Boards at. Bus stop outside arrivals, at the departures-level end
OASA charges one fare on every airport express line, one way in either direction. Reduced fare EUR 2.70. Payable by contactless card on boarding, so no ticket has to be bought first.
Luggage. No stated limit; it is a city bus, so a full one is uncomfortable with cases.
Boards at. Airport station, at the far end of the arrivals concourse
A single airport ticket. There is no group fare; a return is EUR 16, and reduced fares of EUR 4.50 apply to children 6 to 18, over-65s and students.
Luggage. No limit, and the airport branch is rarely crowded before the city stations.
Hours. Airport trains run every 36 minutes, all week. STASY runs Lines 2 and 3 around the clock every Saturday night, but states that routes to and from the airport are excluded — so a late Saturday landing has no metro either.
Boards at. Taxi rank at Exit 3 of the arrivals level, staffed 24 hours
A regulated flat fare to the city center inner ring, charged per ride and not per passenger. The airport states it includes all applicable surcharges and extras.
The options are still here — your budget or journey-time filter is drawn tighter than any of them. Widen either one, or reset the filters, to bring them back.
Prices marked "from" are starting prices set by the operator. Prices are whole-party totals; group fares are included. Ride times are recorded journey durations — no waiting or onward travel has been added — and road times vary with traffic. Confirm prices and availability with the operator. Going the other way? Athens to Eleftherios Venizelos airport: where each one boards and when the first one runs
How do I get from Athens airport to Athens city center?
For one traveler we recommend the X95 express bus at €5.50, 60–90 min, which is also the cheapest way in; the fastest is the Metro Line 3 at €9, 40 min. Every option below is priced as a total for your party and says where it leaves you.
A few things for the rest of your trip
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Data in GreeceAiralo
An eSIM for Greece, installed before you fly, works in the arrivals hall: tickets, maps, the driver's messages.
A flight three or more hours late, or cancelled at short notice, can be owed up to €600 a passenger under EU and UK rules, depending on the flight. AirHelp charges only if the claim succeeds.
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Arriving late?
Not everything runs around the clock: the Metro Line 3 runs 06:10–23:34. Outside those hours, the X95 express bus and the Official taxi, flat fare and the Pre-booked private transfer are what remain. Set the hour you leave arrivals and the board keeps only what is running.
Luggage
No limit, and the airport branch is rarely crowded before the city stations.
Going somewhere specific?
"The center" is not one place, and the answer changes
Tap a contactless bank card or phone wallet at the blue validator on the metro gates or the bus, and skip buying a ticket first — it charges the same full fare, EUR 9.00 on the metro or EUR 5.50 on the X95. Validate again on exit at the metro gates.
The taxi rank
The rank is the designated taxi waiting area at Exit 3, arrivals level, staffed 24 hours. Greek law requires the driver to give you a receipt for whatever you pay.
Uber and Bolt
Uber operates at Athens airport in partnership with licensed taxi drivers. Its pickup point is at the arrivals level, opposite exit 4, in the controlled pick-up zone — order through the app once you're there.
Luggage
OASA caps luggage on the metro and the airport buses at 100 by 60 by 25 cm, weighing no more than 25 kg. Bicycles, up to two, may only ride in the metro's last car, using the lifts rather than the escalators.
Before you travel
Where each one starts, how long it runs, what it carries
M3 · STASYMetro Line 3
From
Airport station, at the far end of the arrivals concourse
To
Syntagma, and on to Monastiraki and Piraeus without a change
Luggage
No limit, and the airport branch is rarely crowded before the city stations.
Runs
06:10–23:34
Journey
40 min
A single airport ticket. There is no group fare; a return is EUR 16, and reduced fares of EUR 4.50 apply to children 6 to 18, over-65s and students.
The last train leaves the airport at 23:34. The Saturday all-night metro does not run to the airport.
Airport trains run every 36 minutes, all week. STASY runs Lines 2 and 3 around the clock every Saturday night, but states that routes to and from the airport are excluded — so a late Saturday landing has no metro either.
Bus stop outside arrivals, at the departures-level end
To
Syntagma Square
Luggage
No stated limit; it is a city bus, so a full one is uncomfortable with cases.
