Practical info

Athens airport to the city centre: metro, bus or taxi

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The Acropolis of Athens seen from Philopappos Hill
Contents

In short: Metro line 3 links the airport to Syntagma in about 43 minutes, then continues to Piraeus. The X95 express bus runs day and night to Syntagma, and the X96 reaches Piraeus port. Taxis and a booked transfer are handy for late arrivals or before a ferry.

Your options

Metro (line 3)

Line 3 reaches Syntagma, in the heart of Athens, in about 43 minutes, then continues to Piraeus, where ferries leave for the islands.

X95 and X96 express buses

The X95 links the airport to Syntagma 24 hours a day, in 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic; the X96 serves Piraeus port. Stops are outside the arrivals hall.

Taxi and booked transfer

Taxis wait outside the terminal. A booked transfer is handy at night, with children, or to go straight to the port before a ferry.

Our tips

  1. Check your arrival airport and terminal: some cities have several, far apart.
  2. Plan the journey before you leave: offline map and the exact address of your accommodation.
  3. Have mobile data as soon as you land (eSIM or a suitable plan) to follow your route or call a ride.
  4. Late arrival, children or bulky luggage: a booked transfer saves waiting and changes.
  5. Beware of unofficial drivers approaching travellers in the arrivals hall: use the official taxi rank.

What next?

To choose your area, see Where to stay in Athens; for sightseeing, Things to do in Athens. All our tips for the country: Travel in Greece.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Athens airport to the centre?

Metro line 3 reaches Syntagma in about 43 minutes; the X95 bus goes there too, day and night.

How do you get from the airport to Piraeus port?

By metro line 3, which continues to Piraeus, by the X96 bus or by taxi.

Does the X95 bus run at night?

Yes, it runs 24 hours a day between the airport and Syntagma.