Car Hire Athens Airport

Athens Airport Mini Guide

About Athens Airport
The new Athens Airport opened in 2001 replacing a much smaller one. Today the airport handles 14.5 million passengers, a reduction over previous years due to the economic downturn and the propensity for islands that were served by Athens now having their own airports. Within twelve miles of the city, the airport is easy to reach from the well-signposted Attiki Odos and has plenty of short and long term parking together with valet parking. The long term parking is ten minutes’ walk from the airport but a shuttle operates regularly between the park and the terminal. Athens International Airport has the unique airport code ATH.

How to get there
Being an important international hub for Europe and Asia it’s not surprising that Athens receives flights from over 80 airlines. Routes include scheduled, chartered and budget airlines from all over Europe and as far away as Canada and China. 

How to get to your next destination
There is a Metro stop on line 3 together with a national rail station, Larissis at the airport facilitating rapid onward travel into the city or further afield. OASA buses run four routes into the city and Piraeus whilst taxis operate on a fixed fare basis, €35 for daytime and €50 for night-time. The taxi stand is directly outside the arrivals hall. Those collecting a hire car from the airport should go to the companies’ desks in the arrivals hall but as the desks can become very busy at peak times we’d recommend pre-booking and sending a driver through to sort out the final paperwork whilst others in the group collect the luggage. The airport is right on Attiki Odos leading into the heart of Athens.

If you need help
There’s an airport information desk in the departures public area as well as telephone help points.  There’s also a desk for the Greek Tourism Authority in arrivals which can help with accommodation and onward journeys.

Facilities
There are a number of banks including AlphaBank, Marfin and HSBC throughout the airport along with many ATMs dotted evenly throughout the terminals.

Shopping at Athens Airport is excellent, both before and after security. There’s a huge range of shops in every category including Lacoste, Hermes, Nike, Porsche Design, Bulgari and Burberry. There are also electronics, music shops, newsagents and booksellers. The airport also has its own supermarket.

Eating out at the airport is also a pleasurable experience with full restaurants such as The Olive Tree or Gloria Jean’s, light bite and snack outlets and even a McDonalds for the kids. Beyond security there are a number of coffee bars serving hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as light snacks.

Should you find the need for first aid on arrival, there are trained members of staff on hand. Should a prescription be needed there’s also a pharmacy. Baby changing facilities are available in selected places across arrivals and departures. A childcare facility, ‘Smile of the Child’ will look after your children whilst you sort out checking in etc.

There’s a multi-faith prayer room available in the arrivals hall. 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi is available across the airport together with a room offering business facilities.

Extra assistance
There are a number of designated points for disabled travellers to go to for assistance. The airport has its own charter on helping people with reduced mobility which informs its policy. General assistance is available for all disabled travellers but it is recommended that you inform your airline before travelling so that necessary steps can be taken to assist you. The airport conforms to EU law on disability provision.

Athens Airport is the busiest airport in Greece as millions of people arrive to soak up the ancient history and culture of the area. Hiring a car will allow you to travel the 12 miles from the airport in no time and then it’s handy for scaling the hills upon which many of Athens’ monuments are built.

The city can get hot and oppressive in summer and leaving it to head towards some of the quieter coastal resorts is a good recommendation. Leave some time though to visit the world famous Acropolis, preferably at night when it’s magical.