How to take the Athens airport metro to central Athens, the port of Piraeus, or any other area in the Greek capital.
How to take the Athens airport metro
The metro system in Athens is an inexpensive and convenient way to get from the Athens airport to Athens downtown and Piraeus port. A one-way ticket only costs 9 euro, and travel time from the airport to the center is about 40 minutes.
The Athens metro system consists of three lines: green, also known as “ilektrikos“, red and blue. The red and blue line started operating in 2000, a few years before the Olympic Games in 2004.
A fourth line is currently being designed, but it won’t start operating until 2029 at the earliest.
In the map below, you can see the three Athens metro lines. The blue line (M3) runs from the airport to the center, continues to Piraeus port, and terminates at a station in Piraeus called Dimotiko Theatro.
The yellow and dark blue lines (P1 and P2) are another service, called the suburban railway.
Any Athenian will confirm that the metro system has massively improved transportation in the Greek capital. As I was born and live in Athens, I personally use it on a regular basis around Athens, as well as the airport.
This guide will help you take the metro from the Athens airport to downtown, and vice versa. However, note that, in some cases, using a pre-booked private transfer might be better for you – for example, if you are travelling with a large group, or with lots of luggage.
Where to take the metro at the Athens airport
After your arrival in Athens, you will need to go through airport control and collect your checked luggage if you have any. Then you can get out of the arrivals area, ready for your adventure.
Once you’ve passed the exit gates, look for the signs indicating the way to taxis, buses and trains. The sign pointing to trains is the one that you need to follow to reach the metro station.
While the bus and taxi stands are right outside the airport terminal, in order to get to the metro you will need to walk a few hundred meters. Cross the street outside the airport building, and you will see some stairs and escalators going up.
You want to use the escalators leading to the trains, rather than the airport departure area. If you end up at the airport departure area, you’ll need to go back down, then use the correct escalator up to the trains.
After you go up, walk across a short bridge covered by glass panes. That’s it! You have arrived at the Athens airport metro station.
Athens airport metro line vs suburban railway
Now, the reason why the sign above mentions “trains”, is because another service other than the metro also operates here. It is called the suburban railway, and it’s run by the national train company.
Confusingly, the metro system uses parts of the railway line which belong to the Hellenic train company. Therefore, the two services depart from the same place. They follow the same route up to a point, and then diverge.
The majority of visitors will want to go to central Athens. Many of the tourist hotels and other accommodation are somewhere near Acropolis, Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations.
In this case, you will need to make sure you hop on the metro and not the suburban railway.
How to buy the airport metro ticket
As of January 2025, you don’t need to buy an Athens airport metro ticket – you can just tap your credit / debit card, smartphone or smartwatch to pay for your trip. The cost for the one-way trip is 9 euro.
If you prefer, however, you can always get a paper ticket from the tills, or the automatic machines at the airport. Both of these offer more ticket options, such as a return ticket, which you can’t use your credit card for.
For some inexplicable reason, the menus on the automatic machines aren’t as self-explanatory as you would imagine. This gets worse if you are tired after your trip. So here’s some insight!
When you use the vending machines, you will see that your ticket options come up in several languages. If you continue, you will come up with this menu.
If you are going to central Athens or Piraeus port, choose the option “Athens & Airport”.
Ignore the option “Airport – Pallini”, as Pallini is a suburb outside the urban area of Athens. It should really be the last option rather than the first – the people who designed this screen were not thinking clearly!
Occasionally, the machines will be out of order, or won’t accept your credit card. It’s handy to know that you can also buy your ticket in person, from the ticket office, or just use your credit card straight on the validating machine.
Ticket options for the airport metro Athens
In order to buy a one-way ticket to the city, check the option “Athens & Airport”. The one-way ticket to central Athens costs 9 euro, and children under 6 years old travel for free.
If you select the “Athens & Airport, Round” menu, you will be presented with two new options: 90 minutes, or 3 days. A bit confusing, don’t you think!
So, the first option, 90 minutes, costs 16 euro. This ticket is good for a return trip from the airport to the city and back. Both trips are stored on the same ticket, and the return trip is valid for 30 days. Just remember not to throw it away!
