Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) is about 30 km (19 miles) east of the center. You have three main options: the metro, the X95 express bus and a taxi. Here’s how they compare, with fares from the official transport operator (checked October 8, 2026).
Comparison
| Option | Fare (official) | Time to Syntagma | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro line 3 | €9 single (€4.50 reduced); €16 return | About 40 minutes | Most travelers, daytime and evening |
| X95 express bus | €5.50 | About 60 minutes, traffic permitting | Budget, overnight arrivals (runs 24 hours) |
| Taxi | Fixed fare to the center (day and night rates) | About 35–60 minutes | Groups, families, heavy luggage, late night |
By metro (line 3)
Follow the signs from arrivals across the covered walkway to the airport station. Metro line 3 (blue) runs from the airport to Syntagma and Monastiraki, with trains about every 30 minutes on the airport branch. Airport tickets are valid for 90 minutes. You can buy tickets from machines or pay with a contactless bank card at the gates.
Change at Syntagma for line 2 (Akropoli for Koukaki and Makrygianni), or at Monastiraki for line 1 to Thissio and Piraeus.
By X95 bus
The X95 runs 24 hours a day between the airport and Syntagma Square. The stop is outside arrivals. It’s the cheapest option and the only public transport choice in the small hours, but journey times depend heavily on traffic.
Other express buses go to Piraeus (X96) and other parts of Attica. Check OASA for current routes.
By taxi
Official yellow taxis wait outside arrivals. Taxis from the airport to the city center charge a fixed fare, with a higher rate at night. Confirm the current fixed fare with the driver before you set off. Ride-hailing apps also operate in Athens. To be met at arrivals, especially late at night or with children, you can pre-book a private transfer with GetTransfer (affiliate link) and compare offers from local drivers.
Which should you choose?
- Solo or couple, staying near Syntagma, Plaka or Monastiraki: metro.
- Landing after midnight on a budget: X95.
- Family of four or lots of bags: a taxi’s fixed fare can be competitive with four metro tickets.
- Heading straight to a ferry: metro to Piraeus via Monastiraki, or the X96 bus.
Plan your Athens stay
Read where to stay in Athens. Still choosing flights? Search London–Athens or Edinburgh–Athens.
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Plan the rest of your trip
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How we research: this guide is based on official sources and published airline and transport schedules, not on a sponsored visit. Information was checked on October 8, 2026. Schedules, routes and prices change, so confirm with the airline, operator or venue before you travel.
Sources
- OASA, Athens Urban Transport Organisation (airport fares, X95/X96): oasa.gr
- STASY, Athens Metro (line 3 airport service): stasy.gr
- Athens International Airport, ground transportation: aia.gr
Featured image: Athens International Airport. Photo: Peloponnisios, July 2019, via Wikimedia Commons (Athens airport train station.jpg), CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and compressed.
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