Landing in Athens is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. The Greek capital is vibrant, historic, and surprisingly easy to navigate — especially if you know the best ways to get from Athens Airport to the city center. Whether you’re looking for the fastest option, the most budget-friendly choice, or the perfect balance of both, here’s what you need to know.

Three options on how to get from Athens airport to city center

By Metro

How to get from Athens airport to city center by Metro is by far the easiest and affordable option. The Athens Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) offers the fastest and most convenient way from the airport to central Athens. Trains depart every 30 minutes, with the journey to Syntagma Square taking around 40 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €9 (€16 return, €22 for a 3-day pass including airport journeys).

You can get tickets at the airport, at the kiosk desk, and then at any metro station, either using the automated vendors or kiosk desks.

Syntagma Metro station is a transit hub connecting all metro lines. (There are two underground lines: the Blue (line 3) and Red (line 2), with connection points to the Green line 1 - the electric railway or locally known as Isap, which is the historic overground line. There is also the Suburban railway line (Yellow) that connects other more remote areas of Athens to the airport too. 

Other than getting from Athens airport to the city center, the Metro network is the best way to reach the historic districts. Key stops include Acropolis, Monastiraki (ideal for Plaka and the flea market) and Syntagma (for Parliament, the National Gardens, and connections to other lines). It’s quick, reliable, and places you directly in the heart of historic Athens.Image credit: Athens Metro Map (December 2013, English), via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. 

By Bus

Travelling on a budget? The X95 Express Bus connects Athens International Airport with Syntagma Square and runs 24/7. The ride takes 60–70 minutes, depending on traffic, and tickets cost €5.50.

While it’s slower than the metro, the bus is straightforward, frequent, and especially handy for late-night arrivals when the metro service pauses. From Syntagma, travellers can connect to the metro system for onward journeys across the city.

Photo credit: Stolbovsky, X95 Bus Athens, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 

By Taxi

For travellers looking for comfort and a direct ride, taxis are available right outside the arrivals terminal. A journey from the airport to the city center takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. The flat fare is €40 during the day and €55 from midnight to 5 a.m.

While taxis are the most expensive option, they’re convenient if you’re travelling with children, heavy luggage, or prefer door-to-door service.

Candia Hotel Athens: Just Minutes from the Metro

Once you’ve reached the city, location makes all the difference. Candia Hotel Athens is a central Hotel Athens near metro, just a 4-minute walk (or 1-minute drive) from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, putting you within easy reach of all the city’s highlights. From here, the Acropolis, Monastiraki, and Syntagma are just a few stops away — making sightseeing simple and affordable.

After a full day exploring, guests return to spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent value for money, making them an excellent choice for budget accommodation in Athens without compromising on some luxuries, like a rooftop with plunge pool, graced with city and Acropolis views — a refreshing retreat in the heart of Athens.

Best Way How to Get from Athens Airport to City Center

So, what’s the best way to get from Athens Airport to the city center?

• Take the metro for speed and convenience.
• Choose the bus for the most affordable alternative.
• Opt for a taxi if you value comfort and door-to-door service.

Whichever option you prefer, you’ll find yourself in central Athens in under an hour — and with Candia Hotel Athens prime location near the metro, the whole city is within easy reach.