Athens International Airport
Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος · Αεροδρόμιο Ελ. Βενιζέλος
Athens, Greece · Since 2001
Last updated:
About ATH
Greece primary airport serving the capital Athens, opened for the 2004 Olympics.
Terminals
Main Terminal
The single-building terminal serves both domestic and international flights. Departures are on the upper level with check-in halls and airside areas. Arrivals on the ground level. The terminal is divided into two main sections: the intra-Schengen area and the extra-Schengen area.
Satellite Terminal
Connected to the Main Terminal by an underground tunnel with moving walkways. Handles additional international gates during peak season and some low-cost carrier flights. About 10 minutes walk from main terminal.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at ATH
Aegean Airlines
Main Terminal Hub
Olympic Air
Main Terminal Hub
Ryanair
Main Terminal
Aer Lingus
Air Arabia
Air Canada
Air China
Air Europa
Showing 8 of 61 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
€40 flat rate (€54 midnight-5AM)
35-50 minutes to city center
Public Transport
€10 by metro
40 minutes by metro to city center
Popular Destinations
40 minutes
Athens City Center (Syntagma)
65-70 minutes
Piraeus Port
45-50 minutes
Acropolis Area
Parking at ATH
P1 Short-Term Parking
P2 Open Air Parking
P3 Economy Parking
VIP Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Aegean Business Lounge
Main Terminal
The flagship Aegean Airlines lounge in the intra-Schengen area featuring excellent Greek cuisine, local wines, and a modern Mediterranean design. Consistently rated among the best European airline lounges.
Emirates Lounge
Main Terminal
Dedicated Emirates lounge open around flight times with premium food, drinks, and shower facilities. Only available for Emirates premium cabin passengers.
Aristotle Onassis Lounge
Main Terminal
Premium independent lounge offering a quieter, more exclusive experience with Greek hospitality, shower suites, rest areas, and curated Greek wine and food selection.
Aegean Non-Schengen Lounge
Main Terminal
Located in the extra-Schengen area for international departures. Similar quality to the main Aegean lounge with Greek food and drinks.
Goldair Handling Lounge
Main Terminal
Independent lounge in the extra-Schengen area open to all passengers. Offers Greek mezze, hot dishes, beverages, and a comfortable seating area.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Sofitel Athens Airport
Connected to the main terminal via covered walkway
The only hotel directly connected to the terminal. Luxurious rooms, excellent restaurant with Greek cuisine, spa, pool, and fitness center. Day rooms available for layover travelers.
Nearby Hotels
Avra Hotel
3 km from the airport in Spata town
Budget-friendly Greek hotel in nearby Spata village. Simple but clean rooms with breakfast included. Good value for an airport-area stopover.
Holiday Inn Athens Attica
5 km from the airport, free shuttle available
Modern hotel near the airport with comfortable rooms, restaurant, and pool. Free shuttle service to the terminal runs every 30 minutes.
Athens Marriott Hotel
In southern Athens, about 20km from airport
Upscale hotel between the airport and city center. Rooftop pool and bar with Acropolis views. Good choice if you want to combine an overnight with some Athens sightseeing.
Food & Dining
Gregory's Coffee
Cafe
Main Terminal (Airside)
Popular Greek coffee chain serving excellent Greek coffee (elliniko), freddo espresso and cappuccino, and traditional Greek pastries like bougatsa and spanakopita.
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Mikel Coffee
Cafe
Main Terminal (Airside)
Greek coffee chain with strong specialty coffee drinks. Their freddo cappuccino is a must-try, along with fresh sandwiches and pastries.
5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
To Elliniko Souvlaki
Greek
Main Terminal (Landside)
Serving authentic Greek souvlaki, gyros, and pita wraps. A filling and affordable Greek meal before heading through security.
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Goody's Burger House
Fast Food
Main Terminal (Airside)
Greece's most popular fast food chain serving burgers, wraps, and salads. Greek twist on American classics. Club sandwich and Greek burger are popular picks.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Pizza Hut
Italian/Pizza
Main Terminal (Airside)
International pizza chain offering familiar menu items. Reliable option for families and travelers wanting a quick, predictable meal.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Hellenic Duty Free Deli
Greek/Deli
Main Terminal (Airside)
Gourmet deli within the duty-free shopping area offering Greek olives, cheeses, cured meats, and prepared sandwiches. Great for picking up edible Greek souvenirs.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Arrivals hall, car rental area
Major international chain with desk in the arrivals hall. An International Driving Permit is officially required for non-EU licenses. Roads to the islands involve ferry crossings which may have surcharges.
Avis
Arrivals hall, car rental area
Counter in arrivals. Good fleet of small to mid-size European cars. Fuel up before returning as airport fuel prices are high.
Europcar
Arrivals hall, car rental area
Good selection of European vehicles. Ask about coverage for gravel roads if planning trips to more remote areas or archaeological sites.
Enterprise
Arrivals hall, car rental area
Competitive rates, especially when pre-booked online. Athens driving can be challenging for newcomers - consider GPS rental or using Google Maps.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Art & Architecture Tour
Athens Airport features a small museum showcasing archaeological finds discovered during the airport construction, plus rotating art exhibitions. Free to visit in the arrivals area.
Duty-Free Greek Products Shopping
Browse the duty-free shops for Greek olive oil, ouzo, mastiha liqueur, Greek honey, and handmade ceramics. The airport has an excellent selection of authentic Greek products.
Spa & Relaxation at Sofitel
The Sofitel Athens Airport offers spa treatments, pool access, and day room packages for layover travelers. Connected to the terminal via walkway so no transport needed.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Acropolis & Parthenon Visit
Take the metro to the Acropolis and explore the Parthenon and other ancient monuments. The metro ride is 40 minutes each way. Allow at least 2 hours to explore the site and museum.
Plaka Neighborhood Walk & Greek Food Tour
Guided food tour through Athens' oldest neighborhood beneath the Acropolis. Sample souvlaki, loukoumades (honey donuts), Greek coffee, and more. Several tour operators offer airport pickup for layover travelers.
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Visit the ancient Temple of Poseidon perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. About 50km from the airport. Famous for spectacular sunsets. Book a private tour with airport pickup for layovers.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (45 minutes per session)
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type F (230V)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: €4-8 per item per day
- Showers: Available in lounges and Sofitel hotel
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: EUR (Euro)
Smoking Areas
Outdoor smoking areas outside terminal entrances
Facilities & Contact
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how ATH compares to other major airports in the region.
Athens International Airport
Athens, Greece
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