https://myartemida.gr/en/article/uber-bolt-and-freenow-in-greece-what-ride-apps-work-in-2025.md ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **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. Related: https://myartemida.gr/en/article/planning-a-beach-day-near-athens-heres-why-artemida-loutsa-should-be-your-first-choice.md -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related: https://myartemida.gr/en/article/where-to-vacation-in-greece-without-the-crowds-try-artemida-near-athens.md ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This short detour can turn your arrival day into an unforgettable start to your Greek adventure! ![How to Get from Athens Airport (ATH) to the City Center - Full Guide for 2025](https://myartemida.gr/post-images/cc80b7f9-athens-airport-transport-table-fixed_o.jpg) Getting from Athens Airport to downtown Athens is easy, with reliable, frequent options for every budget. Whether you choose a direct bus, a fast metro ride, or a **[seaside pause in Artemida](https://myartemida.gr/en/article/athens-too-hot-heres-why-artemida-is-the-coolest-nearby-beach/)**, your journey starts smoothly the moment you land. Related: https://myartemida.gr/en/article/direct-bus-from-athens-airport-to-rafina-and-artemida---2025-timetable-prices--stops.md ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------