Getting from Athens airport to the city centre
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is directly linked to the city centre. The simplest option for visitors is Metro Line 3 (blue), which runs with no changes all the way to Syntagma and Monastiraki. There is also the Suburban Railway (Proastiakos), four express bus lines running 24 hours, and taxis with a fixed flat fare. Below you'll find every option with times, prices and frequency, checked in 2026 against official sources.
Prices and times checked in 2026 from official sources. Fares can change: always confirm with the operator before you travel.
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH)
Where to buy: At the ticket machines and ticket office in the airport station, or contactless with a card at the gate.
Where to buy: At the ticket kiosk/machine at the bus stop outside Arrivals (not from the driver).
Where to buy: Pay the driver (cash or card). Insist on the fixed flat fare, not the meter.
| Service | Arrives at | Time | Price | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ⓜ️ | Metro Line 3 (blue) | Syntagma & Monastiraki (direct) | 40 min | €9 | About every 30 minutes (every 36 minutes early morning and late evening). |
| 🚆 | Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) | Larissa Station (central railway station) | 44 min | €9 | About once an hour, from early morning until late evening. |
| 🚌 | Express bus X95 | Syntagma Square | 60 min | €5.50 | Roughly every 20–30 minutes, depending on the time of day. |
| 🚌 | Express bus X93 | Kifissos & Liosion intercity bus terminals (KTEL) | 65 min | €5.50 | About every 40 minutes. |
| 🚌 | Express bus X96 | Port of Piraeus | 90 min | €5.50 | Roughly every 20–40 minutes, 24 hours a day. |
| 🚌 | Express bus X97 | Elliniko / Dimotiko Theatro metro station (Line 2) | 45 min | €5.50 | About every 30–40 minutes. |
| 🚕 | Taxi (fixed flat fare) | Central Athens (Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, etc.) | 40 min | €40 | Always available at the taxi rank outside Arrivals. |
Connecting to the metro
- → Syntagma — The Line 3 stop in the heart of the city from the airport; interchange with Line 2 (red).
- → Monastiraki — Line 3 stop next to Plaka; interchange with Line 1 (green) towards Piraeus.
- → Piraeus — The port for the islands; reach it with the X96 directly or Metro Line 1 via Monastiraki.
- → Larissa Station — Central railway station and Proastiakos stop; interchange with Metro Line 2 (red).
Frequently asked questions
Does the metro go to Athens airport?
Yes. Line 3 (blue) directly connects "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport with the centre, stopping at Syntagma and Monastiraki, with no change. It runs roughly 06:30–23:30, about every 30 minutes.
How much is the airport metro ticket?
The special airport ticket costs €9 for a single journey (€4.50 reduced, €16 return). If you are staying a few days, the €20 3-day tourist ticket includes one trip to and one from the airport.
What is the fastest way from the airport to the centre?
The Line 3 metro: about 40 minutes directly to Syntagma, with no risk of traffic. A taxi takes a similar time outside rush hour but costs much more.
How much is a taxi from the airport to Athens?
There is a fixed flat fare to the centre: €40 by day (05:00–00:00) and €55 at night (00:00–05:00). The price includes tolls and luggage. Ask for the flat fare, not the meter.
How do I get from the airport to Piraeus port?
The most direct option is the X96 express bus (€5.50, 24 hours, up to 90 minutes). Alternatively, take Metro Line 3 to Monastiraki and change to Line 1 (green) towards Piraeus, or use the Suburban Railway.