One of the first questions everyone asks about Athens: “How do I get from the airport to my hotel?” Good news — it’s straightforward. Athens International Airport (ATH) sits about 33 km east of the city center, and you’ve got options ranging from €6 to €55+ depending on your budget and how much you care about comfort after a flight.
I’ve tried every method on this list at least once, so here’s my honest take on getting from Athens Airport to the city center.
Quick Comparison#
| Option | Price | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | €9 | 40 min | Budget, solo travelers |
| Airport Bus | €6 | 60-90 min | Late night, budget |
| Taxi | €40 (fixed) | 35-50 min | Convenience, groups |
| Private Transfer | €45-55 | 35-45 min | Comfort, families |
| Rental Car | Varies | 40-60 min | Day trips planned |
Option 1: Metro (Best Value)#
This is what I use most of the time. The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs directly from the airport to central Athens, and it’s hard to beat for the price.
Details#
| Route | Airport → Syntagma (city center) → Monastiraki |
| Price | €9 single, €16 return (valid 7 days) |
| Duration | 40 minutes to Syntagma |
| Frequency | Every 30 minutes |
| Hours | 6:30 AM - 11:30 PM |
How to Do It#
- Exit arrivals and follow signs to “Metro/Train” — they’re well marked
- Buy a ticket at the machines or the ticket booth (cards accepted at the machines)
- Validate your ticket at the gates
- Board Line 3 heading toward “Aghia Marina”
- Get off at Syntagma or Monastiraki — both are right in the center
Pros#
- Cheap and completely reliable
- No traffic to worry about — 40 minutes every time
- Drops you right in the middle of everything
- Surprisingly easy with luggage (trains have plenty of space)
Cons#
- Doesn’t run late night — last train is around 11:30 PM
- Only comes every 30 minutes, so just missing one is annoying
- Can get crowded during rush hour (roughly 5-7 PM)
Option 2: Airport Bus (Cheapest)#
Several bus routes connect the airport to different parts of Athens. The one you probably want is the X95, which goes straight to Syntagma Square.
Main Routes#
| Bus | Destination | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| X95 | Syntagma Square | 60-90 min |
| X96 | Piraeus Port | 90-120 min |
| X93 | Kifissos Bus Station | 65 min |
| X97 | Elliniko Metro | 45 min |
Details (X95)#
| Price | €6 |
| Duration | 60-90 minutes (depends entirely on traffic) |
| Frequency | Every 15-30 minutes |
| Hours | 24 hours |
How to Do It#
- Exit arrivals, look for the bus stops outside — they’re clearly signed
- Buy a ticket from the booth near the stops or on the bus
- Board the X95, validate your ticket
- Ride to Syntagma Square (the end of the line)
Pros#
- Cheapest option at just €6
- Runs 24 hours — this is the key advantage
- The X96 goes directly to Piraeus port if you’re catching a ferry
Cons#
- Can be painfully slow in traffic, especially during rush hour
- Standing room only when it’s busy
- Less comfortable than the metro by a long shot
Option 3: Taxi (Most Convenient)#
Sometimes after a long flight, you just want someone to drive you to your door. Taxis are the classic choice, and in Athens, they come with a fixed airport rate — which makes things simple.
Details#
| Price | €40 fixed rate (day), €55 (midnight-5AM) |
| Duration | 35-50 minutes |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Where | Official taxi rank outside arrivals |
How to Do It#
- Exit arrivals, find the official taxi rank (look for yellow cabs in a queue)
- Use ONLY the official queue — ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal
- Confirm “€40 flat rate to center” before getting in
- The flat rate is legally mandated — they should use the meter, but the flat rate applies by law for airport trips
Pros#
- Door-to-door service right to your hotel
- Fixed price — no meter anxiety or route surprises
- Available 24/7
- Split between 3-4 people and it’s only about €10 each
Cons#
- Most expensive of the public options
- Traffic can make the ride slow (though you’re sitting comfortably)
- Very rare, but some drivers try minor tricks (see below)
Avoiding Taxi Scams#
Athens taxis are generally honest, especially at the airport, but:
- Use ONLY the official taxi rank — never go with someone who approaches you
- Confirm the €40 flat rate before you get in the car
- Don’t let the driver load your luggage until the price is agreed
- Ask for a receipt if needed
Option 4: Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)#
If you want zero hassle — especially after a long-haul flight — a pre-booked private transfer is worth every extra euro. Someone is literally standing in arrivals with a sign bearing your name.
