What to Do at Athens International Airport?

Restaurants & Cafés

Bistrot Attica/Lukumades - Schengen (Zone B, Airside)

A great choice for guests looking to have that last Greek meal before they go. We serve up classic Greek dishes and fresh pastries on our bistro menu, and at the Lukumades counter, you’ll find warm honey-drenched doughnuts. Also very much loved for our cosy seating and authentic flavours.

Barbadimos - Landside (Airport Agora)

This small-scale Greek restaurant is known for souvlaki, pita wraps and grilled dishes which are to die for. It’s a great spot for travellers to meet up before check-in or to have a large meal before a long flight.

Flocafe Espresso Bar also has many locations (Landside and Airside).

Flocafe has it covered with their Greek-style iced coffee offerings, which include Freddo Cappuccino and a very wide choice of snacks. It is a place which you can count on for that quick caffeine hit or if you’re a book out a spot for when you’re waiting before a flight.

Bufala Gelato Non Schengen (Area A, Airside)

A family favourite, we offer gelato, waffles and crepes at our shop. We have a vibrant counter and a sweet menu, which also does very well with kids and adults as a great break from the hot summer travel.

Duty-Free Shopping

At Athens International Airport (ATH)’s duty-free area, travellers will be made to feel welcome and that the area operates very efficiently, which in turn allows you to shop at your own pace even during the busiest times of travel. We have here a flowing design that leads guests from luxury perfumes to beauty products, then fine foods, and eventually to travel goods and this all without going out of your way. Upon entry you will come into it’s large scale international brands like Dior, Estee Lauder, Armani and Chanel which are put right up front and to the side will be specialty sections of traditional Greek fare from natural olive oil beauty products to honey from the islands, and local wine -- that many passengers are looking to take home as they leave which in turn serve as wonderful personal souvenirs of their trip.

Shopping here is user-friendly: Digital displays show multi-buy deals, staff give out brief product info, and check out lines are designed to reduce wait time. Also, we have a great choice of spirits and Mediterranean liqueurs, which are priced out in easy-to-see tiers, which is very helpful for passengers who want something fancy but don’t have time to compare. Sunglasses, jewellery, and small leather goods are put out in open high-visibility areas, which allows even stressed travellers to browse at a casual pace. As a whole, Athens' duty-free experience does local Greek culture and international retail standards very well, which makes it a convenient stop whether you are getting what you need or picking up last-minute presents before your flight.

Go into the city by metro or taxi as you like, we’ve got that option covered. Visit the Acropolis Museum or the Acropolis itself, which are a must-see for culture. Also, do the nearby areas of Plaka and Anafiotika, which are great for their picture-perfect streets and terrace views. Don’t leave without trying a traditional Greek meal first, then head back to the airport. We suggest that you get in 2.5 to 3 hours before your international flight.

Shops & Lifestyle Stores

Hellenic Duty Free Shops All Departure Zones

The airport has a large selection of stores which include perfumes, skin care, spirits, tobacco, chocolates and Greek gourmet products. Great place to get last-minute presents of olive oil, honey, herbs or specialty sweets.

Airport Agora - At the airport and in the terminal

A retail space that features fashion, accessories, electronics and travel items. We have put together an easy-to-navigate area that also brings together international brands and Greek favourites.

Pharmacy - Departures Level

A fully stocked pharmacy that has everything from medicines to wellness items, baby care products and skincare, we have what you need at the last minute before you board.

Lounges / Relax Spots

Aegean Business Lounge Schengen and Non-Schengen

A prime lounge that serves hot meals, snacks, drinks, has shower facilities and quiet areas. We have it for Aegean Airlines passengers and Star Alliance travellers, which is a great pre-flight stop for both short and long-haul flights.

Swissport Lounge - Non-Schengen (Area A)

Swissport Lounge that is not in Schengen (Area A), also- Access at the Swissport Lounge which does not fall in the Schengen (Area A) also.

This lounge is a great place to rest. We also offer a wide selection of snacks, and it has a very tranquil ambience. Also, we see a large number of long-haul and members’ use here.

Goldair Terminal at Schengen, Non-Schengen and Satellite

Goldair runs several lounges in the airport, which feature drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Access is via airline partnerships or membership programs, which makes them flexible options.

Ground Transportation Guide

Getting to and from Athens International Airport (ATH) is easy with a wide choice of public and private transport options. Also, there is Metro Line 3, which serves a direct connection from the airport into the centre of Athens, which includes top stops such as Syntagma and Monastiraki and is usually the best bet during the day. As for those with heavy suitcases or staying on the coast, which are far away, at night and at any hour of the day, there are the Express Airport Buses (X93, X95, X96, X97), which run 24/7 and also give you the benefit of more space in which to put your things. Also, these buses will take you to the ports, which in turn have ferries that go to the different Greek islands.

Official airport transport is very easy to spot at the exit of the main hall. What we have here are services that run on set fares, so there is no worry for those travellers who are out for the very first time or arriving late at night. Also, lots of folks book private transfers, which is a great option for point-to-point travel, ideal for families, business travellers or those who have to catch very early morning flights. At the exit of the terminal is also the car rental desk, which is great for people wanting to hit the open road in the Peloponnese or head over to Delphi, and also for those who would like to see what else Mainland Greece has to offer. Clear signage, accessible pathways, and multilingual support help make the entire transport system smooth, even for travellers unfamiliar with Athens.

Suggested Layover Itineraries

3 Hour Layover - Spend inside the airport

In your first hour, get ready and have a Greek coffee at Flocafe. Walk through the duty-free area to get gifts or to look at Greek gourmet products. See the airport’s small cultural display on Level 2 for a quick look at Greek history. Head to a lounge near your gate to enjoy snacks and Wi-Fi. Note that gate changes may happen at any time before takeoff.

For a 5-6 hour layover, try a city loop

Take in Metro Line 3 from ATH to Syntagma Square (approx. 40 minutes). In the square, walk around, check out the nearby cafes, or head over to Plaka for pretty streets and some light shopping. See to it that you get back on the metro at least 2 hours before your next flight. Also, you may use AirportAssist to speed up your way through security. This is a quick yet refreshing look at what Athens has to offer.

For an 8+ hour layover, spend the day in Athens

Go into the city by metro or taxi as you prefer; we have that option covered. Visit the Acropolis Museum or the Acropolis itself, which are must-sees for culture. Also take in the nearby neighbourhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika, which are great for their picture-perfect streets and terrace views. Don’t leave until you try a traditional Greek meal, then head back to the airport. We recommend that you return 2.5 to 3 hours before your international flight.

Other Activities

Art Exhibitions - Main Terminal, Level 2

ATH frequently displays cultural and archaeological exhibits that highlight Greek heritage. These mini-exhibitions offer a pleasant way to explore Greek history without leaving the terminal

Sofitel Spa - Opposite the Terminal

With just a short walk across the road, travellers can enjoy spa treatments, a pool or a quiet meal in a hotel environment. Perfect for longer layovers needing relaxation.

Kids' Zones - Throughout Terminal

Good for families travelling with children who need a break from sitting. The play areas offer safe, fun spaces to release energy.

Quick Facts - Summary

Category Details
Airport Code ATH
Location Spata, Athens, Greece
Terminals 1 Main Terminal + 1 Satellite Terminal (connected underground)
24/7 Services Available (selected dining, duty-free, transport)
Wi-Fi Free “ATH Free Wi-Fi” throughout the airport
Wheelchair Access Fully available with pre-bookable assistance

WE ENSURE SWIFT, SMOOTH AND SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH AIRPORTS