Transfers vs Other Ways to Get from Athens International Airport
International Airport of Athens named after Eleftherios Venizelos receives more than 16 million passengers a year. Piraeus port, Rafina port, Laurium, Mati, Cape Sounio, Glyfada — it is not a complete list of places where tourists travel from the biggest Greece air hub. All the most convenient ways to get to Athens are gathered in our article.
How to get from Athens Airport to the city center or the other way round
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located 35 km away from the city. You can overcome this distance by:
- buses. In total there are seven routes from the air hub, but the most popular ones are N95, 96 and 93. Bus №95 sets off to Syntagma square (Athens center) every 10–30 minutes. To get to the Port of Piraeus is possible by bus N96. The interval between buses is 20 minutes during a day, and 40 minutes — after midnight. Bus N93 connects the airport with two train stations of Athens: the one — in Kiffissou street and the other one — in Liossion street. Buses arrive every 30 minutes during the day, and 65 minutes at night. All three buses run 24 hours, and tickets can be bought in ticket machines on the terminal territory, in a newsstand or from the driver when getting on a bus. The stop is located between gates 4 and 5;
- subway. A train from the airport to Monastiraki station (downtown) departs every 5–10 minutes from 06:30 to 23:30. In order to find the right subway platform, you need to leave the terminal and walk across the parking place (follow the signs). Tickets can be found in subway ticket offices and ticket machines;
- city train Proastiakos runs with an interval of 15 minutes. It can take you to Larissa station (Central train station). The first train sets off from the airport at 06:48, and the last — at 20:14. City trains depart from the subway platform. You can buy tickets there as well as in ticket machines or ticket offices;
- taxi, which can be taken on the spot or ordered via the app;
- transfer from Athens Airport to your hotel booked online in advance.
If you are arriving at night, you will be able to get to Athens center only by taxi, transfer or 24h bus.
Transfer vs. Taxi from Athens Airport to the city center ordered via the app
Advantage of a private transfer
Price is always fixed. When traveling from Athens Airport, taxi booking apps show only an approximate trip price. So, you may keep in mind one sum, but eventually, you will have to pay almost twice as much.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
More expensive. Uber and Taxibeat’s calculated price is 23–29 euro for a ride from the airport to the city center. The price of transfer on the same route costs 42 euro.
Transfer from Athens Airport vs. Taxi, taken on the spot
Advantages of a private transfer
No need to check taxi tariffs. There are two rates in Athens: day (1) and night (2). Taking the opportunity that you are a tourist and new in town, a taxi driver may apply a night rate even during a day. The same may occur if you get slightly distracted.
Cheaper at night. From midnight to 5 am a taxi trip from the airport to Athens will cost you around 50 euro. Our service price does not depend on the time of a day, so a night trip will cost the same 46 euro, as a day one.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
11 euro more expensive during a day. During a day you can get from the airport to the city by taxi for 35 euro.
Transfer from Athens Airport vs. Buses
Advantages of a private transfer
No need to plan a route with changes: transfer will bring you right to your hotel door. If you decided to get to your hotel by bus, you might have to study public transport routes in advance.
Place for luggage. Apart from your carry-on luggage, you will have to take your suitcase on a bus with you, as there is no special space in a bus provided for luggage.
3 times faster. Waiting for the right bus alone will take from 30 to 60 minutes, and the trip itself will last 1,5 hours more. With our service, you can get to your destination in 35 minutes.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
16,4 euro more expensive, when traveling in a group of 4. One bus ticket from the airport to Athens center costs 6 euro, and a ticket for public transport within the city — 1,4 euro.
Transfer from Athens Airport vs. City train and Subway
Advantages of a private transfer
You and your belongings are safe. In any public transport, one can be robbed, and the subway in Athens is not an exception. If you are tired after your flight or walk, you can get on a train and even not notice if your wallet disappears.
Travel at night. City trains run only till 20:14, and subway operates till 23:30. A transfer driver is ready to meet you at the airport at any time of a day.
Twice as fast. The way from the airport to Athens center by city train or subway will take you about an hour.
Disadvantage of a private transfer
Each in a group of 4 pays 1,6 euro more. One city train or subway ticket costs 10 euro. A trip to a hotel including public transport ticket with a group discount will make 39,6 euro. Comfortable transfer for four people costs 46 euro.
