Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) Is Greece's Busiest Airport, about 20 km East of Central Athens. It Opened in 2001 and Handled 34 Million Passengers in 2025
| IATA / ICAO | ATH / LGAV |
|---|---|
| Serves | Athens, Greece |
| Coordinates | 37.9364° N, 23.9445° E |
| Elevation | 308 ft |
| Number of Terminals | 2 Terminals, Gates A, B, C |
| Airport Opening Hours | Open 24/7 |
| Recommended Arrival Time | 2 to 3 Hours |
| Official Website | aia.gr |
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport at a Glance
Athens Airport Works as One Main Terminal Building Plus a Satellite Terminal, Reached from Airside by an Underground Link with Moving Walkways. Gates A1-A27 and B1-B31 Are in the Main Terminal, Gates C15-C40 in the Satellite. Metro Line 3, the Suburban Railway and Four Express Bus Lines All Stop at the Terminal
Is There Free WiFi at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport?
Yes. ATH Free Wifi Covers the Terminal, Costs Nothing and Runs 24 Hours a Day; a Session Gives 120 Minutes and You Can Reconnect Straight Away at No Charge. Free 15-minute Internet Kiosks Sit at Departures Entrance 1 and in the Arrivals E-Lounge
Where Can I Buy a SIM Card at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport?
Airport WiFi
| Connection Speed | Slow / Unstable |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free, Often Time-Limited |
| Activation Time | Login / Ads / Forms |
| Documents Needed | Yes (eMail / ID / Login) |
| Coverage | Only inside Airport |
| Security | Public Network (Risk) |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | No |
| Local Phone Number | No |
| Can Pay in Cash | Not Applicable |
| Where You Get It | At the Terminal, Once You Land |
Local SIM Card
| Connection Speed | Fast 4G/5G Speeds |
|---|---|
| Cost | Counter Price, Varies by Desk |
| Activation Time | Queue and Paperwork at the Desk |
| Documents Needed | Passport Often Required |
| Coverage | Works across Entire Country |
| Security | Private Secure Connection |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | No |
| Local Phone Number | Yes |
| Can Pay in Cash | Yes |
| Where You Get It | A Desk or Kiosk in the Terminal |
Roaming Options
| Connection Speed | Fast, Depends on Your Plan |
|---|---|
| Cost | Your Operator Rate, Can Be High |
| Activation Time | Instant Connection |
| Documents Needed | None |
| Coverage | Works across Entire Country |
| Security | Private Secure Connection |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | Yes |
| Local Phone Number | Keeps Your Own Number |
| Can Pay in Cash | No |
| Where You Get It | Already Active on Your Phone |
travelData.shop eSIM
| Connection Speed | Fast 4G/5G Speeds |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free Trial, Then from 3.99 $ |
| Activation Time | Instant Connection |
| Documents Needed | None |
| Coverage | Works across Entire Country |
| Security | Private Secure Connection |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | Yes |
| Local Phone Number | On Selected Plans |
| Can Pay in Cash | No |
| Where You Get It | Online, before You Leave Home |
Why Use eSIM Instead of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport WiFi?
Skip the Login Portals — Land, Tap Once, and You Are on a Fast Private Connection That Keeps Working Far beyond the Terminal
Instant Connection
Get Online the Moment You Land — No Searching for WiFi, No Waiting, No Login Screens
Works beyond the Airport
Stay Connected across the Entire Greece — From the Airport to Your Hotel, City Center, or Road Trip
No Public WiFi Risks
Avoid Slow, Unsecured Public Airport Networks & Stay on Your Own Private Mobile Connection Instead
Perfect for Travel Essentials
Use Maps, Book a Ride, Check-In to Your Hotel, or Message Instantly after Arrival
How to Get Internet at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Get Connected Instantly after Landing — No Airport WiFi Needed
- 01
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- 02
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Start Using Internet Immediately at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Best Way to Get Internet at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Compare Free WiFi vs Mobile Data & Choose What Works Best for You
FAQs about Internet at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Everything You Need to Know about Getting Online at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
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First Time at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport? Here’s What You Should Know
Where Can I Park at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport?