Runs
All night
Journey
60–90 min
OASA charges one fare on every airport express line, one way in either direction. Reduced fare EUR 2.70. Payable by contactless card on boarding, so no ticket has to be bought first.
The published hour is a fair-weather figure. This is a road journey through Mesogeion Avenue into the middle of Athens, and at rush hour it takes considerably longer than the metro.
Boarding is restricted on the route from the airport, so it does not fill up before it reaches you.
It is the only recorded way into Athens that runs right through the night: OASA operates the airport express lines on a 24-hour basis.
taxi · Attica taxi drivers, regulated at the airportOfficial taxi, flat fare
From
Taxi rank at Exit 3 of the arrivals level, staffed 24 hours
To
Any address inside the Athens city center inner ring
Luggage
Included in the flat fare.
Runs
All night
Journey
35–70 min
A regulated flat fare to the city center inner ring, charged per ride and not per passenger. The airport states it includes all applicable surcharges and extras.
The flat fare applies to the city center inner ring. The airport does not publish where that boundary runs, so for an address outside the middle of Athens, agree the basis of the fare before setting off.
Greek law requires the driver to issue a receipt for the amount paid.
Journey time is the least predictable here: Mesogeion Avenue at rush hour is slower than the metro that runs beside it.
transfer · Welcome PickupsPre-booked private transfer
From
Driver meets you in arrivals with a name board
To
Any address
Luggage
Stated when booking; choose the vehicle by luggage as well as seats.
Runs
All night
Journey
35–70 min
Indicative. Price is fixed when you book, so it does not move with traffic.
Unlike the official taxi’s regulated flat fare, this price is indicative: the operator sets it, and it moves with vehicle size and luggage. Confirm the total at the time you book.
Between 23:00 and 05:00 the sedan is €58 and the minivan €110.
M3→Blue Star · STASY and Blue Star FerriesMetro M3 and Blue Star ferry to Santorini
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Athinios port, Santorini
Runs
07:25–15:00
Journey
8 h 23 min to 9 h 48 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and from EUR 59.00 for an economy deck seat on Blue Star Ferries, one way, as sold for October 2026. Summer fares can differ, and neither ticket covers the other.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the ferry from EUR 59.00 do not cover each other, and Blue Star does not issue tickets on board.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. The two Santorini boats leave different gates, E1 and E7: check yours on the operator's port map.
If the metro is closed, the X96 express bus runs from the airport to Piraeus all night, about 90 minutes at EUR 5.50.
Blue Star sails to Santorini daily; these are its October sailings. The 15:00 is direct from Gate E1, the 07:25 calls at two ports on the way from Gate E7. Report at the gate an hour before: the first airport metro reaches Piraeus about 07:13, too late for the 07:25, and for the 15:00 leave the airport by about 12:30.
M3→Blue Star · STASY and Blue Star FerriesMetro M3 and Blue Star ferry to Mykonos
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Mykonos new port, Tourlos
Journey
8 h 8 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and from EUR 53.00 for an economy deck seat on Blue Star Ferries, one way, as sold for October 2026. Summer fares can differ, and neither ticket covers the other.
Blue Star lists one sailing a day to Mykonos in October, at 07:30 from Gate E7 with two calls on the way; report at the gate an hour before. The first airport metro reaches Piraeus about 07:13, so the same morning only the all-night X96 bus gets you there in time.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the ferry from EUR 53.00 do not cover each other, and Blue Star does not issue tickets on board.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. The Mykonos boat leaves from Gate E7: check it on the operator's port map.
If the metro is closed, the X96 express bus runs from the airport to Piraeus all night, about 90 minutes at EUR 5.50.
M3→Hellenic Seaways · STASY and Hellenic SeawaysMetro M3 and Hellenic Seaways high-speed boat to Aegina
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Aegina town, the harbour
Runs
06:30–18:40
Journey
163 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and from EUR 13.00 for a Hellenic Seaways airplane-type seat, one way; it prints EUR 13.00 on some sailings and EUR 19.50 on others, so the total runs from EUR 22.00 to EUR 28.50. Neither ticket covers the other.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the boat from EUR 13.00 do not cover each other.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. The Aegina boats leave from Gate E9: check it on the operator's port map, which also marks a ticket point for the Saronic islands at the port gate.
If the metro is closed, the X96 express bus runs from the airport to Piraeus all night, about 90 minutes at EUR 5.50.
