Athens Layover Guide (ATH)

What are you looking for in ATH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Athens International Airport (ATH) is one of the largest airports in Greece, serving the city of Athens and the region of Attica. It is located 20 km (12 mi) to the east of central Athens. The airport was opened in 2001 and named after the Prime Minister of Greece Elefthérios Venizélos. The city is known as the birthplace of democracy. Being the most influential of the Greek city-states, it houses many historic landmarks, such as temples and theatres, which were made by ancient architects during the Classical period.

Can you leave Athens Airport (ATH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave Athens Airport during a layover. However, visitors will require visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Athens Organized Tours

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour

Go to a fun and informative tour of the Acropolis of Athens and travel back in time. With the help of a guide explore the UNESCO World Heritage site through a journey into history, mythology, and storytelling. Visit the Acropolis Museum which is considered one of the top museums in the world. It contains all the original surviving masterpieces from the temples of Acropolis. Also, excavations can be seen under glass floors and walkways. Visit the Acropolis hill and see the Dionysus Theater and the stunning Odeon of Herodes Atticus and much more. » book this tour

Full-Day Meteora Trip by Train

During this day trip enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide and see all 6 monasteries of the spectacular Meteora rock formations. Visit the Hermit Caves Badovas and learn about its mysterious history. In addition, get a glimpse of life inside the monasteries and also admire the beautiful landscapes during your journey. » book this tour

Delphi Guided Tour

A visit to the center of Ancient Greece to Delphi is a must during the layover at Athens airport. Where you can see the site of the oracle, and heart of classical Greek world. With exploring the hilltop ruins, the amphitheater, and the Temple of Apollo. You can also see the magnificent Athena Pronaia Sanctuary while discovering many treasures of Delphi Museum. » book this tour

Athens Things to do / Sightseeing

Saronic Islands Day Cruise

With a day cruise discover the islands of Hydra, Aegina, and Poros from Athens. Marvel the views of the Greek coast from the open deck of a cruise ship and explore Hydra. Cruise over the azure waters of the Mediterranean sea and enjoy your free time on each island.

Time required: 12 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour and 3 minutes via public transport.

Visit The Food Market

Explore Athen Central Market during your layover and buy some fresh ingredients. You can find plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop in the area. You can also learn from a Greek cooking expert who knows the secrets of traditional cooking. Moreover, enjoy a delicious meal including soft drinks and wine.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: 32 minutes via taxi.

Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon

Explore the picturesque south coast of Attica while your visit to Cape Sounion. It’s a scenic drive along the beautiful south coast and you get a chance to at one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. Stop to see the Temple of Poseidon and enjoy sunset views over the Aegean. Also, learn about the mythology linked to the temple before having time to relax and take in the panoramic views over the Aegean.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 40 minutes via taxi.

Visit Piraeus and Beach Rivera on Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Discovering Athens on an open-top hop-on hop-off double sightseeing bus offers you exceptional experience to see variety of sights in Athens. You can also visit the National Gardens and the city’s museums while enjoying the views and seeing the sailing boats at Piraeus.

Time required: 1 day.

Airport to here: 34 minutes via taxi.

Mycenae and Epidaurus

Embark on an amazing journey to explore the remains of ancient >Mycenae. It is a major center of Greek civilization from 1600 to 1100 B.C. You can also see the small village of Epidaurus, popular for its incredible Hellentic theater with a stop at Nauplua on the way. See the wonders of engineering at the Corinth Canal.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour 37 minutes via taxi.

Explore Athens Mythology

Learn about the history and myths behind the ancient sites of Athens. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Olympian Zeus next to the Acropolis. Also, hear about the birth of the glorious city to its Golden Age, and its downfall to the Spartan armies. You will see Athens’s most important landmarks on this trip to the Temple of Zeus and to the Ancient Agora.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: 3 hours 40 minutes via taxi.

Riviera Catamaran Cruise

During your layover at Athens experience a luxurious all-inclusive catamaran cruise . And get an opportunity to discover the enchanting Athens Riviera. Enjoy a special Greek family-style meal while soaking up the dazzling views. You can also get a chance to swim and can take sunbathe while hearing the historical narrations across the Athenian coastline.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour and 24 minutes via taxi.

Visit Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus

Enjoy a colorful day at the coastal city of Nafplion. The first capital of Greece, where you can taste the unique gastronomy of the country. Discover the rich architecture of the city and marvel at the different monuments standing as well as the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour and 53 minutes via private transport.

Things to Do in Athens Airport (ATH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are several lounges in the airport at terminal A and B. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are a lot of hotels close to the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no designated rest areas within the airport.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the Airport. You can connect with the “ATH Free Wi-Fi”.

SIM Card: You can buy the Vodafone SIM cards from the shops available at the airport. » buy a global sim card for Athens, Greece that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the Arrivals level, exit 3.

Train: ATH Airport is connected to the metro system via Metro Line 3 (Blue) and SUBURBAN RAIL. (more info).

Bus: ATH Airport is very well connected with four city bus lines connecting the airport with Athens and Piraeus. (more info).

Shuttle: Some hotels run shuttle bus services.

Car rentals: Car rentals are available from a number of providers within the airport » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: P1 and P2 Short Term Parking are available at the Arrivals level. And you can also book your parking online with the e-Parking facility on the airport website.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Care4Bag provides luggage storage at the Arrivals Level, Landside. » book a luggage storage or locker at Athens Airport (ATH) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Athens Airport (ATH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks