Last Updated on 3 December 2023
When arriving in Athens, you might wonder how you’re going to get to the city centre. Well, you’ll be glad to know that getting from Athens Airport to the city centre is actually very easy! Whether you’re arriving super early in the morning, in the afternoon or super late at night, there are various ways to get from Athens Airport to the city centre with ease! So if you’re planning on visiting Athens, here is all you need to know about how to get from Athens airport to the city centre!
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How to Get From Athens Airport to the City Centre
Athens Airport to the City Centre at a Glace:
Cheapest = Airport Bus (X95) | 1-1.5 hours | €5.50
Best Value = Metro (M3) | 40 mins – 1 hour | €9
Quickest = Private Transfer | 45 mins | €55+
Athens Airport Bus X95 to the City Centre
The easiest way to get from Athens Airport to the city centre is by taking the X95 bus. This bus takes you directly to Athens city centre in Syntagma Square in 1-1.5 hours. You can catch the X95 bus at the bus stop between Exit 4 and Exit 5 at the arrivals level
This is the bus I used to get from Athens Airport to the city centre. And in my opinion, it’s the most reliable way to get there. Yes, it’s a long journey but the best thing about it is that it runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So it doesn’t matter if you arrive at Athens airport at 1am, 1pm or 11pm, you can count on the X95 to take you from Athens airport to the city centre with ease!
See the X95 bus schedule
A single ticket from Athens airport to the city centre is only €5.5 too, making it the most budget-friendly way to get there! You can get the ticket from the ticket machine or the ticket office/kiosk right by the bus stop.
When going back to Athens airport from the city centre, the X95 bus departure location is also at Syntagma Square. You can either get a ticket from the bus driver or from any of the metro stations around Athens.
Athens Airport Bus X95 to the City Centre: In a Nutshelll
Cost: €5.5 per person
Departure: Athens Airport Arrivals Level (and Syntagma Square when coming)
Schedule: X95 bus schedule
Metro | Athens Airport to City Centre
If you’re looking for a way to get from Athens airport to the city centre that’s the best value for your money (and time), then taking the metro is the best way to do so! There are 3 Metro lines that operate in Athens but the one that takes you straight from Athens airport to the city centre is the Blue Line, Line 3 (M3).
Not only does it take you to Syntagma, but it also takes you to Monastiraki, the flea market neighbourhood of Athens and is only €9 euros! The M3 from Athens Airport runs every day from 6:30am to 11:30pm.
See the Metro Line 3 timetable
To get from Athens Airport to the metro, exit the airport and look for the only escalators on the left leading towards the Metro. When you walk through the doors, head over to the ticket machines to purchase your ticket. Select your language, click “Travel Product” then select “Athens and Airport.” Hop on the M3 and it’ll take you to the city centre in 40 minutes – 1 hour.
When you’re going from Athens city centre to Athens Airport, go to Syntagma station or Monastiraki station and hop on the M3 back to the Airport.
Metro from Athens Aiport to the City Centre: In a Nutshell
Cost: €9
Departure: Athens Airport (Syntagma Station or Monastiraki Station when coming back)
Schedule: Metro Line 3 Schedule
Private Athens Airport Transfer to the City Centre
If you’d rather take a private transfer from Athens Airport to the City Centre you can book a taxi that can take you straight to your accommodation! These vary in price from €40 to €50+ depending on the time of day you arrive. It generally takes about 35-40 minutes to get to Athens airport to the city centre by private transfer. All you do is meet your driver at arrivals, get in the taxi and head straight to where you’ll be staying!
Private Athens Airport Transfer: In a Nuthshell
Cost: €40-50
Departure: Athens Airport Arrivals
Book: Athens Airport Transfer
Athens Travel Information
Where to Stay in Athens
Athens has many neighborhoods but the best places to stay in Athens are in or very close to the city centre:
- Syntagma – This is the best place to stay in Athens for sightseeing. Belle Epoque Suites and Mosaikon Glostel are within walking distance to many of Athens’ attractions such as the Roman and Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Zappeion.
- Monastiraki – This is the neighborhood where to can do all the vintage, flea market and high street shopping you want! The Athenian Foss Hotel and Safestay Athens Monastiraki are both close to Monastiraki Square, one of the best squares to shop at in Athens.
- Plaka – If you want to visit and see the Acropolis from the best angles then Plaka is the best place to stay at. Pandroses Divine Suites and Acron Athens are very close to the Acropolis so you won’t have to wake up super early to get there before the huge crowds!
- Psirri – If you like partying then you will love staying at Psirri. Ederlezi Boutique Hotel and Athens Hawkes Hostel have the perfect vibe (bohemian and lively) that reflects the atmosphere of Psirri!
- Pagrati – This is Athens’ quirky neighbourhood that’s slightly away from the city centre. The Omnia Pagrati Apartments and Pagraton Youth Hostel are about a 15/20 minute walk from Evangelismos metro station, which is only one stop away from Syntagma!
- Piraeus – This is the best place to stay in Athens if you’re going Greek Island hopping! Phidias Piraeus Hotel and Piraeus Port Hotel are very close to Piraeus Port where you can catch your Greek island ferries!
How to Get Around in Athens
The best way to get around in Athens is by walking and via the Metro. Athens city centre is a very walkable area. Most landmarks, shops and attractions are within walking distance! I’d definitely recommend going on a free walking tour on the first or second day that you visit the city. Not only will it be quicker to get your bearings but you will see the city from a local’s perspective! I highly recommend Athens Free Tour!
The Metro in Athens consists of 3 lines:
Line 1 (Green Line) – This runs from Kifissia to Piraeus via Monastiraki.
Line 2 (Red Line) – This runs from Anthoupoli to Elliniko via Syntagma and Akropoli (The Acropolis)
Line 3 (Blue Line) – This runs from Dimotiko Theatro to Athens Airport via Monastiraki and Syntagma.
If you’re staying further away from the city centre, the Metro is the easiest and quickest way to get to Monastiraki and Syntagma! A 90-minute single ticket costs €1.20, a daily ticket costs €4.10 and a 5-day ticket costs €8.20.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens is during the summer. However, the combination of the heat, fully booked activities/events and the huge crowds may not be your cup of tea (it certainly isn’t mine)! So, if you want to enjoy the summer weather with fewer crowds, then the best time to visit Athens is during early to mid-September. I visited Athens in mid-September when the weather was consistently 28-31 degrees (C) and there were fewer tourists around!
Cash or Card in Athens?
Bringing cash when visiting Athens can be convenient but it isn’t 100% necessary. Most places accept card payment and when I visited, I survived by only using my Monzo card. If you want to take out cash from ATMs, keep in mind that even if your bank doesn’t charge exchange fees, the banks in Athens charge a fee for using an international card to withdraw money.
How to Get From Athens Airport to the City Centre
I hope this guide helped you plan how you’re going to get from Athens Airport to the city centre! It’s very easy so I have no doubt that you’ll find your way there with no stress!
More guides to help you plan your trip to Athens:
How to Spend 2 Days in Athens: The Ultimate Itinerary
Where to Stay in Athens for First-Timers: The Ultimate Guide
Top 11 Tips for Visiting The Acropolis in Athens
Athens Instagram Captions (Best Athens Puns + Quotes)
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