Athens International Airport
Athens, GR · 33 km (20 mi) southeast of central Athens
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi Rank Taxi · On demand | 30-45 min to central Athens | Approx. €40 day / €55 night flat fare |
| Car Rental Services Other · Major rental desks and shuttles aligned with flight schedules · effectively 24/7 for big brands, but hours vary by company | Shuttle to some off‑airport lots about 10–15 min each way; driving to central Athens around 30–60+ min depending on traffic. | — |
| Hotel Shuttle Buses (Nearby Hotels) Shuttle · Scheduled by individual hotels | 5-15 min to nearby hotels | Often free for hotel guests |
| KTEL Regional Buses from Airport Bus · Timetabled by region | 30-90 min depending on destination | Varies by route, generally €3-€10 |
Insider notes
If flying through the Schengen area, remember Hall B in the Main Terminal is dedicated to these routes, whereas non-Schengen flights depart from Hall A. Take note pre-security for smoother navigation.
Don't plan a last-minute meal or lounge trip around the Satellite Terminal unless that's where your flight departs; access is restricted through the Schengen departure hall.
Arriving at least 2 hours early is advised, as security and passport checks can accumulate delays close to departure times.
Live departures
Full board →| Flight | To | Sched | Est | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY6652 | AOK | 08:10 | 09:55 | Landed |
| GQ460 | AOK | 08:10 | 09:55 | Landed |
| SQ8563 | SIN | 09:00 | 10:00 | Departed |
| TR51 | SIN | 09:00 | 10:00 | Departed |
| GQ440 | KIT | 09:10 | 10:25 | Landed |
Welcome
Athens International Airport (ATH) distinguishes itself not by size but by the striking division between its compact Main Terminal and a smaller Satellite concourse. This dual-terminal design creates a more regional feel rather than a chaotic mega-airport vibe. The airport can be a mixed bag: it boasts a modern and efficient center, yet dining and lounge options surprisingly fall short beyond the obvious spots.
At a glance
ATH accommodates approximately 28.2 million passengers per year and serves as a hub for Aegean Airlines. Located 33 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of central Athens, the airport features two runways and two terminals — the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal. It's designed to handle a diverse air traffic flow, with airlines like Aegean, Air France, British Airways using the Main Terminal, while Emirates and Lufthansa utilize the Satellite Terminal.
Terminals & layout
The Main Terminal Building, featuring 58 gates, primarily accommodates Airlines such as Aegean, Air France, and British Airways. The Main Terminal is home to both Hall A, for non-Schengen travelers, and Hall B, designated for Schengen flights. The Satellite Terminal hosts 26 gates dedicated primarily to non-European airlines like Emirates and Lufthansa, functioning through an access point in the Schengen departure area.
With three levels in the Main Terminal, it's crucial to navigate these appropriately — arrivals are on the ground floor, while departures and the food court are on others. Gate assignments tend to stay fixed by terminal structure: Gates A1-A27 and B1-B31 in the Main Terminal, and C15-C40 in the Satellite Terminal.
Getting to and from the city
The airport offers several transport options to and from central Athens. Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) operates a 40-45 minute journey for a €9 one-way or €16 round-trip adult fare. Alternatively, the Suburban Railway takes around 30-40 minutes, costing similarly to metro fares. You can also choose from public bus lines like the X95 to Syntagma or X96 to Piraeus; expect about a 45-60 minute journey, priced at €5.50 for express buses. Taxis maintain a flat fare of approximately €40 by day and €55 by night, with variations based on traffic. For rideshare options like Uber, expect similar pricing under regulated fare rules.
Traveller essentials
Consider the split terminal layout and consult flight information screens regularly due to possible gate changes. The airport advises arriving at least two hours before departure, which is sage advice given potential delays at security checks and passport control.
Dining & shopping highlights
Diverse dining options lack depth here, notably with limited offerings airside. On the Schengen side, the Star Bar located by gate A7 serves as the sole notable airside bar for passengers seeking brief respites. Landside, the Bacardi Bar near the food court, open from 06:00 to 23:30, offers a notable meet-up spot pre-security.
Lounges
Surprisingly, ATH does not shine in the lounge department despite its high passenger traffic. The main terminal area seems devoid of standout lounge experiences, which could surprise frequent travelers looking for more than a standard waiting area or bar setting.
Insider tips
- Insider: If flying through the Schengen area, remember Hall B in the Main Terminal is dedicated to these routes, whereas non-Schengen flights depart from Hall A. Take note pre-security for smoother navigation.
- Avoid: Don't plan a last-minute meal or lounge trip around the Satellite Terminal unless that's where your flight departs; access is restricted through the Schengen departure hall.
- Time: Arriving at least 2 hours early is advised, as security and passport checks can accumulate delays close to departure times.
- Local: The Star Bar by gate A7 is practically the only airside bar option on the Schengen side, ideal for one last drink before boarding.
- Avoid: The dining scene lacks depth, so pre-planning for meals in the city might be wise, especially for those expecting a variety of choices post-security.
- Quiet: For a calm atmosphere pre-flight, use the quieter Hall A if you’re flying non-Schengen, where crowds thin compared to Schengen areas.
- Insider: Use the Main Terminal's three-level design to navigate efficiently; know that arrivals are on the ground floor to avoid level mix-ups.