# Athens International Airport (ATH)

> Athens, GR · 33 km (20 mi) southeast of central Athens

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/ath
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/ath.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: ATH
- **ICAO**: LGAV
- **Timezone**: Europe/Athens
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 28.2M/yr
- **Hub for**: Aegean Airlines
- **Official site**: https://www.aia.gr

## Overview

## 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.

## Terminals (4)

- **Main Terminal Building** — 58 gates · Aegean Airlines, Air France, British Airways
- **Main Terminal** — 44 gates · Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, Ryanair
  Handles all passenger flights with separate Schengen and non-Schengen zones.
- **Satellite Terminal Building** — 26 gates · Emirates, Lufthansa
- **Satellite Terminal** — 10 gates · Aegean Airlines, Seasonal charter operators, Selected international carriers
  Accessed via an underground link from the main terminal and used mostly in peak season.

## Dining (20)

- **Burger King** — Main Terminal · Fast food · Burgers · $
- **Cava Oinos** — Main Terminal · Wine bar · Greek · $$
- **Everest** — Main Terminal · Greek · Café & Snacks · $
- **Flocafé Espresso Room** — Main Terminal · Coffeehouse · Greek & International · $$
- **Food Hall** — Main Terminal · Mixed cuisine · Casual · $$
- **Food Village** — Main Terminal · Food court · Mixed cuisine · $$
- **Gregory's** — Main Terminal · Greek · Café & Snacks · $
- **Illy Caffè** — Main Terminal · Italian · Coffee & Pastries · $$
- **Karavi Restaurant** — Main Terminal · Greek · Upscale · $$$
- **Kavouri Seafood & More** — Main Terminal · Greek · Seafood · Casual · $$
- **Koi Sushi Bar** — Main Terminal · Japanese · Sushi · Casual · $$
- **La Pasteria** — Main Terminal · Italian · Casual · $$
- **McDonald's** — Main Terminal · Fast food · Burgers · $
- **Mikel Coffee Company** — Main Terminal · Coffeehouse · Café · $
- **Pax Burgers & More** — Main Terminal · Burgers · Casual · $$
- **Sofitel Athens Airport Outdoor Café** — Airport Front · Café · Drinks & Snacks · $$
- **Sofitel Athens Airport Restaurant** — Airport Front · Mediterranean · Hotel Restaurant · $$$
- **Starbucks** — Main Terminal · Coffeehouse · Snacks · $$
- **Uppercrust** — Main Terminal · Bakery · Sandwiches · $
- **Veneti** — Main Terminal · Bakery · Café · $

## Lounges (8)

- **Aegean Business Lounge Extra Schengen (Satellite)** — Satellite Terminal · Aegean Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Aegean Miles+Bonus Gold
- **Aegean Business Lounge Non-Schengen** — Main Terminal · Aegean Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Aegean Miles+Bonus Gold, Select partner airlines
- **Aegean Business Lounge Schengen** — Main Terminal · Aegean Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Aegean Miles+Bonus Gold, Select credit cards
- **Goldair Handling CIP Lounge Non-Schengen** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Eligible business-class tickets, Day pass purchase
- **Goldair Handling CIP Lounge Schengen** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Eligible business-class tickets, Day pass purchase
- **Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Business class on partner airlines, Day pass at reception
- **Skyserv Philippos Lounge** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Business class on partner airlines, Day pass at reception
- **Swissport Aspire Lounge** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Prepaid online booking, Day pass at entrance

## Shops (20)

- **Book & Art** — Main Terminal · Books & Gifts
- **Burberry** — Main Terminal · Luxury Fashion
- **Fairynails** — Main Terminal · Nail Salon & Beauty Services
- **Folli Follie** — Main Terminal · Fashion Accessories
- **Greek Designers Store** — Main Terminal · Fashion & Accessories
- **Greek Gastronomy Corner** — Main Terminal · Food Specialties & Gifts
- **Greek Identities** — Main Terminal · Souvenirs & Local Products
- **Heinemann Travel Value** — Main Terminal · Travel Retail & Duty-paid
- **Hellas Gold** — Main Terminal · Jewelry & Gold
- **Hellenic Duty Free Shop Arrivals** — Main Terminal · Duty-free
- **Hellenic Duty Free Shops** — Main Terminal · Duty-free
- **Hellenic Gourmet** — Main Terminal · Gourmet Foods & Gifts
- **Hermes** — Main Terminal · Luxury Fashion & Accessories
- **Hondos Center** — Main Terminal · Beauty & Cosmetics
- **Kori** — Main Terminal · Jewelry & Accessories
- **Papapostolou** — Main Terminal · Pharmacy & Health
- **Public** — Main Terminal · Electronics & Multimedia
- **Relay** — Main Terminal · Newsstand & Convenience
- **Swatch** — Main Terminal · Watches
- **Travel Store** — Main Terminal · Travel Accessories

