Athens International Airport serves as Greece’s main gateway to Europe and beyond. Located just about twenty kilometers northeast of the city center, it connects Athens with destinations worldwide through regular flights and seasonal routes. The facility handles millions each year and features modern terminals equipped for passenger comfort including shops, cafes and accessible transit links to downtown Athens via metro or bus services. Its design reflects Greek architectural influences while prioritizing practicality for travelers moving between continents efficiently every day.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings. |
| Easter (March/April) |
Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services. |
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| Assumption of Mary (August) |
A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices. |
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber |
| Other: | Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months. |
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center, in Spata. It is Greece’s largest and busiest airport, serving around 25 million passengers annually. The airport impresses with spacious terminals flooded with natural light, modern architectural design and a strong focus on passenger experience. High ceilings and large windows create a vibrant atmosphere welcoming travelers from all over the world.
Inside, you can find a wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants offering everything from traditional Greek delicacies to international cuisine. The duty-free shopping is extensive, with well-known brands like Hugo Boss and Montblanc alongside dedicated Greek product shops. There are also multiple comfortable lounges catering to premium passengers, offering luxurious amenities such as gourmet food, showers and free Wi-Fi.
While the airport is modern and efficient, there are some downsides – during peak travel times, check-in and security lines can get long and some visitors find parts of the arrivals area less clean than expected. Noise and crowd levels can build up, requiring patience and planning, especially for those with tight connections. The music played publicly in terminals can be a bit overwhelming for some, detracting from the peaceful experience.
Transport connections to Athens city center are convenient and affordable, with express buses running 24/7 and a direct metro line connecting the airport to the heart of the city in about 40 minutes. Overall, the airport provides a strong introduction to Greece’s warm culture and hospitality, setting the tone for a fantastic trip.
This premium lounge located on Level 2 offers a relaxing environment with high-quality buffet selections inspired by Greek cuisine, a wide selection of drinks including premium wines, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and premium showers. Open 24/7, access is for business and first-class passengers or by lounge passes.
The CIP lounge in the Schengen area is a calm retreat offering premium services such as high-quality dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and luxury amenities including showers. Open daily with flexible hours.
A spacious and elegant lounge providing comfortable seating, gourmet food, Greek delicacies, refreshing drinks, and free internet access. The lounge also features a prayer room and shower facilities. Entry is available through airline privileges or by payment.
The airport area and nearby Spata have several mid-range and budget hotels suitable for early arrivals or late departures. Most visitors prefer staying in central Athens, where hotels range from boutique to luxury, close to historic sites and vibrant neighborhoods.
To Athens city centre:
The metro line 3 (blue line) connects the airport directly to Athens city centre's Syntagma Square in approximately 40 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes daily. Express buses (X95) also serve the route 24/7 with a journey time of about 50 minutes, costing around €6 (£5.04). Taxis are available and the ride usually takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, with fares around €35 – 50 (£29.39 – 41.98).
To Piraeus:
The X96 express bus service connects the airport to Piraeus port in about 60 minutes, running 24/7. This is essential for travellers catching ferries to the Greek islands. Tickets cost about €6 (£5.04), and buses depart outside exits 4 and 5 of the Arrivals level.
To Elliniko Metro Station:
Bus line X97 offers connection to Elliniko Metro Station, a gateway for metro lines covering much of Athens and suburbs. Buses run frequently from the airport, with a travel time of about 30 minutes and cost of €6 (£5.04).
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