The Athens International Airport at Spata is the gateway airport for most of Greece. If you’re planning to travel to or around Greece, chances are you will be going through Athens airport at one point or another. Athens International Airport, often abbreviated as AIA, has the airport code ATH. Use ATH if you are searching for flights online to or from Athens.

Read the Signs

If you are arriving at the Athens airport to spend time in the city, you know the routine—retrieve your luggage at the baggage claim and then head out to find ground transportation. However, if you are making a connection to another destination in Greece, you must be alert to the signs directing you to domestic departures. If you have luggage, retrieve it and then retrace your steps to access the correct area of the airport for your connecting flight.

Find Your Line

If you are traveling from the United States or any non-EU country, you may mistakenly be directed to “E.U.” lines for entry. Most travelers in Greece are from the EU, leading to potential confusion. Make sure you enter the “non-EU” line, as the United States is not classified as a “Schengen” nation.

Be Prepared

Being prepared when you land at Athens airport can significantly reduce travel-related stress. Understand that some unique symbols are used for the elevators, and ensure you have the correct change for luggage carts, as well as being aware of the airport’s restroom situation.

Travelers often find the elevator signs in the airport confusing. One symbol that represents elevators includes an inverted box with a man and woman icon and arrows above their heads. This symbol may not be easily visible near the actual elevators.

If you choose to use the escalator, don’t worry; it may appear out of order but will activate as you approach.

Should you require a luggage cart, note that the dispenser only accepts Euros. It’s advisable to exchange some money beforehand, as there are machines available to convert various currencies into Euros. Additionally, the luggage cart will only function if you press down firmly on the handle.

For a large, modern airport, restroom facilities are surprisingly limited. If using airplane toilets is not your preference, you might want to consider utilizing the available airport restrooms before you land, as they are few and far between at the baggage claim and shopping areas.

Kill Some Time

If you have a layover between flights or are waiting for your flight to depart, there is plenty to do at the Athens airport. The departure lounge features a beautiful shopping area offering a variety of Greek goods, newsstands, pharmacies, and specialty food shops, along with clothing stores and food-court-style restaurants. One exclusive sit-down restaurant is located upstairs, next to McDonald’s, and is usually relatively empty. Look out for coupon booklets that might save you a few Euros at the food court.

In the shops, keep an eye out for an extensive collection of Greek wines, including the ancient retsina. Just remember, bottles must be checked in.

In the arrivals area, visit the Greek National Tourist Organization booth for free maps and travel brochures in multiple languages. Additionally, the city of Athens operates a similar booth during high seasons, staffed with friendly locals.

Interestingly, there is a museum within the Athens airport, providing a unique way to pass the time. Some intriguing museum pieces can be observed just outside the terminal doors.

Stay Nearby

If your travel itinerary necessitates lodging close to the airport, there are numerous hotel options available. The Sofitel Airport Hotel is situated directly at the airport, offering easy access on foot. Other nearby hotels include Holiday Inn, Peri’s Hotel and Apartments, and Armonia Hotel, which all require a short drive, often with complimentary shuttle service.

Travelers may face limited hotel facilities in the airport vicinity, with the next closest full-service hotels located about a half-hour away in Vouliagmeni. Many savvy travelers take advantage of hotels in the nearby area of Brauron (Vravrona), known for its beautiful surroundings and excellent temple of Artemis, wineries, and spas.

If you find yourself with a layover that is too short for hotel accommodation but too long to go without rest, you may be in luck—there are some hidden spots conducive to resting at the Athens International Airport.

Choose Your Ride

After retrieving your luggage and clearing customs, it’s time to decide on your mode of transportation. The suburban railway offers direct service to the airport, and Metro Line 3 connects to and from the airport. However, be aware that the Metro does not operate between approximately 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage can be challenging, as many stations require navigating numerous steps, and elevators may not always be available.

Regular buses may be tricky to manage with many bags, but if you’re a light traveler, the Athens Airport Bus Service is an option. Alternatively, you can arrange for a limousine service to and from the airport; this option may save money or simply provide added comfort for groups of four or more.

Know Your Stuff

The Athens International Airport at Spata is also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and is sometimes referred to simply as Spata or Spada. Its airport code is ATH.