The second option, 3 days, costs 20 euro. This covers you for a return airport trip, plus unlimited trips within central Athens for three 24-hour periods from the moment of validation.
The tourist ticket is a good option if you are only staying in Athens for 2-3 days, and you are planning to use the metro system to get around. If you are staying for, say, 4 or 5 days in Athens, it’s better to buy the return ticket for 16 euro.
Have a look at these articles too:
Athens metro and suburban railway to Piraeus port
Instead of going to the city center, some people will want to get directly to Piraeus port, to catch a ferry to one of the Greek islands. You have two choices here.
A) You can take the blue metro line all the way from the airport directly to Piraeus port. There are two trains per hour, and the journey will take you an hour.
For those who have been to Athens more than a few years ago, there’s no need to change at Monastiraki station for the green line anymore!
You can find the Athens Airport to Piraeus metro timetables here. You will need to get off at the penultimate stop, Piraeus, rather than the end stop, Dimotiko Theatro.
B) You can also get to Piraeus directly from the airport on the suburban trains. These depart once an hour, and take exactly 60 minutes to get to the port. You can find the Athens airport train timetable here.
Whichever of the two services you use, you will need to use the 9-euro one way ticket, or the 16-euro return ticket.
If you are going from Piraeus to the airport, you will need to take the opposite route. Make sure you check the Piraeus to Athens airport metro timetable.
How to validate your metro ticket
After you’ve bought your ticket, you will need to validate it in order for the gates to open. All you need to do, is tap it on the card reader – the same goes if you are using your credit / debit card or smartphone / smartwatch.
Even if the gates are permanently open, which happens sometimes, validate your ticket nevertheless. Otherwise, in case of an inspection, your ticket will not be valid, and you could get a fine. Plus, you won’t be able to get out of the gates when you reach your destination.
Once you’ve validated your ticket, make sure you keep it somewhere safe. You will need to swipe it again when you have arrived at your end station. Or, if it’s a return ticket, you’ll need to keep it for your way back to the Airport.
The blue metro line goes directly to Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations, where many visitors choose to stay. These two stations are central, and you can change for another line if you need to.
As an example, if you are staying around Acropolis, you will need to change at Syntagma Square and take the red line for one stop. If you are staying in Thissio, you can change at Monastiraki for the green line.
Your airport ticket is valid for 90 minutes, which is plenty of time to reach any metro station in the city.
However, if you are planning to use a bus or a tram after exiting the metro, you would probably need to get an extra single urban ticket for those. This would cost an additional 1.20 euro.
Airport metro Athens – Timetables
The metro from the airport operates frequently, and for long hours. The first metro departs from the airport at 6:10, and the last one leaves at 23:34.
There are trains every 36 minutes, and they take about 40 minutes to get to the city center, and an hour to get to Piraeus port. For the official timetables, check here: Athens metro airport timetable.
Once you are at the platform, you need to be very careful about the train you will take! There are only two platforms, so it’s not so complicated, still I’ve seen many people get confused.
You will notice signs to the metro, on one side, and the suburban railway, on the other side. The suburban train does NOT pass by central Athens. So make sure you are on the correct platform to take the metro.
As for your return trip, if you want to take the metro from Piraeus / Athens center to the airport, note that most services only travel inside the Athens urban area. They terminate at a station called Doukissis Plakentias, which is on the way to the airport.
Make sure you hop on the service marked as “airport”, which runs every 36 minutes. Again, check out the Athens metro to airport timetable here.
Athens airport metro strikes
Occasionally, either the metro company or the train company will announce a strike. On these days, services will be affected.
Remember how the metro and suburban railway use the same railway line? This is why the airport metro won’t run on a day when the train company is on strike. However, the routes within the urban area of Athens will not be affected.
When the metro company is on strike, there is no service at all. This affects the airport as well as central Athens. Other transport options in the city, like the tram or any bus, will typically be much busier, and there will be much more traffic than normal.
In these cases, your other options to get into the city are either by taxi, pre-booked private transfer, or on the Athens airport buses – which will be super busy.
I hope that you won’t need it, but here is all you need to know about strikes in Greece! If you want to be informed about any upcoming strikes, please like my FB page where I post everything about them.
