Athens Airport to the City Centre by Metro – Cheap and Direct

Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects Athens International Airport directly with the city centre. The journey to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes and costs €9. Trains run daily, with the first departure from the airport at 6:10 and the last at 23:34.

From the terminal to the station

The metro station is not inside the terminal. After leaving the arrivals hall, follow the signs for "Trains": the route leads out of the building, across a pedestrian bridge, and then up to the station by escalator or lift. Allow about five to ten minutes for the walk.

Where to buy tickets

At the stairs leading down to the trains, there is a ticket counter as well as ticket machines. I bought my ticket at the counter and paid in cash. The airport ticket costs €9 (reduced fare €4.50 for children aged 6 to 18, students and people over 65; children under 6 travel free). A return ticket costs €16. Important: the airport section is a separate fare zone – the standard €1.20 city ticket is not valid here. The airport ticket is valid for 90 minutes from validation on all urban transport (metro, bus, tram), so you can continue your journey in the city without buying a new ticket. Alternatively, you can pay contactless with a bank card or NFC device directly at the gates. Ticket inspections are frequent on the airport line, often by staff without uniforms. Current prices are listed on the official OASA fare page.

The journey

The train first runs above ground and shares the tracks with the suburban railway (Proastiakos) until Doukissis Plakentias, then continues underground into the centre. The ride to Syntagma takes about 40 minutes. I got off there and changed lines; both Syntagma and Monastiraki offer connections to the other metro lines. For the return trip to the airport, keep in mind that not every Line 3 train goes all the way to the airport – many terminate at Doukissis Plakentias. Check the destination display on the platform for "Airport". Airport trains run roughly every 30 to 40 minutes; timetables are available on the STASY website.

Alternative options

Four express bus lines run around the clock and cost €5.50 – the only public transport option for arrivals after 23:34. The X95 goes to Syntagma Square, the X96 to the port of Piraeus, the X93 to the intercity bus terminals Kifissos and Liosion, and the X97 to Elliniko metro station. If you are heading to Delphi, the X93 takes you directly to Liosion (Terminal B), where the KTEL buses depart – see our guide on getting from Athens to Delphi by bus. The suburban railway (Proastiakos) also stops at the airport and offers a direct connection to Piraeus, among other destinations. An overview of all public transport at the airport is available on the official airport website.

Continuing your trip through Greece by public transport? See also our guide on the bus from Delphi to Thessaloniki.