Transfer Options from Athens Airport to Athens City Center
Landing at Athens Airport and looking for your way to downtown Athens? Plenty of options are available! Depending on your budget, time, and needs, you can choose between airport taxis, metro, and buses. Furthermore, a good deal of airport car rental companies operates at Athens Airport, while private transfers attract a significant proportion of Athens airport passengers.
| Options | Daytime Price | Night Time Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 40€/42$ | 55€/58$ | 40 Min |
| Metro/Train | 9€/10$ | 9€/10$ | 40 Min |
| Bus | 5.5€ /6.38$ | 5.5€ /6.38$ | 60 Min |
Athens Airport to City Center by Taxi
Athens airport taxis are the most expensive, yet the most convenient way to reach Athens city center. Door-to-door transfer services, modern and air-conditioned vehicles, and enough storage space guarantee a convenient journey to your destination in the heart of Athens. The yellow Athens airport taxis are queuing up at the official taxi rank outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals level. The taxi fare is flat, at 40€/42$ during the daytime (05:00 am – 00:00 am) and 55€/58$ during the night shift, while the total journey to Athens city center lasts 35-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Athens Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Athens Airport to City Center by Metro/Train
Athens airport subway is the best choice for public transport. Fast services, frequent itineraries, and relatively affordable prices make Athens metro a very popular transportation option. In a 5-minute walking distance from the terminal, the airport train station building is located at the Departures level and is connected to the main terminal via an elevated passageway. Though there are also elevators leading to the connecting bridge, traversing this distance with lots of luggage can become challenging. In any case, you should easily find your way to the train station following the signs “Train”.
Arriving there, you can purchase a ticket either from the station’s ticket offices or from the automatic vendors paying 9€/10$ for a one-way ticket (4.5€/5.22$ for students and elders) and 16€/18.56$ for a return ticket. Children under 6 years of age can travel for free. The train journey to Syntagma Square is about 40 minutes, while Athens airport Metro Line 3 departs from the airport every 36 minutes from 06:30 am to 11:30 pm.
Our Tip: Please note that Tourist Tickets and ATH.ENA cards are available and recommended for travelers who prefer using public transportation modes during their journey.
Athens Airport to City Center by Bus
If you are looking for the cheapest transfer option from Athens Airport to Athens city center, then the Athens airport bus is for you. At a fare of just 5.5€/6.38$ (2.70€/3.13$ if under 18 or over 65), the bus X95 will get you to Syntagma Square in downtown Athens in about 60 minutes, depending on the roads’ congestion. Unfortunately, during peak hours, a 45-60 minutes shuttle ride may last more than 90 minutes. Tickets are available from the airport ticket offices or on board, and the bus stop is located at the Arrivals level, between Exits 4 and 5. Tourist tickets and ATH.ENA cards are also on tap, granting lower fares for multiple public-transport journeys.
Our Tip: Please remember to validate your ticket as soon as you enter the bus.
Car Rental from Athens Airport to City Center
On the other hand, if you are a “lonely rider” and you prefer traveling with your own vehicle, a car rental will provide you with the autonomy you are seeking for. Check out the airport car rental companies available at Athens Airport (you will find a plethora of options), compare their prices and services, and hire the vehicle that best suits your needs and preferences. The journey from Athens Airport to your destination in downtown Athens will take approximately 35-40 minutes depending on the traffic levels and the exact location of your final stop.
Private Airport Transfers from Athens Airport to City Center
Private airport transfers from Athens Airport are ideal if comfort and convenience are your priorities. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of your gate and he will drive you to your destination without intermediate stops or any hassle. The price for a private transfer from El. Venizelos can be slightly higher than the ordinary taxi fare but if you do thorough research, you could even book a private ride at the exact same fee.
FAQs
How long does it take from Athens Airport to city center?
Athens Airport is located within 33km/20.5 miles of distance from Athens city center. The journey from the airport to downtown Athens takes approximately 35-40 minutes by car or taxi, 40 minutes by metro, and 60 minutes by bus.
How much is a taxi from Athens Airport to city center?
Athens airport taxis offer fixed prices. Therefore, the ride from Athens Airport to Athens city center costs 40€/42$ during the day shift and 55€/58$ during the nighttime.
How much is the metro from Athens Airport?
A one-way subway ticket from El. Venizelos to the city center costs 9€/10$ for adults while a return ticket has 16€/18.56$. The ticket price for students, children, and elders is 4.5€/5.22$, and children under 6 years of age travel for free.