Airport Arrivals

✈️ Athens Airport Arrivals: My Complete Guide to Landing Smoothly in Athens

Landing in a new city can be equal parts excitement and chaos — and if you’re flying into Athens International Airport (ATH), also known as Eleftherios Venizelos, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
I’ve flown into Athens countless times — sometimes coming home, sometimes just passing through — and I’ve learned a few tricks to make the arrival process smooth, quick, and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know.

🛬 First Impressions of Athens International Airport

Athens Airport is Greece’s largest and busiest airport, handling over 25 million passengers a year. It’s clean, modern, and well-organized — but like any major European hub, it can feel busy, especially in summer.

If you’re wondering where to find Athens Airport arrivals information, the easiest place is the official Athens Airport website (aia.gr) — it shows live arrivals, delays, gate numbers, and baggage belt updates in real time. You can also use Google Flights or apps like FlightRadar24 for quick checks.

🧭 Step-by-Step: What Happens After You Land

1. Disembarking and Immigration

After the seatbelt sign goes off, follow the “Arrivals / Exit” signs.
If you’re arriving from within the Schengen Zone (for example, from Italy, France, or Spain), you’ll walk straight to baggage claim.
If you’re arriving from outside Schengen (like the UK, US, or UAE), you’ll go through passport control first.
Lines can move slowly during summer, but they’re efficient and air-conditioned.

2. Baggage Claim

Once through immigration, you’ll reach the baggage hall. Check the screens for your flight number and carousel. The area is spacious, with trolleys and clear signage. If you’ve only got carry-on, you’ll breeze right past.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep valuables with you — Athens is safe, but like any busy airport, it’s best to stay alert near luggage belts.

3. Customs & Exit

Customs is straightforward. There are two exits:

  • Green: Nothing to declare
  • Red: Goods to declare

Most travelers pass through green and are out in minutes.

4. The Arrivals Hall

You’ll step into the main arrivals hall, located on the ground floor of the terminal. This is where you’ll find:

  • Meeting points and “Meet & Greet” stands
  • Currency exchange and ATMs
  • SIM card kiosks
  • Tourist information desks
  • Cafés like Everest, Gregory’s, and Café Veneti
  • Car rental counters (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.)

You’re officially in Athens!

🚗 Your Transport Options After Arrivals

Once you exit the arrivals hall, the next question is: “How do I get from Athens Airport to the city?”
Here are all the available options — I’ve tested most of them.

1. 🟡 Taxi (24/7 service)

Taxis wait right outside the arrivals exit (door 3).

  • Fixed daytime fare: €40 from the airport to central Athens
  • Night fare (00:00–05:00): €55
    They’re yellow with a light on top, and drivers must display their ID and official rate card.
    This is the easiest option if you’re tired, traveling with family, or arriving late.

💡 If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can pre-book a private transfer (for example, through Welcome Pickups) and have your driver waiting for you inside the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. They track your flight, so even if you’re delayed, they’ll be there.

2. 🚇 Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line)

The Athens Metro connects the airport to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Piraeus Port.

  • Station: 5-minute walk from the terminal (follow the signs “To Trains”)
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Duration: ~40 minutes to city centre
  • Ticket: €9 one way

It’s great if you travel light and arrive during the day (runs roughly 6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.).

3. 🚆 Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

This train connects the airport to Larissa Station (Athens’ central rail hub) and Kiato.
It’s less frequent than the metro but connects with long-distance trains and buses — handy if you’re traveling beyond Athens.

4. 🚌 Airport Express Buses

Several 24/7 bus routes connect the airport to key parts of Athens:

  • X95: To Syntagma Square (city centre)
  • X96: To Piraeus Port (for ferries to the islands)
  • X93: To Kifissos Bus Terminal
  • X97: To Elliniko (southern suburbs)

They’re cheap (€5.50 one way), reliable, and easy to find — just step outside the arrivals exit 5.

5. 🚘 Car Rentals & Ride-Shares

All major car hire companies operate from the arrivals level — perfect if you’re planning a road trip around Greece.
You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber or FreeNow — but note, in Athens, they operate as licensed taxis, not private cars. So the price is roughly the same as a street taxi.

🕓 How Long Does It Take to Exit After Landing?

If everything runs smoothly:

  • Domestic arrivals: 15–20 minutes from touchdown to exit
  • Schengen arrivals: 20–30 minutes
  • Non-Schengen arrivals: 40–60 minutes (depending on queues and baggage)

In summer, it’s smart to budget at least an hour from landing to curbside pickup — especially if you have checked luggage.

🧳 Tips for a Smooth Arrival

  • Book your transfer in advance if you arrive late or with kids.
  • Check live arrival status on aia.gr to see if your flight’s on time.
  • Stay hydrated — the walk from gate to baggage can be long.
  • Wi-Fi: Athens Airport offers free Wi-Fi for all passengers.
  • SIM cards: You can buy prepaid SIMs (Cosmote, Vodafone, or Nova) right in the arrivals hall.
  • Baggage storage: Available on the Arrivals Level near Exit 1.
  • ATMs: Most are near the exits and car rental desks — but beware of Euronet fees.

🏛️ After Arrivals: Heading Into Athens

Once you leave the airport behind, your journey into Athens begins.
Here’s what to expect:

  • Taxi or private transfer: 30–40 min to the city centre
  • Metro: ~40 min to Syntagma
  • Bus: 50–60 min (depending on traffic)

If you’re heading straight to Piraeus Port, plan at least 1 hour 20 minutes, especially during rush hour.
For early ferry departures, I always recommend staying overnight near Syntagma or Plaka rather than risking morning traffic.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I check Athens Airport live arrivals?
A: The official website aia.gr shows live arrival information, including gates, delays, and baggage belts.

Q: Can I get a taxi directly from the arrivals area?
A: Yes, there’s a 24/7 taxi rank outside Exit 3. The fare to the city centre is fixed — €40 day / €55 night.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi at Athens Airport?
A: Yes, free and fast — select “ATH Free Wi-Fi.”

Q: What’s the best way to reach central Athens late at night?
A: Taxis or pre-booked transfers. Buses (like X95) also run all night, but metro and trains stop around midnight.

Q: Can I meet someone inside the terminal?
A: Yes — the arrivals hall is open to the public. There’s a designated meeting point near the information desk.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Arriving at Athens International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful.
With a bit of planning — checking live arrivals, understanding the layout, and knowing your transport options — you can be in the heart of Athens faster than you expect.

Personally, I always pre-book a Welcome Pickups transfer — it’s the most relaxed way to start or end a trip.
The driver waits for me in the arrivals hall, tracks my flight, and handles everything from luggage to local tips.

So next time you’re flying into Athens Airport (ATH), follow this guide, plan ahead, and you’ll walk out of arrivals ready to fall in love with one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.