Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Greece.
- Distance to downtown
- 19.7 km
- Typical drive time
- Approx. 15 min
- Terminals
- 2
Flights to Athens
Discover Athens, the capital of Greece: A Gateway of Heritage and Local Culture
Eastern European Standard TimeATH
- Best round-trip fare
- $23.00
- Nonstop from
- 176
- Best time to visit
- May, Jun, Sep
- Updated
- 2026-10-28
Athens travel overview
Athens is the capital of Greece (country/territory code: GR), has an official capital/administrative population of 637,798 (2021, scope: Official capital area), operating in the Europe/Athens time zone. As the primary civic, administrative, and cultural gateway of Greece, Athens brings together national museums, historic monuments, civic architecture, and vibrant local markets. Visitors can explore heritage neighborhoods, sample authentic regional cuisine, and connect conveniently to wider regional attractions.
- State
- No data
- Population
- 664,046 (2021)
- Time zone
- Eastern European Standard Time
- Average stay
- 2–4 days
- Nearest airport
- Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
- Straight-line distance
- 19.7 km
Popular flights to Athens
Find the most popular routes to Athens, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.
| From | Flight time | Airlines(main) | Weekly flights | From price | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki (SKG) | 50 min | Aegean Airlines|Sky Express | 110 | $64.00 | View route |
| Heraklion (HER) | 50 min | Sky Express|Aegean Airlines | 75 | $28.00 | View route |
| Santorini Island (JTR) | 45 min | Ryanair|Sky Express|Aegean Airlines|Etihad Airways | 58 | $58.00 | View route |
Airports serving Athens
Athens is served primarily via ATH, offering ground connections to the city center by airport bus, rail (where available), or official taxi.
Best time to visit Athens
No data
Average temperature and rainfall
High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
Recommended months
May – JuneSeptember
No data
Seasons
WinterNo data
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SpringNo data
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SummerNo data
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AutumnNo data
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Top things to do in Athens
Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Athens itinerary.
Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon
Explore the signature civic landmarks and historic core of Athens, experiencing the urban layout and heritage of Greece's capital.
Acropolis Museum & Ancient Agora
Discover archaeological artifacts, folk art, and historical exhibits chronicling Athens and Greece on a half-day cultural visit.
Mount Lycabettus Sunset & Syntagma Walk
Stroll along Athens's parks, waterfront promenades, or heritage lanes in the late afternoon to enjoy skyline views and local life.
Athens city transport
Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.
| Transport | Best for | Time to downtown | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport to Athens Center Ground Transfer (ATH) | Arriving/departing passengers and travelers with luggage | 20–60 min | EUR 3.68–25.76 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated one-way fare in EUR; lower bound reflects public bus/rail and upper bound reflects official airport taxi/express. |
| Athens Urban Public Transit Network | Budget travelers and daily sightseeing commuters | 10–45 min | EUR 0.92–3.68 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated single-ride urban transit fare in EUR; varies by zone distance or transit card discount. |
| Athens Official Taxis & Ride-Hailing | Families, small groups, and evening travelers | 10–35 min | EUR 4.6–16.56 · per vehicle; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated 5–10 km urban ride fare in EUR; peak traffic or late-night surcharges may apply. |
Where to stay in Athens
When visiting Athens, staying near the central civic district, historic quarter, or main transport hub balances walkable sightseeing with dining convenience.
Syntagma & Plaka
Located in the primary sightseeing and civic core of Athens, offering easy access to national museums, historic plazas, and local dining.
Koukaki & Acropolis South
Situated near main transport corridors, diplomatic quarters, or modern commercial amenities in Athens, providing convenient transfers to ATH.
Athens trip planning
Plan 2 to 4 days in Athens to pair landmark monuments and national museums with local markets and neighborhood dining.
- Daily budget
- EUR 59.8–142.6 · per person/day; budget to mid-range · 2026-10-21 · The daily budget range of 59.8–142.6 EUR is an estimated reference as of 2026-10-21 per person per day (budget to mid-range, covering standard lodging, meals, local transit, and typical entry fees, excluding international airfare).
- Local time
- No data
- Tipping
- In Athens, check whether a service charge is already included on restaurant bills; if not, rounding up or leaving 5%–10% for good service is appreciated (15%–20% in North America).
- Power outlets
- Type C, F, or G outlets, 220–240V/50Hz (a universal travel adapter is recommended)
- Accessibility
- Major airport terminals, modern hotels, and national museums in Athens generally provide step-free access and elevators, while historic cobblestone quarters and traditional markets may have uneven surfaces.
- Suggested stay
- 2–4 days
Explore more destinations
Continue planning with cities near Athens.
Popular routes from Athens
From Athens, travelers can connect onward via ATH or use overland and coastal links to explore neighboring destinations across Greece.
Frequently asked questions about Athens
What is Athens's role in Greece, and what special selection notes apply?
Athens serves as the capital of Greece. Selected under the capital-first rule. Primary air access is via ATH in the Europe/Athens time zone.
When is the best time to visit Athens, and how many days are recommended?
The recommended months to visit Athens are [4,5,6,9,10]. April to June and September to October offer mild temperatures, comfortable daylight, and pleasant conditions for walking tours. A stay of 2–4 days is ideal for main highlights.
What is the typical daily budget in Athens, and what currency and power outlets are used?
Local transactions in Athens use EUR, with an estimated daily budget of 59.8–142.6 EUR per person (budget to mid-range). Power standard: Type C, F, or G outlets, 220–240V/50Hz (a universal travel adapter is recommended).