Details#
| Price | €45-65 depending on vehicle |
| Duration | 35-45 minutes |
| Booking | Reserve in advance online |
How It Works#
- Book online before your trip
- Driver meets you in arrivals holding a sign with your name
- They take you directly to your hotel door
- Pay in advance online or upon arrival (depends on the company)
Pros#
- Someone is waiting for you by name — a great feeling after a long flight
- No figuring out ticket machines or bus stops when you’re jet-lagged
- They monitor your flight, so if you’re delayed, they adjust
- Comfortable vehicles, often nicer than taxis
- Perfect for families with kids and lots of luggage
Cons#
- Slightly more expensive than a taxi
- You need to book in advance (not spontaneous)
Private Airport Transfer Athens
Book a private transfer with meet-and-greet service. Driver tracks your flight and waits at arrivals with your name. Direct transport to any Athens address.
Also on Viator: Book an airport transfer on Viator →
Option 5: Rental Car#
If you’re planning day trips to Delphi, Meteora, or the Peloponnese, picking up a car at the airport makes sense — but only for the day trips.
Details#
| Price | €25-50/day + fuel |
| Rental desks | In the arrivals hall |
| Duration to center | 40-60 minutes |
My Honest Advice#
- Driving in central Athens is stressful. One-way streets that make no sense, aggressive driving culture, and parking that ranges from expensive to nonexistent.
- If you’re staying only in Athens, skip the car. Seriously. The metro and walking cover everything.
- Best approach: metro into the city, then rent a car later when you’re ready for a road trip out of Athens.
Which Option Should You Choose?#
Choose Metro If:#
- You’re budget-conscious
- Your flight arrives during metro hours (6:30 AM - 11:30 PM)
- Your hotel is near Syntagma or Monastiraki
- You don’t mind a small adventure with luggage on a train
Choose Bus If:#
- You’re arriving very late or very early (24-hour service)
- You’re heading to Piraeus for a ferry (X96)
- You want the absolute cheapest option
- You’re not in a rush and have patience for traffic
Choose Taxi If:#
- You’re traveling in a group (split the €40 and it’s a bargain)
- You have heavy or lots of luggage
- Your hotel is off the metro line
- You just want to get there with zero effort
Choose Private Transfer If:#
- You’re traveling with family or small kids
- You want someone waiting for you with your name
- It’s your first time in Athens and you want zero stress
- You’re arriving late at night and want certainty
Getting to Specific Areas#
| Destination | Best Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Syntagma/Plaka | Metro or Taxi | Metro stops right there |
| Monastiraki | Metro | Direct line, couldn’t be easier |
| Kolonaki | Metro + short taxi | Metro to Syntagma, then a quick cab ride |
| Piraeus Port | X96 Bus | Goes directly to the port — allow 2 hours |
| Koukaki | Metro to Acropoli | One stop past Syntagma |
| Glyfada/Coast | Bus or Taxi | X96 passes through the area |
Tickets & Passes Worth Knowing About#
Metro Ticket Options#
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single airport ticket | €9 | Airport trips only |
| Return airport ticket | €16 | Valid 7 days, saves €2 |
| 3-day tourist ticket | €20 | Includes airport + unlimited rides |
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much is a taxi from Athens Airport?#
€40 flat rate during the day (5 AM - midnight), €55 at night. This is a legally fixed rate — not negotiable, not optional. The law is on your side.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Athens?#
Metro: 40 minutes (always). Taxi: 35-50 minutes (depends on traffic). Bus: 60-90 minutes (depends heavily on traffic and time of day).
Is Uber available in Athens?#
Not really. Use the Beat app instead — it’s the local equivalent and works exactly like Uber. Fares are similar to regular taxis.
Does the metro run 24 hours?#
No. Last metro from the airport is around 11:30 PM, first is around 6:30 AM. For arrivals outside those hours, use the X95 bus or a taxi.
What if my flight arrives late at night?#
Take the X95 bus (runs 24 hours), a taxi from the official rank, or book a private transfer in advance. All three work fine — the bus is cheapest, the transfer is most comfortable.
Can I use a credit card on the metro?#
Yes — the ticket machines accept credit and debit cards. One thing to remember: keep your ticket until you exit the system, because the barriers need it on the way out.
The Bottom Line#
For most travelers: The metro is the winner. It’s cheap (€9), fast (40 minutes), reliable, and drops you right in the center. Buy the return ticket for €16 and don’t overthink it.
Arriving late? The X95 bus runs 24 hours and costs only €6. It’s slower, but it’s there when nothing else is.
Want door-to-door ease? A taxi (€40) or private transfer (~€50) eliminates all hassle. After a long flight, sometimes that’s worth more than the savings.
Planning your Athens stay? Check out our Athens neighborhood guide and 3-day itinerary.
