Information and Travel Guide for Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)

The Athens International Airport is the major airport, not just for the city, but also for the region of Attica. Serving an average of 14 million travellers, it has quickly become the primary hub for both Aegean and Olympic Air. It has two terminals and two runways and was developed as a public-private initiative, bolstering the Greek government's reputation.

History

The original Athens International Airport closed upon the opening of this, newer facility, in 2001. Named in honour of the famous Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, the airport recognizes his great contributions to Greek aviation and the development of the Hellenic Air Force.

As a relatively new international airport, plans are still in development and the shape it will ultimately take is a work in progress. However, with its two very active terminals, it's surely only a matter of time before expansion occurs.

Services and Amenities

Hotel accommodation near the Athens International Airport is scarce. The Sofitel Airport Hotel is within walking distance but, beyond that, the nearest hotels are at least a half hour bus ride away. Sadly, the airport doesn't feature many amenities, either. With a single sit-down restaurant and a McDonalds, food choices aren't plentiful. One area where the airport does well, however, is in its variety of shops. You'll find plenty of souvenirs, newspaper stands and pharmacies without having to leave the airport, a real convenience if you're only there on a layover or to change planes.

Parking and Transportation

Public transit, to the Athens International Airport and elsewhere, is available 24 hours a day. In order to reach the airport, you can travel by bus (using the X93, X95, X96 or X96) line from the Athens area. They arrive and depart from the arrivals level connecting exit 4 and exit 5. You can also use Athens Metro, the city's public rail system, to reach the airport. Line 3 will take you to the rail station just adjacent to the airport. If you drive to the airport, take the main access road, Attiki Odos. Attiki Odos is a toll road which can be accessed from a variety of points in Athens. The website for Attiki Odos contains the most up-to-date information on tolls. Parking at Athens International Airport is available for both short and long-term needs. Valet parking is also available. While there are three parking lots, all of them are currently open air. However, a covered parking garage is under construction. The airport's website offers a parking fee calculator and a discount program.

Surrounding Area

So much could be said for Greek culture, night life and cuisine. Athens is a major destination for art lovers, aficionados of architecture, history, government, the list goes on and on. And, lest you think from that description that Athens is only for the stodgy, the night life here is not to be forgotten.

Travel Tips

Many visitors to this airport report confusion over the elevator signage within it. Look for either an image depicting a man and woman in an inverted box with arrows over their heads or a symbol showing a piece of luggage on a cart.

Contact Information:

Address: Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Administration Building 17, Spata 19019, Greece
Number of Terminals: 2
Telephone: +30 (0)210 353 0000 or 353 0001
Fax: (0)10 353 0001
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.aia.gr
Time Zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 33km (20 miles) southeast of Athens
IATA airport code: ATH