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Getting There

Flying

Athens’s Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is the country’s main airport and there are countless international and national flights to this large modern airport. Since Greece is relatively small, most of the in-country flights take less than an hour and cost less than €200 round-trip. Popular airlines such as Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airways offer regular flights between Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities and islands in Greece.

Getting to and from airport

Metro:

The 40 minute trip to the centre of Athens (just over an hour and with one change for pireaus) costs €10. For groups, multi-passenger tickets are available, costing €18 for two passengers and €24 for three passengers. If you are just making a stopover in Athens, a round-trip ticket may be a more cost-effective option at €18, valid for trips to and from the airport within a week. Blue line (3).

Bus:

Reaching Athens from the airport is a breeze thanks to the express bus system. With four bus lines available 24/7, finding a ride to your desired destination is effortless. The X93, X95, X96, and X97 are all easily accessible from the arrivals hall and provide convenient transport options to various locations in Athens. The X93 takes you to Kifissos or Liosion in around 65 minutes, while the X95 will bring you to Syntagma Square in roughly 60 minutes. If you’re heading to the port of Piraeus or the Athens Riviera, the X96 is your best bet, with a journey time of approximately 90 minutes. The X97 will take you to the Elliniko Metro Station in approximately 45 minutes. It’s important to note that travel times can vary due to traffic conditions and may take longer. You can find the latest bus schedules for each line through the links provided.

Car Hire

Avis

The advantage of renting a car is the opportunity to escape the city and discover its nearby areas, such as Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, just a few kilometers from the historic center, where you can spend a day on the beach. You can also embark on exciting day trips to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, or the must-visit destinations of Delphi and Meteora on longer excursions.

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Athens Airport: Airport, 5th Klm Spaton-Loutsas Av., Athens, 190 19. Phone: +30 210 3530578
24-hour drop-off
Athens Downtown: 23 Syggrou Avenue, 117 42 Phone: +30 210 322 4951 – 7
Athens Chalandri: 47, Vas. Georgiou str.,152 33, Halandri Phone: +30 210 687 9800
Athens Metamorfosi: 9, Sorrou Str, 144 52 Metamorfosi Phone: +30 211 107 1414

Public Transport  Ath.ena ticket – buses, trolleybuses, metro, tram

Athens has a pretty decent and reliable public transportation system. All tickets are electronic tickets, from daily to yearly passes. These tickets are easily rechargeable and cost less than in other major European cities like London, Berlin, or Paris.

Different Ticket Options

Public transport tickets in Athens are valid for buses, trolleybuses, metro, tram, and the commuter train with in the capital

90-minute ticket: €1.20 (US$1.30)

24-hour ticket: €4.10 (US$4.50)

5-day ticket: €8.20 (US$8.90)

3-day tourist ticket (including airport transportation): €22 (US$23.90)

Discounts are available for seniors over 65, teenagers under 18, and university students under 25. For instance, a 90-minute ticket costs €0.50 (US$0.50) for these groups. Children under 7 can ride all means of transportation for free.

Traveling to and from the airport is not included in the regular tickets, but the 3-day tourist ticket does cover airport transportation.

Where to Purchase Tickets

Public transport tickets can be purchased at any metro station, tram stop, train station or some newsstands.

Taxis

Taxis in Athens are readily available and very affordable (€5-€8 average trip), with many drivers speaking basic English. You can hail one on the street, or you can call a taxi and ask the driver to pick you up at your location. Be sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter and make sure the rate displayed is “1” (the normal rate before midnight). After midnight, the rate displayed is “2”.

If your hotel is less well-known, bring a written address in Greek and the hotel’s phone number and/or show the location on your Phone. If needed, the driver can call the hotel for directions. Tipping is not expected but a small gratuity is appreciated if the driver goes out of their way. There are fixed rates for transport to the airport and port, and luggage costs extra.

Hellas: Website / Tel. +30 18180

Radio Taxi Parthenon Tel: +30 210 5323300

Ikaros: Tel. +30 210 515 2800

Taxiplon: Tel. +30 18222 or +30 210 2773600