Eight sailings in October, from Gate E9. Report at the gate an hour before: the first airport metro reaches Piraeus about 07:13, too late for the 06:30.
M3→Saronic Ferries · STASY and Saronic FerriesMetro M3 and Saronic Ferries to Aegina
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Aegina town, the harbour
Runs
06:00–18:40
Journey
163–178 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and EUR 12.00 for an adult on Saronic Ferries' conventional ferry, one way. Neither ticket covers the other.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the ferry at EUR 12.00 do not cover each other.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. Saronic Ferries leave from Gate E8, which it puts five minutes' walk from the Piraeus station.
The crossing takes 1 h 10 min, or 1 h 25 min on the Antigone. Saronic advises being at the port 45 minutes before, and its port office hands out paper tickets until 45 minutes before sailing.
If the metro is closed, the X96 express bus runs from the airport to Piraeus all night, about 90 minutes at EUR 5.50.
Seven or eight sailings a day in October, from Gate E8: 06:00 to 17:45 Monday to Thursday, to 18:00 on Fridays, 07:45 to 17:00 on Saturdays and 09:00 to 18:40 on Sundays. Be in the embarkation area 30 minutes before; the first airport metro reaches Piraeus about 07:13.
M3→Aegina Ferries · STASY and Aegina FerriesMetro M3 and Aegina Ferries to Aegina
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Aegina town, the harbour
Runs
06:30–15:30
Journey
178 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and EUR 9.00 for an adult on Aegina Ferries' conventional ferry, one way, booked online on its own site (EUR 10.50 otherwise). Neither ticket covers the other.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the ferry from EUR 9.00 do not cover each other; the ferry is EUR 10.50 unless booked online on Aegina Ferries' own site.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. Aegina Ferries names no gate at Piraeus; ask at the port or call its Piraeus office before you go.
The crossing takes 1 h 25 min, and three boats sail each way a day.
If the metro is closed, the X96 express bus runs from the airport to Piraeus all night, about 90 minutes at EUR 5.50.
Three sailings a day in October on the ferry Eleni: 06:30 (07:00 at weekends), 10:45, and 14:45 (15:30 on Sundays); on 28 October 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00 instead. Be on board 30 minutes before; the first airport metro reaches Piraeus about 07:13, too late for the first boat.
M3→Flying Dolphins · STASY and Aegean Flying DolphinsMetro M3 and Aegean Flying Dolphins hydrofoil to Aegina
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Aegina town, the harbour
Runs
08:00–20:05
Journey
143 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and from EUR 14.00 for an Aegean Flying Dolphins hydrofoil seat, one way: EUR 14.00 on the 16:00, EUR 18.00 on the other sailings. Neither ticket covers the other.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the hydrofoil from EUR 14.00 do not cover each other, and no tickets are issued on board.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. Aegean Flying Dolphins' Piraeus ticket agency is at Gate E8.
Aegean Flying Dolphins' timetable sheet lists other October times than its booking page, and the booking page shows no sailing on 31 October: check the sailing when you book.
From 16 October, four sailings a day: 08:00, 10:00, 16:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays, 10:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 20:05 on Sundays. Until 15 October there are also boats at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00. Be at the boat 40 minutes before.
M3→Hellenic Seaways · STASY and Hellenic SeawaysMetro M3 and Hellenic Seaways high-speed boat to Hydra
From
The metro station at the airport
To
Hydra town, the harbour
Runs
08:00–18:00
Journey
3 h 43 min to 3 h 53 min
Two tickets: EUR 9.00 on the airport metro to Piraeus, and from EUR 40.00 for a Hellenic Seaways airplane-type seat, one way, as sold for October 2026. Neither ticket covers the other.
Two separate tickets: the metro at EUR 9.00 and the boat at EUR 40.00 do not cover each other.
The metro ends at Piraeus, not at the quay. The Hydra boats leave from Gate E9: check it on the operator's port map, which also marks a ticket point for the Saronic islands at the port gate.
Hydra has few sailings, and the last one back leaves at 17:45: a day trip needs the 08:00 or 10:00 out.
Four sailings in October, at 08:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00, each calling at one port on the way, from Gate E9. Report at the gate an hour before: the first airport metro reaches Piraeus about 07:13, too late for the 08:00.