What’s the best type of transportation from Athens airport?
This is really a personal choice. It mostly depends on your budget, the number of people you are travelling with and your personal preferences.
A taxi to central Athens costs 40 euro during the day, and 55 euro from midnight to 5 am. These prices are set by the Greek government, and are subject to change now and then.
All in all, a taxi will be better if you have lots of luggage and heavy bags. The last thing you will want to do after you’ve arrived is to drag your suitcases across the street from the airport, and then around the escalator and bridge.
However, please read my guide on taxi scams in Athens first, as they still happen unfortunately. This is why I recommend pre-booking a private transfer. It will cost a few euros more, but it will offer convenience and peace of mind, as you’ll know someone will be there waiting for you.
Also, note that, if you are travelling in a group of 4 people, taking a taxi or pre-booked transfer will cost almost the same as taking the metro, so it’s definitely worth it.
Airport buses in Athens
At the same time, some people may be on a tight budget, or they may be arriving during the night. In these cases, you can take the 24-hour bus X95 from the Athens airport to Syntagma square.
Irrespective of the time of day, I personally find this bus fun to use if you want to go from the Athens airport to Plaka / Syntagma Square or anywhere close by. You can look out of the windows, and get a first impression of the city.
Similarly, there is the 24-hour X96 bus to Piraeus port. This may take you 1,5 hours, or even longer, when there is traffic. It’s good if you are on a budget, have time to kill, or just want to enjoy the route.
The price of a one-way ticket on the airport buses is only 5.50 euro per person. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes. It’s the cheapest option to get to the airport in Athens. Just note that buses do get crowded, and you won’t always find a free seat.
Is the metro in Athens safe?
I’ve been using the Athens metro since the day it started operating, over 20 years ago. I’ve used it at all times of the day, including rush hour and late at night.
Personally, I have never been pick-pocketed, but I’ve heard a few stories from fellow Greeks. Similarly, I’ve read several reports in online forums from tourists whose valuables disappeared. Truth be told, visitors are obvious targets.
Please be aware of your luggage, and always keep your passport and all other valuables in a safe place. Consider using a moneybelt or secret pockets, and keep your personal items, including your smartphone, close to your body.
Unfortunately, pickpockets in Athens seem to be very highly skilled, and you don’t want an unfortunate event to ruin your vacation. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from pickpockets in Athens.
If you are concerned about safety, consider using a pre-booked private transfer. It might cost a little extra, but it will offer peace of mind, and will offer a good first introduction to the city.
FAQs about the metro in Athens airport
Here are a few questions that visitors ask:
Is there a Metro from Athens Airport?
Yes there is. The service runs every 36 minutes, from 6:10 to 23:34. During other times, you can use the 24-hour buses, taxis or private transfers.
How much is Athens Metro to airport?
A one-way ticket from / to the airport costs 9 euro, while the price for the return option is 16 euro.
Where is the train station at Athens Airport?
The station is located outside the terminal building. To reach the Athens airport metro station, you will exit the terminal building, cross the street, go up the escalators and walk across a pedestrian bridge.
How do I get from Athens airport to city Centre?
After your arrival, you can get to central Athens by metro, bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer.
How much does a taxi cost from Athens airport to city Centre?
A taxi from the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to the city center costs 40 euros during daytime, and 55 from midnight to 5 am. The price of private transfers may vary slightly.
The airport metro in Athens
I hope that this article has answered any questions you had about using the airport metro in Athens! If you have any more questions, please ask in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer! Here are a few more Athens guides:
- How to use the metro in downtown Athens
- Where to get a SIM card in Greece – avoid the airport
- Free things to do in Athens
- Changing of the Guards
- The quirky Psiri neighbourhood
- Stroll around the amazing Plaka area
- Visit the quaint Anafiotika
- How to get from the airport to the Acropolis
- How to book a train ticket in Greece
- Driving in Greece
Hi! I am Vanessa, and I am an Athenian. Have a look at this other guide with more ways to get around Athens. Follow me on my social media:
- Facebook page and very active Facebook group
- Amazon
We are arriving in Athens on Wednesday 6th April. We are aged 75 & 67, can we purchase pensioners rates for Metro at Airport.
