How far is the center of Athens from the airport?

Athens International Airport is about 20 km east of Athens city center (30 km by road, due to inyervening hills). By taxi / car the trip takes around 30-40 minutes. By Athens Metro you can reach the center in about 45-50 minutes.


With what types of transportation can I reach Athens from the Airport?

There are three types of transportation from the Airport - via Athens Metro, Taxis & Buses:

With Athens Metro from Airport to Athens
The Athens Metro station is immediately adjacent to the airport terminal (and accessible by an elevated walkway). Tickets are sold at the automatic machines installed at the Metro station as well as at the ticket booths. The distance Airport - Syntagma Square is covered in 37 minutes. Athens Metro information and prices.

With a Taxi from Athens Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"
Taxis are available at the designated taxi waiting area located at Exit 3 of Arrival Level. Athens Taxi information and prices.

With Bus from Airport to Athens
Buses run 24 hours a day and they pick up passengers directly in front of the terminal. Your ticket will also include a transfer to other form of public transporation in Athens if used within 90 minutes.

Buses leave from Door 5 of the Arrivals level:

X94 - Express bus to the Metro station "Ethiniki Amyna", better known as Pentagono (travelling time: 50-70 minutes). First bus 07:30, last bus 21:55 (frequency 10-20 minutes).

X95 - Express bus to the Athens center, Syntagma Square (average travelling time: 70-90 minutes). Every 10-30 minutes, 24 hours a day (travelling time: 70-80 minutes). Connecting with Metro Lines 2 & 3.

X96 - Express bus, all the way to Pireaus taking a route that avoids the center of Athens, partially along the coast (travelling time: 90-120 minutes). Every 20-40 minutes, 24 hours a day.

X92 - To and from Kifissia (see X93 for a similar name but different location) in the northern suburbs of Athens to the airport. Runs every 45-60 minutes from 05:00 to 23:45; every 90 to 120 minutes during the late hours

X93 - Watch the similar name on this one. It runs from Kifisos Station in Athens itself where the Intercity Buses (KTEL) connect. It runs to and from the Athens Airport, usually on a 40 minute schedule except between midnight and 04:15, when it runs about every 60-70 minutes.

X94 - From Ethniki Amyna to and from the Athens Airport. Every 10-20 minutes 24 hours a day.

X97 - From Daphni Metro Station to and from the Airport. Every 40-60 minutes from about 06:00 to 22:00, then up to 90 minutes between buses.

Athens Bus information & prices.


How do I use the Athens Metro. Where to buy tickets and how long are they valid?

There are three Athens Metro Lines and guides are available in all stations. Tickets are sold at the automatic machines installed at all metro stations as well as at the ticket booths. The tickets are valid for one hour from the time of purchase and may be used as transfer for all forms of public transportation.


How can I hail a taxi from the street?

As in any other metropolitan area, the common practice is to wait by the right side of the street and raise your hand. Take note that if the driver does not have his flag raised and/or lit, he or she might not stop to take you (they might be changing shift or radio cabs). In the past it was common practice for taxis to stop and ask where you are going - possibly with others already in the cab. This is not often done these days, but it can happen. In this case, be sure to keep your eye on what the meter says when you first get in and subtract that amount from the total.


How can I rent a car in Athens?

To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Non-EU residents need to obtain an International Drivers License in order to drive, do not forget to apply for these papers on time. Many car rental companies have a maximum age for car rental in addition to a minimum age: 70 years. Seatbelts are mandatory and children up to 4 years are required to sit in a child seat (in the back). Traffic travels on the right and the speed limits are as follows: in the city 50km/h (30mph), on open roads 80km/h (50 mph) and highways 100km/h (74mph).

There are many car rental companies scattered around the main airports in Greece. Some of these include: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Eurodollar, Hertz, National, Sixt and Travelstar. All major credit cards are accepted and be sure to ask them where to go for the cheapest gas. Find a Car Rental company in Athens, Greece.


How far are the ports of Piraeus and Rafina from the center of Athens?

The Port of Piraeus is located 10 km southwest from the center of the urban area of Athens. The Port of Rafina is about 30 km east of downtown Athens.


How far are the ports of Piraeus and Rafina from the Athens Airport?

Piraeus Port is located about 50 km west of Athens Airport. By taxi / car the trip takes about an hour. Rafina Port is located about 16 km northeast of Athens Airport. By taxi / car the journey takes 25 minutes.


How do the Intercity KTEL Buses operate?

Athens has four bus terminals, two of which serve the regional bus line and two of which serve the suburban bus lines. Check regional schedules at https://www.ktelattikis.gr.


What is the difference between City buses and trolleys?

KTEL buses (the yellow ones) leave from Terminals A and B, Mavromateon St. 29, and Eleftherias Square, and travel all over the Attica peninsula.

Unlike much of Greek transportation, they are punctual, so be on time. Buy KTEL bus tickets on board or in the terminal. The other buses frequently visible around Athens and its suburbs are blue, designated by 3-digit numbers. Both are good for travel throughout the city and ideal for daytrips to Daphni and Kesariani, the northern suburbs, Glyfada and the coast, and other destinations in the greater Athens area.

The Metro stations and tourist offices maps of Athens label all of the most frequented routes. Buses run Mon.-Sat. 05:00-23:30, Sun. and public holidays 05:00-23:30.

The X95 from Syntagma to El. Venizelou airport, X96 from Piraeus to El. Venizelou airport, and #040 from Piraeus to Syntagma all run 24hr.

Check KTEL bus schedules by calling Terminal A (210 831753). Trolleys are distinguished from buses by their electrical antennae. Buy a bus/trolley ticket ahead of time at a kiosk. Service is frequent and convenient for short hops within town. See the detailed Metro and tourist office map for routes and stops. Trolleys operate Mon.-Sat. 05:00-midnight, Sun. and public holidays 05:00-midnight.


How can I travel by OSE trains?

Domestic and international departures from Athens and Thessaloniki by train with connections to major railways as well as the biggest cities in Greece.

The main train stations in Athens are:

Peloponnisou Train Station +302105131601 and

Larissa Train Station +302105297777 (serves northern Greece and international routes). For more information dial: 1110; https://www.ose.gr.


What is the Athens tram schedule?

Following are the routes of the Athens Tram:

Thukididis 3: SEF - Asklipio Voula
Aristotelis 4: Syntagma - SEF
Platonos 5: Syntagma - Asklipio Voula

Athens Tram hours:
The tram operates daily from 05:00 to 02:00 while on Fridays and Saturdays it operates 24 hours.


What do I need to be aware of driving a car or a motorcycle in Athens?

One must be familiar with the traffic codes and parking regulations. Restriction of driving within Daktylios (downtown zone) does not apply to rental cars and cars with foreign license plates. All others drive in this zone according to the plates last number, if it is odd then driving on odd days is permitted and if even then on even days. So far, there are no toll stations to get into and out of the city (except from the airport), but there are talks of installing them from the surrounding suburban areas of Athens.
 

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