Athens Airport: Your Gateway to Meet Greece
Athens International Airport, officially named “El. Venizelos” and shortly known as AIA, is the biggest and most widely-known airport in Greece. Moreover, it is the most occupied aviation hub in the Balkans and is listed among the busiest European airports. Located 33km/20.5 miles away from Athens city center, in the Spata area, Athens Airport is the “home” of Aegean Airlines and a focus airport for some smaller, mostly budget air carriers.
El. Venizelos opened its doors in 2001, replacing the old Ellinikon International Airport. It was named after the great Greek politician and prime minister, who had a huge impact on the modern history of Greece. Its construction was put into place occasioned by the upcoming 2004 Olympic Games. Verily, the new airport utterly served the risen passenger needs during that period of time. Still, the passenger traffic continued increasing from that moment on. Hence, nowadays, millions of travelers fly from or to ATH Airport, mainly during the high tourist season (the summer months). As a matter of fact, in 2023, Athens Airport welcomed more than 28.17 million tourists, springing back and even exceeding its pro-covid levels.
The airport of the Greek capital offers its passengers a wide range of amenities as well as quick and effective services. Apart from the anticipated services, El. Venizelos houses many cultural attractions. Thus, it hosts the Acropolis Exhibition, a small but fascinating museum with exhibits found in the nearby area during the airport’s construction, and an exhibition dedicated to El. Venizelos, while various art collections and events are displayed and organized on its premises from time to time. Overall, Athens Airport is a modern, multi-awarded, and passenger-friendly aviation hub.
Airport Name: Athens International Airport
IATA Code: ATH
ICAO: LGAV
Location: Spata, Athens, Greece
Time Zone: Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3)
Airport Map: Athens Airport at Google Maps
Athens Airport’s Layout
Athens International Airport has two terminals known as the “main terminal” and the “Satellite” terminal. The two terminals are connected through an underground link.
The main terminal is spread through 3 levels. One hosts the dining area, and the other two serve the arrivals and the departures respectively. What’s more, the main terminal has two Halls. Hall A handles flights from non-Schengen and non-European countries, while Hall B accommodates domestic services and flights from Schengen Area countries. On the other hand, the Satellite terminal has two levels, one for arrivals and one for departures.
Airlines Operating at Athens Airport
Athens Airport is listed among the busiest airports in Europe. Therefore, Arrivals and Departures from Athens Airport are numerous on a daily basis, especially during peak travel seasons. Moreover, all the major airlines as well as subsidiary and low-cost air carriers are present at El. Venizelos. Unsurprisingly, ATH Airport is a home base for Aegean Airlines, the Greek flag carrier. Moreover, it is a key hub for other, smaller airlines.
Parking Facilities
El. Venizelos parking facilities meet the needs and requirements of its passengers. Verily, Athens Airport houses two short-term parking lots (P1 and P2) and a long-stay car park. Additionally, a designated zone for motorcycles is also to be found close to the P1 Parking, within a short distance from the terminal’s doors, while Valet services are provided as well. Last but not least, ATH Airport is an accessible airport. Hence, it houses parking areas for travelers with disabilities.
Transit Options
Athens International Airport is adequately connected to downtown, as well as to various city districts. That being said, the transit options from Athens Airport to the city center are:
- Airport taxis
- Public bus lines
- The Blue Metro Line 3
- Athens airport transfers
- Car rentals
Services and Amenities
El. Venizelos Airport is an international air hub. Therefore, the provided services and amenities are various and top-rated. Moreover, it is an accessible aviation hub and is considered eco-friendly. All in all, layovers at Athens Airport are typically described as pleasant and smooth. As a matter of fact, some of the available services are:
- Cafes, restaurants, and bars
- A wide selection of retail stores, and Duty-free areas
- Baggage carts / Luggage wrapping / Luggage Storage
- Meet & Greet services
- Pharmacies /Medical center
- Postal services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Children’s Facilities / Playgrounds
- Lost & Found
- Chapel
- Smoking areas
- Business Center
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
- Various cultural exhibitions
- Hotels near the airport
Contact Info
- Official Name: Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”
- Address: 19019 Spata, Athens
- Phone Number: (+30) 2103530000
- E-mail: airport_info@aia.gr
- Official Website: https://www.aia.gr/en
The City of Athens
Athens is the Capital of Greece and is one of the top world destinations thanks to its historical significance. The birthplace of democracy is full of monuments and sites, with the Parthenon and Acropolis being undoubtedly the major city attractions. Its museums and archaeological sites are numerous, scattered around the city center, the outskirts, and the nearby regions. Nevertheless, apart from its cultural alternatives, Athens is a vivid Mediterranean city, full of street markets, cozy restaurants, traditional “tavernas”, and bars. Its nightlife is well-known, attracting many visitors who appreciate Athens’ history as well as its entertainment options.
FAQs
Does Athens have only one airport?
Yes, Athens International Airport, El. Venizelos, is the only airport in Athens. It serves both domestic and international flights and is the largest airport in Greece, welcoming millions of passengers annually.
How many terminals does Athens Airport have?
Athens Airport has two terminals, the main terminal and the Satellite terminal, which are connected via an underground link. In the long term, the airport is planned to be expanded to cope with the rising passenger traffic.
How early should I arrive at Athens Airport?
A two-hour arrival before the flight is recommended, especially during the peak season, which is during the summer.
Is Athens Airport open 24 hours?
Athens Airport is open around the clock. Therefore, you can travel stress-free even if you are landing in the early hours of the morning or you have to spend the night at the airport.
What are the transportation options from Athens Airport?
Are you looking for a stress-free ride from Athens Airport to city? You can choose between Athens airport taxis and private airport transfers. Do you value independence above all? Then, opt for an airport car rental! On the other hand, if a low-cost transfer is your top priority, you can use the public buses, the metro, or the suburban train, frequently departing from ATH Airport.