You've just landed at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. Now what? Unlike some European airports where getting downtown is genuinely complicated, Athens has made this surprisingly straightforward. Five solid options exist—from budget-conscious to luxury—and you can be in a taverna in Plaka within an hour of landing.
Here's what actually works based on your priorities and budget.
Taxis: Door-to-Door Without the Hassle
Official taxis line up 24/7 outside the arrivals area (Exit 3). Grab one and you're guaranteed door-to-door service, which matters if you've got luggage, arrive tired, or are traveling late. The ride into the city center takes 35-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Cost: €40 flat rate from 5:00 AM to midnight, €60 at night (midnight to 5:00 AM). This includes baggage and tolls—no surprises.
The official taxis are metered and reliable, which beats haggling with unofficial operators. Check Athens Airport Taxi for details.
Metro: Fast, Cheap, and Efficient
The Blue Line (M3) runs directly from the airport to Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens—probably the most reliable transport option if you can travel light. The journey takes about 40 minutes and trains run every 30 minutes. You'll exit at Syntagma, which is basically a 10-minute walk to Plaka where most travelers stay.
Cost: €9 one-way.
Operation: 6:10 AM to 11:34 PM daily.
Ticket machines are straightforward; just buy at the station. This is genuinely your best option if you're traveling solo with only a carry-on or small backpack. If you've got checked luggage that you're dragging up stairs, this becomes less fun. More info at Athens Transit.
Airport Bus X95: Budget-Friendly, Runs All Night
The X95 express bus is the cheapest way downtown (€5.50) and honestly the most flexible—it runs 24/7, meaning it doesn't care when you land. The catch: it's slower than the metro (about 60 minutes to Syntagma) and traffic can add time, especially during morning and evening rushes.
The bus stop is right outside the arrivals hall. This is genuinely useful if you arrive at 3 AM and the metro's closed, or if you're traveling on a shoestring budget. For everyone else, the metro offers better time savings. Details at OASA.
Private Transfers: Pre-Arranged Comfort
If you want someone holding a sign with your name on it when you exit customs, private transfer companies handle door-to-door service starting around €43. They're genuinely useful if you're traveling in a group or if you want guaranteed pickup at an off-hour. You book ahead, the driver meets you, and you skip all the decision-making on arrival when you're tired.
Options include Travel Transfer and Welcome Pickups. Prices vary based on vehicle size and demand.
Renting a Car: If You're Staying in Greece
If you're planning road trips beyond Athens—say, to the islands or Peloponnese—car rental booths line the airport. For just the airport-to-hotel leg though, this creates unnecessary hassle in Athens traffic. Useful if you're driving elsewhere after.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €40 day/€60 night | 35-40 min | Tired, traveling with luggage, or late night |
| Metro | €9 | ~40 min | Traveling light and want the fastest door-to-door |
| Bus | €5.50 | ~60 min | Budget is your priority, or arriving at odd hours |
| Private Transfer | €43+ | 25-40 min | Traveling in a group and want convenience |
| Car | Varies | Flexible | Planning to drive beyond Athens |
The Practical Reality
Honestly: if you're solo with a backpack, take the metro—it's reliable, cheap, and avoids Athens traffic. Traveling with a family and luggage? Taxi or private transfer saves you from wrestling baggage on trains. Arrived at 4 AM? The bus has your back. Late dinner person who doesn't mind waiting? You've got options.
Don't overthink it. Every option works fine. The city is easy to navigate once you arrive.
Once You're Downtown
After you settle at your hotel, get out and actually explore. Head to Plaka for taverna dinner, walk through Monastiraki's winding streets, or spend an afternoon in the Acropolis Museum. The city is best experienced at ground level, moving slowly through neighborhoods. Use our curated Google Maps guides on googlementor.com to find the actual local spots.
- Hidden coffee shops locals love
- Must-visit historical sites beyond the touristy spots
- Best rooftop bars with Acropolis views
Enjoy the amazing city of Athens! Feel free to ask for travel route details or help with booking your transport.
Ready to Explore More of Greece?
➡️ Visit googlementor.com for curated local recommendations across all of Greece!