The basics — Line 3
The airport is the eastern end of Metro Line 3, the blue line. Trains run at regular intervals, usually around every half hour on the airport section, and continue toward Syntagma, Monastiraki and Piraeus. For Syntagma, allow about 40 minutes of train time before you add ticketing, luggage and any connection.
The fare
€9
Common price for a single airport-to-city ticket. Check the current fare before you buy.
€18
Common price for a return ticket. Useful if you know you will travel back to the airport within the period of validity.
€16
There are sometimes group tickets for two or three people. They can make sense for couples or small groups.
€4.10
Standard day or multi-day products do not always cover the airport section. Make sure the ticket clearly says "Airport".
The normal city ticket is not enough for the airport. This section has a separate fare, so at the machine or the counter ask specifically for the airport ticket.
Operating hours
The airport metro does not run 24 hours a day. First and last trains can vary by direction and period, so check the timetable on the day you travel. If you arrive late, leave time for passport control, bags and the walk to the station.
Late-night arrival reality check
If you land after 23:00, do the timing carefully: by the time you clear passport control and collect bags, the last metro may already be gone. At that hour, your main options are:
- A flat-rate taxi, if you want the quickest and easiest arrival.
- The X95 bus, which is the main public-transport option at night. See the buses and trolleys guide.
- A pre-booked transfer, if you have children, a lot of luggage or want a driver to be waiting for you. See the private transfer guide.
How to buy the ticket
- Follow the signs for "Trains / Metro" from arrivals. You will head toward the main concourse and then out toward the station bridge.
- Cross the bridge to the Metro and Suburban Rail station. It is not a long walk, but with luggage it still takes a few minutes.
- Buy your ticket from a machine or ticket window. Choose the airport ticket, not the standard city ticket. The machines have an English menu.
- Validate before you go to the platform. If the gate does not open, ask a member of staff instead of trying to follow another passenger through.
The journey, station by station
The platform shows the next departure on a digital board. Trains are air-conditioned and usually manageable with luggage, although they can fill quickly at busy times. The most useful stops from the airport toward the city are these:
Airport → Doukissis Plakentias
The first part of the route stays outside the dense centre and shares infrastructure with the Suburban Rail.
Doukissis Plakentias → central stations
From here the route becomes more urban and soon enters the underground section of Line 3.
Megaro Mousikis → Evangelismos
Useful stops for Kolonaki and the museum district (Byzantine Museum, War Museum).
Syntagma (parliament, central squares)
Main interchange point. Change here for Line 2 toward Akropoli, Omonia, Larissis Station or the southern part of the city.
Monastiraki (Plaka, ancient agora)
Change here for Line 1 toward Piraeus, Omonia, Victoria or Kifissia. This is a very practical stop for Plaka and the Ancient Agora.
Piraeus (port for ferries)
The western end of Line 3, with a connection toward the port area. Leave time to reach your exact ferry gate.
Connecting to other lines
From the Line 3 train coming from the airport, transfer to:
- Line 2 (red) at Syntagma — for Akropoli, Syngrou-Fix, Omonia, Larissis Station and Sepolia.
- Line 1 (green) at Monastiraki — for Thiseio, Omonia, Victoria, Piraeus or Kifissia.
- Line 3 toward Piraeus — if your train continues there and your destination is on the western section of the line.
For Victoria Square, the clearest route is Line 3 to Monastiraki and then Line 1 toward Kifissia, getting off at Victoria. Allow roughly 50-60 minutes in total, including the change.
Luggage
There is no separate luggage charge. With a large suitcase, stand where you are not blocking the doors and avoid peak hours if you can. The airport section often has other travellers with bags, but the central part of the line can fill up quickly.
Suburban Rail vs Metro from the airport
The same station also serves the Suburban Rail (Proastiakos), which can take you to Larissis Station or connect you with rail journeys beyond Athens. It is useful if your destination is closer to Larissis, or if you are continuing by train. For most visitors heading to Syntagma, Monastiraki or Plaka, Line 3 is simpler. See the Proastiakos guide.
How to get to Angel Athens (Ioulianou 50)
From the airport, take Line 3 to Monastiraki. There, change to Line 1 toward Kifissia and get off at Victoria. From Victoria Square, Ioulianou 50 is a short walk. The Suburban Rail to Larissis can also help if the timetable suits you, but for a first arrival the metro is usually easier.
Frequently asked questions
Is the airport metro safe?
Generally yes. The airport station is organised and staffed, and the service is widely used by travellers. As on any busy transport system, keep your wallet, phone and smaller bags close, especially once you reach the central part of the line.
Can I use my contactless card?
Contactless payment has expanded across Athens transport, but for the airport it is better to check what is being charged before you rely on it. If you are not sure, buy a normal airport ticket from the machine or the counter.
What if I'm a senior or student?
Reduced fares depend on age, status and the documents you can show, and they do not always apply in the same way to visitors from abroad. If you think you qualify, ask at the station ticket desk before you buy.
What about big groups?
For two or three people, the metro is usually still economical. For four people with suitcases, the flat-rate taxi can come quite close on cost per person and feel easier after a flight. See also the flat-rate taxi guide.
Sources:
— Kathy
