Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) sits 33 km east of central Athens, and you have five well-established ways to reach the city centre: the metro (the most-used by independent travellers), the X95 express bus (cheapest 24-hour option), official taxis (fixed-rate), pre-booked private transfers, and rental cars. Each has clear pros, cons, and 2026 prices. This is the complete Athens airport to city centre transport guide for 2026, with every option compared, current prices, journey times, and clear advice on which suits which type of arrival.
All prices and schedules verified for 2026.
Quick Comparison: All 5 Options
- Metro Line 3: €9 single / €16 return, 40 min to Syntagma, every 30 min, 6:30 AM-11:30 PM
- X95 Express Bus: €5.50, 45-70 min to Syntagma, 24 hours, every 30 min
- Official Taxi: €40 fixed daytime / €55 nighttime, 30-45 min, available 24h
- Pre-booked Private Transfer: €30-60, 30-40 min, available 24h
- Rental Car: €30-80/day, 30-45 min, available 24h
For broader context, see our Getting Around Athens pillar, our things to do guide, and our where to stay guide.
Option 1: Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)
How It Works
The Athens metro’s Line 3 (blue) terminates at the airport. Trains run directly to central Athens with stops at Doukissis Plakentias, Halandri, Ethniki Amyna, Megaro Mousikis, Evangelismos, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. From Monastiraki the line continues to Piraeus. No transfers needed for most central Athens destinations.
Prices & Tickets (2026)
Single: €9 adult / €4.50 reduced (under 18, over 65). Return: €16 adult. Group of 2: €16 single. Group of 3: €24 single. Tickets at the airport metro station ticket machines or at the station counters; valid for the airport-to-city journey plus 90 minutes of subsequent metro/bus/tram travel within central Athens.
Schedule & Journey Time
Hours: Daily 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Frequency: Every 30 minutes during the day, every 36 minutes early morning and late evening. Journey time: 33 minutes to Syntagma (the most central station); 40-50 minutes to Monastiraki and further west.
Pros & Cons
Pros: reliable, predictable, no traffic, fixed cost, direct route to central Athens. Cons: not 24-hour (closes at 11:30 PM and resumes at 6:30 AM), stairs at some stations, can be crowded at peak hours, less practical with large luggage.
Option 2: X95 Express Bus (24 Hours)
How It Works
The X95 express bus runs 24 hours a day from the airport to Syntagma Square, with no intermediate stops. Operated by OASA (the Athens public transport agency). The bus stop at the airport is immediately outside the Arrivals hall on the ground floor.
Prices & Tickets (2026)
Single: €5.50 adult / €2.75 reduced. Buy tickets from the OASA kiosk at the airport bus stop or from the driver (driver-purchased tickets €6).
Schedule & Journey Time
Hours: 24 hours, every day including holidays. Frequency: Every 25-40 minutes during the day, every 60 minutes overnight. Journey time: 45-70 minutes depending on traffic; expect 60-75 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.
Pros & Cons
Pros: cheapest option (€5.50), 24-hour service, direct to Syntagma. Cons: subject to traffic delays, less comfortable than the metro, no luggage racks (carry your bags on your lap or floor).
Option 3: Official Taxi (Fixed Flat Rate)
How It Works
Yellow Athens taxis are available 24 hours at the official taxi rank immediately outside the Arrivals hall. The rank is supervised; no negotiation required.
Prices (2026)
Daytime (5:00 AM-midnight): €40 fixed flat rate from the airport to central Athens. Nighttime (midnight-5:00 AM): €55 fixed flat rate. The fixed price includes all surcharges (luggage, tolls, airport fee). The rate applies to any central Athens destination; outer suburbs may cost extra.
Journey Time
30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The Attiki Odos toll motorway is used; rush hour can add 15-30 minutes.
Pros & Cons
Pros: door-to-door service, fixed price (no negotiation), 24-hour availability, accommodates large luggage. Cons: most expensive of the standard options, subject to traffic.
Option 4: Pre-Booked Private Transfer
How It Works
Book online in advance through Welcome Pickups, Athens Welcome Picker, or similar providers. A driver meets you at the Arrivals hall with a name sign and takes you directly to your hotel. English-speaking drivers; some include city briefing or SIM card.
