Frequently Asked Questions about Athens Airport

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (IATA code ATH) is located about 30 km east of central Athens, near Spata, in Attica. It can be reached via the A6 toll motorway (Attiki Odos).

The IATA code is ATH, the ICAO code is LGAV. Its official name is Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, honoring the Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936).

Eleftherios Venizelos Airport opened on March 28, 2001, replacing the old Ellinikon airport. It was built in time for the 2004 Olympics.

Yes, it is Greece's main airport hub. In 2025 it handled 33,993,746 passengers (+6.7% vs 2024), ranking as the 15th busiest airport in Europe and second in the Balkans after Istanbul.

For international flights arrive 2-3 hours before departure, for domestic flights 1-2 hours before. Check-in counters close 1h 30min before international flights and 1 hour before domestic flights.

For international flights it takes about an hour for passport control and baggage claim. For domestic flights it takes less time, as there is no passport control. If you're picking someone up, arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled landing time.

At least two and a half hours between the two flights, especially for international connections with baggage recheck. For a self-transfer, you may need to change terminals and recheck your luggage.

Over 60-65 airlines with 600-800 flight movements per day. Aegean Airlines is the largest (43.6% market share, ~800 flights/week), followed by Sky Express (12%), Ryanair (5.7%), Lufthansa, Volotea, Turkish Airlines, easyJet, Emirates, Delta, British Airways.

The Blue Line 3 ticket from Athens airport to the center costs €9 for adults and €4.50 for children, students and over-65s. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes across the entire OASA network.

The Athens airport Blue Line 3 metro reaches Syntagma Square in 40-45 minutes, with intermediate stops at Doukissis Plakentias and Monastiraki. Trains depart every 36 minutes on the airport route.

Metro Line 3 operates from 5:30 to 00:30, until 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Last train available to/from the airport.

For a taxi from Athens airport to the center, the fixed fare is €40 during the day (05:00-23:59) and €55 at night (00:00-04:59). For other destinations the meter applies. Always agree on the fare before getting in.

Three options: X96 bus (90 min, €5.50), Proastiakos train (60 min, €9) or private transfer (50-70 min, from €58). The X96 bus is cheaper for those continuing by ferry.

The X95 bus connects the airport to Syntagma Square in 60-70 minutes, with departures every 15-30 min during the day. Fare €5.50, running 24/7. It departs from the Arrivals Level between exits 4 and 5.

Yes, six international agencies at the Arrivals Level between exits 3 and 4, open 24/7: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt. Over 120 vehicles from local and international agencies can be booked online via Localrent.

Two terminals: the Main Terminal (Hall A non-Schengen + Hall B Schengen, 153 check-in counters, 14 gates) and the Satellite Terminal (gates C15-C40, 10 gates), connected by an underground passage with moving walkways.

Yes, a pharmacy on the Arrivals Level is open from 06:00 to 24:00. 24-hour medical assistance is available for emergencies.

Yes, the Care4bag service on the Arrivals Level (exit 1) is open 24 hours a day. Rates from €8 to €18 per night depending on size. A luggage wrapping service is also available.

Yes, the ATH Free Wi-Fi network is completely free throughout the airport. 120-minute sessions, free reconnection once expired. There are also Internet Access Points with 15 minutes free.

Yes, several: Aegean Lounge (for Business and Miles+Bonus Gold/Platinum), Lufthansa Business Lounge (Star Alliance Gold), Skyserv Aristotle Onassis (Priority Pass), Goldair Handling, Swissport Executive (€38-49). Direct payment is also available.

The Airport Agora shopping center hosts over 150 shops and numerous bars and restaurants open 24 hours a day, with Greek and international cuisine. There are also Goody's (a Greek fast food chain), cafés and delis.

Over 7,000 spaces across Short Term (1,357 total spaces in P1+P2), Long Term P3 (5,800+ spaces), Long Term Value, Economy P4 and Valet Parking at the Departures Level.

Yes, there are ONExchange currency exchange points and several ATMs in the terminal. Counters for cash withdrawal in multiple currencies are also available.

Yes, the Sofitel Athens Airport is a 5-star hotel located 50 meters from the terminal entrance, with a ninth-floor pool overlooking the runways, a spa, two restaurants and a metro connection 2 minutes on foot.

The terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most shops and restaurants operate from 06:00 to 24:00, some with continuous 24/7 hours.

Yes, interactive maps are available on the official website aia.gr. Internal signage is in Greek and English. The Main Terminal has three levels: Arrivals (ground floor), Departures (1st floor) and food court (2nd floor).