Athens Airport Guide
Athens Airport to Athens City: All Transport Options (2026)
Metro, bus, taxi, or rideshare — compare costs, times, and tips to get from ATH to the city centre stress-free.
Quick Comparison: All Transport Options
| Mode | Cost (EUR) | Cost (USD) | Journey Time | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (Line 3) | €11 (~€9 off-peak) | ~$12 | 40–45 min | 05:30–23:30 |
| Express Bus X95 | €6.50 | ~$7 | 60–90 min | 24/7 |
| Taxi (fixed rate) | €40 day / €54 night | ~$43 / $58 | 35–50 min | 24/7 |
| Beat / Uber | €30–€45 | ~$32–$48 | 35–50 min | 24/7 |
Metro Line 3 — Fastest Option
Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs directly from the airport to Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, making it the most reliable choice for most travellers.
- 1Exit arrivals and follow signs to the Metro station (ground floor, well signposted).
- 2Buy a ticket at the machine or ticket window — €11 single (€9 off-peak weekdays). Includes 90-min transfer.
- 3Board Line 3 toward Aghia Marina / Dimotiko Theatro.
- 4Alight at Syntagma (city centre) or Monastiraki (Plaka/Acropolis area).
- 5Journey takes ~40–45 minutes with no changes required.
Taxi — Convenient but Know the Rates
Athens taxis use fixed flat rates to/from the airport: €40 (day: 05:00–24:00) and €54 (night: 00:00–05:00) — approximately $43 and $58 USD. These are per vehicle, not per person.
Scam Awareness Tips
- Insist on the fixed airport rate before getting in — never the meter for airport trips.
- Use only official yellow taxis from the designated rank outside arrivals.
- Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
- Confirm the destination address and agree on the flat rate upfront.
Express Bus X95 — Budget Choice
The X95 bus runs 24/7 between Athens Airport and Syntagma Square for just €6.50 (~$7 USD). It's the cheapest option but journey time varies: 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Departs every 15–30 minutes around the clock.
- Buy tickets from the bus stop kiosk or on board (exact change helpful).
- Final stop is Syntagma Square — central for most hotels.
- Best for late arrivals when the metro isn't running or on a tight budget.
Beat & Uber — Rideshare Apps
Beat (popular in Greece) and Uber both operate from Athens Airport. Expect to pay €30–€45 (~$32–$48 USD) depending on demand and time of day.
- Pick-up is from the designated rideshare zone outside arrivals (follow app instructions).
- Beat often offers lower prices than Uber in Athens — compare before booking.
- Surge pricing applies during peak hours and bad weather.
- Great option if splitting the cost between 2–4 travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way from Athens Airport to the city centre?
The Metro Line 3 is the fastest reliable option at 40–45 minutes to Syntagma. A taxi or rideshare can be slightly faster (~35 min) in off-peak traffic.
Is there a direct train from Athens Airport to the city?
Yes — Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs directly with no changes from the airport to central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki). It operates daily from ~05:30 to 23:30.
How much is a taxi from Athens Airport?
Fixed flat rates apply: €40 (~$43 USD) during the day (05:00–24:00) and €54 (~$58 USD) at night (00:00–05:00). This is per taxi, not per passenger.