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Athens airport is the entry point to Greece’s historical treasures, beautiful isles, and soulful culture. The main International Airport in Athens handles millions of domestic and international travellers annually with modern facilities and smooth services. This airport ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey if you are in Athens for a short city break, island trip or a business visit. This airport provides comfort and speed, from convenient lounges and shops to simple transportation links. It is also within easy reach of world-renowned archaeological sites thanks to their ideal position, which is also important for your travel experience in Greece.
Quick Details About Athens Airport
Location: Sparta, Athens, Greece
IATA Code: ATH
ICAO Code: LGAV
Type: Civil
Runways: Two parallel runways (4,000 m and 3,800 m)
Terminals: Main Terminal (three-story building) and satellite terminal
Airlines: Aegean, SKY Express, Ryanair, easyJet, Olympic, Wizz Air
Size: 16,000 acres (25.0 sq mi; 64.7 km2)
Best Time To Visit: March – November
Location
Photo: Manfred Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is situated in the town of Sparta, about 20 kilometres east of Athens city Centre. Its position means good access to major town areas, ferry ports and highway routes. The airport is easily accessible from Piraeus Port and Rafina Port, two major ports that are the departure points for ferry routes to the islands. This airport is also convenient for exploring historical landmarks and coastal regions within a brief car journey from the airport.
How To Reach Athens Airport
Photo: Rakoon / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Athens is accessible via Athens International Airport (ATH), which connects the city to major global and domestic destinations.
By Road: Athens is well-connected by highways like E75 and E65, making it accessible from other Greek cities and neighboring countries. Long-distance buses (KTEL) operate frequent routes to and from Athens.
By Train: The Hellenic Train network connects Athens to cities like Thessaloniki and Patras. The main railway station, Larissa Station, provides comfortable and scenic train travel across Greece.
Things To Do In Athens Airport
While waiting for your flight at airports in Athens, there are plenty of activities to make your layover enjoyable:.
1. Explore Greek Cuisine
Photo: Alexandru-Bogdan Ghita / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Athens International Airport has a wide selection of dining options where you can enjoy genuine Greek cuisine like souvlaki, spanakopita, moussaka, and healthy Greek salads. Kouzina is well-known for its traditional dishes prepared with fresh local products. For those who prefer international dining options, you can go to one of the Starbucks, McDonalds, or Burger King, all within the main terminal locations.
2. Visit The Archaeological Museum Display
Photo: Phyrexian / Wikimedia Commons
Within Athens International Airport, there is a wonderful archaeological exhibit featuring artefacts that were unearthed during the excavations of the airport building. Toys, tools, pottery, and household items from ancient Greece line the terminals, providing travellers with a cultural experience without leaving the terminals. Clear descriptions are given on each piece in Greek and English. The museum region is close to the departure gates and open to everybody.
3. Shopping
Photo: Vradwiki / Wikimedia Commons
Airports in Athens have top-tier shopping with many duty-free and boutique shops. Luxury brands like Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Michael Kors are available alongside stores offering Greek products such as olive oil, honey, and wines. Fine jewellery, handmade souvenirs, and Greek cosmetics can be found at exclusive outlets. Duty-free shops have international perfume, tobacco, chocolate, and travel accessories. Shops operate all day, and the last-minute shoppers prepare premium products for outlets before departure.
4. Relax In Lounges
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The airport has several premium lounges that provide comfortable seating, free food and drink, rapid Wi-Fi, and a shower area. Lounges such as Aegean Business Lounge and Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge are great places to relax before departure. Access is open to business class, frequent flyers, and lounge memberships or pay-to-visit. Quiet zones, individual workspaces, and a range of newspapers and magazines are provided. Lounges are situated in both the Schengen and Non-Schengen zones of the terminal.
Places To Visit Near Athens Airport
Visit the following places near Athens International Airport and explore the ruins of history:
1. Acropolis Of Athens
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage monument and the most iconic site in the city. It is 33 Km from Athens International Airport, easily accessible by taxi or bus Line 3. Recommended to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowd and heat. Entry cost is €20, and combos are available to match with surveys in nearby sites. The main attractions are the Parthenon, Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM)
Best Time To Visit: April to October
2. Plaka
Photo: George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons
Plaka is Athens’s oldest and most lovely district, situated 35 km from the airport, connected by taxi or Metro. Best visited in the late afternoon / early evening for leisurely browsing and ambience dining. Walk along cobblestone streets lined by neoclassical houses, pretty little Orthodox churches and vibrant bougainvillaea. Surrounding the port are souvenir shops that hawk jewellery, pottery, and olive oil merchandise. To add to the animated ambience, there are street performers.
Timings: Open 24 hours (public area)
Best Time To Visit: May – September
3. Temple Of Olympian Zeus
Photo: Chrisfl/ Wikimedia Commons
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the largest ancient monuments in Athens, situated only 34 kilometres from Athens International Airport. Most are reached by metro or taxi. It is best visited in the morning or the evening. The entry cost is about €8 and is part of a joint ticket. The site once supported colossal Corinthian columns, 104 of which, of which only 15 stand today, and another is on the ground.
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM)
Best Time To Visit: March – May
4. Syntagma Square
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Syntagma Square, located 35 kilometres from Athens International Airport, is the heart of the city’s political and cultural activity. The square is easily reachable by Metro Line 3 or express bus X95. The Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament is the major highlight and takes place every hour. Around the square, you will find luxury hotels, shopping arcades, and international boutiques. Ermou Street, a pedestrian shopping paradise, begins from here.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Best Time To Visit: April – October
5. National Archaeological Museum
Photo: Artur Matosyan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The National Archaeological Museum, located 36 kilometres from the Athens International Airport, is Greece’s biggest and most historic museum. It can be reached by taxi or public transportation, holding an assortment of prehistoric to late antiquity. Entry fee is €12. Key items on show are the Mask of Agamemnon, Minoan murals, ancient bronze figures and treasures from Egypt. The museum’s layout is visitor-friendly, and audio guides are available in multiple languages.
Timings: Tuesday: 1 PM – 8 PM; Wednesday and Monday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Best Time To Visit: April – June, morning hours for fewer crowds
Where To Stay
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Athens International Airport has plenty of excellent accommodations nearby. The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel provides premium rooms, restaurants, and a spa only meters from the terminal. For those seeking a more tranquil stay, Holiday Inn Athens Airport is 10 kil ometres away from the airport, with a shuttle available. Dolce Athens Attica Riviera in Vravrona, which is 15 kilometres away, provides the perfect beachside escape with large rooms and beach access.
Where To Eat
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Athens International Airport has various dining opportunities. Inside the ferry terminal, eat Greek at Kouzina restaurant, which is famous for its fresh salads, grilled meats, and local sweets. For quick bites, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Burger King are situated in both terminals. If you are looking for Mediterranean eats, PAX Burgers and La Pasteria serve up prompt pasta and gourmet burgers. Just outside the airport, Sparta village offers a choice of village tavernas serving fresh local seafood or traditional meze plates.
The Airport in Athens, notably Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, ensures good connectivity, comfortable facilities and smooth travel with the tourists. Whether on a historical, leisure or business trip, this airport ensures a smooth passage from start to end. Get the best prices on round-trip commuter flights to and from Athens with easy travel arrangements. Plan your travel now with TripXL!
Cover Photo: AntonyB / Wikimedia Commons
