Cheap flights to Athens, Greece

Athens Travel Guide

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The city was named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, and the famous Parthenon was her temple. Often referred to as The Cradle of Civilization, it is probably most famous for inventing philosophy and the ancient Olympics, and originating the idea of democracy. Its recorded history stretches back 3,000 years. Today, Athens flights are packed with travelers flocking to tour the mythical, mysterious city.

In preparation of the modern Olympics in 2004, Athens built new roads and upgraded its transportation alternatives, making it easier for Athens visitors to get around the city. The airport is relatively new and getting around the city on the metro and railway is a breeze.

Spend a day touring the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus before settling in with the locals. Athens also boasts excellent museums. The National Historical Museum is housed in the old parliament building; the Numismatic Museum covers the history of coinage and the stunning New Acropolis Museum exhibits artifacts related to the “sacred rock”. Enjoy authentic Greek food in sidewalk cafes and take in a little bit of Greece at its best. Like their Iberian cousins, the Greeks take nightlife seriously. Dinner starts at 10 PM or later and a night out ends only at dawn.

Whether you’re heading to the Greek city for business or pleasure, there’s much to do and see. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip. And remember, no one does ancient like Athens.

Getting to and around the city of Athens

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) is situated about 20 miles southeast of downtown Athens. The easiest and quickest way to reach the city center from the airport is by metro, which connects travelers with popular tourist sites like Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. The airport is also served by the public bus system, which connects to destinations in the greater area of Athens and Piraeus, with buses running frequently day and night. Another option is to take one of the express buses which run 24 hours a day from the airport to the center of the city. They can sometimes be very overcrowded and make it difficult if you have lots of baggage, but due to their frequency it is a great alternative. Athens International is also connected to the local railway station.

Finally, there are plenty of taxis available at the airport terminals. There are normally several waiting outside the terminals and will happily take you to your destination. However, there are several ‘Cowboy Taxis’ which will overcharge tourists who don’t know their way around. They might also pick up other passengers along the route or refuse to take you to your hotel because they get commission to take you to another one. After your flight to Athens this kind of thing is the last thing you would want, so if you do want a taxi it is best to book and pay for one online before you travel. That way you’re guaranteed a price, you don’t need to pay the driver as this was done online and they’ll be waiting with a sign when you arrive.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore the city, you’ll find that Athens’ metro system is easy for travelers to use, as are the local buses and trolleys. The metro is usually preferred, though, as the buses and trolleys are usually more crowded and can be confusing. However, they are both cheap and efficient. Avoid traveling anywhere during rush hour, especially on public transportation.

It can be difficult to hail a taxi, so call ahead for one instead. You’ll find that taxis are cheap, although occasionally drivers will try to overcharge, just because you’re a foreigner. One trick to catching a cab is calling out your destination to a cab already in use. The driver will stop and let you get in if he’s going the same way. You’ll still have to pay a full fare, though.

It’s also easy to set out on foot. Most of the major sights in Athens are located in the same general area, and the ones that aren’t are easy to get to by public transportation. With all the easy transportation options, it’s not worth it to rent a car. Driving through the city is difficult to manage and parking spots are rare and expensive.

Tips for your stay in Athens

• Plaka, Athens’s oldest residential quarter, is considered touristy by Athenians, who prefer the Psirri district, but it is the place to look for souvenirs such as “flokati” rugs, religious icons and ceramics. For a more authentic Athenian shopping experience, visit the 19th-century Central Market near Omonia. Monastiraki flea market takes place on Sunday mornings. Pack an extra bag on your cheap flights to Athens to take advantage of the bargains.
• Take the funicular railway to the top of Lycabettus. It is Athens’ highest hill. The views from the top are beautiful. There is also an open-air theatre at the summit.
• Watch the changing of the guard at the Parliament building, once the Greek royal family’s summer residence. The ceremony takes place every hour. The guards, Evzones, wear khaki uniforms with kilts. On Sunday mornings, at 11, the Evzones wear traditional white kilts, red-and-black caps and red clogs with pompoms.
• Mitropolis Square is home to Athens’ main cathedral. Beside it is the Little Mitropolis, which is dedicated to St. Eleftherios.
• The Agora was, in ancient times, the city’s main marketplace and its political and cultural heart. Democracy was born here and Socrates and St. Paul made public speeches here. These days, the area, with olive trees and coarse grasses, is dotted with toppled-over columns. The Stoa of Attalos houses the Agora Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the site.
• Make sure to visit the National Gardens behind the Parliament. They consist of over 38 acres, featuring ancient ruins, a zoo, duck ponds and beautiful walkways.    

Finding Flights from Athens

If you’re looking to expand your journey outside of Athens or need a flight out for any reason, Athens International Airport offers outbound flights through multiple major carriers, including Lufthansa, Delta, British Airways, and more, so you’ll have no problem booking your ticket. Visit https://www.cheapflights.com for the top flight deals for routes out of Athens.

If you’re in need of a ride to the Athens International Airport, the three most common modes of transportation are taxis, shared vans and city buses. City buses pick up travelers at four different stops located throughout the city center. When traveling by bus, it’s important to allow yourself a few extra travel hours in the event of a delay to ensure a timely arrival to the airport. Athens ATH Shuttle Service offers shared and private van shuttles to the airport, with direct drop-offs at your terminal. Taxis are also very reliable when it comes to airport transit, just make sure you book at least twenty-four hours in advance to lock in a flat rate and guarantee your ride will arrive on time.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Athens airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.

Athens, Greece airport overview

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), otherwise known as Athens International, is a two-terminal airport, gateway to a country rich with history and tourism options. It is just 12 miles (20km) east of Athens’ city center, the perfect destination for travelers who want to discover popular ancient Greek sites such as the Acropolis and Plaka, or for those using the city as a stop-off point before exploring the islands of Greece.

There’s plenty to do at Athens Airport, which offers a range of world-class shopping opportunities as well as a host of local souvenirs and mementos. The airport has won two awards for best airport in Southern Europe and is an important link between Europe and Asia.

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is a major hub for Greece’s national carrier Olympic Air as well as Aegean Airlines. With austerity measures being the catchphrase across Greece and much of Europe it’s good to know that there are many low-cost carriers and budget airlines that offer cheap flights to Athens International Airport, including Blue1, easyJet, Fly Hellas, Aer Lingus and IZair.

Athens International Airport is well-connected to central Athens by rail and road networks and is the perfect start to a fun vacation in Greece. This Greek airport has also been awarded two Green Building Awards for energy efficiency and awareness, so travelers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint can sleep easy knowing Athens International Airport is doing its bit.