✈️ Athens Airport Departures: My Complete Guide to Flying Out Smoothly
Leaving Athens? Whether it’s the end of a holiday or the start of another adventure, departing from Athens International Airport (ATH) — also known as Eleftherios Venizelos — can be stress-free when you plan ahead.
I’ve flown out of Athens dozens of times, so here’s my full guide to how departures work, plus the best ways to get to the airport from different parts of the city.
🧭 What Happens at the Departures Level
When I arrive at Athens Airport, here’s my routine:
🧳 1. Check-In & Bag Drop
The Departures Hall is on Level 1.
- Check the big screens for your airline and desk number.
- If you’ve already checked in online, you can skip straight to security.
👉 I always tag my bags myself and keep travel documents handy to speed things up.
🛃 2. Security & Passport Control
Once bags are dropped off, head to security.
- Schengen flights: Straight to security, no passport check.
- International flights: Security first, then passport control.
⏰ My rule of thumb:
- 3 hours before long-haul/international
- 2 hours before European
- 1.5 hours before domestic
Summer lines can be long, so earlier is better.
🛫 3. Gates & Boarding
Athens has two terminals:
- Main Terminal (A gates)
- Satellite Terminal (C15–C40) — reached via a short underground walkway.
Once past security, check the monitors. Gates sometimes change even after boarding opens.
☕ 4. Pre-Flight Time
After security, you’ll find lounges, cafés, and shops.
My favorite combo: grab a freddo cappuccino, browse duty-free for Greek olive oil gifts, then head to the gate with time to spare.
🚗 Getting to Athens Airport
Athens International Airport sits about 33 km east of the city centre.
Here are the best ways to get there — all tested personally.
🟡 Taxi
- 🕒 30 – 40 min (can reach 60 min in rush hour)
- 💰 €40 (day) | €55 (night 00:00–05:00)
- ✅ Door-to-door comfort, fixed fare
- 🚖 Yellow taxis line up all day outside hotels and main squares
🚇 Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line)
- 🕒 ~40 min from Syntagma to ATH
- 💰 €9 (one-way)
- ⏰ Every 30 min | Operates 06:30 – 23:30
- 🚉 Ideal for light luggage and predictable timing
🚌 Express Buses (24/7)
Each route runs every 20 – 30 minutes. Tickets cost €5.50.
X95 – Syntagma → Airport (~55 min)
X96 – Piraeus → Airport (~85 min)
X97 – Elliniko → Airport (~45 min)
💡 I use these late at night when the metro is closed. Cheap, reliable, and air-conditioned.
🚘 Private Transfers
- 🕒 30 – 50 min depending on pickup point
- 💰 from €45 (one-way)
- 👨✈️ Pre-booked driver meets you at your door
Perfect if you have kids, luggage, or an early flight.
🏙️ Northern & Eastern Suburbs
- Kifisia / Marousi → ATH: 35–45 min (€45 – €50 by taxi)
- Rafina / Marathon → ATH: 25–35 min (€35 – €40 by taxi)
These routes are faster via the Attiki Odos motorway but watch for tolls.
🕓 When to Arrive at the Airport
| Flight Type | Recommended Arrival |
|---|---|
| ✈️ International / Non-Schengen | 3 hours before |
| 🌍 European / Schengen | 2 hours before |
| 🇬🇷 Domestic | 90 minutes before |
Even if you’ve checked in online, remember: queues for bag drop and security can build up fast during summer weekends.
🧾 Quick Departure Checklist
✅ Online check-in & boarding pass ready
✅ Passport / ID & travel docs
✅ Bags packed (no liquids > 100 ml)
✅ Phone fully charged
✅ Ride to the airport confirmed
✅ Snacks / refillable water bottle
✅ Travel insurance docs (digital or printed)
🏢 Inside the Departures Hall
- Lounges: Aegean Business Lounge, Goldair Lounge, Skyserv Lounge
- Food & Coffee: Gregory’s, Starbucks, Eat Greek, Everest
- Shopping: Duty-free, Greek gifts, cosmetics, electronics
- Services: ATMs, pharmacy, medical center, free Wi-Fi
- Family Zones: Kids’ play areas near some gates
💡 My Departure Tips
- Leave early if flying out Friday evening or Sunday morning — those are Athens’ busiest times.
- Metro and buses are reliable, but taxis and transfers give you flexibility for flight delays.
- Check your gate twice. Athens often changes them 40 – 60 minutes before boarding.
- Use the Wi-Fi. It’s strong and free throughout the terminal.
- Stay calm. Athens staff are used to summer crowds — everything flows smoothly if you arrive on time.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Departing from Athens International Airport can be a breeze when you know the flow.
For me, a stress-free flight day starts with good timing: I book my ride the night before, pack early, and enjoy one last Greek coffee before take-off.
Athens may be the last stop on your trip, but if you plan your airport departure right, it ends as beautifully as it began.
