Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) is 30km from Athens city center. Here are all your transport options ranked by value, speed, and convenience — with real prices and honest pros/cons.
Quick Summary
Fastest: Metro Line 3 (Blue) (40 min, $10)
Cheapest: Airport Express Bus X95 (60-90 min, $6)
Best overall: Metro Line 3 (Blue) (40 min, $10) — best balance of speed, cost, and convenience.
All Transport Options
Metro Line 3 (Blue) — 40 min, ~$10
Pros: Direct to Syntagma/Monastiraki, reliable, every 30min
Cons: Infrequent, expensive for metro, stops at midnight
Airport Express Bus X95 — 60-90 min, ~$6
Pros: 24/7 service to Syntagma Square, runs frequently
Cons: Stuck in traffic, slow, crowded at peak
Suburban Rail (Proastiakos) — 40-50 min, ~$10
Pros: Fast to Plakentias, connects to metro
Cons: Requires transfer, less frequent
Taxi — 40-60 min, ~$40-55
Pros: Flat rate (€38 day/€54 night), door-to-door
Cons: Traffic, drivers sometimes take longer routes
Tips for Arriving at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
SIM card: Buy one at the airport arrivals hall before heading to the city. You'll need data for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Currency: Withdraw cash from an ATM inside the terminal (better rates than exchange booths). You'll need local currency for public transport.
Late night arrivals: Public transport stops around midnight in most cities. If arriving late, pre-book a transfer or use ride-hailing apps.
FAQ
How far is Eleftherios Venizelos Airport from Athens center?
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) is approximately 30km from Athens city center. Travel time ranges from 40 to 40-60 minutes depending on transport and traffic.
What's the cheapest way to get from ATH to Athens?
The cheapest option is Airport Express Bus X95 at $6, taking approximately 60-90 minutes.
Should I pre-book a transfer from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport?
Pre-booking is worth it if you're arriving late at night, have heavy luggage, or want zero stress after a long flight. Otherwise, public transport or ride-hailing apps work perfectly well.
📖 Read our Complete Travel Guide to Greece for the full picture.
✈️ Planning your Greece trip? Greece Budget Guide · Best Time to Visit
You Might Also Love
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.