Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)

Spata-Artemida, GR 🇬🇷 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

LGAV

IATA

ATH

Elevation

308 ft

Region

GR-I

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: LGAV

Local Code: Not available

Location: 37.936401° N, 23.9445° E

Continent: EU

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) generally garners a mixed but leaning positive sentiment from recent travelers, often praised for its modern infrastructure and efficiency upon arrival. However, increasing passenger traffic in 2024 and 2025 has led to significant complaints, particularly regarding overcrowding and wait times.

What Travelers Love
  • Modern and Well-Maintained Facilities: The airport is frequently described as modern, clean, and well-maintained, with a logical layout that makes it easy to navigate upon arrival.
  • Efficient Arrival Process (when not crowded): Many travelers report a smooth and quick experience through passport control and baggage claim, especially for those arriving from Schengen countries.
  • Excellent Transportation Connections: A wide range of public transport options is highly praised, including the Metro (Line 3 to Syntagma Square), 24/7 express buses (X95 to Syntagma, X96 to Piraeus port), and readily available taxis (with flat rates, ride-sharing apps like Uber Taxi and Free Now also available). Contactless payment for public transport became available in January 2025.
  • Good Amenities and Cleanliness: The airport offers a variety of shops, duty-free areas (recently upgraded), cafes, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. Many areas are noted for their cleanliness, including the toilets. There's even a small museum with archaeological findings.
  • Helpful Staff (in some cases): While inconsistent, some travelers have highlighted instances of exceptionally helpful and polite staff, particularly those assisting with special needs.
Common Complaints
  • Overcrowding and Lack of Seating: A recurring and significant complaint, especially in the main departure and boarding areas (like Terminal C), is severe congestion and an insufficient number of seats for passengers.
  • Long Security and Passport Control Wait Times: Despite some efficient experiences, many recent reviews mention exceptionally long queues for security checks and passport control, particularly during peak hours or for non-Schengen arrivals/departures, leading to stress and missed connections.
  • Confusing Signage and Flow Design: While generally clear, some travelers find the signage unclear in specific departure areas or for transit, leading to confusion and delays.
  • High Prices and Noise Levels: Food, beverages, and shopping within the airport are often cited as overpriced. Additionally, some travelers complain about loud music being played throughout the terminal, contributing to a stressful environment.
  • Issues with Staff and Baggage Handling: Isolated but serious complaints include instances of rude and unhelpful staff, particularly during stressful situations, and significant problems with lost baggage and a perceived lack of competence in handling such issues.

Overall, Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport remains a functionally modern gateway to Greece, with its strengths in connectivity and general facilities. However, the increasing passenger volume, particularly in 2024 and 2025, has strained its capacity, leading to significant congestion, extended wait times, and a diminished traveler experience in many areas, particularly during busy periods. Travelers are advised to arrive well in advance, especially during peak season, and be prepared for potential queues.

Generated True weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
80 1016 80 Dec 10, 2025
Sky Express
SEH / GQ
47 995 47 Dec 9, 2025
Olympic Air
OAL / OA
25 331 25 Dec 10, 2025
Ryanair
RYR / FR
20 167 20 Dec 10, 2025
Lufthansa
DLH / LH
2 118 2 Dec 6, 2025
easyJet
EZY / U2
16 75 16 Nov 16, 2025
Swiss
SWR / LX
2 63 2 Dec 1, 2025
1 60 1 Nov 13, 2025
5 50 5 Nov 12, 2025
Iberia
IBE / IB
2 47 2 Dec 10, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
03L/21R 12467 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted
03R/21L 13123 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP ATHINAI APP 126.575 MHz
ARR ATHINAI ARR 132.975 MHz
ATIS ATIS 136.125 MHz
CLD CLNC DEL 118.675 MHz
DEP ATHINAI DEP 128.95 MHz
DIR ATHINAI DIR 121.4 MHz
GND GND 121.75 MHz
INFO INFO 136.025 MHz
PMSV ATHINAI VOLMET 127.8 MHz
RDO RDO 563.7 MHz
TWR TWR 136.275 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
SAT Eleftherios Venizelos VOR-DME 109600 kHz
SPA Eleftherios Venizelos VOR-DME 117500 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official yellow taxis are available 24/7 at the designated taxi queue located at the Arrivals Level, between Exits 2 and 3. There is a flat fare for trips to and from the Athens city center, which varies between daytime (05:00-24:00) and nighttime (00:00-05:00). Ride-hailing apps like FREE NOW and Uber also operate by calling licensed taxis.

Rental Cars

Major international and local car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Budget, have service desks located in the Arrivals Level of the main terminal building. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and secure better rates.

Public Transportation

The airport is well-connected to the city via several public transit options:

- Metro: Line 3 (the 'Blue Line') directly connects the airport to central Athens stations like Syntagma and Monastiraki. The journey to the center takes approximately 40 minutes.

- Suburban Railway (Proastiakos): Connects the airport to the Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station) and the Port of Piraeus.

- Express Buses: Four 24/7 express bus routes connect the airport to key city locations. The most popular are the X95 to Syntagma Square (city center) and the X96 to Piraeus Port.

The Metro and Suburban Railway station is located across the street from the terminal, accessible via an elevated walkway. The bus stops are situated at the Arrivals Level, between Exits 4 and 5.

Nearby Airports

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Lechaio Airfield
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Superior Air Helipad
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Evelpidon Heliport
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Afidnai Heliport
GR-0091
NoneGR
Heliport
~30 km away
Piraeus Heliport
LGLX
El Pireo Port, GR
Heliport
~33 km away
Amphiali Heliport
LGAM
Salamis Island, GR
Heliport
~37 km away
Poros Heliport
GR-0106
Poros, GR
Heliport
~64 km away
Andros Heliport
GR-0023
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Heliport
~89 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.