There is exactly one commercial airport in Athens, Greece: Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH). It is the country’s busiest airport and the main gateway for international and domestic flights. No other airport operates scheduled passenger service within the Athens metropolitan area.
The Single Commercial Airport: ATH
Athens International Airport is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the city center, near the town of Spata, in the Attica region. It opened in March 2001, replacing the old Ellinikon Airport, which had served Athens for over 60 years. The airport is named after Eleftherios Venizelos, a prominent Greek statesman who served as Prime Minister in the early 20th century.
ATH has two runways and one main passenger terminal with two concourses (A and B). It handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, and it is the main hub for Greece’s flag carrier, Aegean Airlines. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled over 25 million passengers, making it one of the busiest in Southeast Europe.
Why Only One? The Geography and History
Athens is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the Saronic Gulf to the south. This geography limits available flat land for large infrastructure. The old Ellinikon Airport, located on the coast south of the city, was constrained by urban development and could not expand to meet modern demands. When the new airport was built at Spata, it was designed from scratch with room for future expansion, including a planned third runway that has not yet been built.
The decision to close Ellinikon and build a single new airport was part of Greece’s preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games. The government chose a single-site solution rather than maintaining two airports, which would have split traffic and increased costs. Today, the old Ellinikon site is being redeveloped as a large coastal park and residential area, but it no longer functions as an airport.
What About Military and General Aviation Airfields?
While there is only one commercial airport, the broader Attica region does have a few military and general aviation airfields. These are not open to scheduled passenger traffic and do not serve the public in the same way as ATH.
- Tatoi Air Base – Located about 30 km north of Athens, this is a military airfield used by the Hellenic Air Force. It occasionally hosts general aviation and government flights but has no scheduled service.
- Elefsis Air Base – West of Athens, this is another military base that also handles some cargo and state flights. It is not a civilian airport.
- Megara Airfield – A small general aviation field west of Athens, used for private and training flights. It has no terminal or commercial operations.
These airfields are sometimes mistaken for “Athens airports” in online discussions, but they are not accessible to regular travelers. If you are booking a flight to Athens, you will arrive at ATH.
How to Choose Between Athens Airports (There Is Only One Choice)
Since there is only one commercial airport, the practical question is not which airport to use, but how to get from ATH to the city. The airport is well-connected by several modes of transport:
- Metro – The Athens Metro Line 3 connects the airport to Syntagma Square and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes or so, and the fare is around €10 one way (as of 2024).
- Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) – This train links the airport to the port of Piraeus and other parts of Attica. It is a good option if you are heading to the coast or the Peloponnese.
- Airport Bus – Several express bus lines (X95, X96, X97) run from the airport to central Athens, Piraeus, and other suburbs. Fares are cheaper than the metro, around €6.
- Taxis and Rideshares – A taxi to central Athens typically costs €40–€55, depending on traffic and time of day. Uber and local apps like Beat operate in Athens, but they often use licensed taxis.
For most visitors, the metro is the fastest and most reliable option. Buses are cheaper but can be slower during rush hour. Taxis are convenient if you have heavy luggage or are traveling in a group.
Common Confusion: Ellinikon and Other Greek Airports
Many travelers search for “Athens airports” because they have heard of Ellinikon, the old airport. Ellinikon closed in 2001, and its runways are now part of a public park and a sports complex. Some online booking sites or older travel guides may still list it, but it is not operational.
Another source of confusion is that Greece has many regional airports, and some people mistakenly think that flying to a nearby island airport is the same as flying to Athens. For example, Athens International Airport is often confused with the airport on the island of Athens? No such island exists. The closest alternative is the airport at Skyros or other islands, but these are separate destinations. Always check the airport code: ATH is Athens, and other Greek airports have different codes (e.g., SKG for Thessaloniki, HER for Heraklion).
Costs and Practical Tips
Flying to Athens is generally affordable, but costs vary by season. Summer (June–August) is peak tourist season, and flights are more expensive. Winter (November–February) is cheaper, but some island connections may be limited. The airport itself has a single terminal, so transfers between flights are straightforward, but you should allow at least 1.5 hours for connecting flights, especially if you are arriving from a non-Schengen country.
One practical tip: if you are flying to Athens and then taking a ferry to the islands, the port of Piraeus is about 30–40 minutes from the airport by taxi or train. The suburban railway goes directly to Piraeus, which is convenient. However, if your ferry departs from Rafina (a smaller port near the airport), you can take a taxi in about 20 minutes.
Safety and Security at ATH
Athens International Airport is a modern, secure facility that meets international standards. Security checks are thorough, and you should arrive at least 2 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one. The airport has a dedicated police presence, and baggage screening is standard.
One common concern is pickpocketing, which is rare inside the airport but can happen in crowded areas like the metro or bus. Keep your belongings close, especially when using public transport. The airport itself is safe, and there are no known safety issues specific to ATH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a second airport in Athens?
No. Athens has only one commercial airport: Athens International Airport (ATH). The old Ellinikon Airport closed in 2001 and is no longer operational. There are military airfields nearby, but they do not serve passenger flights.
Why is the Athens airport named Eleftherios Venizelos?
Eleftherios Venizelos was a Greek politician who served as Prime Minister in the early 20th century. He is credited with modernizing Greece and expanding its territory. The airport was named in his honor when it opened in 2001.
How far is the Athens airport from the city center?
The airport is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of central Athens. By metro, the journey takes around 40 minutes. By taxi, it can take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Can you walk between terminals at ATH?
Yes. Athens International Airport has one main terminal building with two concourses (A and B) connected by a central corridor. You can walk between them, but it may take 10–15 minutes. There is no separate terminal for low-cost carriers; all airlines use the same building.
Are there any budget airlines flying to Athens?
Yes. Several low-cost carriers operate at ATH, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. They fly to many European cities. However, they often use remote stands, so you may need to take a shuttle bus from the aircraft to the terminal.
What is the best way to get from Athens airport to the city?
The metro is the most reliable and cost-effective option for most travelers. It takes about 40 minutes to Syntagma Square. Buses are cheaper but slower. Taxis are convenient but more expensive, especially during peak hours.
Related
- How to Sew Cuffs to Lengthen Pants
- Dbt Journal Prompts: 40+ Ideas for Every Skill
- Joining Sentences Conjunction: How to Combine Clauses
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.