Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport sits about 35 km east of the city centre, and three distinct public-transport options cover the journey: the metro, a dedicated express bus, and the suburban Proastiakos rail network. Each has its own trade-offs, and taxis fill the gaps. The city centre is roughly 40–60 minutes away by rail or bus.
Metro Line 3: the most direct rail option
The airport has its own station on Metro Line 3 (the blue line), which runs directly to the heart of Athens. Key stops en route include Doukissis Plakentias (where you can change to other suburban rail), Evangelismos (for the Hilton and National Gallery area), and Syntagma — the main square, interchange point, and natural arrival point for most visitors. The journey from the airport to Syntagma takes about 40 minutes.
Trains run every 30 minutes for most of the day, extending to every 10–15 minutes during peak hours. The airport metro ticket is priced separately from the standard Athens transit fare — it costs more, reflecting the longer distance, and is valid for 90 minutes, covering any onward metro or bus journey within that window. Tickets are sold at machines in the airport station.
X95 Express Bus: the budget choice
The X95 is a dedicated express bus service running between the airport and Syntagma Square, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the only public transport option that runs through the night, which makes it invaluable for late arrivals or very early departures.
The journey takes about 60–90 minutes depending on Athens traffic, which can be significant during morning and evening rush hours. The bus stops at several points in central Athens along the route. Fares are lower than the metro airport ticket, making this the budget option if you have time to spare.
Other express bus routes also serve the airport: the X96 runs to Piraeus (the port, useful if you are continuing to the islands by ferry) and the X93 connects to the Athens Kifissos intercity bus terminal. If you need connections beyond Athens or are heading to the ferry port, these buses are worth knowing about.
Proastiakos: the suburban rail option
The Proastiakos (suburban railway) is a separate network from the metro that also serves the airport. It connects to Larissa Station (Athens' main train terminus) as well as Corinth and several other suburban and regional stations.
The journey to Larissa Station takes about 45 minutes. This route is most useful if you are connecting to a regional or intercity train elsewhere in Greece, or if you are staying near the Larissa/Omonia area. The Proastiakos can also be combined with the metro at interchange stations. Timetables are less frequent than the metro, so check departure times in advance.
Taxi from Athens Airport
Official taxis queue outside the arrivals area. Athens taxis use metered fares, but there is a fixed surcharge for journeys to and from the airport above the base meter rate, plus a standard luggage charge per bag. Be aware that there are two fare tariffs in Athens: Tariff 1 for within the city limits and Tariff 2 for outside (the airport falls in the Tariff 2 zone). The journey to central Athens typically takes 35–55 minutes, shorter than buses but potentially similar to the metro.
Rideshare apps are available in Athens and can be a convenient alternative, particularly for pre-booking at a known fare. Agree on the route or use an app to avoid ambiguity.
Renting a car at Athens Airport
Most major rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Driving into Athens is an experience — traffic is dense and the one-way system in parts of the historic centre can disorientate — but a car is useful if you plan to drive to the Peloponnese, Delphi or other mainland destinations directly from the airport without heading into the city at all.
Which option suits you?
- Heading to Syntagma, Monastiraki or Plaka: Metro Line 3 is the fastest and most predictable option.
- Arriving late at night or very early in the morning: the X95 bus runs 24 hours and is your only public transport option outside metro hours.
- Catching a ferry from Piraeus: the X96 express bus goes directly to the port.
- Connecting to a regional train: Proastiakos to Larissa Station is the direct link.
- Travelling with lots of luggage or in a group: a taxi or pre-booked rideshare is comfortable and not vastly more expensive when split between several people.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Metro Line 3 take from Athens Airport to Syntagma?
About 40 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes for most of the day. The metro is the fastest public transport option and runs until around midnight.
Is there an airport bus that runs all night in Athens?
Yes. The X95 bus to Syntagma and several other express bus routes (including X96 to Piraeus) run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the difference between the metro and Proastiakos at Athens Airport?
Both serve the airport station, but they are separate networks. The metro (Line 3) goes to Syntagma and central Athens; the Proastiakos suburban rail goes to Larissa Station and regional destinations including Corinth. They use different tickets.
How much does a taxi from Athens Airport cost?
Taxis use the metered Tariff 2 rate plus airport surcharges. Fares to central Athens are moderate; agree the route in advance or use a rideshare app for a fixed price if you prefer certainty.
Sources and further reading:
- Metro and bus timetables: Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) and Proastiakos official websites.
- Athens International Airport official ground transport information.