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Athens · Greece

Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is located approximately 30 kilometres east of central Athens near Spata. The airport consists of a Main Terminal Building and a Satellite Terminal connected by an underground pedestrian walkway. It serves as the principal hub for international and domestic air traffic in Greece.

Terminals

Main Terminal Building
Handles all domestic flights, all Schengen-area flights, and select non-Schengen operations across Halls A and B.
Satellite Terminal
Handles extra non-Schengen flights and is accessible via an underground pedestrian tunnel equipped with moving walkways.

Arriving

Arrivals processing depends on whether your flight originates within or outside the Schengen zone.

  • Disembark into the terminal building and follow signs towards Passport Control or Baggage Reclaim.
  • Passengers arriving on non-Schengen flights must present travel documents at passport control.
  • Proceed to the ground level baggage claim area to collect checked baggage from designated carousels.
  • Pass through customs control using the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if carrying goods exceeding allowances.
  • Exit into the public arrivals hall where ground transport, ATMs, car rental desks, and information counters are located.

Getting to the city

  • Train

    Metro

    Line 3 (Blue Line) operates direct services between the airport station and central Athens, including Syntagma and Monastiraki stations.

    Time:
    roughly 40 minutes
    Typical cost:
    typically €9 single ticket
  • Train

    Express Bus

    OASA operates 24-hour express bus lines, including route X95 to Syntagma Square and route X96 to Piraeus port.

    Time:
    roughly 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic
    Typical cost:
    typically €5.50 single ticket
  • Train

    Suburban Railway

    Proastiakos trains connect the airport to Athens Central Railway Station (Larissa Station) and the port of Piraeus.

    Time:
    roughly 45 minutes to central Athens
    Typical cost:
    typically €9 single ticket
  • Taxi

    Taxi

    Official yellow taxis operate from the designated queue outside Exit 3 on the Arrivals level. Flat rates apply for journeys to the central city zone.

    Time:
    roughly 35 to 50 minutes
    Typical cost:
    typically €40 daytime / €55 night-time flat rate guidance

Connections & transfers

Transfer pathways are arranged between the Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal.

  • Schengen to Schengen connections do not require passport control or re-clearing security.
  • Schengen to non-Schengen transfers require clearing passport control before accessing the departure gates.
  • Transfers between the Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal require using the underground pedestrian link, which takes roughly 10 minutes on foot.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout all passenger areas of the airport.

  • Connect device to the ATH Free Wi-Fi network SSID.
  • Launch your browser to accept the terms of use on the splash page.
  • Sessions are granted in 45-minute intervals and can be reconnected as required.

Money, cards & tipping

Banking and foreign currency facilities operate across the terminal complex.

  • Automated teller machines (ATMs) operated by major Greek financial institutions are located in public arrivals and departures areas.
  • Currency exchange desks are positioned in both pre-security and post-security zones.
  • Credit and debit card payments are accepted at transport ticket desks, shops, and by official city taxis.

Food & drink

A range of food, beverage, and dining options are situated throughout the airport.

  • The public landside area offers bakeries, cafes, and light refreshment outlets.
  • Airside departure zones feature sit-down eateries, fast-food counters, and traditional Greek coffee venues.
  • Selected food outlets in the main arrivals and departure areas operate 24 hours daily.

Lounges & rest

Airline and independent lounge options are available in both Schengen and non-Schengen departure sectors.

  • Airline lounges serve eligible premium-cabin travellers and elite status members.
  • Pay-per-use lounges are accessible to all passengers for an entry fee or via third-party access passes.
  • Lounge amenities generally include quiet seating, Wi-Fi access, light snacks, and drinks.

Airport hotels

On-site and near-airport accommodation options serve overnight or long-layover passengers.

  • The Sofitel Athens Airport hotel is situated directly opposite the Main Terminal building and is reachable on foot.
  • Hotel options in nearby Spata or Artemida can be reached within 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
  • Short-stay day-use rooms inside the secure terminal areas are limited.

Baggage & customs

Services for luggage storage, protection, and lost items are provided in the Main Terminal.

  • Left luggage storage counters operate in the public arrivals area for short-term and multi-day storage.
  • Luggage wrapping stations are located on the departures level.
  • Baggage tracing and claims for delayed luggage are handled by handling agents in the baggage claim area.

Family & accessibility

Facilities for passengers travelling with children are provided throughout the Main Terminal.

  • Dedicated baby care rooms with changing tables and nursing chairs are located near main restroom blocks.
  • A children's play area is situated on the second level of the Main Terminal building.
  • Pushchairs can typically be used up to the aircraft door or departure gate depending on carrier policy.

Facilities

  • ATMs
  • Currency Exchange
  • Left Luggage
  • Luggage Wrapping
  • Pharmacy
  • Children's Play Area
  • Executive Lounges
  • Post Office

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: Dial 112 for emergency service; First Aid station available inside main terminal.

  • Dial 112 from any telephone for immediate emergency response assistance.
  • A First Aid station staffed with medical personnel operates 24 hours daily inside the Main Terminal.
  • In case of lost documentation or police assistance, visit the airport police station located on the departures level.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed September 19, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.