Athens International Airport (ATH), located 30 kilometres east of Athens’ city centre in Spata, serves as Greece’s primary hub, connecting over 28 million passengers annually to 172 destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Operated by AIA SA, the airport, named after Eleftherios Venizelos, is a key base for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, handling both domestic and international flights with efficiency. Its modern facilities and clear layout ensure a pleasant journey for travellers seeking a hassle-free experience.
Accessing the airport is convenient, with multiple transport options linking it to Athens and nearby areas. Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes for €9, running every 30 minutes from 6:30am to 11:30pm. Four express bus lines (X93, X95, X96, X97) serve the city centre, Piraeus, and intercity bus terminals, taking 40 to 60 minutes for €5.50, though traffic can extend travel times during peak hours.
Taxis, available at Exit 3 of the arrivals level, offer a flat rate of €40 daytime or €55 midnight to 5am to central Athens, with a 30- to 45-minute journey. Drivers can reach the airport via the Attiki Odos toll highway, with car hire desks from Avis, Europcar, and Hertz in the arrivals hall. Regional buses connect to Rafina and Lavrio, but passengers may need to change at Markopoulo for Lavrio routes.
The airport’s two-terminal layout, comprising the Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal, is easy to navigate. The Main Terminal houses check-in desks, security, and Halls A (non-Schengen) and B (Schengen and domestic), while the Satellite Terminal, accessible via a 700-metre underground tunnel with moving walkways, serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet.
Security screening, using advanced scanners for liquids and electronics, averages 10 to 20 minutes, but peak summer periods can see waits up to 50 minutes, so arriving three hours early for international flights or two for domestic is advised. Passport control for non-Schengen flights may add time, and weather or air traffic control issues can cause delays, so checking flight status on the airport’s app or Flightradar24 is recommended.
Dining and retail options are plentiful, catering to diverse tastes. The Airport Agora features over 60 stores, including duty-free shops open 24/7 in both terminals, offering perfumes, Greek wines, and souvenirs. Schengen departures include Starbucks, Burger King, and Eat Greek for local cuisine, while non-Schengen areas house high-end brands like Michael Kors and Ferragamo. Landside, Gregory’s Coffee and WHSmith provide quick bites and essentials. Prices can be steep—€3 for water or €7 for coffee—so budgeting is wise. Lounges like the Aegean Business Lounge and Goldair Handling Lounge, accessible for €30 to €49 or via Priority Pass, offer complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers.
Facilities are designed for passenger comfort. Free Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes, with longer access via ID registration, and charging points are scattered throughout. Accessibility features include ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable through airlines. Family amenities include kids’ toilets, baby care rooms, and a playground in the Satellite Terminal. Baggage storage, wrapping, and a 24-hour first aid station are available, with a pharmacy open from 6am to midnight. Parking offers 5,802 long-term and 1,357 short-term spaces, with valet services at Entrance 3. The Sofitel Hotel, a two-minute walk away, provides convenient stays.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Athens ranking as Europe’s 16th-busiest airport in 2024, though summer congestion can lead to delays. Recent passenger feedback notes occasional long queues at check-in or passport control, particularly for non-Schengen flights, so Fast Track services (€10) can help. Connections are efficient, with minimum times of 45 minutes for domestic-to-international and 75 minutes for international-to-international transfers, aided by clear signage and the Flight Connections Corridor. Self-transferring passengers should allow extra time for baggage rechecking and customs. Weather, overcrowding, or staffing issues are primary delay causes, especially in peak seasons.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus flights to Dublin operate from the Main Terminal at Athens International Airport. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Zone A or B (desks 40–60 range), but specific desks are allocated daily. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available up to 4.5 hours before departure. Departure Gates: are usually from Gates A or B in the Schengen area for flights to Ireland. Exact gate assignments are provided on departure boards or via the Aer Lingus app. Athens is a seasonal destination for Aer Lingus, so confirm flight schedules and gate information on the day of travel.
Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines operates international flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), with destinations including Dublin (DUB). Check-in and gates are handled within the main international terminal (Terminal 3 for most international departures, though Aegean uses dedicated areas in the main building). Specific desk and gate assignments are dynamic and assigned based on flight schedules, but common practices are as follows:
- Dedicated Aegean counters in the international departures area (e.g., rows F or G in the check-in hall)
- Aegean has dedicated check-in counters for international flights, including self-service kiosks available 48 hours to 30 minutes before departure. Bag drop-off is at designated belts after online check-in. Counters typically open 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes prior for international flights.
- Departure Gates in the B or C satellite areas (e.g., B1-B30 or C zones)
Gates are assigned via the Aegean app, airport screens, or transfer desks. For EU/international flights like to Ireland, expect gates in the Schengen or non-Schengen international zones, closing 15-20 minutes before departure. Use the airport’s AEGEAN Portal or notifications for real-time updates.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates flights to Dublin on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from the Main Terminal, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area A or B (desks 1–20 or 40–60, depending on the day). Exact desks are displayed on airport information screens.
Flights to Ireland (e.g., Dublin) usually depart from the B gates (e.g., B1–B31) in the Schengen area or A gates for non-Schengen flights. Check the airport’s flight information screens for specific gate assignments.
