Opened in March 2001, the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport was built in a record time of 51 months. Five subsequent phases of building are planned for the airport, the completion of which will see its capacity capable of 50 million passengers a year (in 2006 the airport served more than 15 million passengers). It was voted European Airport of the Year 2004 by IATA. www.aia.gr
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An underground walkway connects the main terminal with the satellite terminal.
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Rail: Metro line 3 connects the airport with Monastiraki. Stations along the line include Doukissis Plakentias (offers a connection with suburban rail).
Taxi: Taxis leave from outside the Arrivals level of the Main Terminal Building. Limousine: Limousines are available on request.
Bus: Several bus routes connect the airport with Athens and Piraeus daily 24 hours. Some connect with the metro. Two KTEL express services run between the airport and Markopoulo and Rafina. Coach: KTEL coach services run to Lavrio, Kalyvia and Keratea; coaches depart from the Arrivals level of the Main Terminal, near door 5.
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There are spaces for around 4,700 cars at the airport. Short-term lots P1 and P2 are located just outside the Arrivals halls of the Main Terminal. Long-term lot P3 is connected to the Main Terminal building via a courtesy shuttle bus and by a pedestrian bridge over the main road. Parking is free for 20 minutes in all parking lots. Valet parking service is also available (tel: +30 (0)210 353 4260).
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Money and communications: The main terminal has banks, bureau de change, automatic exchange machines and ATMs, as well as a post office. Courtesy telephones are located throughout the airport.
Eating and drinking: Most restaurants and bars are located in the main terminal.
Shopping: Shops, which are concentrated in the main terminal, include duty-free.
Luggage: Left-luggage (tel: +30 (0)210 353 0352) and a lost property office (tel: +30 (0)210 353 0000) are located in Arrivals in the main terminal. A porter service is available 24 hours (tel: +30 (0)210 353 0100).
Other facilities: These include first aid and baby changing rooms, and a pharmacy.
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The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel (tel: +30 (0)210 354 4000) is located close to the Arrivals and Departure halls of the Main Terminal, and the Satellite Terminal.
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Facilities at the airport include easily accessible and text telephones, disabled toilets, adapted walkways and lifts for visually-impaired travellers, dedicated check-in counters and rest areas, elevators, Braille, tactile flooring, and an alarm system to alert visually and hearing-impaired passengers in case of emergency. Electric cars are available to transport disabled passengers between the two terminals, and there are around 90 disabled parking spaces at the airport. Disabled passengers should inform the airline of any special assistance and needs, prior to travel.
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The IT T Business Center (tel: +30 (0)210 353 6416) has offices equipped with desktop PCs, Internet access, telephones, photocopy and fax machines, laser and color printers, scanners and office supplies; the center also has one conference room. In addition, there are meeting rooms to rent from the airport facility and administration department (tel: +30 (0)210 353 6318). Conference facilities are also available at the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel (tel: +30 (0)210 354 4000).
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