Hi Angela, thanks for your question. You can only use the reduced rates with a personalized card, which you can issue if you have an AMKA (Greek national health insurance) number. However, please note that unfortunately there will be a strike on Wednesday 6 April, which might affect your flight (traffic controllers have announced they will be on strike, but they haven’t announced what times), and will definitely affect the metro which will be on a 24-hour strike. You could use the airport bus instead – they are supposed to run from 9.00-21.00, or perhaps take a pre-booked transfer. You can follow my FB page for more strike announcements. Safe travels!
Hi I will be staying at syntagma area. i might want to visit mcarthurglen outlet. I plan to take 24 hrs €4.10( excluding airport route) metro pass to explore athens. However when i check the route that i need to take m3 line to pallini then go out at gephyra to take bus 319 and i am a little bit confused if pallini station is considered as airport station route as i cannot find information anywhere regarding on it. I only see it mentioning cannot be used for koropi-airport that’s all. Can u enlighten more regarding on this for me? Thanks in advance
Hi, Pallini is not an airport station route, it’s within the greater area of Athens.
Hello. Does the Metro run on Christmas Day?
Yes it does, though less frequently!
Hi Vanessa
I have bought a train ticket to Kalambaka but am not sure how to get from Monastiraki metro station (because my hotel is around Athens center) to Athens Railway Station. The ticket states it departs from Athens, change at Paleofarsalos, thereafter all the way to Kalambaka. Does that mean I take the red line at Monastiraki station all the way to Larissa station, which is also ‘Athens Railway Station’, is that right?. Then alight at Larissa, exit station & make my way to Athens Railway Station to catch the train to Kalambaka. Kindly advise. Thank you very much
Hi Lynn! You will need to take the blue metro line from Monastiraki to Syntagma (one stop), and then the red metro line from Syntagma to Larissa Station (four stops). Have a look at this article! Enjoy Meteora!
hi myself and my partner David are going to Athen on 9th Oct.and nervous of getting from airport to our apartment alekos apartment 2. which metro line do I take and where do I get off..I’d be so grateful for ur help.thank you
Hi! The closest metro station is Attiki, it’s a really short walk. To get from Athens airport to Attiki metro station you will take the blue metro line from the airport, get off at Syntagma station, take the red line towards Anthoupoli metro station, and get off at Attiki. When you are there, there are more than one exits, so it’s best to ask for information which side to get out of for Pipinou street – the train station employees are very helpful. It helps to have Googlemaps on your phone as well. Enjoy your time here 🙂
Thanks for all the information re getting from the Airport to Piraeus. Very useful for a trip I am planning for the Greek Islands.
Glad it helps! Have a look at my latest newsletter where you can see how to book ferries, accommodation, rental cars etc!
Wonderful information, thank you!
On the return trip to airport on Line 3, does one need wait and board a metro with airport destination, or hop off at Doukissis Plakentias and board an airport bound metro from there?
Very glad this info helps!! On the return trip, the airport metro departs from Piraeus, passes by Doukissis Plakentias, and ends at the airport, while all other services terminate at Doukissis Plakentias. When I have luggage, I personally prefer to wait for the airport metro, it’s easier to find a place for the luggage once, and then travel all the way to the airport. But if you wanted you could take any metro to DP, then wait for the airport metro. Just make sure your valuables are safe! Enjoy your trip!
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for the comprehensive information in this article.
Could you clarify something please? If I start using the ticket on 15th April at 10h00 does the 3 day metro ticket finish being valid at 10h00 on the 18th? Does that mean your return trip to the airport has to be before that time or is seen as a separate trip and can be at 17h00 on the 18th? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hello! According to the official website, “The 3-day tourist ticket is valid for 3 X 24 hours from its first validation for all Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) means: buses, trolley-buses, trams and metro lines 1, 2 and 3 (to Koropi Station) networks and for the Suburban Railway (TRAINOSE) (route part including Magoula – Piraeus – Koropi). It also includes a 2-way travel from and to the Athens International Airport by the Metro or the respective EXPRESS bus lines.” So no, you couldn’t use it at 17:00 to go back to the airport. You could get the airport return ticket (16 euro) or buses to / from the airport (5.5 euro each way), then either walk around the city or buy the 5-day pass for 8.20 euro. Btw you probably know it, Sunday the 16th is Greek Easter, so most attractions will be closed – but you can join the religious festivities on the 15th. Enjoy your time!
