Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Athens International airport has been operational since March 2001, taking over from the previous Athen Elljinikon airport. The newer airport is located 30kms from Athens city and is sometimes also called Eleftherios Vanizelos International airport after the statesman of the same name. The airport has two main terminals currently catering for over fourteen million passengers each year and they have ambitious plans to expand the airport in a six step plan, so they will have capacity for fifty million passengers. This will accommodate tourist going to visit Athens and mainland Greece and some of the islands which are accessed from here.
More About Athens Airport
Airport Car Hire
There are a number of ways to get to and from Athens airport, however if you are planning on exploring Athens or it surrounds, then car hire is a very popular choice. As with any airport that is very busy, particularly in summer, we would advise you to plan your onward journey before you arrive. For car hire, this is very straightforward, simply do a search for your dates here on Car Booker and we will compare all the brands located in Athens airport, including; Auto Union, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Alamo, Olympic Car Hires, Sixt and Surprice Rent a Car. We will look at the most best prices and deals all these providers have on offer and get you the best value hire car in Athens airport. Book early for the best deals.
Getting there & Away
If you are not getting an airport hire car in Athens airport, then there are a few other options for you including the Metro, train, bus and taxis. To get to downtown Athens from the airport, you will pay $8 one way on the Metro to Syntagma (40 mins) and Monastiraki stations (45 mins) – don´t forget to validate your ticket at the beginning of your journey. The train is $6 to Larissis but with a change required is not as quick as the Metro. Buses operate day and night taking between 45 and 90 minutes to get to the city centre, traffic depending. Taxis to Athens are $30-50 and you can book in advance or get one at the airport. Minivans also available for large groups, but do book in advance.
Nearby Attractions
Athens most famous attraction is the Acropolis which is one of the twelve hills that frame the city. It is said that Athens is the home of modern culture and so it is a place of immense history and culture. Top things to do in Athens and around Athens include the Acropolis, the Archaeological Museum, Monastiraki, Hadrian’s Arch and Capre Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. For some down time, head to beaches like Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Agia Marina and Palea Fokea or if you are looking at some island hopping, then a few of the more popular ones include Agistri, Crete, Kefalonia, Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes, Santorini, Skiathos, Thassos and Zakynthos.