Athens International Airport to City: Metro, Bus, Taxi & Transfer Guide

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Athens Airport to City

Getting from Athens International Airport to city is simple, with multiple transport options connecting you directly to the heart of Athens.

Whether you’re heading to Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, or your hotel, here’s a complete guide to travelling from Athens International Airport to the city centre.

Distance from Athens International Airport to City

Athens airport to city.

Athens airport to city.

The distance from Athens International Airport to central Athens is approximately 30 km, with travel times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your mode of transport.

✈️Athens Airport to City Transport

Transport Type

Route / Destination

Duration

Frequency & Availability

Best For

🚇 Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line)

Airport → Syntagma / Monastiraki (City Centre)

~40 min

Every 30 min, 06:30–23:30

Fast & reliable connection

🚌 Airport Express Bus (X95, X96, X93, X97)

Airport → Syntagma / Piraeus / KTEL Bus Station / Elliniko

60–70 min (traffic dependent)

Every 15–30 min, 24/7

Cheapest option, runs all night

🚕 Taxi

Airport → City Centre (Syntagma)

35–50 min

24/7, official taxi rank at Exit 3

Comfortable, fixed-rate fare

🚘 Private Transfer

Door-to-door service (hotel / Airbnb)

35–45 min

Pre-book online, 24/7

Stress-free, meet & greet

🚗 Car Rental

Airport → City / wider Greece

35–50 min

Rental desks at airport, book early

Flexibility, exploring Greece

🚇 Metro (Best Overall Option)

Metro Airport

The metro is one of the most popular ways to travel from Athens International Airport to city.

📍Metro Route and Key Stops

Route

Key Stops (towards City Centre)

Duration

Frequency

Operating Hours

Athens Airport → City Centre (Line 3 – Blue Line)

Airport → Doukissis Plakentias → Halandri → Ethniki Amyna → Megaro Moussikis → Evangelismos → Syntagma (City Centre) → Monastiraki (City Centre)

~40 minutes to Syntagma, ~43 minutes to Monastiraki

Every 30 minutes

06:30 – 23:30 daily

💸Ticket Price and Where to Buy

Route

Ticket Price

Where to Buy

Athens Airport → City Centre (Metro Line 3 – Blue Line)

€9 (≈ S$13) one-way

Airport metro station ticket machines & counters (connected via walkway from Arrivals)

👉Quick Guide: The metro is ideal if you want to avoid traffic and reach central Athens quickly.

🚌 Airport Bus (Best Budget Option)

Bus airport

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way from Athens International Airport to city, the 24/7 express bus is the cheapest option.

Airport buses operate 24/7 and connect directly to key areas.

📍Bus Route

Route

Destination

Duration

Frequency

Operating Hours

X95

Syntagma Square (City Centre)

60–70 min (traffic dependent)

Every 15–20 min

24/7

X93

KTEL Bus Station

60–70 min

Every 20–30 min

24/7

X96

Piraeus Port (Ferries to Greek islands)

70–80 min

Every 20–30 min

24/7

X97

Elliniko Metro Station

60–70 min

Every 20–30 min

24/7

💸Ticket Price and Where to Buy

Route

Destination

Ticket Price

Where to Buy

X95

Syntagma Square (City Centre)

€5.50 (≈ S$8)

Airport bus ticket kiosks or onboard from driver

X93

KTEL Bus Station

€5.50 (≈ S$8)

Airport bus ticket kiosks or onboard

X96

Piraeus Port (Ferries to Greek islands)

€5.50 (≈ S$8)

Airport bus ticket kiosks or onboard

X97

Elliniko Metro Station

€5.50 (≈ S$8)

Airport bus ticket kiosks or onboard

👉Note: The X95 bus is the most popular, taking you directly to the Athens city centre.

🚕 Taxi (Best for Comfort)

Taxi airport

For those arriving late at night or carrying heavy luggage, a taxi from Athens Airport to city centre is a stress-free option.

Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal.

📍 Where to Get a Taxi

Official taxi rank located at Arrivals Level, Exit 3 of Athens International Airport. Follow the yellow “TAXI” signs after baggage claim.

💰 Cost (Approx. in SGD)

  • Daytime flat rate (05:00–00:00) → €40 (≈ S$59).
  • Nighttime flat rate (00:00–05:00) → €55 (≈ S$81).

⏱️ Duration and traffic considerations

  • Around 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Travel time is usually smooth outside rush hours.
  • Expect delays on weekdays between 07:30–10:00 AM (morning rush) and 16:00–19:30 PM (evening rush), especially approaching central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki).
👉To Take Note: Taxis are regulated with fixed fares, so you won’t need to worry about haggling.

🚘 Private Airport Transfer
Private transfer airport

For a more comfortable journey, consider booking a private transfer in advance.

Recommended for families, business travelers, or those arriving during peak hours.

Pre-booked transfers offer a hassle-free experience.