Prices (2026)
€30-60 depending on vehicle size and provider. Often cheaper than an official taxi for groups of 2-4 (no fixed taxi rate per person; the €40 is per vehicle).
Journey Time
30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Same Attiki Odos route as taxis.
Pros & Cons
Pros: personalised meet-and-greet, English-speaking driver, often cheaper than taxis for groups, predictable price, accommodates large luggage. Cons: requires advance booking, no flexibility once booked.
Option 5: Rental Car
How It Works
15+ international and Greek car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise, Sixt, Sunny Cars, Centauro, Avance, Locauto, Goldcar, Surprice) operate desks in the airport Arrivals hall. Pick up the car at the on-site rental car centre (5-minute shuttle from terminal).
Prices (2026)
€30-80 per day for a small car including basic insurance. Add €15-30 per day for full insurance. Fuel extra.
Journey Time
30-45 minutes via the Attiki Odos motorway (€3 toll one way). Athens city centre parking is paid and limited; only rent a car if you plan day trips out of Athens.
Pros & Cons
Pros: flexibility for day trips beyond Athens. Cons: central Athens parking is expensive and limited; traffic is dense; not recommended for stays focused only on central Athens.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose the Metro If:
You are travelling light (1 small suitcase or backpack per person), staying near a central metro station (Syntagma, Monastiraki, Akropoli, Evangelismos), arriving between 6:30 AM and 11:30 PM, comfortable with public transport, on a budget.
Choose the X95 Bus If:
You are on the tightest budget (€5.50 vs €9), arriving outside metro hours (midnight to 6:30 AM), staying near Syntagma Square, light luggage.
Choose a Taxi If:
You have large luggage, are travelling with children, arriving late at night, staying on a small pedestrianised street far from a metro station, or want simplicity over price.
Choose a Private Transfer If:
You want a personalised meet-and-greet, traveling as a group of 2-4 (often cheaper than a taxi), want English-speaking driver, prefer pre-paid certainty.
Choose a Rental Car If:
You plan multiple day trips out of Athens (Delphi, Meteora, the Peloponnese), or extensive Athens Riviera beach days, or want maximum flexibility for a longer stay.
Getting from the Athens Port (Piraeus) to the Airport
Returning to the airport from Piraeus port (after Greek-island travel) uses the same options in reverse. The X96 express bus runs 24 hours from Piraeus to the airport (€5.50, 60-90 minutes). Metro Line 3 connects Piraeus to the airport via central Athens (€9, 70 minutes). Taxis cost €55-70 daytime / €70-85 nighttime due to the longer distance from Piraeus.
Tips for Athens Airport Arrival
Plan for 60-90 minutes between landing and reaching your hotel (passport control, baggage claim, transport). Take cash from one of the airport ATMs for the bus or smaller taxis. Buy a metro day pass (€4.10) if planning to use Athens transport that day. Have your hotel address written in Greek for taxi drivers (have it ready on phone or paper). Mobile data is universally available; Greek SIM cards available at the airport for €10-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from Athens airport to the city centre?
The X95 express bus at €5.50 is the cheapest single ticket option. The metro at €9 is more expensive but faster and more comfortable.
How long does the metro take from Athens airport to the city?
33 minutes to Syntagma Square (the most central metro station). 40-50 minutes to Monastiraki or further west.
How much does a taxi from Athens airport cost?
€40 fixed flat rate during the day (5 AM-midnight). €55 fixed flat rate at night (midnight-5 AM). The price covers any central Athens destination.
Does the Athens airport metro run all night?
No. Metro Line 3 to the airport runs 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily. For overnight arrivals, use the 24-hour X95 express bus or a taxi.
Is the X95 bus reliable?
Yes. The X95 runs 24/7 with frequencies of 25-40 minutes during the day and hourly overnight. Subject to traffic delays during morning and evening rush hours.
How do I pay for the metro from the airport?
Buy tickets from the ticket machines or counters at the airport metro station before boarding. €9 single adult; tickets are valid for the airport journey plus 90 minutes of subsequent transport within central Athens.
