1. Pre-booked Airport Transfers
Diversions can be avoided by arranging for a driver to meet you at the airport. Stress-free transfers await.
2. Express Buses
Affordable and accessible, the Airport Buses operate just outside the Arrivals Gate, offering a budget-friendly choice.
3. Taxis
Public taxis provide a reliable transport option with clear fare structures and the convenience of ride-sharing services.
4. Athens Airport Limousine Services
A luxury transfer may suit your needs, although the type of car may vary. Perfect for groups.
5. Hotel Shuttles
Travelers should consider hotel shuttle offerings for added convenience.
6. The Athens Metro
Utilizing the Metro can be an efficient mode of transport, though navigation with luggage may pose a challenge.
7. Rental Car
Driving from the airport may be suitable for those familiar with the roads, but preparation is key.
The last thing you want to do after a long flight is try to figure out how you’ll get to your hotel or ferry connection. Here are all the ways you can get to and from Athens International Airport, including some you can arrange ahead before you arrive.
Pre-booked Airport Transfers
Don’t want to mess with a taxi at the last minute or while in an exhausted or jet-lagged state? You can arrange to have a driver waiting for you. These car services will generally wait for you or resend a driver if your flight is delayed, making your trip as stress-free as possible.
Most likely, your driver will be waiting with a nameplate sign just outside the baggage area, which will further ease your stress. Prices vary but are comparable to taking the metro, though they offer much more convenience.
Service is typically available 24 hours a day, so be sure to check at the time of your reservation. The transfer can also be booked to go to or from Piraeus with easy connections to most of the island ferries. Remember to pack light, as taxis can only hold so much luggage.
Express Buses
Cheap and relatively easy, the Airport Buses are just outside Arrivals Gate 4 and represent the most cost-effective option. You can purchase tickets at the ticket kiosk, though it may be very crowded.
When you do board, make sure to hang on to the straps if you’re standing, as you can be thrown off balance during quick stops or tight turns.
Taxis
The taxis line up waiting for customers outside the arrivals terminal doors each day. They are all public taxis; however, once you’re in central Athens, there is a combination of public and private taxis. Public taxis can be shared, as they often pick up extra passengers.
It’s advisable to avoid private taxis as they may refuse to pick up passengers, are more expensive than public taxis, and also charge a fee for the call.
Your best bet for taxi service shouldn’t be a surprise, as companies like Uber and Lyft continue their global expansion. With these services, you can see your fare in advance, decide if you want to share a ride, and since you don’t have to tip, you can worry about exchanging your money at another time.
Athens Airport Limousine Services
Sometimes only a limo will do; however, be aware that some limousine companies, while they may have a nicely dressed driver, provide a luxury sedan instead of a traditional “limousine.” Given Athenian streets, you may appreciate the sedan after navigating narrow passages. While it may be an expensive indulgence for a single traveler, it can be a relative bargain for several people.
Hotel Shuttles
Some Athens-area hotels offer shuttle services to and from the Athens Airport, which can significantly impact your travel day and the overall cost of a particular hotel. Hotel shuttles usually arrive at a designated parking lot at the far end of the terminal. There are a few on-site travel agents at Athens Airport who can assist in finding a hotel offering an airport shuttle.
Some smaller bed and breakfast-type accommodations near the airport might not offer an “official” shuttle, but they might be willing to come pick you up. It never hurts to ask; however, this could fall through last minute if there is no one available to collect you, so keep this in mind before making plans.
The Athens Metro
Depending on your ultimate destination in Athens, the Metro may be the right choice for you. However, you should be aware that many stations have long stairways and obscure elevators that can be challenging to navigate with luggage. Be sure to ask for a family ticket if you are traveling with someone else, and you will save a euro or two.
Rental Car
Athens International Airport has a row of international car rental desks, and if you are willing to drive, this is another way to get from the airport to your hotel or other destination.
The main roads leading out of the airport are big, modern highways; however, problems may arise when you leave the primary well-marked roads and attempt to find your hotel in the city center. This can be particularly challenging in the dark or in your jet-lagged state and may become more difficult if you do not recognize enough Greek letters to read street signs. If you plan on driving, you should learn at least the basics of Greek Letters.
