ATH Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know ATH Airport
Welcome to Athens Venizelos Airport, your entry to ancient wonders and modern Greece, situated just 20km from Athens. Not only does it connect millions to their destinations annually, but it also boasts a unique museum showcasing Greek culture. Our Comprehensive Airport Guide simplifies your journey, covering everything from flight updates to amenities, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
WATCH VIDEO: Experience the arrivals at Athens Airport and the seamless journey to the city center:
Navigating ATH's Terminals
Athens Airport has two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal. The Main Terminal is the primary terminal and has 25 gates, while the Satellite Terminal has 11 gates. Major airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Ryanair operate out of the Main Terminal, while the Satellite Terminal is used by airlines such as Ellinair and Wizz Air.
When arriving at the airport, passengers will enter the Main Terminal and proceed to the check-in counters for their airline. After checking in, passengers will go through security and then have access to the departure gates. The Satellite Terminal is located a short distance from the Main Terminal and can be reached by foot or shuttle bus.
Both terminals offer a variety of food and beverage options, as well as duty-free shopping and other services such as currency exchange and ATMs. Passengers can use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and their airline's departure gate.
Connecting Between Terminals
ATH has two terminals: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal. The two terminals are connected by a pedestrian walkway, which takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk between terminals. If you have a lot of luggage or prefer not to walk, there is a shuttle bus that runs every 10-15 minutes between the terminals. The shuttle bus is free of charge and is located outside the arrivals level of both terminals.
Tips from ATH Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Athens Venizelos Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ATH-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"If you're flying with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, you'll be in the Main Terminal, which is incredibly efficient. Just follow the signs, and you'll find your gate in no time. The Satellite Terminal is a quick walk or shuttle ride away, perfect for those flying with Wizz Air." — Nikos K., Spata, December 2023
"The airport's layout is pretty straightforward, but it can get busy during peak times. I always check the interactive map online before heading to the airport to plan my route to the gate." — Maria P., Koropi, March 2024
Getting To/From the City
"Taking the metro is the best option to avoid traffic, especially during rush hour. It's a direct line to the city center and very reliable." — Giorgos M., Markopoulo, January 2024
"If you have a lot of luggage, consider the airport shuttle services. They are comfortable and drop you off at key points in the city." — Eleni T., Rafina, April 2024
Parking
"For short trips, the short-term parking right next to the terminal is super convenient. Just remember to book in advance during the holiday season." — Dimitris S., Paiania, February 2024
"For long-term parking, I always use the off-site facilities. They offer shuttle services to the terminal and are a lot cheaper." — Sofia L., Vari, June 2024
Inside the Airport
"The Greek Kitchen in the Main Terminal is a must-try for authentic Greek flavors. It's a great way to start or end your trip on a culinary high note." — Andreas V., Glyfada, May 2024
"Don't miss the Duty-Free shopping in the Satellite Terminal. They have an excellent selection of local wines and spirits." — Ioanna Z., Voula, August 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always check the flight status on the airport's website before leaving for the airport. It saves you time and stress, especially if there are any delays." — Kostas R., Kifisia, July 2024
"I recommend arriving at least two hours early, even for domestic flights. Security lines can be unpredictable, and it's better to have some buffer time." — Anastasia F., Marousi, November 2024
iFly Tip: Learn how to efficiently navigate airports with our expert tips.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Athens Venizelos Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the Main Terminal or Satellite Terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, so it is important to plan accordingly. Drivers are not allowed to park or leave their vehicles unattended at the curbside, and vehicles cannot be left running or idling. Violators may be subject to fines or towing.
To avoid curbside parking restrictions, drivers can utilize the cell-phone waiting areas located near both terminals. These waiting areas are free of charge and provide a convenient location for drivers to wait for arriving passengers. Once the passenger has retrieved their luggage and is ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside for a quick and easy pick-up.
Parking Facilities & Options
At Athens Airport, there are several parking options available for travelers. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in their on-site parking lots and garages. The Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal each have their own parking facilities, with both covered and uncovered options available.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas located near the airport where you can wait for free until your passenger is ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located near the terminal entrances for easy access.
