Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Also known as: Athens Airport, Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.
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Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is the main airport for Athens and Greece's busiest airport, with about 34 million passengers in 2025. It sits at Spata in Attica, about 20 km east of central Athens in a straight line, or about 30 km by road along the Attiki Odos motorway.
Aegean Airlines and its regional partner Olympic Air have their hub here and carry over 40% of passengers, flying across Greece and Europe and to the Middle East. Sky Express and Ryanair also have bases at Athens, and airlines such as Lufthansa, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, easyJet, Delta, Qatar Airways and KLM connect the city with the rest of the world. Athens is also the main connecting point for flights to the Greek islands.
The airport has a main terminal and a satellite terminal, linked by an underground passage with moving walkways. In the main terminal, Hall B handles flights within the Schengen area and domestic flights, and Hall A handles non-Schengen flights. The satellite is used mostly by low-cost airlines.
From the airport, most travelers head into central Athens and the Acropolis area, to the port of Piraeus for ferries to the islands, to Rafina port for the Cyclades, or along the coast to the Athens Riviera.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Athens International Airport S.A. (AIA), under a state concession
- Runways
Two parallel runways (03R/21L and 03L/21R)
- Passengers per year
About 34 million in 2025
- Main airline
Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air (hub, about 43% of passengers)
Arrival tips for Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
If you arrive from another Schengen country or from elsewhere in Greece, you come into Hall B with no passport checks. If you come from outside the Schengen area, such as the UK, the US or the Middle East, you arrive in Hall A and queue at passport control, where non-EU visitors are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System. Flights to the satellite terminal walk through the underground passage to the main building.
After baggage claim, follow the signs in the arrivals hall. Taxis wait at the official rank at exit 3. The Metro and suburban railway station is next to the terminal, reached by an elevated walkway: Metro Line 3 runs into central Athens, including Syntagma, and suburban trains run toward Piraeus and other destinations. Buses into the city and regional KTEL buses to Rafina and other towns leave from outside arrivals. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.
Greece is on Eastern European Time (EET), two hours ahead of the UK, and uses the euro.
Ground transportation
The Metro is the easiest budget way into central Athens; a taxi or pre-booked car is simplest with luggage, at night or for the ports.
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Book a transfer from ATHMetro Line 3
From the station next to the terminal, reached by an elevated walkway, straight into central Athens including Syntagma.
Suburban railway
Proastiakos trains from the same station run toward Piraeus and other suburban destinations.
Taxi from Athens airport
Licensed taxis wait at the official rank at exit 3 of arrivals. Door to door into the city or to the ports.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and connections to Piraeus or Rafina ports.
Airport buses
City buses run to central Athens and Piraeus, and KTEL buses to Rafina, Markopoulo, Lavrio and other towns in Attica. Cheap but slower.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Underground walkway
An underground passage with moving walkways links the main terminal and the satellite terminal.
Terminals
Main Terminal
Three levels, with Hall B for Schengen and domestic flights and Hall A for non-Schengen and non-European flights.
Satellite Terminal
Linked to the main terminal by an underground passage with moving walkways, used mainly by low-cost airlines.
Airlines and destinations
Parking
Short-term parking (P1 and P2)
About 1,357 spaces next to the terminal, for stays of up to five hours.
Long-term parking (P3)
About 5,800 spaces across the access road, with a free shuttle to the terminal.
Valet parking
Premium valet service at departures, entrance 3.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Athens airport from the city center?
Athens International Airport is at Spata, about 20 km east of central Athens in a straight line, or about 30 km by road on the Attiki Odos motorway. Metro Line 3 runs from the airport into the center, including Syntagma, and taxis, buses and pre-booked cars are also available.
How do I get from Athens airport to the Acropolis?
Take Metro Line 3 from the airport station into central Athens and change to reach the Acropolis area, or take a taxi or pre-booked car straight to your hotel. The station is next to the terminal, reached by an elevated walkway.
How do I get from Athens airport to Piraeus port?
Suburban Proastiakos trains and city buses run from the airport toward Piraeus, the main port for ferries to the islands. A taxi or pre-booked transfer goes straight to the ferry gates, which is easier with luggage and tight connections.
How many terminals does Athens airport have?
Athens has a main terminal and a satellite terminal, linked by an underground walkway. In the main terminal, Hall B is for Schengen and domestic flights and Hall A for non-Schengen flights. The satellite is used mainly by low-cost airlines.
Where are the taxis at Athens airport?
Licensed taxis wait at the official rank at exit 3 of the arrivals level. Use only the official rank rather than accepting offers inside the terminal.
Which airline has its hub at Athens airport?
Aegean Airlines and its regional partner Olympic Air have their hub at Athens and carry over 40% of passengers. Sky Express and Ryanair also have bases here, flying to the Greek islands and across Europe.