⏱ Duration & Availability

Where to Get

Duration

Availability

Traffic Considerations

Official taxi rank at Arrivals Level, Exit 3 (follow “TAXI” signs)

35–45 minutes

24/7

Delays common during peak hours (07:30–10:00 & 16:00–19:30)

💵 Cost Range

Vehicle Type

Duration

Cost (EUR / SGD)

Availability

Notes

🚕 Standard Taxi (Sedan)

35–45 min

Day €40 (≈ S$59)

Night €55 (≈ S$81)

24/7, taxi rank at Arrivals Exit 3

Fixed flat rate, may face traffic delays

🚘 Private Transfer (Sedan)

35–45 min

€45–60 (≈ S$66–88)

Pre-book online, 24/7

Meet & greet, fixed rate

🚐 Private Transfer (Minivan / MPV)

35–45 min

€65–90 (≈ S$96–133)

Pre-book online, 24/7

Best for families / groups with luggage

🚖 Luxury Transfer (Mercedes / Executive)

35–45 min

€80–120 (≈ S$118–177)

Pre-book online, 24/7

Premium comfort, professional driver

💡 Booking Tips

Pre-book online

Pre-book online for fixed prices, English-speaking drivers, and meet-and-greet service at Arrivals.

Providers offering

Look for providers offering meet-and-greet service at arrivals with your name sign.

Large groups

For large groups, booking one minivan/private MPV is usually cheaper than multiple taxis.

Cheap Flights to Athens

See all flights
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Tue, Jun 2
Mon, Jun 8
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Thu, Jun 11
Mon, Jun 15
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Thu, May 28
Mon, Jun 1
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Thu, May 28
Wed, Jun 3
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Mon, Jun 1
Mon, Jun 8
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Tue, Jun 9
Fri, Jun 12
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Sat, May 30
Wed, Jun 3
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00
Singapore
SIN
Athens
ATH
Thu, Jun 4
Mon, Jun 8
One way
7% off
From 749.00S$ 695.00

🚗 Car Rental at Athens Airport

Car rental airport

If you plan to explore mainland Greece, renting a car at the airport can be practical.

🕒 Duration & Availability

Duration

Availability

35–50 minutes’ drive to central Athens

Major providers (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, Europcar) have desks inside the Arrivals Hall

💸 Cost Range

Vehicle Type

Average Daily Cost (EUR / SGD)

Best For

Notes

🚗 Economy (e.g., Toyota Yaris, VW Polo)

€30–40/day (≈ S$44–59)

Solo travelers or couples

Compact, fuel-efficient, easy for Athens traffic & parking

🚙 Standard / Compact SUV (e.g., Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage)

€45–65/day (≈ S$66–96)

Small families or 2–3 passengers with luggage

More space, comfortable for day trips

🚐 Minivan / MPV (e.g., VW Transporter, Ford Galaxy)

€70–100/day (≈ S$103–147)

Groups or families with lots of luggage

Spacious but harder to park in central Athens

🚘 Luxury (e.g., Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3 Series)

€90–150/day (≈ S$133–221)

Business travelers or premium comfort

High-end comfort, but higher rental + insurance costs

💡 Quick Booking Tips

Book early

Demand is high in summer and during holidays.

Compare providers

(Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, Europcar) online for the best deal.

Choose a small car

If staying in Athens as streets are narrow and parking is limited.

Check insurance coverage

Check insurance cover for ollision damage waiver, theft protection before confirming.

Bring your International Driving Permit (IDP)

Bring IDP if your license is not in English.

Inspect the car

Inspect for scratches/damages before driving away and take photos as proof.

Best Hotels in Athens

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NO.3
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NO.5
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Tips for Travelling from Athens International Airport to City

Arrival Hall Guide

Arrival Hall Guide

Conclusion

Athens

Travelling from Athens International Airport to city is easy, with options to suit every traveller.

The metro is the best all-round choice, while buses are ideal for saving money and taxis provide maximum comfort.

No matter which option you choose, getting from Athens International Airport to the centre of Athens is quick and convenient so you can start exploring Greece’s historic capital right away.

FAQ: Athens Airport to City

  • What is the cheapest way to get from Athens Airport to the city?

    The Airport Express Bus X95 is the cheapest, costing €5.50 (≈ S$8), and runs 24/7 to Syntagma Square.
  • What is the fastest way to reach Athens city centre?

    The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) is usually the fastest, taking about 40 minutes to Syntagma.
  • Is Uber available in Athens?

    Uber operates in Athens, but only as UberTaxi (it connects you with licensed taxis, no private UberX cars).
  • Can I take a train from Athens Airport to the city?

    Yes, the Athens Metro Line 3 and Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) both operate from the airport. The Metro is more convenient for central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki).
  • How long does it take to drive from Athens Airport to the city?

    About 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Which option is best for late-night arrivals?

    The Airport Express Bus (X95) and taxis are the best choices since both run 24/7.
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Feyna

Feyna

Freelance Travel Blogger

A passionate traveler and travel blogger who loves discovering new places, cultures, and local food. I am enjoy turning my journeys into stories, sharing travel tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly adventures to inspire others to explore the world.

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