Thank you for your quick reply. Will get the separate airport return and 5 day pass as suggested.
And yes looking forward to participate in the Easter festivities!
Kalo Pascha.
thank you so much for all this wonderful information,
I’m off to Athens next week and have printed a lot of your guides
Fantastic 🙂
Fantastic!! Enjoy your time!! Btw – 18 April is a free day for monuments and many museums – have a look: World Heritage Day
could use some help we are traveling sept 16 to athens for 5 nights , that we have alredy seen then heading to santorini for 5 nights our flight from santorini arrives bact at the airport at 11am and our flight leaves the next day at 1240 pm. where should we stay the night before our flight is there somewhere other than athens proper ,that we have already seen, maybe off the beaten path but on a stop from the metro
Hi! How about Avra Hotel in Rafina? It’s a coastal town quite close to the airport and while there isn’t too much “to do”, you can relax on your last day, even go to the nearby beach. They provide a free shuttle service from the airport too! Otherwise, if you take the metro, I think the best area to stay is somewhere in the centre again – there’s always something new to see! Enjoy your time!
Hi! Thank you so much for your information.
My husband and I will be arriving at ATH airport and using the blue line to get to Monastiraki Station. (Sept 24 – Arrive late afternoon). We will be using Monastiraki Station back to ATH airport (Sept 26 9:30am flight).
Question 1) Should we purchase (2) 90 minute tickets or (2) 3 day tickets?
Question 2) If our flight leaves at 9:30am, what time should we take the metro train at? We are flying from ATH to a greek island.
Hi Jenna! You can buy the 3-day ticket, then you have unlimited transportation within the city on the 24th and 25th. If you just plan to walk around Athens (which is absolutely doable for the historic center), you can also buy the airport return ticket which is 16 euro (rather than 2 single airport tickets x 9 euro).
The 6:26 metro service from Monastiraki will get you at the airport at around 7:06, whereas the 7:02 service will arrive at 7:42. I’d probably take the later one with a carry-on, if I had checked luggage I’d consider the earlier one.
Enjoy your time!
Is there a reduced rate on the Metro for seniors?
Hi! The reduced rates only apply if you have a personalized metro card, which is not really available for people who only visit for a few days. If you are planning to live in Athens, let me know and I can guide you through the process.
I have a client who will be arriving from Piraeus to Monastiraki station and needs to get to the Acropolis View hotel.
He also needs to get from the hotel to the main rail station for a trip to Meteora
Last but not lease he needs to get from his hotel to the airport
I have tried to piece it together but can use some help with directions
Thanks so much
Hi Patti,
He will have to use a combination of the blue and red lines for his trips (a) from Piraeus to his hotel, and also (b) from his hotel to the airport. To get to Meteora from his hotel, he would need to use the red line only.
It might be best for him to get a pre-booked private transfer for the Piraeus – hotel and hotel – airport routes. Hope this helps!
Wauw! wat een informatie! Top!
Wij zijn van 30 december t/m 4 januari in Athene, hebben al een heel programma in elkaar gezet.
Maar wellicht heb je nog insider tips voor oud&nieuw? Daar kunnen we weinig over vinden, behalve vuurwerk om 0.00 vanaf de Akropolis. Alvast bedankt!
Thank you! I will aim to write an article about events in Athens during Xmas / NYE, but that will be much closer to the time as nothing has been announced yet.
Thank you very much for the information! When you say to make sure to get the metro service marked as “airport” when travelling from the centre, is that indicated on the train itself or just the departure board?
Both!
If I travel to the airport with a €1.20 metro ticket, is there a fare adjust machine or similar at the airport to pay the surcharge, or do I have to back track to another metro station and buy a new Airport Metro ticket?
You have to have an airport metro ticket that costs 9 euro, and validate that one rather than the 1.20 one. You’ll just buy it from a machine when you get to the metro. Or you can use your credit / debit card and not buy a ticket at all