Athens airport private transfers and minibus hire

Athens International Airport sits well outside the city, so the transfer is a proper drive rather than a quick hop. The pickup system is straightforward once you know where pre-booked vehicles wait.

Pickup beside Short Term 1 or at the Arrivals kerb

Athens has a single Main Terminal Building, which keeps things simple. Pre-booked vehicles meet passengers in one of two places: the Arrivals-level pick-up zone, or next to the Short Term 1 car park. Barriers control the kerb zones, and a vehicle gets 10 minutes there, so drivers aim to arrive just as your group comes out.

Ten minutes goes quickly with a large party, so it helps if everyone has their bags and is ready to move before the driver pulls in.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class passenger van, front view

Terminals

Main Terminal Building

Worth knowing at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos

Barrier-controlled kerb zones give a 10-minute free stay for pick-up and drop-off.

The Retail Park waiting area

While your flight lands and bags come through, pre-booked vehicles are held in a designated area at the airport's Retail Park. The driver is then called forward to the terminal, which works well for large groups with a lot of luggage and for flights that land a little late.

A minibus is a good fit for 10 to 19 travellers, and executive cars or vans suit smaller parties. For a big tour group, a full-size coach carries everyone with luggage stowed underneath.

The drive into Athens and the Riviera

Syntagma is about 33 km from the airport, usually 35-60 minutes depending on traffic. Popular hotel areas include Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki and Kolonaki, and the Athens Riviera at Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.

For hotels in Plaka, the historic quarter below the Acropolis, ask the hotel where vehicles normally set down so the operator can plan the last stretch. If you are visiting the Acropolis on your first day, remember that entry is by timed ticket, so allow a sensible buffer after landing.

Piraeus, Metropolitan Expo and Cape Sounion

Cruise passengers heading to Piraeus face about 45-50 km from the airport, usually 45-60 minutes. The Metropolitan Expo exhibition centre is right next to the airport, handy for trade visitors. Groups with time to spare can go straight to Cape Sounion, about 70 km from Athens.