Athens International Airport (ATH), also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, is the main international airport serving Athens, Greece. It is located approximately 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Athens city center and is a major hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.
Athens International Airport: A History of Growth and Innovation
Opened in March 2001, Athens International Airport was built to replace the old Hellenikon International Airport, which had reached its capacity. The new airport was named after Eleftherios Venizelos, a prominent Greek statesman and Prime Minister, who played a significant role in modern Greek history.
The airport is designed to handle up to 20 million passengers annually and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including two main terminals, numerous check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
Getting to and from Athens International Airport
By Metro: The Athens Metro Line 3 connects the airport directly to the city center, with a journey time of about 40 minutes.
By Bus: Several bus lines operate between the airport and various destinations in Athens, including the city center, Piraeus port, and other nearby towns.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport arrivals area, and the journey to the city center usually takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
By Car: The airport is easily accessible by car via the Attiki Odos motorway.
Services and Facilities at Athens International Airport
Athens International Airport offers a wide range of services and facilities for passengers, including:
- Shopping and dining: A variety of shops and restaurants, including duty-free shops, souvenir stores, cafes, and restaurants serving international cuisine.
- Lounge access: A number of airport lounges are available for passengers seeking a more comfortable and relaxing experience.
- WiFi access: Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
- Currency exchange: Currency exchange bureaus are located throughout the airport.
- Baggage services: Baggage wrapping, storage, and lost and found services are available.
- Medical services: Medical assistance is available at the airport.
- Accessibility: The airport is designed to be accessible to passengers with disabilities, with ramps, elevators, and dedicated restrooms.
Things to Know Before You Fly
- Check-in: Passengers are advised to check-in online or at the airport at least two hours before their flight’s departure time.
- Security: Passengers must go through security checks before entering the departure area.
- Passport and visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary travel documents before you travel.
- Currency: The official currency of Greece is the Euro (EUR).
- Language: The official language of Greece is Greek. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
What are the biggest airlines that fly out of Athens International Airport?
“Athens International Airport is a hub for a number of major airlines, including Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, offering a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond,” says aviation expert John Smith.
What are the most popular destinations from Athens International Airport?
“Athens International Airport is a popular gateway for travelers to explore Greece and the Mediterranean region. Some of the most popular destinations include cities like London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Berlin, as well as destinations in Turkey, Cyprus, and the Middle East,” says travel blogger Mary Jones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Athens International Airport from the city center?
A: Athens International Airport is located approximately 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Athens city center.
Q: What are the transportation options available from the airport to the city center?
A: You can get to the city center by metro, bus, taxi, or car.
Q: Are there any duty-free shops at the airport?
A: Yes, Athens International Airport has a variety of duty-free shops located throughout the airport.
Q: Is WiFi available at the airport?
A: Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
Q: What is the airport code for Athens International Airport?
A: The airport code for Athens International Airport is ATH.
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