Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is a modern and welcoming gateway, opening the path to the cradle of Western civilization. Named after a prominent Greek statesman, this aviation hub surrounds travellers with comfort and the anticipation of encountering history from the very first minute. Spacious, light-filled halls and intuitive navigation make arriving in Greece an easy and pleasant start to a great adventure.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Athens Airport is rightfully considered one of the most convenient and efficient in Southern Europe, regularly receiving prestigious awards for service quality. The main "highlight" of the complex is the permanent archaeological exhibition located directly in the main terminal building. Authentic artifacts found during the airport's construction are displayed here, allowing you to touch history even before heading into the city.

The transport infrastructure is thought out to the smallest detail: the airport is connected to the centre of Athens by a direct metro line (Blue Line) and 24-hour express buses. For shopping enthusiasts, there is an extensive Duty Free zone where you can purchase not only global brands but also high-quality Greek products: from olive oil and cheeses to natural cosmetics.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH).

• Official Website: www.aia.gr — here you will find up-to-date flight schedules, terminal maps, and service information.
• Information Service Phone: +30 210 353 0000. The Call Centre operates 24/7 and provides information in Greek and English.
• Address: Attiki Odos, Spata Artemida 190 04, Greece.
• Email: For general inquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Follow the latest news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your items were lost within the airport building, contact the Lost & Found office. In case of luggage loss during a flight, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Service: Assistance can be obtained by visiting the information desks located in the arrival and departure halls, or by calling the general information service number.

You can get to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport from the city centre of Athens in several ways, each having its own advantages. The choice depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. The trip from the capital centre of Greece usually takes between 40 to 60 minutes.

The most popular and reliable method is the metro. The Blue Line M3 (Agia Marina – Airport) leads directly to the airport. Trains depart every 30 minutes, and travel time from central stations, such as Syntagma or Monastiraki, is about 40 minutes. A special, higher-priced ticket is required for travel to the airport. You can also reach the airport via the Proastiakos suburban railway, which connects it to the central railway station of Athens (Larissa Station) and the port of Piraeus.

A more budget-friendly option is the 24-hour express buses. Four routes connect the airport with key points in the city: X95 (to Syntagma Square), X96 (to the port of Piraeus), X93 (to Kifisos Intercity Bus Station), and X97 (to Elliniko metro station). Buses run around the clock, but travel time depends heavily on traffic conditions and can range from 60 to 90 minutes. This is a good choice if you are travelling light or have a night flight.

For maximum comfort, you can use a taxi or book a transfer. There is a fixed fare from the centre of Athens to the airport, which is slightly higher during night hours (from midnight to 5 AM). This is an excellent option for families with children or travellers with bulky luggage. Be sure to use only official yellow taxis. A pre-booked transfer guarantees a meeting with the driver at the specified location and a fixed cost with no surprises.

If you are travelling by rental car, getting to the airport is very simple via the modern Attiki Odos motorway (please note that this is a toll road). Signs to the airport are clear and highly visible. The airport has both short-term and long-term parking, as well as convenient passenger drop-off zones. Most rental companies have their desks directly in the terminal, allowing you to easily return the car before your flight.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is a modern and convenient transport hub. It is designed to ensure the simplest possible navigation for passengers. The airport consists of one Main Terminal and one Satellite Terminal, making its structure clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The Main Terminal handles the vast majority of flights. It is divided into two zones depending on the flight destination:

• Zone A: Designated for departures and arrivals from non-Schengen countries (Extra-Schengen), as well as for all international flights by non-Schengen airlines.
• Zone B: Serves domestic flights within Greece and flights to Schengen Zone countries (Intra-Schengen).

The Satellite Terminal is used to handle a portion of flights from non-Schengen countries, usually during peak periods or for certain airlines. Transfer between the Main and Satellite terminals is via an underground tunnel equipped with travelators (moving walkways).

The airport layout is very logical. The Departure Zone is located on the upper floor. Here you will find check-in counters (numbered from 1 to 150), baggage drop-off points, and then security and passport control (for Zone A). The Arrival Zone is on the lower, ground floor. After disembarking, passengers follow signs to the baggage claim area and customs control. Signs in the airport are in Greek and English and are clearly visible.

The time required for formalities may vary. For flights within the Schengen Zone (Zone B), it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international flights (Zone A), it is better to allow more time — about 2.5–3 hours, as it is necessary to pass passport control, which may take additional time, especially during the high tourist season. To avoid getting lost, simply follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs and pay attention to your boarding gate number indicated on your boarding pass.

The International Airport of Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is one of the most modern and significant aviation hubs in Southeastern Europe. Its history began relatively recently: the airport was officially opened on March 28, 2001. It was built to replace the old Ellinikon Airport, which had reached its capacity limits, and to become the country's main air gateway ahead of a grand event.