## Parking (7)

- **Business Parking P5** — Surface lot · Close walking distance to terminal
- **Economy Parking P4** — Surface lot · Farther from terminal than P3
- **Long-Term Parking P3** — Surface lot · Several hundred meters from terminal across Attiki Odos
- **Long-Term Parking P7** — Surface lot · Off-terminal long-stay area
- **Short-Term Parking P1** — Surface lot · Adjacent to arrivals/departures area
- **Short-Term Parking P2** — Surface lot · Across the road from terminal
- **Valet Parking** — Valet · Drop-off at terminal front

## Ground transport (16)

- **Airport Taxi Rank** — Taxi · 30-45 min to central Athens · Approx. €40 day / €55 night flat fare · On demand
  Official yellow taxis line up outside the arrivals level for metered and flat-fare rides.
- **Car Rental Services** — Other · Shuttle to some off‑airport lots about 10–15 min each way; driving to central Athens around 30–60+ min depending on traffic. · Major rental desks and shuttles aligned with flight schedules · effectively 24/7 for big brands, but hours vary by company
- **Hotel Shuttle Buses (Nearby Hotels)** — Shuttle · 5-15 min to nearby hotels · Often free for hotel guests · Scheduled by individual hotels
  Several nearby properties operate courtesy shuttles that pick up at the arrivals area.
- **KTEL Regional Buses from Airport** — Bus · 30-90 min depending on destination · Varies by route, generally €3-€10 · Timetabled by region
  KTEL buses depart from outside the terminal toward regions like Rafina and other towns.
- **Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)** — Train · 40-45 min · €9 one‑way airport metro ticket; €16 round‑trip (adult). · About every 36 min · roughly 06:30–23:30
- **Metro Line 3 to Syntagma/Monastiraki** — Train · 40-45 min to central Athens · €9 · Every 30 min approximately
  Blue Line 3 runs directly from the airport station to central hubs like Syntagma and Monastiraki.
- **Pre-booked Taxi/Private Car** — Taxi · 30-45 min to central Athens · Typically €45-€70 depending on provider and vehicle · Pre-booked to match arrival
  Meet-and-greet drivers often wait in the arrivals hall holding name signs.
- **Public Bus Lines** — Bus · About 45–60 min airport–Syntagma on X95 off‑peak; 80–100 min airport–Piraeus on X96 depending on traffic. · €5.50 flat fare for airport express buses (e.g., X95, X96). · Roughly every 15–20 min daytime; about every 30–40 min late at night · 24/7
- **Uber** — Rideshare · Similar driving time as taxis: roughly 30–60+ min depending on traffic. · App fares from airport broadly align with regulated taxi flat fares (~€40 day, ~€55 night) though dynamic within taxi rules. · On demand via app · 24/7, subject to driver availability
- **Suburban Railway** — Train · 30-40 min · About €10–€12 to Piraeus depending on ticket type; similar to metro airport fare. · About every 60 min on most airport suburban services
- **Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) to Athens and Piraeus** — Train · 35-45 min to central Athens · €9 · Every 15-30 min depending on route
  The suburban line runs from the airport to Athens Central (Larissa) Station and onward to Piraeus.
- **Airport Taxi Service** — Taxi · Around 30–40 min in light traffic; 45–60+ min in peak traffic. · Roughly €40 day flat fare; about €55 night flat fare between airport and central Athens (inner ring), including tolls. · On demand from official rank · 24/7
- **Uber/Bolt via Local Taxi Providers** — Rideshare · 30-45 min to central Athens · Variable, often similar to standard taxis · On demand via app
  In Athens, rideshare apps typically dispatch licensed taxis rather than private cars.
- **X93 Airport Bus to Kifisos Intercity Bus Station** — Bus · 60-70 min to Kifisos · €5.50 · Roughly every 30-40 min
  Connects the airport with Athens’ main intercity coach terminal.
- **X95 Airport Bus to Syntagma Square** — Bus · 45-60 min to Syntagma (traffic dependent) · €5.50 · Roughly every 15-20 min, 24/7
  Operates day and night between the airport and central Syntagma Square.
- **X96 Airport Bus to Piraeus Port** — Bus · 60-90 min to Piraeus (traffic dependent) · €5.50 · About every 20-30 min, 24/7
  Popular with ferry passengers connecting to the islands via Piraeus.

## 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.