Should I rent a car at Athens airport?
Only if you plan day trips out of Athens. For stays focused on central Athens, the city has dense traffic, expensive parking, and excellent public transport that makes a car unnecessary. Rent only when you arrive at the start of a Peloponnese or Delphi day-trip plan.
Athens International Airport: The Eleftherios Venizelos
Athens International Airport (IATA code: ATH) opened in March 2001, replacing the older Hellinikon Airport (which has since been demolished and is being redeveloped as the Hellinikon urban renewal project). The new airport is named after Eleftherios Venizelos, the early-20th-century Greek prime minister considered the most-important Greek political figure of the modern era. The airport is located in Spata, 35 kilometres east of central Athens; it handled 31.9 million passengers in 2024 and is on track for 35+ million in 2026.
The airport has a single main terminal building with three concourses (A, B for non-Schengen, and the satellite terminal accessed by underground train). Most international arrivals use concourse B; departures use A. The airport has 60+ shops including 24-hour pharmacies, multiple Greek-specialty stores (Mastiha Shop, Apivita, Korres, premium olive oils, wines), and the world-famous “ATH” Hellenic Duty Free shops with one of the broadest Greek-product selections in any European airport.
Airport Metro Detailed Guide
The Athens Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) provides the most-affordable airport transfer at €9 one-way (€16 round trip; €11 reduced; up to 2 children under 18 travel free with each paying adult). The trip takes 40-45 minutes to Syntagma Square in central Athens. The Metro operates daily 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM (last train from airport 11:30 PM; from Syntagma 11 PM). Frequency: every 30 minutes most of the day.
The airport Metro station is on the lower level of the terminal, accessed via escalators and lifts from the arrivals hall. Tickets are sold at machines (English interface; coins, notes, credit cards accepted) or at the ticket office. The trains have luggage racks; the airport-route trains are dedicated express trains with limited stops between airport and central Athens.
For travellers staying in Piraeus or south Athens, the Metro Line 3 also serves Doukissis Plakentias (interchange for north Athens), Syntagma, Monastiraki (interchange for Plaka), and continues to Piraeus port (60-65 minutes from airport).
X95 Express Bus: 24-Hour Service
The X95 Express Bus runs 24 hours a day between the airport and Syntagma Square, departing every 15-30 minutes (every 60 minutes overnight). Total trip 60-75 minutes depending on traffic. Cost €5.50 single (€2.70 reduced). The X95 bus is the recommended option for late-night/early-morning arrivals (after the Metro stops), for travellers with bulky luggage (the bus has more luggage space than the Metro), and for budget travellers (€5.50 vs. €9 for the Metro).
Other airport bus services: X96 (airport-Piraeus port, 24-hour, €5.50, every 15-30 minutes, 65-90 minutes); X93 (airport-KTEL Liosion intercity bus terminal, 24-hour, €5.50); X97 (airport-Elliniko Metro station, 24-hour, €5.50).
Airport Taxi: Detailed Fare Structure
Athens airport taxis operate on a regulated flat fare for the airport-to-central-Athens route: €38 daytime (5 AM-midnight); €54 nighttime (midnight-5 AM). The fare is unmetered and is the same regardless of where you go within central Athens (Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Kolonaki, Pangrati, Exarchia, Omonia). The fare includes all luggage; tips are appreciated but not mandatory (round up the fare to the nearest €5).
For destinations outside the central zone, the meter applies. Typical metered fares from the airport: Vouliagmeni €40-55; Glyfada €30-40; Piraeus €45-60; Kifisia (north Athens) €40-50. Always confirm whether the trip is at the flat fare or metered before departure.
The official airport taxis are yellow with the trademark “TAXI” sign and rooftop light. They queue at the official airport taxi rank immediately outside the arrivals hall. Avoid touts inside the terminal offering “taxi rides” — these are unofficial drivers who frequently overcharge (€60-100 for the same trip).
Uber, Bolt, FreeNow & Other Ride-Sharing
Uber operates at Athens airport but only with traditional taxis (Uber Black / Uber Taxi); the standard UberX private-car service is not available in Greece due to regulation. Effectively, Uber at Athens airport gives you the same official taxi at the same flat fare with the convenience of app-based booking and payment.
