The Athens International Airport in Spata is the entry airport for most of Greece. If you are flying into or around Greece, you will likely pass through the Athens airport at one point or another. Athens International Airport is often abbreviated AIA, but the actual airport code is ATH. Use ATH if you are looking for online flights in or out of Athens.
Read the signs
If you arrive at the Athens airport and then spend time in Athens, you already know the exercise: retrieve your luggage at baggage claim and then go out to find ground transportation. However, if you are making a connection to another location in Greece, you should be alert to the signs that guide you to the national exits. Otherwise, you will be dragged along with the crowd onto the street to connect with various transportation options. If you have luggage, you will need to go to the luggage area, collect your bags, and then retrace your steps to get to the correct area of the airport for your connecting flight.
Find your line
If you are traveling from the United States or from any non-EU country, you may be mistakenly directed to the ‘EU’ lines for entry. Most travelers in Greece are from the EU, so this is a natural mistake, although it can cause some confusion. You want to make sure you enter the line ‘outside the EU’. And if you are from the United States, you are not from a “Schengen” nation, so be sure to avoid that line option as well.
To be prepared
Whether it’s the unique symbols used for the lifts, having the right change for a luggage cart, or knowing the location of the airport restrooms in advance, being prepared when you land at Athens airport can alleviate some of the stress when Travel abroad.
Some travelers have reported being confused by the elevator signals at Athens International Airport. One symbol (which is not next to the elevator) is an inverted box with an image of a man and a woman, with arrows above their heads. To add to the confusion, this symbol is not repeated in the area that holds the elevators, and the elevators are not visible from the doors. The symbol in the elevator shows a piece of luggage in a cart.
If you decide to take the escalator, don’t worry if it is out of order; That escalator will start when you get closer; It is somewhat disconcerting, but it saves energy!
If you have multiple pieces of luggage, you probably want to use a luggage cart. But keep in mind that the luggage cart dispenser only costs euros. If you haven’t exchanged a small amount of money in advance, which is recommended, there are machines nearby that will convert multiple currencies into euros. It is also important to note that the luggage cart will not move unless you press firmly on the handle.
Plus, for a huge, modern airport, bathrooms are oddly sparse. If you hate using airplane toilets, this is one time you can make an exception before landing as there are very few toilets where you disembark and at baggage claim. They are also rare in the commercial area of the Athens International Airport and at the gates of outbound flights.
Kill some time
If you have a layover between flights or are waiting for your flight to depart, there is plenty to do at the Athens airport. The departure lounge shopping area is beautiful, with a wide variety of Greek products, newsagents, pharmacies and specialty food stores, as well as clothing stores and food court-style restaurants. The only closed restaurant is upstairs next to McDonald’s and is generally empty. Coupon booklets are often given out with a food court discount coupon, saving you a few euros.
In the shops, keep an eye out for the extensive collection of wines, including the ancient Greek retsina. Just remember that the bottles will need to be placed in checked baggage.
In the arrivals hall, the Greek National Tourism Organization booth is also worth a stop to pick up free maps and travel brochures in multiple languages. The city of Athens operates a similar booth during peak season, manned by friendly and helpful local Greeks.
Believe it or not, there is actually a museum at the Athens airport. It may not take you long to pass, but it’s an interesting way to use up some down time. There are also some nice museum pieces displayed outside the airport terminal.
Stay close
If your travel itinerary requires you to find accommodation near the airport, there are hotel options close by. The Sofitel Airport Hotel is actually at the airport and therefore offers very easy access on foot. The Holiday Inn, the Peri’s Hotel and Apartments, and the Armonia Hotel require a short drive (which is often a free shuttle from the hotel).
One problem travelers face is that hotel facilities in the airport area are limited, and the next closest full-service hotels are half an hour away in Vouliagmeni. Savvy travelers are also taking advantage of hotels in nearby Brauron (Vravrona), a pretty area that boasts an excellent Temple of Artemis, wineries, and spas.
Stuck with a layover that is too short to guarantee a hotel, but too long to go without sleep? You may be lucky, more or less. There are some hidden places that are ideal to sleep in at the Athens International Airport.
Choose your trip
Once you’ve retrieved your luggage and cleared customs, it’s time to leave the airport. But what is the best mode of transportation?
The suburban railway serves the airport directly, and metro line 3 also goes to and from the airport. It may sound convenient, but keep in mind that the Metro does not operate from the airport between approximately 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. It can also be a challenge if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, as it is difficult to handle on the suburban railway since many stations They have many steps and the elevators are not always accessible.
Many suitcases can also be difficult to maneuver on regular buses, but if you are a light packer, you can check out the Athens Airport Bus Service. You can also get a limousine to or from the airport; For groups of four or more, this can really save money or just be worth it.
Know your stuff
The Athens International Airport in Spata is also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. It is also sometimes called Spata or Spada. The airport code is ATH.
