TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport

Athens is served by one major international airport:

Athens International Airport (ATH) – Eleftherios Venizelos is the primary airport of Greece, located about 20 kilometers east of the city center. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with numerous international and domestic flights operating daily. More than 80 airlines connect Athens to major destinations worldwide.

For more details regarding flights to and from Athens, please visit the official airport website at www.aia.gr.

Transportation

Please note that participants have the following options for their transfers from /to the airport:

Metro

The Athens Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport to the city center, making stops at key locations such as Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes from 06:30 AM to 11:30 PM. This is one of the most convenient ways to reach central Athens, avoiding traffic congestion.

Airport Express Buses

Athens International Airport operates 24/7 express bus services, providing an affordable and efficient way to reach different parts of the city:

  • X95 – Directly connects the airport to Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens. (Approx. 50–60 minutes)
  • X93 – Links the airport to Kifisos and Liosion Intercity Bus Stations for travel to other parts of Greece.
  • X96 – Travels from the airport to Piraeus Port, ideal for those catching ferries to the Greek islands.
  • X97 – Connects the airport with Elliniko Metro Station in southern Athens.

Tickets can be purchased at kiosks outside the terminal or directly from the bus driver.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals Level, Exit 3 of the airport. A fixed fare applies for taxi rides to central Athens:

  • €40 (Daytime: 05:00 AM – 12:00 AM)
  • €55 (Nighttime: 12:00 AM – 05:00 AM)

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Free Now (formerly Beat) also operate in Athens, offering an alternative to taxis with app-based convenience.

Car Rentals

For travelers who prefer the flexibility of driving, Athens International Airport (ATH) offers a variety of car rental options. Several well-known international and local rental agencies operate from the airport, providing a wide selection of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

Driving in Athens

  • Road Network: Athens has a well-developed highway system, making it easy to reach different parts of Greece. The Attiki Odos (A6) motorway connects the airport to central Athens and other major cities.
  • Parking: Street parking in Athens can be challenging, but there are several paid parking garages in the city center. Many hotels also offer parking for guests.
  • Tolls: Some highways in Greece require toll payments, which can be made in cash or with a prepaid toll card.
  • Traffic: Athens experiences heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours (8:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM).

Car Rental Requirements

  • A valid driver’s license (Non-EU travelers may need an International Driving Permit)
  • A credit card for the security deposit
  • Minimum age requirement: 21–25 years, depending on the rental company

General Information – Greece

  • Electricity & Voltage: Greece operates on 230 volts, and power sockets are of the Type F (compatible with Type C and E plugs, commonly used in Europe). Travelers from the UK, USA, and other regions may need a plug adapter and voltage converter.

  • Languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. French, German, Russian, Italian, and Spanish are also spoken in major cities and resorts.

  • Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash for small businesses and remote areas.

  • Banking Hours: Banks are generally open from 08:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday. Some branches in tourist areas offer extended hours. ATMs are widely available.

  • Pharmacies & Medical Services: Pharmacies are well-stocked and found throughout Greece. Many operate on a rotation schedule, with at least one open 24/7 in each area. A list of duty pharmacies is displayed on pharmacy windows and online.

  • Telephone: Country Code is +30. Greece’s automated dialing system allows international calls. Prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options from providers are available at airports and kiosks.

  • Airports: Greece’s main international gateway is Athens International Airport (ATH). Other major international airports include Thessaloniki (SKG), Heraklion (HER), Rhodes (RHO), and Chania (CHQ).

  • Seaports: The two main ports, Piraeus (Athens) and Thessaloniki, serve as major hubs for ferry and cargo transportation. Other key ports include Heraklion, Patras, and Rhodes.

  • European Union Membership: Greece is a full member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement between Schengen countries.

    Visa Information

    Visa Requirements

    Reminder: You should apply for a visa well in advance to allow for any processing delays.

    If you require a visa invitation or confirmation letter, please contact us at info@easyconferences.eu.

    Important Note for Travelers

    Greece is a Schengen Area member state.
    Residents of non-EU countries who require a Schengen Visa must ensure they obtain a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa before traveling.

    • Travelers holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa can enter Greece and stay for the duration permitted by their visa.
    • If you already possess a Schengen Visa issued by another Schengen country, you can travel to Greece without applying for an additional national visa.
    • Travelers from visa-exempt countries (such as the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and Japan) can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa.

    Exceptions:
    Citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan must apply for a Greek National Visa before traveling.
    If you are affected, please visit the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for details on the visa application process.

    For further information, please check the European Commission website regarding Schengen Visas.

    Schengen Area as of 31/03/2024

    Where Visas are being issued

    Visas for Greece are issued by all Greek Diplomatic Missions (Embassies and Consulates General) in respective countries.

    For applicants in countries where Greece does not have a diplomatic presence, visa applications may be processed by another Schengen country’s embassy or consulate, acting on behalf of Greece.

    For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the official visa processing partner in your country.