Athens Airport: Your Gateway to Greece
Athens International Airport, officially named “El. Venizelos” and commonly known as AIA, is the largest and most well-known airport in Greece. It is also the busiest aviation hub in the Balkans and one of the top airports in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. Located 33km (20.5 miles) from Athens city center, in the Spata area, it serves as the main base for Aegean Airlines and a focus airport for several budget carriers.
- Main Terminal: Spread across three levels. One is dedicated to dining and shopping, while the other two serve Arrivals and Departures. It includes two Halls: Hall A (for non-Schengen and non-European flights) and Hall B (for domestic and Schengen flights).
- Satellite Terminal: Used mainly during peak tourist seasons, featuring separate Arrivals and Departures levels.
Contact Information
- Official Name: John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Address: Spata, Athens, 19019, Greece
- Phone: +30 21035 30000
- Website: www.aia.gr
The City of Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the world’s oldest cities — with over 3,400 years of recorded history and widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation. Its skyline is crowned by the Acropolis and the Parthenon, while historic neighbourhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma Square blend ancient ruins with vibrant modern life.
The City of Athens
Athens is the historic capital of Greece, home to 3.1 million residents in its metropolitan area and one of the most storied cities of the ancient world. The city blends classical antiquity (the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora), world-class museums (the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum) and a lively neighbourhood culture in Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma — all about 33 km from the airport.
Most visitors stay 2–4 nights to cover the historic centre, the Acropolis area, and a day-trip to Cape Sounion, Delphi, or the nearby Saronic islands. From ATH you can reach the centre in roughly 40 minutes by Metro Line 3, 60 minutes by the X95 express bus, or about 30 minutes by taxi (flat fare ~€40 daytime).
FAQs
What is the IATA code for Athens airport?
The IATA code is ATH. The ICAO code is LGAV. The airport is officially named Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", named after the Greek statesman.
How far is Athens airport from the city centre?
Athens International Airport is 33 km (20.5 miles) east of central Athens, in the Spata area of Attica. By Metro Line 3, the journey to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes. By taxi (flat daytime fare ~€40), 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
How do I get from Athens airport to the city centre?
Four main options: Metro Line 3 (about €9 single, ~40 minutes к Syntagma), Express bus X95 (€5.50, ~60 minutes к Syntagma, 24/7), Suburban rail (Proastiakos) connecting к Athens Larissa station, or taxi с flat daytime fare around €40 (€55 night).
How do I get from Athens airport to Piraeus port?
The Suburban rail connects ATH к Piraeus port (~60 minutes, change at Athens Larissa). Bus X96 runs direct к Piraeus 24/7 (€5.50, ~75 minutes). Taxi flat fare к Piraeus is around €55 daytime, €70 nighttime.
How much is a taxi from Athens airport?
Athens taxis operate с flat daytime fares: €40 to central Athens (05:00–24:00), €55 night (00:00–05:00). К Piraeus port: €55 day, €70 night. Always use the official yellow taxi rank outside Arrivals.
Does Athens airport have parking?
Yes — both short-term and long-term parking. P1 и P2 are short-stay (close к terminal). P3 is long-term economy (free shuttle к terminal). Premium Express Parking available next к Departures. Pre-book online for discounts.
How many airlines fly to Athens airport?
Over 60 airlines operate at ATH, с Aegean Airlines (Star Alliance) и Olympic Air as the largest carriers. Major international carriers include Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, и Ryanair.
Are there hotels at or near Athens airport?
Yes. The Sofitel Athens Airport is connected directly к the terminal via a covered walkway. Nearby (5–15 minutes by shuttle): Holiday Inn Athens Airport, Civitel Attik, Aristoteles Hotel, and several budget options в Spata и Markopoulo.
What is the best way to do a layover in Athens?
A 4–6 hour layover is enough к see the Acropolis if you have priority security and EU-Schengen status: take a taxi (~25 min each way) or Metro Line 3 to Acropoli station. Longer layovers (8+ hours) allow для Plaka stroll и lunch. Luggage storage available in the terminal.
How many terminals does Athens airport have?
Athens International Airport operates с one main terminal, split into the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal (gates A30–A45) connected by an underground walkway. The Main Terminal handles all check-in, security, baggage claim, and most departures.
Contact Information
- Official Name:
- Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)
- Address:
- Spata 19019, Attica, Greece
- Service Hotline:
- +30 21035 30000
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.aia.gr
