Getting to Athens

There are a variety of transport options available to travellers wishing to visit Athens, with many being suitable for budget travellers. While the vast majority of long-distance travellers will arrive by air at Athens International Airport, those who have less distances to cover may find train, bus or ferry travel best suited to their itinerary.

By car

Driving to Athens is not especially recommended, with most visitors finding the traffic and Greek driving etiquette difficult to handle on arrival. Signposts are often not clear and drivers can be less than courteous; however, if you are an experienced driver and want to give it a go, the city can be reached from virtually anywhere in Europe. The E75 connects Athens with Skopje, from where it is possible to continue on to Belgrade and Zagreb via the E70, which joins with Italy.

By rail

Trains to Athens are available from many European and domestic destinations, with services being infrequent but reliable. Athens Central Station has departures to the following places: Macedonia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey. Many train travellers choose to take a ferry crossing from Brindisi in Italy to Patras in Greece, cutting travel time substantially. Some rail passes include this crossing free of charge.

By bus

Eurolines coaches offers services to Greece from destinations across Europe. Popular routes include Athens to Sofia, Skopje, Istanbul, Sarajevo, Budapest and Belgrade. Travelling to and from Athens by bus is one of the cheapest ways of travelling, but long journeys can be very uncomfortable.

By ferry

Travelling by ferry is a popular way to arrive in Greece, with ferries arriving at both  nearby Piraeus and Patras, an easy drive from Athens. Ferries arrive at Piraeus, which is connected to the city by Metro from Crete, Santorini and the Cyclades. Tickets do not need to be booked in advance unless you wish to take your vehicle with you. Ferries arrive in Patras from Brindisi in Italy, which is an overnight journey. 

By air

Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos, is situated 32kms southeast of the city and is linked by a six-lane motorway, the Attiki Odos. The facility is very modern and manages over 14 million passengers each year, with numerous flights to domestic and international destinations. It is possible to fly direct from many European centres including London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome and Barcelona.

Facilities at the airport include dining options, a business centre and courier services, while passengers with special needs are well catered for.

Athens International Airport

Located 32kms southeast of Athens, the capital’s airport hub offers good connections with other major world cities. A state-of-the-art facility boasting the latest technology and equipment, Athens International Airport is the main gateway to Greece. Athens Airport encompasses two terminals - a main terminal and a secondary satellite terminal, with a covered walkway connecting the two.

Facilities here are comprehensive and include: bureau de change, ATMs and banks for all your financial needs as well as restaurants, cafés and bars for drinks and snacks. Shopping opportunities are plentiful and include duty-free, newsagents, boutiques, gift shops and bookstores. Car hire is available through Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National/Alamo and Sixt. All amenities are accessible to disabled passengers.

Athens International Airport transportation

Many visitors choose to hire a car on arrival and you will find six international car hire outlets available at the airport. Drivers can follow the Attiki Odos, a high-speed toll motorway, to the city’s western gate, for easy access to the city.

The airport express buses offer a good alternative for those not confident in driving on the busy Athenian roads. There are six routes available connecting the airport, city and the Piraeus, with tickets available onboard.

Metro Line 3 connects the airport with the city, with trains terminating at Monastiraki Station in Athens. Passengers can change trains at Syntagma Station for connections to Metro Line 2. The journey from the airport to the city takes about 30 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes.

Alternatively, passengers have the option of taking a suburban rail service to Larissis Station, Athens’ central railway station. These trains run more frequently than Metro services, but taking longer, with a typical journey time of 38 minutes.

Taxis serve the airport 24 hours and wait outside the Arrivals area. Journeys into the city can be pre-booked by calling: +210 523 9524. Rates are calculated according to a meter, but watch out for unscrupulous drivers who try to rip off new arrivals. Limousines are also available for those wanting to travel in style.