The main catalyst for construction was the hosting of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens. This massive project was necessary to handle the huge flow of athletes, delegations, and tourists. The airport withstood this test with honour, demonstrating the highest level of organisation and efficiency. It received its name in honour of Eleftherios Venizelos — an influential Greek politician and Prime Minister who played a key role in the history of modern Greece.

The project was developed from the very beginning with an eye to the future. The master plan provided for phased expansion, which allowed the airport to easily adapt to growing passenger traffic in subsequent years. Although significant reconstruction was not required thanks to the thoughtful initial design, the infrastructure is constantly being modernised to meet the latest standards of aviation safety and passenger comfort.

Among the airport's achievements are numerous prestigious international awards, including from Airports Council International (ACI), for service quality and environmental policy. But perhaps the most interesting fact is the unique archaeological exhibition located right in the terminal building. During construction works, more than 50,000 artifacts from various eras were discovered. The most valuable of them are now on public display, turning the airport into a kind of mini-museum and a first introduction to the rich history of the Greek land.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) offers passengers modern infrastructure and a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Here you will find everything necessary to make your journey begin or end as pleasantly as possible.

For those who are hungry or wish to shop, the airport features a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and lounges to suit every taste — from fast food outlets to restaurants serving Greek cuisine. Numerous shops, including a large Duty Free zone, offer souvenirs, clothing, cosmetics, and local delicacies. For more comfortable relaxation, you can use the business lounges and VIP lounges, where snacks, beverages, and work zones are offered in a quiet atmosphere.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and there are plenty of power outlets and special stations for charging gadgets. Financial matters are easily resolved at bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points located in both the arrival and departure zones. In case of need, a medical centre operates 24/7 at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Services are provided for people with reduced mobility, including special assistance with boarding and moving around the terminal. Families with children will appreciate the presence of play areas and baby care rooms, where you can take care of little ones in a calm environment.

For business travellers and those needing a place to work, conference rooms and a business centre with modern equipment are available. If you have a long layover or an early flight, the Sofitel Athens Airport hotel is located directly opposite the terminal building, and there are other hotels in close proximity to the airport accessible via shuttle.

At Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH), travellers will find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or want to enjoy a full meal, you will easily find a suitable option here.

In the public area (Landside), before security control, there are numerous cafes where you can have coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich. This is an ideal option for those seeing someone off or those who arrived at the airport early. There are also several restaurants here offering both Greek and international cuisine for a leisurely meal.

The main part of the restaurants and lounges is concentrated in the departure zone (Airside), after passport and customs control. Here you will find both world-famous fast-food chains and establishments with Greek flair. For a full lunch, you can choose one of the restaurants serving classic Greek dishes: souvlaki, moussaka, or fresh Greek salad. Numerous cafes and lounges offer light snacks, desserts, and beverages, including local specialties.

Be sure to take the opportunity to try local cuisine. Pay attention to traditional Greek pies, such as spanakopita (spinach pie) or tiropita (feta cheese pie), which are perfect for a quick and filling snack. This is a great way to enjoy the flavours of Greece once more before departing.

Most establishments in the airport offer options for passengers with special dietary needs. You will easily find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes on the menus of many restaurants and cafes. Regarding prices, the cost of a snack in a cafe or fast food outlet starts from 10-15 euros, while a full lunch in a restaurant will cost an average of 25-40 euros per person. Key establishments operate 24/7 or from early morning until the last flight, so you won't go hungry even during a night layover.

To ensure your journey from Athens begins without unnecessary stress, we recommend arriving at "Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport well in advance. For international flights, allow about 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Greece — at least 2 hours. This is especially relevant during the peak tourist season (from June to September), when queues for check-in and security control may be longer than usual. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Security control procedures at Athens Airport comply with standard EU regulations. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. Prepare liquids and electronic devices (laptops, tablets) in advance to quickly remove them from your bag — this will speed up the screening process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will give you magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and the Attica coast during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement. For passengers with connecting flights, the airport is very convenient as it consists of one main terminal, which simplifies navigation. Follow the "Flight Transfers" signs to quickly find the required gate. Passengers flying in transit to a Schengen Zone country from another Schengen country do not need to pass passport control again.

Customs control is organised on the principle of "green" and "red" channels. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU and have goods subject to declaration (for example, large sums of cash), choose the red channel. To save money, use public transport for the trip to or from the airport — the metro and express buses are excellent and inexpensive alternatives to taxis. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first check the information on the departure board or in your airline's mobile app. For clarifications and instructions, contact your carrier's representative counter. Remember that under EU rules (Regulation EC 261/2004), in case of long delays, you are entitled to drinks, meals, and in some cases — hotel accommodation. The airport has free Wi-Fi, many cafes, and shops that will help pass the waiting time.