Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is one of Europe’s most accessible and fascinating capitals. As Greece’s main travel hub, it connects the ancient and the modern — with world-famous landmarks, a dynamic food scene, and easy access to the islands. Whether you’re flying in from abroad, traveling domestically, or arriving by sea, this guide explains exactly how to get to Athens smoothly and efficiently.
Where Is Athens?
Athens lies in southern mainland Greece, on the Attica Peninsula, bordered by the Saronic Gulf to the west and the Aegean Sea to the south. The city is surrounded by low mountains — Hymettus, Penteli, and Parnitha — and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate.
Its strategic location has made it a gateway for travelers for thousands of years. Today, Athens is not only the country’s capital but also its main entry point, with Athens International Airport (ATH) serving as Greece’s largest and busiest airport. From here, visitors can easily reach the city center, nearby beaches, and ferry ports leading to the islands.
Getting to Athens from the United States
There are direct flights to Athens from several major U.S. cities, particularly between April and October. The most common entry route is by air, though some travelers arrive via European stopovers or cruises through the Mediterranean.
Direct Flights from the U.S.
Nonstop flights to Athens are available from:
- New York (JFK) – Delta, American Airlines, Emirates
- Philadelphia (PHL) – American Airlines
- Chicago (O’Hare) – United Airlines
- Atlanta (ATL) – Delta Air Lines
- Boston (BOS) – Delta or American (seasonal)
- Washington D.C. (IAD) – United Airlines (seasonal)
- Newark (EWR) – United Airlines (year-round)
The average flight time is 9–11 hours, depending on departure city and winds.
Flights via European Hubs
If you’re not near a city with direct service, it’s easy to connect through major European airports such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Amsterdam, Madrid, or Rome. Many low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air also operate flights into Athens from across Europe, often at very low prices.
Flying to Athens from Europe or the Middle East
Athens is one of Europe’s busiest airports, so flights from nearby countries are frequent and affordable.
- From London – ≈3 hrs
- From Rome or Milan – ≈2 hrs
- From Paris – ≈3 hrs
- From Istanbul – ≈1.5 hrs
- From Berlin, Vienna, or Prague – ≈2–2.5 hrs
Airlines such as Aegean Airlines (Greece’s flag carrier), Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and British Airways all serve the route. Because competition is high, prices often drop below €100 round-trip in shoulder season.
Arriving at Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) lies about 20 km (12 mi) east of the city center in the suburb of Spata. It is a modern, well-organized airport with two terminals, clear signage, and multiple transportation options to reach downtown.
Transportation from the Airport
1. Metro (Blue Line 3)
- Fastest public option.
- Runs every 30 minutes from 06:30 – 23:30.
- Travel time: ≈40 min to Syntagma Square or Monastiraki.
- Cost: ≈€9 one-way / €16 round-trip.
2. Airport Bus
- Express Buses (X93, X95, X96, X97) run 24 hours.
- X95 → Syntagma Square (downtown)
- X96 → Piraeus Port (for ferries)
- Cost: ≈€5.50
- Travel time: 45–60 min depending on traffic.
3. Taxi
- Fixed fare ≈ €40 (day 06:00 – 24:00) / €55 (night).
- Travel time: 30–45 min.
- Ideal if you have luggage or arrive late.
4. Private Transfer or Ride-Share
- Services such as Welcome Pickups or Uber operate in Athens.
- Prices start around €40–50 to the center, and it’s the most comfortable option.
Arriving by Ferry or Cruise
While Athens itself is inland, it’s surrounded by coastal suburbs and ports that connect to the Aegean and beyond.
Piraeus Port
Piraeus, Greece’s largest port and one of the busiest in Europe, is about 10 km (6 mi) southwest of the city center. It serves as the main ferry gateway to the Greek islands — including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Crete.
- Metro (Line 1, Green) connects Piraeus to Monastiraki (≈25 min).
- Express Bus X96 links Piraeus and the airport (≈60–70 min).
- Taxis cost ≈€20–25 to central Athens.
If you’re arriving on a ferry from an island, you’ll likely dock here. The port area has hotels, restaurants, and car-rental offices for onward travel.
Rafina & Lavrio Ports
Smaller ports — Rafina (30–40 min from the airport) and Lavrio (1 hr from Athens) — serve ferries to Andros, Tinos, Kea, and other nearby islands. They are useful alternatives to Piraeus if your destination is in the Cyclades.
Cruise Arrivals
Many Mediterranean cruises dock at Piraeus. Cruise lines often provide shuttle buses or tours directly into Athens. It takes ≈25–30 minutes to reach the Acropolis area from the port by bus or metro.
Arriving by Land
If you’re already in Europe or the Balkans, you can reach Athens by car or bus.
By Car
Athens is connected to the rest of Europe by a network of highways and ferries across Italy and the Adriatic. A common route is:
Italy → Patras (via ferry) then Patras → Athens (≈2.5 hrs drive).
Ferries to Patras depart from Ancona, Bari, Venice, and Brindisi.
By Bus
Long-distance buses connect Athens with neighboring countries like Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Turkey. The main terminal, Kifissos Bus Station, is ≈15 min from downtown and served by city buses and taxis.
By Train
While Greece’s rail network is limited, you can take domestic trains to Athens from Thessaloniki, Larissa, or Kalambaka (Meteora). The journey from Thessaloniki takes about 4–5 hours. International rail connections to Athens are currently suspended, but trains within Greece are comfortable and modern.
Getting Around Athens After Arrival
Once you’ve arrived, getting around Athens is straightforward thanks to its efficient metro, tram, and bus system.
- Metro: Three lines connect key districts, the airport, and Piraeus Port.
- Tram: Runs along the coast to Glyfada and Voula — perfect for beach trips.
- Bus & Trolley: Extensive network covering every neighborhood.
- Taxis & Apps: Affordable compared to other European capitals. Beat (app) is the most popular local ride-share option.
If you plan to explore beyond Athens — to Delphi, Meteora, or the Peloponnese — car rental is the most flexible choice.
Travel Options to Athens
| Starting Point | Transport Type | Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (New York, Chicago, Atlanta) | Direct Flight | Athens (ATH) | 9–11 hrs |
| USA (via Europe) | Connecting Flight | Athens (ATH) | 11–14 hrs total |
| European Hubs (London, Rome, Paris) | Flight | Athens (ATH) | 2–3 hrs |
| Italian Ports (Ancona, Bari, Venice) | Ferry + Car | Athens (via Patras) | 10–14 hrs total |
| Greek Islands (Santorini, Crete, Mykonos) | Flight or Ferry | Piraeus or ATH | 40 min – 6 hrs |
| Thessaloniki | Train or Bus | Athens (Larissa Station) | 4–5 hrs |
Final Thoughts
Getting to Athens is easy no matter where you’re coming from. With its modern airport, multiple ports, and strong domestic connections, the Greek capital is an ideal starting point for any trip through Greece.
If you’re flying in from abroad, the city offers a smooth entry to ancient wonders like the Acropolis and a gateway to the islands via Piraeus. Whether you arrive by plane, ferry, or car, Athens welcomes you with the perfect blend of old and new — a city that’s not just a destination but the heart of the Greek journey itself.
