Athens International Airport (ATH) sits about 33 km east of the city center. Getting into Athens is straightforward, with options ranging from €6 to €55+ depending on your budget and preferences.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting from Athens Airport to the city center.
Quick Comparison#
| Option | Price | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | €9 | 40 min | Budget, solo travelers |
| Airport Bus | €6 | 60-90 min | Late night, budget |
| Taxi | €40 (fixed) | 35-50 min | Convenience, groups |
| Private Transfer | €45-55 | 35-45 min | Comfort, families |
| Rental Car | Varies | 40-60 min | Day trips planned |
Option 1: Metro (Best Value)#
The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport directly to central Athens. It’s the most popular option for good reason.
Details#
| Route | Airport → Syntagma (city center) → Monastiraki |
| Price | €9 single, €16 return (valid 7 days) |
| Duration | 40 minutes to Syntagma |
| Frequency | Every 30 minutes |
| Hours | 6:30 AM - 11:30 PM |
How to Do It#
- Exit arrivals and follow signs to “Metro/Train”
- Buy ticket at machines or ticket booth (cards accepted)
- Validate ticket at gates
- Board Line 3 toward “Aghia Marina”
- Exit at Syntagma or Monastiraki (most central)
Pros#
- Cheap and reliable
- No traffic delays
- Drops you in the center of everything
- Easy with luggage (spacious trains)
Cons#
- Doesn’t run late night (last train ~11:30 PM)
- Every 30 min only
- Crowded during rush hour
Option 2: Airport Bus (Cheapest)#
Several bus routes connect the airport to different parts of Athens. The X95 to Syntagma is most useful for tourists.
Main Routes#
| Bus | Destination | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| X95 | Syntagma Square | 60-90 min |
| X96 | Piraeus Port | 90-120 min |
| X93 | Kifissos Bus Station | 65 min |
| X97 | Elliniko Metro | 45 min |
Details (X95)#
| Price | €6 |
| Duration | 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent) |
| Frequency | Every 15-30 minutes |
| Hours | 24 hours |
How to Do It#
- Exit arrivals, find bus stops outside (well-signed)
- Buy ticket from booth near stops or on bus
- Board X95, validate ticket
- Exit at Syntagma Square
Pros#
- Cheapest option
- Runs 24 hours
- Good for Piraeus port connections (X96)
Cons#
- Slow during traffic
- Can be crowded
- Less comfortable than metro
Option 3: Taxi (Most Convenient)#
Taxis are the classic choice for convenience, especially with luggage or when traveling in groups.
Details#
| Price | €40 fixed rate (day), €55 (midnight-5AM) |
| Duration | 35-50 minutes |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Where | Official taxi rank outside arrivals |
How to Do It#
- Exit arrivals, find the official taxi rank (yellow cabs)
- Use ONLY the official queue — ignore anyone approaching you inside
- Confirm “€40 flat rate to center” before getting in
- They should use meter, but flat rate is law for airport trips
Pros#
- Door-to-door service
- Fixed price (no meter surprises)
- Available 24/7
- Good for 3-4 people (split cost)
Cons#
- Most expensive public option
- Traffic can make it slow
- Some drivers try tricks (rare at airport)
Avoiding Taxi Scams#
- Use ONLY the official taxi rank
- Confirm the €40 flat rate before departing
- Don’t let driver load luggage until you agree on price
- Get a receipt if needed
Option 4: Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)#
Pre-booked private transfers offer meet-and-greet service, fixed prices, and zero hassle.
Details#
| Price | €45-65 depending on vehicle |
| Duration | 35-45 minutes |
| Booking | Reserve in advance online |
How It Works#
- Book online before your trip
- Driver meets you in arrivals (holding sign)
- Direct transport to your hotel
- Pay in advance or upon arrival
Pros#
- Someone waiting for you by name
- No navigation required
- Flight monitoring (they adjust for delays)
- Comfortable vehicles
- Great for families with kids
Cons#
- Slightly more expensive
- Need to book in advance
Private Airport Transfer Athens
Book a private transfer with meet-and-greet service. Driver tracks your flight and waits at arrivals with your name. Direct transport to any Athens address.
Option 5: Rental Car#
If you’re planning day trips to Delphi, Meteora, or the Peloponnese, picking up a car at the airport makes sense.
Details#
| Price | €25-50/day + fuel |
| Rental desks | Arrivals hall |
| Duration to center | 40-60 minutes |
Considerations#
- Driving in central Athens is stressful (one-way streets, aggressive drivers)
- Parking in the center is expensive and scarce
- If staying only in Athens, skip the car
- Better for airport pick-up before a road trip, return after
Which Option Should You Choose?#
Choose Metro If:#
- You’re budget-conscious
- Traveling during operating hours (6:30 AM - 11:30 PM)
- Your hotel is near Syntagma or Monastiraki
- You’re comfortable with public transit
Choose Bus If:#
- Arriving very late or very early
- Going to Piraeus for a ferry
- You want the cheapest option
- You’re not in a rush
Choose Taxi If:#
- Traveling in a group (split the €40)
- You have lots of luggage
- Your hotel is off the metro line
- You value door-to-door convenience
Choose Private Transfer If:#
- Traveling with family/kids
- You want someone waiting for you
- First time in Athens and want zero stress
- Arriving late at night
Getting to Specific Areas#
| Destination | Best Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Syntagma/Plaka | Metro or Taxi | Metro stops right there |
| Monastiraki | Metro | Direct line, very easy |
| Kolonaki | Metro + short taxi | Metro to Syntagma, then taxi |
| Piraeus Port | X96 Bus | Direct to port, allow 2 hours |
| Koukaki | Metro to Acropoli | One stop past Syntagma |
| Glyfada/Coast | Bus or Taxi | X96 passes through |
Tickets & Passes#
Metro Ticket Options#
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single airport ticket | €9 | Airport trips only |
| Return airport ticket | €16 | Valid 7 days, saves €2 |
| 3-day tourist ticket | €20 | Includes airport + unlimited rides |
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much is a taxi from Athens Airport?#
€40 flat rate during day (5 AM - midnight), €55 at night. This is a legally fixed rate for airport transfers.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Athens?#
Metro: 40 minutes. Taxi: 35-50 minutes depending on traffic. Bus: 60-90 minutes.
Is Uber available in Athens?#
Not exactly. Use the Beat app instead — it’s the local equivalent and works just like Uber.
Does the metro run 24 hours?#
No. Last metro from airport is around 11:30 PM. First is around 6:30 AM. Use X95 bus for late-night arrivals.
What if my flight arrives late at night?#
Take the X95 bus (runs 24 hours) or a taxi. Pre-booked transfers also work for any arrival time.
Can I use credit card on the metro?#
Yes — ticket machines accept credit/debit cards. Keep your ticket until you exit (barriers need it).
The Bottom Line#
For most travelers: The metro offers the best balance of price, speed, and convenience. Buy the return ticket (€16) and you’re set.
Arriving late? Take the X95 bus — it runs 24 hours and costs only €6.
Want door-to-door ease? A taxi (€40) or private transfer (~€50) eliminates all hassle, especially valuable after a long flight.
Planning your Athens stay? Check out our Athens neighborhood guide and where to stay recommendations.
