Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos, ATH) sits 33 km east of the city centre. Getting to your hotel is straightforward — but choosing the right option saves you time, money, and stress. This guide covers every transport option with accurate 2026 prices and honest recommendations.
- Quick Comparison: All Athens Airport Transfer Options 2026
- Option 1: Official Athens Airport Taxi (€40 Flat Rate)
- Option 2: Athens Metro Line 3 (€10 per person)
- Option 3: X95 & X96 Express Bus (€5.50)
- Option 4: Pre-Booked Private Transfer
- Transfer Guides by Destination
- Special Situations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison: All Athens Airport Transfer Options 2026
| Option | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi | €40 day / €55 night | 40–50 min | Solo, couples, families with luggage |
| Metro Line 3 | €10 per person | 40–44 min | Budget travellers, light luggage |
| X95 Express Bus | €5.50 per person | 60–90 min | Backpackers, 24/7 availability |
| Private Transfer | From €40 | 40–50 min | Pre-booked, flight-tracked driver |
| Rental Car | From €25/day | 40–50 min | Multi-day trips outside Athens |
Option 1: Official Athens Airport Taxi (€40 Flat Rate)
The official taxi flat rate from Athens Airport to the city centre is €40 daytime (05:00–midnight) and €55 at night (midnight–05:00). These are fixed Attica-region fares — no meter, no surcharges for luggage, tolls, or additional passengers.
Official yellow taxis queue at the designated rank outside Arrivals. Never accept offers from unlicensed drivers inside the terminal. Journey time is 40–50 min off-peak, up to 75 min during morning rush hour (07:30–10:00).
Full guides: Athens Airport Taxi Guide 2026 · Fixed-Price Taxi Guide · Taxi vs Metro vs Bus Cost Comparison · Taxi vs Metro: Which Is Better?
Option 2: Athens Metro Line 3 (€10 per person)
Metro Line 3 (blue line) runs direct from the airport to Syntagma Square in 40–44 minutes. The single ticket costs €10 per person and is valid for 90 minutes including all onward transfers. Trains run every 30 minutes, 06:30–23:30 daily. No overnight service.
The metro is ideal for solo travellers or couples with manageable luggage. For a group of 3+, the taxi often works out cheaper per head once you factor in convenience. There are lifts at the airport station but central stations can have stairs.
Full guide: Athens Airport Metro Guide 2026
Option 3: X95 & X96 Express Bus (€5.50)
The X95 bus runs 24/7 between Athens Airport and Syntagma Square — making it the only transport option operating through the night. At €5.50 per person it is the cheapest option, but journey times of 60–90 minutes (longer in traffic) make it less suitable for time-sensitive arrivals.
The X96 connects the airport to Piraeus Port on the same 24/7 schedule, useful for cruise passengers and island ferry connections.
Full guide: Athens Airport Bus Guide 2026: X95, X96 & All Routes
Option 4: Pre-Booked Private Transfer
Private transfers (Welcome Pickups, GetYourGuide) offer a named driver waiting at Arrivals, fixed pricing, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. Prices start from €40 — the same as the official taxi — but the added value is flight tracking, door-to-door service, and no queuing at the taxi rank.
🚕 Book a Pre-Confirmed Athens Airport Transfer
Fixed price, free cancellation, flight-tracked driver — from €40
Compare & Book Now →Transfer Guides by Destination
City Centre & Neighbourhoods
- Athens Airport to City Centre — Syntagma, Monastiraki, Omonia
- Athens Airport to Syntagma Square
- Athens Airport to the Acropolis
- Athens Airport to Kolonaki
- Athens Airport to Glyfada
- Athens Airport to Plaka Hotels
- Athens Airport to Monastiraki & Psyrri Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Ports & Ferries
Day Trips & Long-Distance
- Day Trips Direct from Athens Airport Arrivals
- Athens Airport to Meteora
- Athens Airport to Delphi
- Athens Airport to Corinth
- Athens Airport to Sparta & Mystras
- Athens Airport to Nafplio
- Athens Airport to Olympia
- Athens Airport to Monemvasia
Greek Islands
Special Situations
Late Night Arrivals (Midnight–05:00)
After midnight, taxis charge the €55 night rate and the metro stops running. The X95 bus operates 24/7 but can be slow. A pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable option — your driver will be tracked to your flight and waiting regardless of delays.
Guides: Athens Airport Late Night Transfer · Athens Airport Night Transfer Options · Late Night Arrivals: Full Guide
Group Transfers
For groups of 4+, a minivan private transfer typically costs €50–65 total — the same or less than individual metro tickets, with door-to-door convenience. Full guide: Group Transfers from Athens Airport
Accessible Transfers
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV) are available at the official taxi rank and via pre-booking. The metro has lifts at the airport station. Full guide: Wheelchair Accessible Athens Airport Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Athens Airport to the city cost?
The official fixed rate is €40 daytime (05:00–midnight) and €55 night (midnight–05:00), set by the Attica region. No extra charges apply for luggage, tolls, or additional passengers.
How long does it take from Athens Airport to the city?
By taxi or private transfer: 40–50 minutes off-peak, 60–75 minutes in rush hour. By metro: 40–44 minutes, unaffected by traffic. By X95 bus: 60–90 minutes.
Is the metro from Athens Airport worth it?
Yes for solo travellers or couples with light luggage. At €10 per person, it saves €20–30 vs. a taxi. For families or groups with heavy luggage, the taxi’s flat €40 rate usually makes more sense in total.
Can I book an Athens airport transfer in advance?
Yes. Welcome Pickups and GetYourGuide offer pre-booked private transfers from €40, with flight tracking and free cancellation. Recommended for late-night arrivals and first-time visitors.
Is Uber available at Athens Airport?
Uber cannot pick up at the airport kerb under Greek law. Use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked transfer. Bolt and FreeNow operate legally with licensed drivers in the city. Full guide: Uber, Bolt & FreeNow in Athens
Athens Airport Transfer
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