Train Transfers To and From Athens Airport

Athens International Airport is located approximately 20 km, or 12 miles from central Athens, and is a major airport in the European Union. It is recognised by its official IATA code of ATH, and is also commonly referred to as the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. There are many facilities at the airport for arriving and departing passengers, and for those who need transport, several options are available. Buses frequently depart from the airport, taxis are available twenty-four hours a day and there is even an Athens International Airport train station from where passengers have access to railway services.

This airport consists of several terminal buildings, however, it does have a main terminal where most of the passenger facilities are found. There are banking services, VIP lounges, medical services, shops and restaurants and children’s play areas available. The main terminal is linked to a satellite building by an underground foot tunnel, that is also equipped with moving walkways, and a more recent development to the airport includes an above-ground walkway that provides a link to the mid-field terminal from where all Schengen flights are handled. On average, the airport currently handles around 24 million passengers per annum, and is therefore regarded as the thirtieth busiest airport in Europe. This is also one of the European airports that offers railway transport for its passengers. The airport is connected to the Athens Metro Line 3, and to the Suburban Rail system of Athens.

Athens International Airport Trains – Metro Line

The owner of the Metro railway lines in Athens is Attiko Metro S.A., and there are three lines available. The Metro Line 3 is the line that is useful for passengers travelling to or from Athens Airport. Passengers will find the airport train station one level up from the arrivals area, and across a pedestrian bridge (elevated walkway). There is an elevator that leads to the upper level. A ticket will need to be purchased for the train at the station desk, for about 8 Euro. If a group of passengers are travelling, each ticket after the first purchased will cost a little less, for example, if three tickets are purchased, the total amount paid will only be 20 Euro.

The airport trains of Athens are frequently available, as they arrive approximately every half an hour, and run between the hours of 05:30am and 00:15am on weekdays (Monday to Thursday). On Friday and Saturday nights, the trains are available until 02:00am. The journey by train from the airport to the city center (Syntagma Square) will take about half an hour to forty minutes. The Metro Line 3 can also be referred to as the Egaleo – Athens International Airport line, and is useful for passengers departing from the airport as well. In the alternative direction the trains are available at the same frequency, and during the same hours. Many passengers prefer to take the train, rather than paying for parking at the airport. In general, the trains are also a quicker form of transport than the public buses. A bus from the city center will take just over an hour to reach the airport, while the train journey will be just half an hour.

From Athens International Airport, it is also quite easy to reach the Piraeus Port by train. Passengers will first take the Metro Blue Line 3 from the airport to Syntagma Square, and then take a train to Monastiraki. The Metro Green Line 1 from Monastiraki heads for Piraeus Port.

The Athens Metro incorporates the second oldest metro line in the world, which is referred to as the Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways that is part of Line 1 of the system. It opened in 1869. The rapid transit system of Athens is underground, and serves the entire Athens conurbation and parts of East Attica. There are a total of 54 stations and 294 rail cars, and over a million people make use of the train services on a daily basis. In general, a train ticket is valid for ninety minutes after its validation, and within this time, may be used for multiple trips on all forms of public transportation. The ticket also covers journeys in any direction. Tickets can also be purchased that cover unlimited trips for twenty-four hours, a day, three days, a week or a month. Children younger than six years of age may travel for free. It is very important to validate your ticket at the machines on the train platforms, as you will be fined if caught with an un-stamped ticket. Ticket inspectors may not wear a uniform, but they will have an identity badge.

Further details regarding the airport train line and the other metro lines can be found at www.stasy.gr, or passengers can use the telephone number of +30 210 5194012 .

Athens International Airport Trains – Suburban Rail

The suburban rail service is also known as Proastiakos, and serves airport passengers. It provides a useful connection to the Port of Piraeus, Corinth and Larissis Station, from where all international trains are available. For example, there are trains to Turkey, Serbia, Bulgaria and Hungry. The Larissis Station is also a station on Metro Line 2, and there are trains from here to Thessaloniki. The suburban trains to and from the airport are available twenty-four hours a day, every half an hour. Further details can be viewed at www.trainose.gr, or passengers can call +30 210 5298829.

Details regarding the Athens International Airport trains can also be acquired by calling the airport’s call center at +30 210 3530000.