Bolt also operates with both taxis and limited private cars. The pricing is similar to Uber/official taxi but with occasional surge pricing. FreeNow (formerly MyTaxi) operates only with official taxis.
Beat is the Athens-native taxi app — often the most-reliable for Greek-language taxi calls and the most-popular among Athenians. The app pricing follows the same official flat fare structure.
Private Transfer Services
For groups of 3-5 with luggage, premium hotel transfers, or visitors wanting a more-comfortable airport-to-central transfer, private transfer services offer better value than multiple taxis. Typical pricing:
Sedan (1-3 passengers): €50-70 to central Athens.
Minivan (4-7 passengers): €70-100 to central Athens.
Luxury sedan (Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series): €80-120.
Premium SUV: €100-150.
Operators: Welcome Pickups, Athens Transfers, Greek Compass, GetTransfer. Pre-book online; driver meets you in arrivals with name sign.
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)
The Suburban Railway connects the airport with Athens Central Station (40 minutes; €9), continuing to Kiato (for connections to the Peloponnese) and Chalkis on Evia island. The Proastiakos uses the same airport Metro station; trains every 30-60 minutes. Useful for travellers heading directly to the Peloponnese or to north Greece destinations from the airport without going to central Athens.
Renting a Car at the Airport
All major international rental car companies operate at Athens airport: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, plus several Greek operators (Autounion, Athens Cars, Greenmotion). Rates from €25-45/day for an economy car in low season; €35-70 in peak summer. The rental desks are in the airport arrivals hall; cars are picked up in the airport parking lot (5-10 minutes walking).
Key tips: book in advance (last-minute peak summer rentals can be €100+/day); decline the optional comprehensive insurance if your credit card includes rental coverage (often saves €15-30/day); inspect the car carefully for existing damage before driving off; understand the Greek toll road system (E-Pass transponders or cash booths). The airport is connected to central Athens by the Attiki Odos toll motorway (€2.80 each way).
What to Do at the Airport During Long Layovers
For 4+ hour layovers, the airport offers:
Museum: the small Eleftherios Venizelos Airport Museum displays Athens aviation history (free).
Sosharing the duty-free shopping: 60+ shops including the broadest Greek-product selection in any European airport. Several restaurants.
Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel: connected to the terminal by covered walkway. Day rooms (4-hour, 6-hour, 8-hour packages) available for layover comfort. Day room rates from €60-150.
Goldair Handling Lounges: pay-per-use airport lounges (€35-50 per person; food, drinks, WiFi included).
Outdoor walking path: a short walking trail outside Terminal B for fresh air on long layovers.
Frequent Airport-to-City Mistakes
Taking unofficial taxis from inside terminal: always use the official taxi rank outside.
Not buying transport tickets in advance: machines and ticket offices in the arrivals hall avoid the airport bus on-board ticket surcharge.
Going to the wrong Metro station for hotel: Syntagma serves Plaka/Monastiraki, Acropolis station serves Koukaki, Monastiraki Metro serves Psirri.
Underestimating traffic: the X95 bus and taxi can take 90+ minutes in rush hour. The Metro is more-reliable for time-critical transfers.
Not having cash or contactless card: the X95 bus driver doesn’t always have change for €20 notes.
Departing Athens: Airport Logistics
Arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before international flights; 2 hours before European Schengen flights. The check-in counters open 3 hours before departure. Athens airport security is generally efficient (15-30 minutes through priority and standard lanes). Plan extra time for VAT refund processing (30-60 minutes; see our tax-free shopping guide).
Last Metro from Athens to airport: 11 PM from Syntagma. Last X95 bus: 24-hour operation continues through the night. If your flight departs 6 AM or earlier, plan to arrive at airport via the X95 bus (overnight service every 60 minutes) or a pre-booked taxi.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more transport content, see our pillar guide to Getting Around Athens, our metro guide, bus and tram guide, taxis and ride-sharing guide, walking guide, car rental guide, ferry guide, railway guide, and Piraeus port guide (all coming soon in the same cluster). See also our where to stay guide and things to do guide.