Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) is in Syntagma Square — one of the most sought-after addresses in Athens. This guide covers every realistic way to get there from Athens Airport (ATH), with journey times, correct 2026 fares, and honest recommendations based on what actually works for different types of traveller.
Quick Comparison: Airport to Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza)
| Option | Cost | Time (off-peak) | Time (peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi (flat rate) | €40 day / €55 night | 44 min | 60–75 min |
| Welcome Pickups (pre-booked) | From €40–48 | 44 min | 60–75 min Book Now ↗ |
| GetTransfer (pre-booked) | From €40–55 | 44 min | 60–75 min |
| Metro Syntagma (Line 3) | €10.90 per person | 44 min + 2 minutes walk | 44 min + walk |
| X95 Express Bus | €5.50 per person | 60–90 min | 75–100 min |
Option 1: Official Athens Airport Taxi
Athens taxis operate on a fixed flat rate for all journeys between the airport and central Athens — no meter, no negotiation:
- Day rate (05:00–00:00): €40 flat — tolls and luggage included
- Night rate (00:00–05:00): €55 flat — same inclusions
Syntagma Square is within the flat rate zone. Taxi journey time is approximately 44 minutes off-peak, and 60–75 minutes during morning/evening rush hours in summer. Pick up taxis from the official rank at Exit 3 of the arrivals level — never accept offers from drivers inside the terminal.
Option 2: Pre-Booked Transfer — Welcome Pickups
Welcome Pickups provides a licensed, professional driver who meets you inside the arrivals hall with a name sign, tracks your flight, and takes you directly to Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza).
Why I recommend Welcome Pickups for this hotel: Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) is popular with business travellers and conference guests — it is well-positioned, professional, and slightly less tourist-facing than the Grande Bretagne next door. Fixed price confirmed before you book, typically €40–48. Slightly above the taxi queue rate, but you know exactly what you are paying, your driver is inside — not honking outside — and child seats are available on request.
Book Welcome Pickups for Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) →
Option 3: Pre-Booked Transfer — GetTransfer
GetTransfer is a marketplace where licensed operators compete for your route. You choose by price, vehicle type, and driver rating.
Best use case: Groups of 4 or more, anyone who wants a specific vehicle (SUV, minivan, business class), or couples wanting a premium car. The per-person cost for a group via GetTransfer is almost always lower than multiple taxis. Always book a driver rated 4.5 stars or above.
Compare GetTransfer options for Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) →
Option 4: Metro to Syntagma Square
Athens Metro Line 3 runs directly from the airport to central Athens. The nearest station to Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) is Syntagma (Line 3).
- Fare: €10.90 one-way (€16 return)
- Journey time: 44 minutes to Syntagma station
- Walk to hotel: 2 minutes
- Hours: Approx. 06:30–23:30 (last train from airport ~23:00)
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) is on Vasileos Georgiou A, steps from Syntagma Square. The Syntagma Metro Station (Lines 2 and 3) is a 2-minute walk from the hotel.
Who Should Use What: Guide by Traveller Type
| Traveller type | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Business traveller (solo) | Metro (Line 3) or Welcome Pickups | Metro = same speed as taxi in rush hour, far cheaper. Welcome Pickups if expensing the transfer. |
| Corporate group | GetTransfer (minivan) | One vehicle for the team; cheaper per head, professional |
| Upscale leisure | Welcome Pickups | Fixed price, meet-and-greet, professional start to the trip |
| Conference attendee | Welcome Pickups | Punctual, receipt, flight tracking — everything you need |
| Family with children | Welcome Pickups | Child seats, driver inside terminal, direct to hotel |
| Mature independent travellers | Welcome Pickups | No stress, door-to-door service |
Nikos’s Honest Take on Getting to Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza)
Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) is popular with business travellers and conference guests — it is well-positioned, professional, and slightly less tourist-facing than the Grande Bretagne next door. The guests I’ve taken there are usually focused: they want to get to the hotel, drop their bags, and get to work or get to dinner. Welcome Pickups works very well for this profile — fixed price, on time, driver speaks English, receipt by email for expenses. If you are a solo business traveller with one bag, the metro to Syntagma is the most efficient option in the city. Takes exactly as long as a taxi in rush hour and costs €10.90.
About Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza)
Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza) is a 5-star property in Syntagma Square, popular with Business travellers, upscale leisure, conference guests. Its location makes it one of the best-connected hotels in Athens for guests arriving from the airport — whether by taxi, metro, or pre-booked transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Athens Airport to Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza)?
The official fixed rate is €40 during the day (05:00–00:00) and €55 at night (00:00–05:00). This covers Syntagma Square and all central Athens destinations. Tolls and luggage are included.
How long does it take to get from Athens Airport to Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza)?
By taxi: approximately 44 minutes off-peak, 60–75 minutes during peak hours or summer traffic. By metro: 44 minutes to Syntagma, then a 2 minutes walk.
Is it better to pre-book a transfer or use the taxi rank for Marriott Athens (formerly Marriott Athens Athens Plaza)?
For most arrivals during the day: the taxi rank at Exit 3 is perfectly fine — confirm the €40 flat rate before you get in. For late-night arrivals, families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants guaranteed meet-and-greet service: Welcome Pickups is worth the small premium. The difference in price is €2–10; the difference in experience can be significant.
Stay Connected in Greece: Best eSIM Options
Activate a Greek data plan before you land — no hunting for SIM kiosks at the airport. eSIMs work on most smartphones made after 2019 and activate in minutes.
🚗 Pre-book your Athens airport transfer
Fixed price · Professional driver · No surge pricing · Free cancellation
Book Welcome Pickups →📚 Related Guides
Book NJV Athens Plaza on Booking.com
Check Availability & Prices →






