Athens Airport (ATH)
Athens Airport
As you prepare for your trip to Greece, you will undoubtedly pass through Athens International Airport. Known as Eleftherios Venizelos Athens Airport, Athens’ main airport is a sprawling, modern facility located 33 km east of Athens. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, it is important to understand the layout, services, and amenities of this bustling airport before your arrival. With over 21 million passengers traveling through each year, Athens Airport can seem overwhelming if you are not prepared. This guide will provide an overview of everything you need to know for a smooth journey to and from Athens Airport including terminal maps, transportation options, airport services, and recommendations to make the most of your time spent there. By familiarizing yourself with the information in this article beforehand, you will feel at ease navigating Athens Airport and be ready to start your Greek adventure as soon as you land.
Athens International Airport: An Overview
Athens International Airport, located in Attiki, Greece, serves as the main international airport for Athens and the rest of mainland Greece. Originally opened in 2001, the airport has two terminals that handle both domestic and international flights.
As the largest airport in Greece, Athens International Airport offers connections to major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airport is a hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, and also serves as a focus city for several other airlines like Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
Upon arriving at the airport, passengers will go through border control and baggage claim in the terminal they land in before exiting into the arrivals hall. The airport offers a range of ground transportation options into Athens and the surrounding region, including metro trains, busses, taxis, and rental cars. Within the terminals, passengers will find a variety of shops, restaurants, lounges, and services to make their time at the airport comfortable while waiting for flights.
For departing passengers, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your scheduled flight departure time to allow for check-in, security screening, and customs procedures. Be prepared for variable wait times, especially during peak travel seasons in the summer months from June through August. Following security screening, passengers will find their departure gate in either Terminal A or Terminal B to board flights servicing destinations around the world.
Navigating Athens Airport: Tips for Travelers
Upon arriving at Athens International Airport, there are a few tips to help you navigate efficiently.
Check-in and Security
Give yourself plenty of time, especially if traveling during busy periods. Check-in opens 3 hours before departure for most flights. After checking in, proceed to the security checkpoint, where you will pass through a hand luggage X-ray scanner and metal detector. Be prepared to remove laptops, belts, and coats.
Departures
The departures area has many amenities to make your wait comfortable. There are numerous shops, restaurants, lounges, showers, and charging stations. Keep an eye on the flight information screens for updates to your departure gate, as gates can change. Most gates are within walking distance, but there are also shuttle busses to more distant gates.
Baggage Claim
Claiming your checked bags after arrival is straightforward. Baggage carousels are located on the ground level of the arrivals hall. Double check that the carousel number matches your flight information before waiting at the belt. Trolleys are available to help transport your luggage.
Ground Transportation
There are many options for traveling to central Athens and beyond. The metro, bus, and train can take you into the city center. Taxis and rideshares are also available just outside the terminal. Buy metro, bus and train tickets from the ticket counters or ticket machines before entering the platform.
With some advanced planning and patience, navigating Athens Airport can be hassle-free. Following these tips will help ensure a smooth transit through this bustling airport, allowing you to start your Greek adventure with confidence.
Top Things to Do at Athens Airport During Layovers
During a layover at Athens International Airport, there are several worthwhile activities to occupy your time.
Explore the Airport
Athens Airport is a modern, spacious facility with much to see. Take time to stroll the gleaming terminals, do some window shopping in the many high-end duty-free shops, or relax in one of the lounges. The airport also houses a small museum on the history of aviation in Greece as well as an Orthodox chapel if you wish to spend a few moments in silent reflection.
Dine and Drink
With over 50 dining and drinking establishments, the airport offers cuisine to suit every taste. Choose from gourmet fare, fast food, or traditional Greek specialties like souvlaki, spanakopita, or moussaka. Most eateries are open 24 hours, so you won’t go hungry no matter the hour. If you want to sample ouzo, the anise-flavored Greek aperitif, or a glass of wine from one of Greece’s notable wine-producing regions, there are also numerous bars and cafés.
Rest and Relax
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the airport’s amenities to rest during your layover. There are sleeping pods, showers, massage chairs and rest areas located throughout the terminals. The airport also has a designated quiet area for those seeking to rest without distraction. If you need to get online, free Wi-Fi is available airport-wide so you can surf the web or connect with friends and family back home.
Athens Airport aims to make any time spent there as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. With its abundant services and facilities, you may find your layover passing quickly and even wish you had a bit more time to experience all the airport has to offer. Make the most of your layover and you may come away with a fond first impression of Greek hospitality.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your trip to Greece, knowing everything about Athens Airport will ensure a smooth start to your adventure. With spacious terminals, convenient amenities, and multiple options for reaching central Athens, the airport is designed to efficiently process the millions of travelers passing through each year. By planning ahead, booking lounge access if desired, and allowing plenty of time for potential delays, you’ll breeze through the airport and be on your way to experiencing all the culture, cuisine, and history Greece has to offer. Though your journey is just beginning, Athens Airport serves as the perfect first taste of Greek hospitality. With this guide, you now have all the information needed to sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight to Athens knowing the airport has everything covered. The Acropolis awaits!
Useful information:
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT “LIBERTARIOS VENIZELOS”
FREEDOM OF FREEDOM OF VIENNA
(+30) 210 35 30 000
Airport company call centre: (+30) 210 35 31 000
General information
Telephone: (+30) 210 35 30 000
Athens Airport Taxi
(Ring)
35 € Athens Center (Ring) to Airport
Night fixed charge (00:00 – 05:00)
49 € Airport to Athens city centre (Ring)
49 € Athens city centre (Ring) to Airport
Note: The charge is determined by the time of arrival at the destination and includes all applicable charges and surcharges.
Taxis for hire.
For more information, please contact the Taxi Drivers Association of Attica at tel: +30 210 5239524 or email: syndikatotaxi@gmail.com.
Note: According to Greek legislation, taxi drivers are required to issue a receipt of payment.
Limousines
The luxury car service is located in the interior mezzanine of the Arrivals Level, between Exits 3 and 4.
For further information please contact the Tourist Car Association at tel.