See Practical Airport Parking Options, Walking Time to Terminals, Typical Price Guidance, and Booking Tips before You Drive to the Airport
Short Term 2
- Typical Price
- Free under 20 min, €6 to 1 h, €25 for 6-24 h
- Location
- Arrivals Level, Directly outside the Main Terminal Building
- Best For
- Meeting a Flight and Hourly Stays
Short Term 1
- Typical Price
- Free under 30 min, €6 to 1 h, €25 for 6-24 h
- Location
- Across the Pedestrian Bridge from the Main Terminal Building, in Its New Location
- Best For
- Drop-Offs and a Few Hours at the Terminal
Long Term
- Typical Price
- €13 for 1 Day, €50 for 4-7 Days, €5 a Day after That
- Location
- On-Airport, across the Pedestrian Bridge, with a Free Shuttle Serving 14 Stops
- Best For
- A Week Away with the Car Left at the Airport
Long Term Value
- Location
- Walking Distance from the Main Terminal, on the Free Shuttle Route
- Best For
- Stays of More than 2 Days Booked Ahead
Economy
- Typical Price
- €5 a Day, Prepaid Online
- Location
- The Retail Park, Off the Terminal, with Its Own Free Shuttle Bus
- Best For
- The Cheapest Long Stay
Valet Parking
- Typical Price
- €60 for 1 Day, €175 for 7 Days, €10 a Day after That
- Location
- The Service Desk at Entrance 4 on the Departures Level
- Best For
- Arriving Late and Walking Straight In
What Facilities Does Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport Have?
Lounges at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Contracted Airlines, Priority Pass and Other Lounge Programmes, or Paid Entry
Lufthansa Group Business Class and Star Alliance Gold, or a Paid Entry
Star Alliance Business Class and Gold Status, or an Aegean Lounge Purchase
Aegean Business Lounge, Schengen
Aegean Business Lounge, Non-Schengen
Lufthansa Business Lounge
Swissport Lounge
Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge
Skyserv Melina Mercouri Lounge
Goldair Handling Lounge, Non-Schengen
Goldair Handling Lounge, Schengen
Goldair Handling Lounge, Satellite Terminal
Lounges, Food, ATMs and Storage
Check Practical Terminal Services While Waiting, Arriving or Departing: Food, ATMs, Storage, Charging, Accessibility Support and More
Where Can I Sleep at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport?
Find On-Airport and Nearby Hotel Options, How to Reach Them from Arrivals, Expected Nightly Rates, and Practical Booking Tips for Late Arrivals or Early Departures
Sofitel Athens Airport
- Directly Opposite the Main Terminal Building, across the Forecourt
- A 05:00 Departure
Holiday Inn Athens - Airport
- Attica Avenue, between Exits 17 and 18, West of the Airport
- A Cheaper Overnight with a Car
How Do I Get from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Athens?
Bus & Train at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
See Exact Route Options, Departure Points, Schedule Windows and Ticket Tips for Getting to the Center after Landing
Bus Connection
X95 Express Bus to Syntagma Square
X96 Express Bus to Piraeus Port
X93 Express Bus to the Kifissos and Liossion Coach Stations
X97 Express Bus to Elliniko Metro Station
Train Connection
Metro Line 3, the Blue Line to Syntagma and Piraeus
Suburban Railway to Athens Larissis Station and Piraeus
Taxi, Ride Apps and Car Rental
Compare the Main Door-To-Door Options after Landing, Including Official Taxi Pickup Points, Ride-Hailing Availability and On-Airport Rental Counters
Regular Taxi
- Official Operators
- Athens Yellow Taxis at the Official Rank, Attica Taxi Drivers Association, for Pre-Booking
- Pickup Point
- The Designated Taxi Waiting Area at Exit 3 of the Arrivals Level, Staffed 24/7
- Travel Time to Center
- 35 to 50 Minutes in Normal Traffic
- Payment Methods
- Cash and Cards; Greek Law Requires the Driver to Issue a Receipt
Ride Apps
Uber
FREE NOW
Car Rental
Avis
- All Users Area, Arrivals, Exit 4
- The Airport Rental Car Parking Area
- Desks Staffed 24/7
Hertz
- All Users Area, Arrivals, Exit 4
- The Airport Rental Car Parking Area
- Desks Staffed 24/7
Enterprise
- All Users Area, Arrivals, Exit 4
- The Airport Rental Car Parking Area
- Desks Staffed 24/7
Sixt
- All Users Area, Arrivals, Exit 4
- The Airport Rental Car Parking Area
- Desks Staffed 24/7
Avance
- All Users Area, Arrivals, Exit 4
- The Airport Rental Car Parking Area
- Desks Staffed 24/7
Europcar
- All Users Area, Arrivals, Exit 4
- The Airport Rental Car Parking Area
- Desks Staffed 24/7
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Travel Tips & Essential Information for Greece
Greece offers ancient historical sites, island and mainland beaches, mountain villages, and a strong cafe and dining culture. Visitors commonly combine Athens with island ferries or domestic flights, and practical planning matters because transport, card use, and seasonal crowds can vary by location.
Official Languages: Greek
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, transport hubs, and by younger people. In smaller towns and rural areas, English may be more limited, but basic tourist communication is usually manageable.
Mobile Network: Mobile coverage is generally good in cities, towns, and on main travel routes. Service can be weaker in remote mountain areas, on some smaller islands, and during ferry crossings. 4G is widespread and 5G is available in many urban areas.
Roaming/SIM/eSIM: For short stays, EU travelers can commonly use roaming under their home plan, but should still check fair use limits. For non-EU travelers, a local SIM or eSIM is often cheaper than roaming, especially for data-heavy use. eSIM is the easiest option if your phone supports it and you want service immediately after arrival. A local physical SIM can be good value for longer stays, but may take more setup. If you will island-hop or drive in rural areas, compare network coverage rather than choosing only by price.
Cards are widely accepted in Athens, Thessaloniki, airports, hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and many tourist businesses. Cash is still useful for taxis in some cases, small cafes, beach bars, kiosks, rural villages, and some islands, so carrying a modest amount is practical.
Tipping is appreciated but not as rigid as in some countries. In cafes and casual tavernas, rounding up or leaving a small amount is common. In restaurants, around 5 to 10 percent is typical for good service if a service charge is not already included. Taxi drivers commonly receive rounded-up fares rather than a fixed percentage. Hotel housekeeping and porters may be given a small tip for good service.
Plug Type: Type C and Type F
Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz
Adapter: Visitors from countries using 230 V and Type C or F plugs commonly do not need an adapter. Visitors from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, and other countries with different plug types will usually need an adapter. Travelers from countries using 110 V should also check device voltage compatibility.
Greece is generally considered safe for tourists, with the main issues usually being pickpocketing in busy city areas, transport hubs, and crowded attractions. Seasonal heat, wildfire conditions, and sea safety also deserve attention, especially in summer.
- Watch bags and phones in crowded areas such as central Athens, the metro, ferry ports, and major archaeological sites.
- Use only licensed taxis or reputable app-based bookings, and confirm the meter or fare basis before starting the ride when possible.
- In summer, avoid long walks in peak afternoon heat, carry water, and use sun protection.
- Check local alerts for wildfires, ferry disruptions, and severe weather, especially during summer and shoulder seasons.
- On beaches, follow flag systems and local warnings about currents, rocks, and wind conditions.
- Keep photo ID or a copy of your passport details, and store valuables securely rather than leaving them visible in rental cars.
Do
- Carry some cash for small purchases and remote areas.
- Validate transport details carefully for ferries and island transfers, especially in windy weather or shoulder season.
- Use reef-safe sun protection where possible and dispose of litter properly, especially on beaches and islands.
- Respect quiet hours in apartments and residential neighborhoods.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in villages, markets, monasteries, or during religious events.
Avoid
- Do not assume every taxi accepts cards, especially outside major cities or airports.
- Do not remove stones, sand, shells, or artifacts from protected sites or beaches where prohibited.
- Do not enter monastery or church spaces in beachwear or very revealing clothing.
- Do not underestimate summer heat, hiking difficulty, or the strength of sun and wind on islands.
- Do not park casually in narrow streets or near ports without checking local restrictions.
Local Cultural Tips
- A polite greeting matters. Saying hello before asking for help or ordering is appreciated.
- Lunch and especially dinner can be later than in some countries, particularly in summer and tourist areas.
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries, with shoulders and knees covered where requested.
- Service can feel relaxed rather than rushed, especially on islands and in traditional tavernas, so patience is useful.
- Smoking may still be more visible in some hospitality settings than visitors from some countries expect, though rules exist.
- Many archaeological sites have strict rules on touching ruins, climbing, drones, and flash use, so follow posted instructions.
- Greet staff when entering small shops, cafes, or family-run places.
- Wait to be seated where a host is present rather than choosing any table.
- Speak respectfully about religion and national history, as both can be sensitive topics.
- Keep voices moderate late at night in residential streets and apartment buildings.
- At beaches and on ferries, follow queue order even when boarding feels crowded.
Get Online without Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport WiFi. Activate Your Free eSIM Trial When You Land
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