Athens Travel Guide

Athens Airport

Airport Code

ATH

Full Airport Name

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport

Location

The airport is situated 20 miles (33km) south east of Athens city center.

Time Zone

GMT +2 (GMT +3 between last Sunday in April and last Sunday in October).

Phone Number

Tel: +30 210 353 0000.

Ground Transport

The easiest and quickest way to reach the city center from the airport is on board Athens' new Metro. Metro Line 3 connects the airport with Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. The airport is also served by six public bus routes, which connect to destinations in the greater area of Athens and Piraeus, buses running frequently day and night. Athens International is connected to Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station) by the Suburban Rail line. Finally, there are plenty of taxis to be hired at the ranks in front of the airport terminals, fares charged on a per kilometer basis.

Car Rental

Avis, Hertz, National, Budget, Europcar and Sixt are all represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis

A taxi to the center of the Athens costs EUR15 to 25 and takes roughly half an hour to an hour depending on the traffic. There are plenty of taxis to be hired at the ranks in front of the airport terminals, and fares charged on a per kilometer basis. Either agree on the fare before departure or make sure the driver sets the meter uses the correct rate. A '2' will display before the meter between midnight and 6am and means you pay double the price. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis. Private hotel shuttle companies also run from Athens International Airport.

Airport Facilities

The airport is well supplied with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, including duty free. There are branches of two banks providing full services at the airport, and numerous ATMs and currency exchange bureau are also available. Non-EU nationals can get VAT refunded at the EUROCHANGE currency exchange unit located at the Departures Level. Several travel agencies operate from the airport, and there is a Greek National Tourist Board information desk. Conference facilities are available and there is a business center with Internet access, photocopier machines, faxes and secretarial services. A meeting room is also available. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Car Parking

Short-term parking (up to four hours) is available right outside the arrivals level of the main terminal. Long-term car parks are the other side of the airport access road with free shuttle buses. Passengers can also opt for an executive valet parking service whose personnel receive and deliver vehicles at the main terminal's departure level.

Departure Tax

EUR12.15 (international), EUR8.51 (domestic). A security fee of EUR1.52 is also charged.

Website

www.aia.gr