What is the best way from Athens airport to Athens city center?
For one traveler, the X95 express bus at €5.50, 60–90 min. The cheapest way in. The Metro Line 3 is 20 minutes quicker for €3.50 more, which is not worth it at this party size. From 4 travelers we recommend the Official taxi, flat fare instead: 20 minutes quicker than the X95 express bus, for €18 more for 4. How we weigh price against time is set out on the fares page, in numbers.
What is the cheapest way from Athens airport to Athens city center?
For one traveler, the X95 express bus at €5.50. Per-person fares multiply with the size of your party and per-vehicle fares do not, so check the total for your group rather than the single fare.
How do I get from Athens airport to Athens city center by metro?
One metro reaches Syntagma: the Metro Line 3, €9 for one traveler, 40 min. It is not the cheapest way in: the X95 express bus at €5.50 is. See every option by metro
How do I get from Athens airport to Athens city center by bus?
One bus reaches Syntagma: the X95 express bus, €5.50 for one traveler, 60–90 min, to Syntagma Square. For one traveler that is the cheapest way into Athens by any means. The fastest way overall is the Metro Line 3, 40 min. See every option by bus
How do I get from Athens airport to Athens city center by taxi?
For one traveler the cheapest taxi is the Official taxi at €40, 35–70 min, and it is also the fastest. It is not the cheapest way in: the X95 express bus at €5.50 is. The fastest way overall is the Metro Line 3, 40 min. See every option by taxi
How long does it take to get from Athens airport to Athens city center?
X95 express bus: 60–90 min. Metro Line 3: 40 min. Official taxi, flat fare: 35–70 min. Pre-booked private transfer: 35–70 min
How far is Athens airport from the city center?
Athens Airport does not publish a distance to the city. By time: the fastest way in, the Metro Line 3, takes 40 min; the cheapest, the X95 express bus, 60–90 min.
How much is a taxi from Athens airport to Athens city center?
€40 as a regulated flat fare, not a metered one. A regulated flat fare to the city center inner ring, charged per ride and not per passenger. The airport states it includes all applicable surcharges and extras. Journey time 35–70 min.
Is there Uber or Bolt at Athens airport?
Uber operates at Athens airport in partnership with licensed taxi drivers. Its pickup point is at the arrivals level, opposite exit 4, in the controlled pick-up zone — order through the app once you're there.
Where do I catch the X95 express bus at Athens airport?
Bus stop outside arrivals, at the departures-level end. Follow the signs from arrivals. It leaves you at Syntagma Square.
Is there a train from Athens airport to Athens at night?
The Metro Line 3 runs 06:10–23:34. Outside those hours the X95 express bus and the official taxi, flat fare and the pre-booked private transfer are what remain; the X95 express bus is €5.50 for one traveler. Airport trains run every 36 minutes, all week. STASY runs Lines 2 and 3 around the clock every Saturday night, but states that routes to and from the airport are excluded — so a late Saturday landing has no metro either.
Does the Metro M3 and Blue Star ferry to Santorini go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by ferry to Santorini, landing at Athinios port below Fira, not in the town.
Does the Metro M3 and Blue Star ferry to Mykonos go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by ferry to Mykonos, landing at the new port at Tourlos, 2 km north of Mykonos Town.
Does the Metro M3 and Hellenic Seaways high-speed boat to Aegina go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by boat to Aegina, landing at the harbour of Aegina town.
Does the Metro M3 and Saronic Ferries to Aegina go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by ferry to Aegina, landing at the harbour of Aegina town.
Does the Metro M3 and Aegina Ferries to Aegina go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by ferry to Aegina, landing at the harbour of Aegina town.
Does the Metro M3 and Aegean Flying Dolphins hydrofoil to Aegina go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by hydrofoil to Aegina, landing at the harbour of Aegina town.
Does the Metro M3 and Hellenic Seaways high-speed boat to Hydra go to Syntagma and the historic center?
This goes on by boat to Hydra, landing at the harbour of Hydra town.
Worth knowing
The metro, the express buses and the taxi rank all leave from the same arrivals level, so the choice is made once and not revisited.
The regulated taxi fare covers the "city center inner ring". An address outside it is metered rather than flat, and the airport does not publish where the ring runs.
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