Off-airport parking is also available near ATH, offering a more economical option for travelers. These off-site parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal without any hassle.
Get details about ATH Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. Visitors can easily rent a car to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace.
- Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas outside the arrivals hall. The fare from the airport to the city center is approximately 38 euros, and the journey takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Ride share services: Shared ride services, such as Uber and Taxibeat, are available for travelers who want a more affordable option. Pickup areas are located outside the arrivals hall, and the fare varies depending on the distance and time of day.
- Airport shuttles: Airport shuttles are a convenient option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of public transportation. The service is available 24/7 and offers pickup and drop-off at designated areas throughout the city. Fares vary depending on the destination, but tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.
- Public transportation: Public transportation options are also available, including the metro, bus, and suburban railway. The metro is the fastest and most convenient option, with a direct line connecting the airport to the city center. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the airport or at metro stations.
iFly Tip: Explore the stages of air travel with insights from an airline pilot on our flight guide.
Airport Hotels
Traveling can be a tiring experience, especially when you have long layovers or early morning flights. The convenience of staying near an airport cannot be understated. We have numerous hotel options that offer comfort, convenience, and a range of amenities to suit all types of travelers. From tranquil retreats nestled in serene farming regions to luxurious 5-star hotels with unique airport views, there's a lodging option for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quick stopover or planning to explore the vibrant city, these hotels offer easy access to the airport and the city center. View all the Athens Greece Airport Hotels to make your travel experience a little easier and a lot more comfortable.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
ATH Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For a quick bite, head to Gregory's Coffee located in the Main Terminal or Starbucks in the Satellite Terminal. If you have more time to spare, visit the Greek Kitchen in the Main Terminal for authentic Greek cuisine or the Food Court in the Satellite Terminal for a variety of international options.
For shopping, stop by Attica in the Main Terminal for luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada or visit the Duty-Free Shop in the Satellite Terminal for tax-free shopping. If you're looking for souvenirs, check out the Greek Memories store in the Main Terminal for traditional Greek gifts.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.
Passenger Services
Athens Venizelos Airport offers a range of services to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and stress-free experience.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the information desk in the main terminal.
Traveling with children? There are designated play areas in both the main and satellite terminals to keep little ones entertained. Special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms, are also available upon request.
Need to take care of some banking? There are ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. And in case of any medical emergencies, there is a medical center located in the main terminal.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to check flight status at Athens Airport in Greece.
One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Another convenient option is to download the mobile app of your airline. Most airlines offer mobile apps that allow passengers to check flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. This is a great option for travelers who want to stay updated on the go.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at ATH by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Shorter lines and less hassle? Check out the TSA PreCheck Guide for more details.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Athens Venizelos Airport (ATH) is located 20 kilometers east of Athens, Greece.
- Terminals: The airport has two terminals: the Main Terminal (serving both domestic and international flights) and the Satellite Terminal (exclusively for international flights).
- Airlines Served: Major airlines include Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Olympic Air. For a full list of airlines, visit the ATH Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 60,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: Athens Venizelos sees around 600 flights per day.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ATH are London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam.
- Hub Status: Athens Venizelos Airport is a primary hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.
Airport History
ATH, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, is the largest airport in Greece and serves as the primary hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. The airport is located in Spata, about 20 miles east of Athens.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1996: Construction of the airport begins
- 2001: ATH Airport officially opens to the public, replacing the old Athens International Airport
- 2004: The airport serves as the main transportation hub for the Athens Olympic Games
- 2006: A new terminal building is added, increasing the airport's capacity to 16 million passengers per year
- 2014: the airport is named the Best Airport in Europe in the 10-25 million passengers category by Airport Council International
- 2019: The airport undergoes a major expansion project, including the addition of a new terminal and runway, to increase its capacity to 50 million passengers per year
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Athens International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: ATH
- Airport Website
- Phone: +30 210 353 0000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Athens International Airport, Attiki Odos, Spata Artemida 190 04, Greece
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.
Athens Venizelos Airport Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport