Getting from Athens Airport to the City Center by Metro – Updated January 2026
The Athens Metro (Blue Line 3) remains the fastest, most reliable, and affordable way to reach central Athens from Athens International Airport (ATH). It’s direct, air-conditioned, and runs frequently – no need for taxis unless arriving very late or with heavy luggage.
Athens Airport Metro station platform.
Key Details (Current as of 2026)
- Duration: ~40 minutes to Syntagma Square (heart of the city; near Plaka, Acropolis area). Slightly longer to Monastiraki or other central stops.
- Fare (one-way airport ticket):
- Adults: €9
- Reduced (children 6-18, students under 25, seniors 65+): €4.50
- Children under 6: Free
- Round-trip: €16 (valid 30 days)
- 3-Day Tourist Ticket: €20 (includes round-trip to airport + unlimited city travel – great for short stays).
Ticket vending machines at the airport station.
- Timetable: Trains every 36 minutes (some sources say 30, but official is 36 for airport extension).
- First train: ~6:10–6:30 AM
- Last train: ~11:30–11:34 PM
- No overnight service.
How to Do It Step-by-Step
- After baggage claim/customs, follow clear signs to “Trains/Metro” (elevators/escalators down).
- Buy ticket at booth (staff speak English) or machines (multilingual, card/cash).
Blue Line 3 metro train.
- Validate ticket at gates.
- Board Line 3 (Blue) toward Dimotiko Theatro/Nikaia (all go to center).
- Key stops: Syntagma (central hub), Monastiraki (near Acropolis).
Syntagma Metro station exhibits.
Tips:
- Frequent ticket checks on airport line – fines are steep (~60x fare).
- Plenty of space for luggage.
- For Piraeus port (ferries): Stay on to end or change at Monastiraki (total ~60 min).
The metro is clean, safe, and straightforward – far easier than older guides suggest. Enjoy Athens!