How to Get from Athens Airport to Athens by Metro
Updated March 2026, How to Get from Athens Airport to Athens by Metro was originally published in August 2024
Taking the Athens Airport Metro to Athens city center is one of the easiest ways to get from Athens International Airport (ATH) into central Athens. Metro Line 3 (the Blue Line) runs directly from the airport to central stations including Syntagma and Monastiraki, with no transfer required.
The Athens Airport Metro costs €9 one way and takes about 40 minutes to Syntagma Square. Trains currently run approximately every 30 minutes, although the exact timetable varies by day and temporary service changes can occur.
If you’re arriving at Athens Airport and wondering how to get to Athens city center, here’s exactly how to take the Metro, where to buy your ticket, how much it costs, and which station to get off at.
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Athens Airport to Athens Metro at a glance
| Metro line | Line 3, Blue Line |
| Airport station | Athens Airport |
| Best central stops | Syntagma, Monastiraki |
| Journey to Syntagma | About 40 minutes |
| One-way fare | €9 |
| Return fare | €16 |
| Frequency | Approximately every 30 minutes |
| First airport departure | Around 06:10 |
| Last airport departure | Around 23:34 |
Why I Took the Athens Airport Metro
I originally wasn’t even supposed to be staying in Athens.
I was flying from Tirana to Beirut with a layover at Athens Airport when my plans suddenly fell apart. The situation in Lebanon was deteriorating, and Pia, the woman I was supposed to be working with advised me not to continue on to Beirut.
So there I was, unexpectedly stranded at Athens Airport with no real plan beyond finding somewhere to sleep.
I whipped out my phone and booked a hostel in Athens and decided to figure out the public transportation situation. I’d read a couple of accounts suggesting the Athens Metro from the airport was complicated and that taking a taxi would be easier.
I ignored that advice and went to investigate for myself.
Thankfully, it turned out to be painfully easy.
I followed the signs from arrivals to the airport Metro station, bought a ticket, and boarded Line 3 into Athens. The whole process was considerably less dramatic than the circumstances that had landed me there in the first place.
And yes, I’d absolutely take the Athens Airport Metro again.
Athens Airport to Athens City Center by Metro
After collecting your luggage and entering the arrivals hall at Athens International Airport, follow the signs for Metro. The airport Metro station is connected to the terminal and is clearly signposted.
The airport is served by Metro Line 3, the Blue Line, which connects Athens Airport with central Athens and continues across the city toward Piraeus.
At the station, you can buy an airport Metro ticket from the staffed ticket counter or an automated ticket machine.
I originally bought my ticket from the counter and simply told the attendant where I was going. He pointed me toward the correct platform and told me how many stops I had to travel.
There are also ticket machines if you’d rather buy your ticket yourself.
Which Metro Line Goes from Athens Airport to Athens?
Metro Line 3, also known as the Blue Line, connects Athens Airport with central Athens. You do not need to change trains to reach major central stops such as Syntagma or Monastiraki.
From the airport, look for trains marked for Dimotiko Theatro. These trains travel through central Athens, stopping at Syntagma, Monastiraki, Kerameikos, and other central stations along the way.
For most visitors staying in central Athens, Syntagma or Monastiraki will be the most useful stops.
How Long Does the Athens Airport Metro Take?
The Athens Airport Metro takes about 40 minutes from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square.
The journey to Monastiraki takes about 42 minutes, while other central Athens stations will vary slightly depending on where you’re staying.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t include the time you spend waiting for a train, buying a ticket, or walking from the station to your accommodation.
Athens Airport Metro Tickets and Prices
The Athens Airport Metro ticket costs €9 for a one-way journey between Athens Airport and the city. A discounted ticket costs €4.50 for eligible passengers.
A return Metro ticket costs €16 and is valid for one journey to the airport and one journey from the airport within 30 days.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Athens Airport Metro one way | €9 |
| Athens Airport Metro return | €16 |
| Discounted one way | €4.50 |
| 3-day Tourist Ticket | €20 |
The 3-Day Tourist Ticket costs €20 and includes unlimited travel on Athens public transportation for three 24-hour periods, plus one journey to and one journey from Athens Airport by Metro or Airport Express bus.
Can You Pay for the Athens Airport Metro With a Card?
Yes. OASA now supports contactless payment with a bank card, phone, or smartwatch for full-fare airport Metro tickets. Visa and Mastercard are supported, including cards used through Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Do You Need to Validate Your Athens Metro Ticket?
Yes. Follow the instructions on your ticket and validate it at the designated reader before beginning your journey.
If you’re paying contactlessly, use the same bank card or device when entering the Metro gates. If you have purchased a metro ticket, you should keep your bank card separate from an ATH.ENA ticket or card when tapping to avoid accidentally being charged twice.
Athens Airport Metro Timetable
Metro Line 3 connects Athens Airport with central Athens approximately every 30 minutes. Airport services run throughout the day, but the first and last trains vary slightly depending on the timetable and day of the week.
The current STASY timetable lists the first airport departure at approximately 06:10 and the last at approximately 23:34.
I recommend checking the official timetable shortly before traveling, particularly if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, as temporary service changes can occur.
Where to Get Off the Athens Metro
The best Metro station depends on where you’re staying in Athens.
Syntagma
Syntagma is usually the easiest stop for central Athens. It’s right in the heart of the city and connects with Metro Line 2, Line 3, tram services, and other public transportation.
Get off here if you’re staying around Syntagma Square, Plaka, the National Garden, Kolonaki, or central Athens.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is another excellent stop for visitors, particularly if you’re staying around Monastiraki, Psyrri, or the historic center.
The airport-to-Monastiraki journey takes approximately 42 minutes.
Kerameikos
Kerameikos is useful if you’re staying around Gazi or the western side of central Athens. The airport-to-Kerameikos journey takes approximately 44 minutes.
Is the Athens Airport Metro Worth Taking?
Yes, especially if you’re staying near a Metro station in central Athens.
The Metro is considerably cheaper than taking a taxi, and you avoid potential road traffic between the airport and central Athens. The downside is that airport trains only run about every 30 minutes, and you’ll still need to walk from the station to your accommodation.
For me, the Metro wins easily when I’m traveling with a backpack and staying somewhere reasonably close to a central station.
If you’re hauling three enormous suitcases across Athens in July, however, my enthusiasm for public transportation will mysteriously disappear.
Have Any Questions About Taking the Athens Metro from the Airport to the City Center?
Ask in the comments below.